Split Fairways, Biarritz Holes...

[Bart Bradley]

How often do you find that Split Fairway holes actually work?  It seems to be so difficult to obtain a balance that makes both options seem viable that I would be reluctant to take the risk as a designer...So often, one option just is so much better/easier than the other that it is the only choice that makes sense (at least for the majority of golfers).

Similarly, so many biarritz holes don't work like they should either.  Whether from design or maintenance flaws, the low shot so rarely runs up through the swale....

These are two examples of hole designs that are SO COOL when they work properly, but so often miss the mark.  Maybe taking the risk to design them is worth the reward?   

Are there other examples that seem to be staples of design but hard to pull off in an effective manner?  Do you find Redan holes usually work as advertised?  Which "templates" seem easiest to make great?

Bart

[Bill_McBride]

When Mike "Bogey" Hendren came down to Pensacola Country Club to play, he said he thought our par 5 #14 was the best new split fairway hole he'd seen in years.  (I hope I have that quote correct!)

The green is shallow, fairly level on the right side and receptive to a short approach from that far right fairway.  It's not easy to get there sometimes, as there is a big pine limb that hangs over the right edge of the fairway,  Lots of tee balls wind up there because there are a pond and bunker in play down the left off the tee.

At the center of the green from the right, the green plunges steeply down hill.  It's a cool play to try to run a ball over the crest from the right fairway, but a safer play is down the left.

So this is one of those holes where a left pin is best approached from the left side of the fairway, and vice versa.

This pin is way right on the green; you can see where the crest is and how steep the slope is from that point.

[Bill_McBride]

p.s.  Try to ignore the tacky backdrop, I almost have after five years!

[Ed Oden]

Bart, I agree entirely with respect to split fairways.  Love the concept, but very hard to actually pull off in a way that makes both routes viable strategic options.  Those that work are absolutely fantastic.  Those that don't leave me with a sense of failure even though they still may be fine holes utilizing only the one side that is the obvious choice.

However, I view biarrritz and redan holes differently.  While I readily admit that modern technology and maintenance practices have conspired to de-emphasize the running shot originally envisioned for these holes, I think it is actually a testament to the soundness of their design concepts that most biarritz and redan holes still succeed.  In my experience, they remain fun, interesting and challenging holes nothwithstanding the fact that the viability of using the ground game off the tee has been has been greatly diminished over the years.

[Sam Morrow]

I will back up Bill that is a cool par 5, I drove it down the right side and Bill probably remembers I had to flirt with that limb.

[Bill Brightly]

Bart, I agree entirely with respect to split fairways.  Love the concept, but very hard to actually pull off in a way that makes both routes viable strategic options.  Those that work are absolutely fantastic.  Those that don't leave me with a sense of failure even though they still may be fine holes utilizing only the one side that is the obvious choice.

However, I view biarrritz and redan holes differently.  While I readily admit that modern technology and maintenance practices have conspired to de-emphasize the running shot originally envisioned for these holes, I think it is actually a testament to the soundness of their design concepts that most biarritz and redan holes still succeed.  In my experience, they remain fun, interesting and challenging holes nothwithstanding the fact that the viability of using the ground game off the tee has been has been greatly diminished over the years.

+1
 
Ed said EXACTLY what I intended to type. Many split fairways offer too little reward for the risk, and then become forced layups on the safe side, a form of target golf. I think even the best architects get this wrong sometimes.

I think courses that maintain the front portion of their Biarritz as putting surface come closet to the original design concept.  The first bounce is hard and the the ball will roll out, even though the sticks just fly the ball to the back portion. Oddly, middle-to-high handicaps play it the right way. (But only because they have too!)

[Adam Clayman]

Bart, In both your examples, Nature (includes irrigation) plays a huge roll in appreciating justification.

If the wind is a factor, why wouldn't a split fairway be warranted?  Riviera's 8th is affected by wind and humidity, isn't it?

As for the Biarritz, the thump is a big key to getting a ball through the swale. However, with clubs designed to play the high and soft shot, I can see where they appear not to work, nowadays. 

[Bart Bradley]

Adam and others...

I have seen only one Biarritz where the ball bounded forward regularly (Old Mac).

As for the split fairway, yes there are examples that work incredibly well and are really some of the most strategic holes ever built...however, they must be a real challenge to get right.  So often, one choice seems so  clearly the better route.  In my experience the majority of these holes really don't get the balance of the options right.

Ed:

I was trying to spark debate when I mentioned Redans.  Because, in my opinion, nearly every version of a Redan I have played has been a fun and strategic hole...even if the ground game didn't quite work right, I rarely leave the hole disappointed.  Not so, after playing many split fairway holes and even most Biarritz holes.  Just my opinion and trying to start a discussion.

Bart

[Matt MacIver]

I haven't played many Redans, but of those I've played I haven't seen one yet that was just begging to be played with a running hook: either the ground wasn't firm enough or the front right slope or long-left green tilt wasn't severe enough.  Maybe the Redan features need to be more obvious to get the masses to see/play them?

[Mike Hendren]

I absolutely love the Biarritz. 

That said, they are functionally obsolete given today's aerial game.  The 17th at Black Creek Club suffers only from the fact that it is slightly downhill.  I watched an 18 handicapper hit a high 3-wood inside of five feet to a pin on the back level. 

Bogey

[Adam Clayman]

 they are functionally obsolete given today's aerial game. 

For some, not all.

[Billsteele]

Bill McBride did not mention the biarritz at Pensacola CC which is also well done. Jerry Pate also inserted a biarritz into his redesign of the Colony GC in Bonita Springs, Florida. He does some interesting work.

