Bob Crosby,
Biarritz holes are not being built for a number of reasons, but I suspect one is that they aren't very good holes. At least as par 3's. Other than requiring a straight shot and fine distance control with a long iron or fw wood (the clubs least suited for fine distance control), where is the strategic interest?
I would disagree with you.
Par 3 holes are inherently limited in their strategic interest when compared to par 4's and par 5's.
But, a Biarritz hole offers far more strategy, far more options than most par 3's.
Look at the tactical aspect of the shots required when the pin is in the following locations.
1 front tier
2 hollow
3 rear tier
Do you fly the ball to the pinned area or play short and allow for run ?
Do you play short, long, left or right ?
If you miss the green you have similar dilemas, depending upon your angle to the pin.
Once on the green, if you're not on the pinned section, you've got your work cut out for you.
This has to be one of the more interesting type of par 3's in golf.
I suspect that few have played many of them, many times.
Even the addition of water can have widely different influences on these holes, just compare YALE's to The Creek's.
Tom Doak,
I didn't find Yale's, The Knoll's, or The Creek's Biarritzs artificial in look. Interesting, unique, but not artificial.
I've only seen three of them, so my experience is rather limited.
But, you did make an interesting comment, which you left hanging. What is the view, as expressed by those that you interface with, on the Biarritzs at the clubs you consult with ?
And, could you seperate your answer into two categories.
1 Playability
2 Maintainance.
MBurrows,
Wouldn't that be a reason for a modern day architect to design and build one, their uniqueness, their variety ?
To everyone,
What's the most amount of Biarritz's you've played ?
I've played Yale, The Knoll, and The Creek, and think that all three are terrific holes that fit in perfectly with the rest of the golf course.
I hope to play Piping Rock and Fisher's Island this summer.
How many are there in total, new and old ?