If you could add one bunker somewhere...

[Scott Witter]

Mark:

It is off topic just a bit, but what are your plans for the trees along the creek/stream?

I really like the feeling from the 1937 photo and the integration of the creek in the hole as opposed to later years where the trees have taken over placing the creek along the edge of the hole where it seems lost.  I realize this may not be the case on the ground, but you would know best.

Can a ball be played around to the right of the center bunker and past the trees?

[Mark_Fine]

Scott,
Trees are a very sensitive topic at Cherry Hills (even more so then at most clubs).  Part of the reason is that very few species of trees are indigenous to the Denver area (it is essentially high desert).  Though we would like to and did propose taking out some of the Cottonwoods that line the stream, only a select few will be removed to start (with all the snow they have had out there in the last few weeks, maybe a few already fell down).  

What we will do, however, is move the tees to the left (where they originally were).  This helps open up the view of the stream and creates a more intimidating tee shot (makes the golfer think about the stream that they otherwise would not see).  The restored center fairway bunker will be positioned as Flynn had it to invite play between it and the stream (which is the more direct line but more dangerous line to the hole).  The fairway will be extended over as close as we can get it to the stream as well.  We want the stream back in play as a strategic hazard.  Restored, it will be one of my favorite holes on the golf course.  
Mark

[Scott Witter]

Mark:

"We want the stream back in play as a strategic hazard"  Precisely, and though the position is the same, the encroaching trees and the new tees have weakened its affectiveness.

"The restored center fairway bunker will be positioned as Flynn had it to invite play between it and the stream (which is the more direct line but more dangerous line to the hole)."

Do you really think it was Flynn's intention to be able to thread a shot between the bunker and the stream?  From the drawing and early photos mind you, this looks VERY tight and not the intent?  

Sorry, but one more.  Why was it that Flynn placed the center bunker in what appears to be a rough grass area and what was the clubs position on this feature?

[Mark_Fine]

Scott,
Yes the new restored tees will definitely help the situation.  Also, you are correct about skirting the right side of that bunker.  It was more an aerial carry on that direct line to the hole.  Furthermore, the interrupted fairways that Flynn depicted in his drawings either died a very quick death or were never put in as they do not show up in any old aerials, photographs, or early write-ups (#17 excluded).  We did not recommend restoring them (no proof they were ever there) as well as for the fact that few would work anymore as he intended (not enough real estate to extend the tees or to relocate the landing areas to restore the design intent).  
Hope that helps.

Bottomline, that restored centerline bunker will make this golf hole!
Mark

[Mark_Rowlinson]

I should like to add a sand bunker somewhere/anywhere on Berkhamsted and somewhere/anywhere on Piltdown.  That would leave Royal Ashdown as our only bunkerless course of note.

[JohnV]

John K,

I really like that hole the way it is. One of my favorites at Pumpkin. I'm surprised you would want to change it

How about taking out the wetlands on 18 and making it a penal Hells Half acre sort of bunker?  ( I know this can't happen due to the environmental stuff, but it would make that hole a lot better,imo)

PS. Hope you are heading down to the desert soon with this crap weather we have had.

John, I wouldn't take out the creek or lake on #6 either.

Sean, I think that would work well for the second wetlands on #18, especially for the weaker players who always layup now.  They might go for it if it was sand. Too bad it can't happen.

I always wanted to put a bunker in the fairway in the drive zone on #16 at Witch Hollow, just at the outer reaches to give the longer hitter something to worry about.  Especially since it would be blind from the tee.  But I guess I'm mean.

[tlavin]

I'd love to put a bunker in my back yard so I could learn how to hit out of the sand dependably.  Even though my handicap has gotten down there, it seems that the sand game is just a matter of hoping that it gets on the green, anywhere on the green.

In terms of bunkers on my home courses, I think a big bunker in front of the 17th at Olympia Fields North would be a nice addition...