Chip Powell designed a biarritz for the Venetian Golf and River Club in Venice, Florida.

Mike Hendren already mentioned the Brian Silva designed biarritz at Black Creek in Chattanooga. It is a very cool hole.

All of these holes are a blast to play...even with softer conditions, longer ball flight and technology enhanced clubs.

[Bill Brightly]

I absolutely love the Biarritz. 

That said, they are functionally obsolete given today's aerial game.  The 17th at Black Creek Club suffers only from the fact that it is slightly downhill.  I watched an 18 handicapper hit a high 3-wood inside of five feet to a pin on the back level. 

Bogey

They are not obsolete if you have the room to add a black tee at 250-270. That at least makes the run up an option for even the longest hitters.

I am actually trying to figure out a way to get more players to try the Biarritz shot. For example, rather than a putting contest after a member guest, have everyone walk over to the Biarritz and have a closest to the pin contest where the ball must first bounce on the front section.

[Brandon Urban]

The par 5 show below is from Eagle Bend in Lawrence, KS. It's a muni designed by Brauer. I have always thought this was one of the better split fairway holes I have seen.



Trees actually fill the space between the two fairways. The fairway to the left is a little narrower and a more difficult angle than the fairway to the right which is basically straight away. The risk is if you go too far left you're in the trees and creek and most likely taking a drop.
What you can't see from the drawing (sorry don't have a pic handy) is that the green is two tiered, with the tier on the right about 3-4' higher than the left tier.
If you take the more difficult route off the tee you can have anywhere between 250-210 in to the green and easily run one up the left side.
If you take the easier fairway to the right you are most likely laying up due to the bunkers front right unless you can hit one 250 and get it to land and stop on a narrower sliver of green. There is pretty much nowhere to bail out, either. If you do lay up, the sloping green and death long make the 3rd shot no cupcake.
I usually try the left hand route. The risk is definitely worth the reward, in my opinion, on this hole and one I always enjoy playing.

[Greg Tallman]

The 11th on The Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol is very well done. For me pin position almost always dictates which fairway I choose. Wind condition also factors in as with a good helping wind I may have a go at the green but even with a good wind at my back a back right hole location will make me weigh my options as a near perfect driver coming up 10 yards short could be nearly dead while a 3 wood down the other fairway would leave a  100 yards from a good angle complete with a bit of a back stop... that same slope that would make approaching form ten yards short from the opposite fairway so delicate/nearly impossible.

352 from the back markers

[JC Urbina]

Greg,

I played the 11th hole at the Ocean Course and thought the left side fairway was a little tight for my tastes,  I remember trying both options.

I think the split fairway at Las Campanas  I believe Hole #9 does more to draw equal attention to both left and right fairways.  But your taco stand beats anything Las Campanas could ever offer.

Ocean Course Wins!!!!

[Greg Tallman]

Greg,

I played the 11th hole at the Ocean Course and thought the left side fairway was a little tight for my tastes,  I remember trying both options.

I think the split fairway at Las Campanas  I believe Hole #9 does more to draw equal attention to both left and right fairways.  But your taco stand beats anything Las Campanas could ever offer.

Ocean Course Wins!!!!

Jim, Left side is a bit tight but if you are going to get that big of an advantage to most hole locations shouldn't there be a serious risk involved? I believe widening it (fill bunker and widen fairway) would take away from the hole... no?

It is about 3o yards wide between the bunkers.

[Bill_McBride]

Greg,

I played the 11th hole at the Ocean Course and thought the left side fairway was a little tight for my tastes,  I remember trying both options.

I think the split fairway at Las Campanas  I believe Hole #9 does more to draw equal attention to both left and right fairways.  But your taco stand beats anything Las Campanas could ever offer.

Ocean Course Wins!!!!

Is Las  Campanas "Lost Opportunity" in Spanish?

[Derek Dirksen]

Keep in mind some of the split fairways are there to eat up some elevation between sides of a hole.  It keeps the landing areas a little bit flatter.  With that being said I'm not sure if it helps with strategy all the time. 

[Tommy Williamsen]

Number 8 at Ballyhack is a good example of a split fairway.  Hit is left is the safe route but hit it to the right and you have a very easy pitch to the green.  I go left because I don't hit it far enough to carry the junk on the right but I have seen a bunch of guys go to the right.  Here is a link to a picture.

http://www2.cybergolf.com/landscape/images/128/8.jpg

[Mike Hendren]

Bill, I'm not sure stretching the Biarritz to 270 would work, though I thought of that as well.  Even drivers and 3-woods land softly these days - preventing the ball from being propelled up the slope.

I must admit that the Biarritz suits my game as I hit the ball extremely (too) low.

Mike

[Ed Oden]

Almost all of the split fairway holes that I really like and think truly work are par 4s (typically of the shorter variety).  I am far less enthralled by the par 5s that I have seen with this feature.  It just occurred to me why that may be the case - at least for me.  Split fairways embody risk/reward decisionmaking.  Take the risk from the tee to reap the reward of a shorter shot or a preferred angle or a better view.  It is the balance between the risk and the corresponding gain that makes a split fairway work.  I can see that balance on par 4s since the reward is realized on the next shot.  But on par 5s, the reward for taking the risk from the tee is usually just the opportunity to take another risk (i.e., aggressive play to reach the green in 2).  So you've doubled your chances of screwing up without a corresponding gain in the reward, especially when you may very well have a birdie opportunity anyway without taking the risk.  For me, that throws the balance out of whack and often negates the effectiveness of split fairways on par 5 holes.  Does that make sense?