Distinct Golf Course Accessories

[Jeff_Mingay]

I believe a very important aspect of improving any golf course is to make it as distinct as possible. Golf course accessories - tee markers, flagsticks, flags, bunkers, ball washers, scorecards, etc. - can greatly enhance a course's distinctiveness.

I'm wondering where some of the most distinct golf course accessories are found? (Photos would be cool, too.)

[Jeff_Mingay]

Off the top of my head, a few of my favourites include:

> The frayed pennant-style flags at LACC
> The buckets of water which replace generic ball washers at Roaring Gap (?)
> And, of course, the wicker baskets at Merion...

Others?
 

[Paul Jones]

The bunker rakes at Pine Valley and fancy tee markers at Augusta National - or even better at Double Eagle Club.  I am old fashion and like the old round metal ball tee markers with long spike in the ground (red, white and blue). I do not like ball washers, just wet one end of the towel.  I am always amazed at how fancy the new clubs are with these things, while the old classics usually could care less.

[Anthony Gray]

  Flags.Like those big giant ones you run up a flagpole.Castles.Like that one you can see at Cruden Bay.Starters.Like that guy at Cuden Bay with the coat and tie and Crden Bay crest on his pocket.Dogs.Like the one at the local muni that finishes your hot dog for you.Member logos.Like the ones guys wear on golf trips.Beer mugs.Like the ones at that golf couse near Philly that no one knows who designed it.Gib.Every club needs a Gib.

  Anthony

[Joe Hancock]

Jeff,

You know me...less is better. As far as distinction, I think the best way to achieve that is to do in-house production of accessories as much as feasible. Water chests built of native stone, benches of native trees from the property, etc. Of course, there isn't much for materials on that perfect wind swept, ocean front dunesland we all dream of......although, the right polymer mixed with sand could be fun.

Hope you're well,

Joe

[Jeff_Mingay]

Hey Joe.

As you'd expect, I'm a less is more guy too.

One thing I've never understood are benches at tees. I've often argued that providing benches infers that slow play is expected. Otherwise, why would anyone need to sit down during a round of golf?

[Paul Jones]

On the flip side of my previous post... I do like when clubs have old photos and historial artifacts in the club house.  Other things of distinction is something they serve: Great Milk Shake, Turtle Soup, etc...

[Ben Sims]

I'm a fan of those all wood, split-shafted bunker rakes at some clubs.  Trashcan's flush with the ground--buried in ground. 

[Anthony Gray]

  I like a big bison head over the clubhouse fire place.

  Anthony

[JMEvensky]

I believe a very important aspect of improving any golf course is to make it as distinct as possible. Golf course accessories - tee markers, flagsticks, flags, bunkers, ball washers, scorecards, etc. - can greatly enhance a course's distinctiveness.

I'm wondering where some of the most distinct golf course accessories are found? (Photos would be cool, too.)

There was a thread some time ago with photos of distinctive tee markers but searching isn't my long suit.

[Anthony Gray]

I believe a very important aspect of improving any golf course is to make it as distinct as possible. Golf course accessories - tee markers, flagsticks, flags, bunkers, ball washers, scorecards, etc. - can greatly enhance a course's distinctiveness.

I'm wondering where some of the most distinct golf course accessories are found? (Photos would be cool, too.)

There was a thread some time ago with photos of distinctive tee markers but searching isn't my long suit.

  I think Tobacoo Road won that thread.

  Anthony

[Bill Seitz]

The first things that comes to mind are the pins at Arcadia Bluffs.  Not sure if it's common in windy areas of the globe, but it's the only place I've played where the pins are only about four feet high, presumably so that they don't break in the high winds.  Kind of messes with your depth perception a bit, but I thought they were kind of a neat touch.

[Philippe Binette]

The tee markers at Oakmont looked like bullets when I was there... sign of the toughness of the course

[Greg Tallman]

I believe a very important aspect of improving any golf course is to make it as distinct as possible. Golf course accessories - tee markers, flagsticks, flags, bunkers, ball washers, scorecards, etc. - can greatly enhance a course's distinctiveness.

I'm wondering where some of the most distinct golf course accessories are found? (Photos would be cool, too.)

There was a thread some time ago with photos of distinctive tee markers but searching isn't my long suit.

  I think Tobacoo Road won that thread.

  Anthony

Interesting, I thought your post would have included the words... white belt

[Tim Martin]

Hey Joe.

As you'd expect, I'm a less is more guy too.

One thing I've never understood are benches at tees. I've often argued that providing benches infers that slow play is expected. Otherwise, why would anyone need to sit down during a round of golf?

Jeff-Benches can be comforting on 90 degree plus days and romantic on first dates. They are also not bad if there is a back up on the tee.

[Michael Dugger]

This is the sort of stuff John K. is sure to come along and point out as egregious.

[Matthew Petersen]

Nickalus' Challenge at Manele has windsocks for flags.

[Eric Smith]

Windmills




Cattle Rubs




Old (local) Bones

[jonathan_becker]

The tee markers at Oakmont looked like bullets when I was there... sign of the toughness of the course

[JC Jones]

The first things that comes to mind are the pins at Arcadia Bluffs.  Not sure if it's common in windy areas of the globe, but it's the only place I've played where the pins are only about four feet high, presumably so that they don't break in the high winds.  Kind of messes with your depth perception a bit, but I thought they were kind of a neat touch.

I found these to be ridiculous.  1.  It doesn't get that windy there (compared to other seaside places that have no problems with normal pins); and 2.  it requires the use of a range finder or other electronic yardage devise because it throws off the golfer's depth perception and ability to judge the yardage without an outside aid.

[Doug Siebert]

The first things that comes to mind are the pins at Arcadia Bluffs.  Not sure if it's common in windy areas of the globe, but it's the only place I've played where the pins are only about four feet high, presumably so that they don't break in the high winds.  Kind of messes with your depth perception a bit, but I thought they were kind of a neat touch.

I found these to be ridiculous.  1.  It doesn't get that windy there (compared to other seaside places that have no problems with normal pins); and 2.  it requires the use of a range finder or other electronic yardage devise because it throws off the golfer's depth perception and ability to judge the yardage without an outside aid.

I like pins of different heights.  Short pins on high spots next to the ocean exposed to the full force of the wind and tell pins where you are playing semi-blind shots (especially to a hole set amongst dunes ala Lahinch's Dell.  Dunno if there are many places they are really necessary in the US, as most courses here become unplayable when the wind is strong enough to bend over a full height pin, but they are certainly needed in Scotland and Ireland!

[Doug Siebert]

I'm a fan of those all wood, split-shafted bunker rakes at some clubs.  Trashcan's flush with the ground--buried in ground. 

I assume the course doing this was in the desert?  It'd be a pretty dumb idea anywhere that gets a lot of rain.  Or snow.  Or lots of leaves in the fall.

[Jaeger Kovich]

My vote for best accessory on a golf course were the "invisible" (bellow ground) trash bins at Ballyneal... I just wish they had more so I could find them easier!

[Mark McKeever]

The all wooden rakes are a great and under rated accessory.

Mark

[Scott Stearns]

a gorjus george lucas yardage book--my favorite souvenir (i look at it maybe 3 x per round)