Is there any merit to transporting the player to a better place?

[Bart Bradley]

Minimalistic design and the idea of using the natural features on a property are certainly laudible.

In environments like the west coast of Ireland among the natural sand dunes, anything else would be a shame:



But what if the place you are is less inspiring?  Are we too harsh on artificial elements in dull environments?  Who doesn't want to be someplace pleasant when playing golf?  I realize the hole below is not the greatest of strategic architecture.  But, this weekend as I was playing in inland FL, I found this hole to be a pleasant diversion and took me to a happier place:



I am certain that this hole is not close to the best example of this feeling...I had a much stronger feeling of being transported to another place when playing the Rawls course in Lubbock and when playing Fancourt Links in S. Africa.

Aren't we too quick to denounce something as artificial if there is not a lot of interesting nature with which to work?

Bart

[jeffwarne]

If I were at World Woods on a nice winter/spring day, why would i want to be transported somewhere else?


Not to thread jack but.....I really like Rolling Oaks and feel it is underrated.

Why is that hole not strategic?
There's a lot of room long and right.
Isn't aiming the ball at the middle of the green a strategy?
or going for the pin?
or bailing long, right with an extra club in case you mishit?

[Bart Bradley]

If I were at World Woods on a nice winter/spring day, why would i want to be transported somewhere else?


Not to thread jack but.....I really like Rolling Oaks and feel it is underrated.

Why is that hole not strategic?
There's a lot of room long and right.
Isn't aiming the ball at the middle of the green a strategy?
or going for the pin?
or bailing long, right with an extra club in case you mishit?

Jeff:

Would you like to be on the property at the first picture or World Woods?

I liked Rolling Oaks just fine...I think you are missing the point of my post.  I like creeks, streams, rocks ...they certainly aren't a natural part of World Woods (they didn't appear elsewhere).

Bart

If we must critique the hole, what do you think of that bunker?.

[jeffwarne]

If I were at World Woods on a nice winter/spring day, why would i want to be transported somewhere else?


Not to thread jack but.....I really like Rolling Oaks and feel it is underrated.

Why is that hole not strategic?
There's a lot of room long and right.
Isn't aiming the ball at the middle of the green a strategy?
or going for the pin?
or bailing long, right with an extra club in case you mishit?

Jeff:

Would you like to be on the property at the first picture or World Woods?

I liked Rolling Oaks just fine...I think you are missing the point of my post.  I like creeks, streams, rocks ...they certainly aren't a natural part of World Woods (they didn't appear elsewhere).

Bart

If we must critique the hole, what do you think of that bunker?.

Bart,
just a weak attempt at humor
I miss my emoticons.....

I've been in Ireland all winter-on my laptop