Game Enhancing Architectural Elements

[Mike Hendren]

I grew up on a small nine-holer with small push up greens with rear kickers.  As a result, I missed a lot of greens as a kid and learned to pitch the ball effectively (I've since managed to lose that skill).  The areas behind the greens were mowed at fairway height and slope required a bump into the back of the green with a 6-iron - everybody played that shot.  I still use that shot, eschewing the lob wedge when there's no hazard to carry.  

Thus the questions:  What architectural elements promote and/or demand improvement in one's game?  Also, should architecture do so?

Regards,

Mike

[Jeff_Brauer]

Your post reminds me of George Thomas writings.  He advocated a "fairgreen" behind greens, especially long par 4 holes, reasoning that a long iron that hit the green and rolled over should be punished less than one that never reached the green, falling short, left or right.  I agree.

I'm not sure doing it all nine holes is an architectural masterpiece, though.  I've always felt a mixture of fairway, rough, sand, etc. promotes short game improvement and interest.

[A_Clay_Man]

I agree in principle that features like kick plates (or really almost any feature) is optimized when, I the golfer, can use said feature along with my imagination to create a shot that will get me my desired result. Not neccesarily improving my skill, just taxing my mind to be creative.

And, it would seem that with larger greens, the need for more features so that that prinicple can be used to more pin locations.

[Mike Hendren]

Jeff,

Funny you mention Thomas.  As I recall, he also advocated "fairtees," which my home course had as well.  The runway tees just blended into the fairway.  It is a two-bit golf course in the middle of cotton fields, but in retrospect, there was some surprisingly good architecture there.  I am convinced the 310 yard 7th/16th has a reverse redan green.

I'm planning to get back there this summer and hopefully submit a My Home Course piece.  In my heart, it is the most hallowed golfing ground in the world.

Regards,

Mike

[Tom MacWood (Guest)]

I'd say interesting greens. Severely undulating greens that are relatively open in front that force you to consider your options as far as taking the shot in low, high or on the ground. Maintenance plays in big part in making these options realistic.

Interesting green complexes also seem to promote an imaginative short game.

[Jeff_Brauer]

Mike,

It's even funnier you mention fair tees.  Why?

I spent today trying to design such a critter!  I have tried these a few times, and supers or owners just roll their eyes.  Maybe this time, I'll win out.

[Mike Hendren]

Jeff,

Top shot artists are people, too

Mike