The island green speaks for itself. Recent developments of golf architectural fashion in the United States have led to a conscious search for individuality and it is not uncommon to see new greens entirely surrounded by sand or water. The sand surroundings have obvious problems in upkeep, while an island green in water, though pretty, may unduly depress too many golfers. There is, nevetheless, a sense in which an heroic hole of this type may inspire or fascinate the player, even if it causes him to lose several golf balls.