How close is too close?

[Forrest Richardson]

45 feet is plenty until someone gets killed or injured. Then, Mike Hurdzan or I will get a call and have to explain that we cannot possibly defend the club. I am certain the members may feel it is OK, as none of them carry insurance that most golf architects have to maintain. I'm all for proximity and convenience — but in this case you are not building the green based on golfer-to-golfer proximity, but families pushing strollers, people who don't even play the game and staff who may not understand the cry "FORE". There is a huge difference between set-backs within the course, and from the course to areas other than other holes.

[Chris Hughes]

[Adrian_Stiff]

They are countless courses in the UK with out of bounds/the clubhouse almost next to the green.


It does not make it right though if someone is injured, that is where the problem starts.


An insurance company may/almost certainly will raise your premium and make suggestions to mitigate further problems.


You will get away with 1 claim but it triggers very high premiums or high excess (you have to pay the first £$£$£).

[Tommy Williamsen]

I just returned from Cabot Cape Breton. The 18th green on the Links course is so close to the restaurant, I could read the putts. If the player misses left, he hits it. Our caddie told me that left-handers that slice hit it over the restaurant.


The shot into the green is from 160-180 yards, so finding the green is tough for most players. I was told that the tees might be pushed back to make it a par five, so the shot into the green will be shorter.

[Adam Lawrence]

I just returned from Cabot Cape Breton. The 18th green on the Links course is so close to the restaurant, I could read the putts. If the player misses left, he hits it. Our caddie told me that left-handers that slice hit it over the restaurant.

The shot into the green is from 160-180 yards, so finding the green is tough for most players. I was told that the tees might be pushed back to make it a par five, so the shot into the green will be shorter.

Yeah, I remember when I was at Cabot just after the clubhouse was built. I was _amazed_ how close it was. It looks great but it scared the crap out of me.