Internal Green Contouring

[Chris Moore]

I read alot these days on this site and elsewhere about "internal contouring" on greens.  Aren't all contours on a green internal?  Can someone explain this concept?

[Tyler Kearns]

Chris,

I think a green that is defined as featuring little in the way of internal contours, are those with a consistent slope, like a Redan, or a traditional back-to-front sloping surface. Therefore, you have a pretty good idea of the read on the upcoming putt.

Internal contours create more complex putting surfaces that may segment the green into smaller targets or tiers, and result in greater putting and recovery options because of the more varied surface of the green.

TK

                             

[michael j fay]

Greens built by many of the Classic Architects (Ross, Tillinghast, Willie Park, Jr., etc.) have contours that eminate from the exterior mounding surrounding the green. In essence, these greens gain their contouring from the extention of the mounds into the green. These mounds create rises that are then moderated when they extend into the surface. As the mounds dissipate, interior contouring may or may not happen.

[David_Madison]

Another way to put it is that a green can simply connect the ground around the green - - most greens do just that. A green with interior contours goes beyond that, with slopes, mounds, and other features not specifically there to connect the surrounds.