Chipping areas

[Jeff_Lewis]

I have recently played several golf course of modern vintage that make wide use of chipping areas. On some of the courses, the chipping areas were clearly put in several years after the course was originally contstructed and they feel a bit contrived. On the others, they seem integral to the green complex. Anybody else experiencing this? Where did all this chipping area stuff come from, the Pinehurst US Open?

[Oscar Brown]

Poppy Hills (RTJ Jr.) had numerous chipping areas when it opened in the mid 80's.

[Jeff_Lewis]

Oscar, do those chipping areas seem to be a natural part of the golf course at Poppy Hills? My point is that many of these chipping areas seem like maintenance add-ons that are not consistent with designer intent.

[Oscar Brown]

I haven't played Poppy since it opened. It seems to me that they were "designed" in. I can remember not being all that enamored with them at the time. Now that I think I "get it" and have more shots in the bag, I may like them more.

[brad_miller]

Jeff, when did Shinnecock go to chipping areas? 86? 95? Where they ever there before? Shinny in 86 did a lot for golf! I've thought some at Prairie Dunes would be very cool, would love to walk the course with Bill Coore to get his take, would this be an add on, where any ever there??

[Dave_Miller]

Aronimink GC  has these chipping or collection areas in several locations.  I doubt they were part of the original design when Donald Ross designed the Course and it was built in 1928.
I think they are part of the current thinking on maintenance and playability, etc.  I will ask to learn what the thinking was on these areas.  
My reaction is that this was a Green Committee decision working in conjunction with the Superintendent.  I will say though that they do not look contrived.  They seem to fit where they were placed.
Best
Dave

[Bill (Guest)]

Credit David Eger with the chipping areas at Shinnecock in 1995, and for opening up the course in general. This was to the chagrin of the members. At the end of the day, the membership was ecstatic with the setup.

[A_Clay_Man]

I first played Poopy in 96' but For those that have'nt played Pooppy hills in awhile, the chipping areas are not that prevalent today. This may just be relative to the recent excessive use, that the author posted about. or due to the changes that were made to the greens because everyone (pros no doubt) complained about how severely undulated they were.

Perhaps the former chipping areas were intregal to the design that had so much undulation?