configuration.
My first concern has always been the domino theory, that an alteration of a hole in good/long standing will lead to an "open season" mentality with respect to the other holes.
A second concern is: where does it stop ?
A third concern is: who decides ?
But, recently, I came across a hole that I always thought was a terrific opening hole.
Not a long hole, in fact a short hole of approximately 300 yards.
Well bunkered, fairly benign green with wind as almost a constant factor.
The changes to the hole were relatively simple.
Very little to the body of the hole, mostly toward the green end.
The change in the visual from the tee and DZ is incredible.
What was once perceived as a flat hole, has had depth added to it, and not by excavating beneath the grade, but, but removing some above grade flanking mounding which blocked the view of an adjacent gully, exposing a significant gully, previously known, but not threatening.
Now, what previously looked like a benign approach suddenly looks like a treacherous shot should the golfer pull, draw or hook his approach.
The change, the visual improvement is dramatic to the point of stunning.
Yet, the change seems so simple in terms of concept and construction.
The product is the result of clever, creative thinking, while keeping within the flavor of the original design.
Come next spring, rave reviews will abound.