Another question relating in part to rear Green Bunkers
One, of courses, would immediately state that if the Tee is the starting point then the hole in the Green is the finishing point of that Hole. But is it, does that really equate? Yes, the Tee is the starting point but the Green is just the target with the pin/hole the bulls eye, but it is not the end of the Hole. Many Holes continue past the Green, normally with a bunker or an assortment of shrubs subject the location which seems to define the end of the Hole, yet no actual distance from start to finish is ever disclosed only the Tee to Pin length - understandable as you are play to the pin.
While many may be in agreement that the top tier of golfers can achieve good distance with a fair degree of accuracy by utilizing the latest equipment technology, the vast majority of golfers cannot. So the course past the pin is very much part of the course and IMHO should be allowed to play its part in the outcome of the game. By that I mean the Green should not have rear catchment bunkers to save the wayward ball, nor shrubs to kill the game but a continuance of the fairway allowing the ball to come to rest on its own accord. No, I am not advocating a 40-50 yard run on but more that is currently allowed with then perhaps bunkers etc..
We have concentrated in developing the equipment to the extent that we regard the Green as the end of the Hole instead of just the actual target. Many Designers complete the Green with its catchment bunker as a fail save stop for the majority of the error shots. My opinion being that we should let them run on to enhance the game and teach the need to master some level of skill while planning the approach to the Hole with adequate thought.
To combat the long shots more hazards I believe should be placed to the front of the Green forcing that thought process of approaching the Pin, perhaps from the reverse which may just add a little spice the a round. Whatever, I do believe that rear Green Bunkers are a haven for the lesser skilled golfer who use then as stops rather than putting more thought into planning their shots.
So do you think that a Hole should be allowed to play beyond the Greens rear hazards? Should the rear hazards be that close to the Green? Also should the Hole be defined by the Tee to Pin or the full length of the playable field? Noting we are addressing the average player not the top 1 or 2% of Golfers.
Melvyn