John,
The cost of centerline bunkers as compared to the one big one...
When I first sketched the new hole I had a big bunker - a tad bigger than the one shown - and as I worked on paper with the design - the drainage/irrigation/shaping - I started making refinements to the bunker and started shrinking it -- I eventually split it into two to protect the right side and the green separately. I showed Don the final sketch - not the original with the big bunker - he liked it but thought it would be a good idea to make the bunker bigger...
I was shrinking it with the intent of keeping it more maintainable with the same playing characteristics.
So that is a long answer - but if it is worth it and the builder, client and superintendent are all for it - it will be easier to maintain. Some times the benefit is worth the added expense.
The bunker behind the green went away so we could tie into natural grade better - there is an entrance path behind the green so it would have looked a little forced had we built it.
The green is more receptive from the left side of the fairway - right by the bunkers.
Thank you for the questions and wishes.
Here is one last insight.... from tonight's blog....
To share one additional insight with the 7th hole – During the redesign to its current form (see here), I had sketched a small 200 square foot bunker in the middle of the fairway. As it was built the hole plays down wind and the tiger can try to carry the ball to the approach inbetween the left fairway bunkers and the green side bunker. The right side of the fairway is protected by native grasses and the greedy player will find their ball in a tough spot frequently. The current play, without the centerline bunker, is to try to hit to the neck and not through the fairway into the left fairway bunkers – which are quite severe.
One can also play safe anywhere in the big left portion of the fairway –- a hint: the green is far more receptive the closer one hits their tee shot to the left fairway bunkers. The center line bunker was an attempt to create a lay up option – with a long iron or utility club – or lay up left. Don felt that instead of creating options that it would reduce options as the lay up left would not be used -- unless accidently. We discussed it for a few days and together decided to leave it out.
I’m looking forward to seeing it tomorrow with mature grass…