Aiming Bunkers?

[Jack Carney]

Tom


Can the type hole Ally is describing be more acceptable by creating the green surrounds that are more approachable from the inside line while still giving an advantage to the longer drive? Perhaps this is approaching more of a Levin concept?

[Ally Mcintosh]

Tom


Can the type hole Ally is describing be more acceptable by creating the green surrounds that are more approachable from the inside line while still giving an advantage to the longer drive? Perhaps this is approaching more of a Levin concept?

Hang on a second. The type of hole I described is perfectly acceptable and can work brilliantly, especially if employed with a gently curving fairway. The 10th at Portmarnock (designed by Colt/ Morrison) is a strategic masterpiece. The 3rd at the same course (one of Tom Simpson's favourite holes) is another great example. Just because an inside bunker works better on balance (because of the added help for shorter hitters), it doesn't mean that great holes can't exist using the outside.


What doesn't make sense (again on balance) is bunkering the outside of the fairway yet having the green more receptive from the inside.

[Jeff_Brauer]

On a few gentle dog legs, I have built a green side bunker that functions as an aiming bunker, well out of driving range.  That works well, as its a bunker that serves a few purposes.

[Erik J. Barzeski]

I'm glad my topic was able to create some good discussion. I hope it can keep going.

In general (and I'm not an architect, just a "fan"), I'd generally be opposed to building a bunker if it served no other purpose than to help align someone. I'm not opposed to helping people align, though, nor am I opposed to occasionally mis-aligning people, either. Everything in balance.

So I wouldn't ever have a rule, were I an architect, to not have an "aiming bunker" per se, but if the bunker served another purpose or two, then I could see doing it occasionally. Or using a tree, or a distant landmark, or something else at times, too.

[Jack Carney]

Tom


Can the type hole Ally is describing be more acceptable by creating the green surrounds that are more approachable from the inside line while still giving an advantage to the longer drive? Perhaps this is approaching more of a Levin concept?

Ally - I don't disagree and sorry if I gave that impression. Just asking Tom about his acceptance as he apparently has a limitation on the design in general. Funny thing on the 10th at Portmarnock as this is one of my most remembered holes on the course for what was previously unknown reasons. Those hole just stay with you sometimes right.

I understand the lack of trouble on one side of this hole (from the Levin design quality) which is obviously different but the outside or long bunker is a shade of a Levin. Just a thought - perhaps a bad one.

Hang on a second. The type of hole I described is perfectly acceptable and can work brilliantly, especially if employed with a gently curving fairway. The 10th at Portmarnock (designed by Colt/ Morrison) is a strategic masterpiece. The 3rd at the same course (one of Tom Simpson's favourite holes) is another great example. Just because an inside bunker works better on balance (because of the added help for shorter hitters), it doesn't mean that great holes can't exist using the outside.


What doesn't make sense (again on balance) is bunkering the outside of the fairway yet having the green more receptive from the inside.