Random Bunkering

[Sean_A]

This phrase has been tossed around the forum for some time now.  So far as I can tell it is associated most with C&C & Doak.  What exactly does "random bunkering" mean and what is the object of random bunkering?  I find it hard to believe the phrase can be taken at face value.

Ciao

[Tom_Doak]

Sean:

Yes, as I said on the other thread, a lot of thought goes into our randomness.

The phrase has been used most by Ron Whitten, and judging from Erin Hills, maybe he really believes bunkering SHOULD be random.  I don't.  I just believe that it should be at different distances off the tee on different holes, because not all Tour pros (or not all 8-handicaps) drive the ball the same distance.  On my ideal course, every player would have a few holes where the fairway bunkering is really in his face, and others where he can hit freely and the fairway bunkering is bothering his opponent more.

Because I'm putting the bunkers into natural rises in the ground, it looks natural that one is 180 yards off the tee and the next is 280.  And it is natural, but it's not random in the bigger scheme of things.

I can pretty much guarantee that if you asked Bill Coore the reason for any one of his bunkers, he could give you a detailed answer, too.

[Brendan Dolan]

Tom,

Just curious which bunkers you thought were random at Erin Hills?  I got to spend a lot of time with all three archies, and I am pretty sure they put quite a bit of thought into each one.

Brendan

[Brendan Dolan]

Just wanted to bump this one up.  I think random bunkering can help make a course look more natural, on sandy sites when done right.  
Any thoughts?

Brendan

[Joe Hancock]

I think before the discussion gets too far along, the distinction between "random" and "intentional" needs to be reinforced. Also,perhaps the "random" we're talking about really means "variable placement".

Joe