ANGC is Ugly?

[Patrick_Mucci]

Ryan Farrow,

I'll be happy to address your reply, but first, could you tell me if you think ANGC is ugly ?

Do you agree with Adrian that there's an UGLYNESS about some of the green complexes and the way things sit ?

[Ryan Farrow]

Patrick, I think without the bunkers Augusta National (for a least a few months) is one of the most picturesque landscapes on any golf course in the world, by far. I think in some instances the bunkering adds to it. And in some cases it detracts. I would say at 12, the bunkers help (at least 90% they could use some minor tweaking, but still, size, scale works) I don't mind the crisp clean edges, not my cup of tea but I still think they a good aesthetic quality that most people love...

On 16, I want to vomit.... The bunker that hangs up behind the green absolutely ruins the landscape.... couldn't the same playing strategies be intact if that was just a grassed over ridge? or hollow? was that built up from original grade to place the bunker? Not sure of the history there? Perhaps someone can fill me in?

P.S. Thanks for not lecturing me..... yet!   

[Patrick_Mucci]

Patrick, I think without the bunkers Augusta National (for a least a few months) is one of the most picturesque landscapes on any golf course in the world, by far. I think in some instances the bunkering adds to it. And in some cases it detracts. I would say at 12, the bunkers help (at least 90% they could use some minor tweaking, but still, size, scale works) I don't mind the crisp clean edges, not my cup of tea but I still think they a good aesthetic quality that most people love...

On 16, I want to vomit.... The bunker that hangs up behind the green absolutely ruins the landscape.... couldn't the same playing strategies be intact if that was just a grassed over ridge? or hollow?

I think you can always find fault or provide constructive criticism to almost any feature.
But, on balance, it's a sensational golf course, in every way.

Alot about the back bunker on # 16 depends on form vs function.
That bunker prevents balls from going well beyond the putting surface, making recovery back toward the water extremely difficult.
In fact, most golfers (remember, other than Masters week, the course is played by members/guests) would probably end up back in the water in their attempt to recover because the upper tier slopes down toward the lower tier and the water.  The momentum of a ball hit from behind the green, unto the upper tier, and then down the slope seperating the upper tier would propel that ball into the water, resulting in high scores, rules confusion and slow play.The further you are from the green, the more umph must be put into the recovery shot. and the more likely you ar to end up in the water.

The back bunker serves as a safetry net. and for those who love framing, framing the green.

was that built up from original grade to place the bunker? Not sure of the history there? Perhaps someone can fill me in?

In 1947-8 when the hole was shifted from the left of the creek to its present position, that bunker was included.
So, it's been there, albeit in different form, since the inception

P.S. Thanks for not lecturing me..... yet!   

Stay tuned, I'm not done yet.

[Tags:]

Tags: