Three Hole Loops

[Steven Wade]

It got me thinking, what are the ingredients to a great 3 or 4 hole loop? My answer is, "Is it fun?" and "Does it come back to the clubhouse?" but I'd be interested in knowing what would constitute a great 3 hole loop for you?

Steven-Does it start and finish near the clubhouse would be a prerequisite for me. Variety in the form of par/length would be a bonus but isn’t required.

I agree regarding proximity to the clubhouse.  3 hole loops are bonus golf, in one form or another, so par doesn't matter much to me, but it is nice when they can be reasonably played with 1-3 clubs.  If we are talking about the best courses in the world - Old Town, Yale, Philly Cricket, et al - the holes will all be great, but what really matters is if you can easily squeeze in a few more without too much trouble.  Walkable in loafers with a drink is certainly a nice bonus.   

I hope to tread those fairways with you again soon, Mr. Finn.

[Mike Nuzzo]

Wolf Point had #5 as a par 3, 6, & 7 with 8 as an option depending on finishing at residence or clubhouse
also 15, 16, 17, & 18.
also 9, 10, & 5
peace

[Andrew Harvie]

Wolf Point had #5 as a par 3, 6, & 7 with 8 as an option depending on finishing at residence or clubhouse
also 15, 16, 17, & 18.
also 9, 10, & 5
peace

That's awesome. Was that always on your mind when routing the golf course initially, or did it come naturally as the job progressed?

[Mark Mammel]

Since Tom (and others) mentioned 4 hole loops, I'll put 10-11-17-18 at White Bear YC as a great example. Play a round, enjoy a beer (or 2!), then play the Loop (as it's known). Par 4,3,3,4 and great fun. I have to also mention a 2 hole "loop". When visiting Prairie Dunes with my sons and staying on the property, we played 8-9 a couple of times after dinner. Fab.

[ward peyronnin]

When we played the Quixote Club in South Carolina we enjoyed many fine features and touches and three hole loops were among them. These didn't necassarily start and finish at destinations but were more loops internal within the routing where one plays left then turned right and so forth. Somewhat subtle yet it added a rythm and pleasantness to the flow of play

[Sean_A]

It got me thinking, what are the ingredients to a great 3 or 4 hole loop? My answer is, "Is it fun?" and "Does it come back to the clubhouse?" but I'd be interested in knowing what would constitute a great 3 hole loop for you?

Steven-Does it start and finish near the clubhouse would be a prerequisite for me. Variety in the form of par/length would be a bonus but isn’t required.

I am a huge fan of loops throughout courses…ones which cut the number of holes down from 18. It’s to the point where I think there should ideally be at least two teeing off points near the house of private clubs. One of maybe 14 holes and the other 4. Renaissance Club in East Lothian has awesome access to the course from the house. It’s my favourite aspect of the routing.

But a seriously proper boozer loop has to be near the house. I played a lovely boozer loop recently…12-14 at Colleton River. It must be a temptation when sitting upstairs with a drink in hand overlooking these holes.

Ciao

[Jim_Coleman]

    Although I am confident Rolling Green has over extended its welcome here, I’ll add 10,11 and 9 to the discussion. Par 3,4,5 starting and ending at the clubhouse. P.J. Boatwright wanted to rearrange the holes for the ‘76 Women’s Open so those holes would become 16,17 and 18.