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Jason Topp

  • Karma: +0/-0
Deception in the era of laser rangefinders
« on: July 20, 2017, 11:43:21 AM »
Golden Age Architects often employed various visual devices that deceived the player.  For example a bunker that appears to be just short of the green from the fairway is actually 50 yards short.  Such deceptions have been reduced (although not eliminated) by laser rangefinders and GPS devices. 

It seems to me that modern designers could create some interesting deceptions recognizing that most golfers will know the exact yardage to the flag.  With a laser measuring device, I frequently get too focused on the yardage to the flag.  Often, I miss greens as a result and likely would play much better if I just tried to hit it to the middle of the green.

I doubt I am unique in this mistake.  It seems to me that there might be opportunities to create some interesting deceptions that provide an advantage to the clever player who realizes that the yardage to the flag is the wrong yardage to hit.  Elevation changes have that effect.  The slope of the green can have that effect.  Grassy swales and green shapes can also have that impact.

Do any architects take laser rangefinders into account in trying to give an advantage to the clever player? 

It seems to me that this sor 

Mike_Young

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Deception in the era of laser rangefinders
« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2017, 06:21:38 PM »
JT,
Wouldn't you agree that physical deceptions such as early bunkers etc are only a deception one time for most players?  So I don't know ow you really deceive yardage wise now that rangefinders are here.  But tight grass slopes that look to not be an issue are one way to play with guy's minds in the same way as early bunkers etc.  For instance, a tight collection area that takes the ball to a bunker maybe 15 yards away and from the fairway the bunker looks to not be an issue at all.  Or a wide fairway with a subtle slope on one side leading to a creek, pond etc.  Yet if the same area was just protected by a normal bunker the golfer would just think "bunker" instead of ow close can I hit it....
AND if still not satisfied take some of the little prisms and place them in trees and bushes around the greens at you course and the rangefinder will never know if he picked up the correct yardage...
"just standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona"

Tom_Doak

  • Karma: +3/-1
Re: Deception in the era of laser rangefinders
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2017, 09:43:59 PM »
JT,
Wouldn't you agree that physical deceptions such as early bunkers etc are only a deception one time for most players?


I'm not so sure about that, Mike.  Seems to me that people fall for the same things over and over again in their lives.  And many golfers get too upset and distracted to analyze the source of their mistakes.


I like your last suggestion, though  :)

Andy Shulman

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Deception in the era of laser rangefinders
« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2017, 10:34:38 PM »
Jason - Wouldn't a yardage book with a diagram of the hole have the same effect as today's rangefinder for the player who has their mental act together?  If so, then the deception wouldn't even work the first time.  The only problem is that - as Tom pointed out - most of us let our eyes deceive us again and again as we address the ball.

Thomas Dai

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Deception in the era of laser rangefinders
« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2017, 03:55:29 AM »
Rangefinders aren't that much use in a decent wind. Sometimes you can't even hold them still enough to get a reading. Not much use when the battery runs out either.....how many carry a spare battery?
atb

Sean_A

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Deception in the era of laser rangefinders
« Reply #5 on: July 21, 2017, 04:50:44 AM »
JT,
Wouldn't you agree that physical deceptions such as early bunkers etc are only a deception one time for most players?  So I don't know ow you really deceive yardage wise now that rangefinders are here.  But tight grass slopes that look to not be an issue are one way to play with guy's minds in the same way as early bunkers etc.  For instance, a tight collection area that takes the ball to a bunker maybe 15 yards away and from the fairway the bunker looks to not be an issue at all.  Or a wide fairway with a subtle slope on one side leading to a creek, pond etc.  Yet if the same area was just protected by a normal bunker the golfer would just think "bunker" instead of ow close can I hit it....
AND if still not satisfied take some of the little prisms and place them in trees and bushes around the greens at you course and the rangefinder will never know if he picked up the correct yardage...


Mike


On many courses conditions change throughout the year thus changing landing spots.  For sure dead ground or forward bunkers mess with decision-making.   


Ciao
New plays planned for 2025: Ludlow, Machrihanish Dunes, Dunaverty and Carradale

archie_struthers

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Deception in the era of laser rangefinders
« Reply #6 on: July 21, 2017, 07:13:09 AM »
 :D ;)


Knowing the yardage is great .  Applying it to playing the shot is still key.


If anything might make expert think more of architects intent !