We're all familiar with the famous old template holes from the past - the Redan, the Biarritz, the Alps, Eden, etc. There are, of course, other holes that have inspired modern architects to use the principles inherent in those holes in new designs, but those "template" holes don't seem to be recognized or named.
So, why don't we identify and name another template hole to add to the pantheon of template holes.
The 12th at Augusta National certainly seems to me to be a hole that has some specific principles inherent in its design that have have been used by modern architects in designing par 3's based on those principles. The principles that I see in the hole are:
- a wide shallow green that is diagonal to the line of attack
- a diagonal angle sufficient that there is a clubbing difference between the left, centre and right portions of the green
- a hazard short that punishes shots that are pushed or pulled from the intended line
- a hazard to the rear that also punishes pulls and pushes from the intended line
The preeminent requirement of the hole is to properly club yourself for the distance required based on the location of the pin and then execute the shot on that line. Directional failure will lead to hazardous trouble, as the club will either be too short or too long if the shot is directed to the right or left of the intended line.
Here is an aerial of the 12th. The yardage to the left is 140, to the middle 150 and to the right 158.
Now, Golden Bell could be one possible name. Or, possibly "Diagonal". Or, what others do you have in mind?
I think this "template hole inspired the creation of the 16th at my home course, the Club at Bond Head North designed by Hurdzan, Fry. The angle of the green is very similar and the yardages to the left, right and centre are very close at 145, 153, and 160. In this case the hazard in front is not water, but rather a 10 foot deep swale with imposing bunkers. The hazard to the rear is a 40 foot drop off to a ravine that is death. I think it incorporates the principles of the 12th hole template.
An aerial view.
From the tee.
From the fronting swale "hazard".
I'm sure that there are many other such par 3's out there that were inspired by the 12th at Augusta. Can you identify more.