I have noticed that some genuine GCA's sometimes like to put a bunker in front of a green that appears to be greenside - when in actuality it is considerably short of the green. Even knowing the yardage, it is quite deceptive.
I was wondering what their intention was. Since this is a technique employed by respectable architects I doubt mere deception was what they were getting at. Was the idea to make you think a bit more?
I don't really know the answer to this but I'm sure someone here will. I do know Alister MacKenzie was seriously involved in camouflage during the Boer War and subsequently was keen on using similar techniques in his designs. However, that still doesn't really tell me what these GCA's were getting at.
And so, which one of you bright lights knows the answer?
Here are a couple of examples. How far does the bunker on the right appear to be from the green? Scroll down and you will see.
Here is an aerial of the green complex.
The hole above is the 7th on Pinehurst #5 - Ellis Maples.
Here is another example. From about 180 the right front bunker does appear greenside.
Even at short range it still doesn't seem short of the green.
It is actually about maybe 25 feet short of the 10th green at Mid Pines.