Moat Bunkers - Where have they gone, why aren't they employed more often ?

[Patrick_Mucci]

Not long ago I played a really neat hole at St George's.

It had a bunker about 20 yards short of the green at about grade level.

Behind that bunker, but short of the green was another bunker, a deep trench or MOAT bunker.

I've noticed how few holes are protected by MOAT bunkers.
Bunkers which traverse the entire front/approach to the green.

These bunkers would seem to be easier to build and maintain than an equivalent water feature.

Yet, I can't recall seeing any/many courses with this feature.

The old 14th hole at GCGC had one.

Was this strictly an Emmett feature ?
Was it a remnant of the Geometric era ?

Why did it become almost extinct ?

And, why aren't more of these neat features being built ?

They are highly functional and intimidating.

[Ronald Montesano]

The Short Hole at Fox Chapel near Pittsburgh, a Seth Raynor course, has a bunker that runs 85% of the way around the green.  The only portion that is not protected is at the back.  Does that qualify as a Moat Bunker?  It's a swell hazard and claimed me my one time there.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Ron,

I'd consider that a variety of Moat Bunker

Most "short" par 3's by CBM, SR and CB have the type you describe.

The one I was referencing was more rectangular.

[JMorgan]

While the routing on that course and the hole names have been changed many times, it's surprising that hole has survived.   

[Ian_L]

Patrick, would  #2 at Pebble Beach qualify?

[JMorgan]

[Patrick_Mucci]

Ian,

I believe so.

JMorgan,

Thanks for that picture, it's fantastic.
It's even better in person.

The fronting bunker is at about grade, with flanking mounds, and the second bunker, closest to the green, is invisible from the DZ.

What's also neat about the hole is that the right greenside bunker comes into play on another hole.

It's a quirky, really neat golf course that's enjoyable to play day in and day out.



P.S.  I'd love to see that tree behind the green removed.