[Bill Brightly]

So in replying to the original question, I would say:


Probably the 1970's or early 80's? When green mowing equipment got better and better and we could maintain true putting surfaces year-round. Couple that with better putter technology, and it no longer was much of a "penalty" -- if at all -- to be in the bottom of the swale for good to expert players.

As a six handicap, I guess you could say I'm a good player. I play a Biarritz several times each week on my home course. I would estimated my two-putt percentage is 40-50% from the swale I've probably never made birdie from there. Lag putting is one of my strengths; I'd say the average player two putts 25% of the time, so it definitely is a problem. 
[size=78%] [/size]
The upslope of the swale is actually one of the things I like best about the hole; it repels all of my shots that come up just a little short. From the tee I can see the ball try to climb the hill (while I'm yelling get up there) and then see it roll back down and disappear.

[Tim Martin]

The putt from the front portion or swale to the back is way tougher than the putt from the back or swale to the front tier at Yale. Additionally the back portion is canted from right to left where the front portion is relatively flat. I would rather pitch than putt almost every time to the back tier.

[David Ober]

So in replying to the original question, I would say:


Probably the 1970's or early 80's? When green mowing equipment got better and better and we could maintain true putting surfaces year-round. Couple that with better putter technology, and it no longer was much of a "penalty" -- if at all -- to be in the bottom of the swale for good to expert players.

As a six handicap, I guess you could say I'm a good player. I play a Biarritz several times each week on my home course. I would estimated my two-putt percentage is 40-50% from the swale I've probably never made birdie from there. Lag putting is one of my strengths; I'd say the average player two putts 25% of the time, so it definitely is a problem. 

The upslope of the swale is actually one of the things I like best about the hole; it repels all of my shots that come up just a little short. From the tee I can see the ball try to climb the hill (while I'm yelling get up there) and then see it roll back down and disappear.

[/size][size=78%]Gotcha. Makes sense. I've only played a handful in my life, maybe 30 rounds total. Probably in the swale five or six times. Do remember one 3-putt, as it was costly in a better-ball event. [/size]


It's just never felt to me like the resulting 30 to 50-foot putt is that much more difficult than any other difficult put of similar length. Sure, I have three putted, but I've haven't (yet!) four-wiggled. I've never walked away feeling like it was at all an unfair or impossible 2-putt, that's for sure. It was, to me, just a cool challenge to overcome.

[Bill Brightly]

It's just never felt to me like the resulting 30 to 50-foot putt is that much more difficult than any other difficult put of similar length. Sure, I have three putted, but I've haven't (yet!) four-wiggled. I've never walked away feeling like it was at all an unfair or impossible 2-putt, that's for sure. It was, to me, just a cool challenge to overcome.

Well, for starters, the resulting putt can be 30-80 feet, not just 30-50 feet...


Depending on your angle, the upslope will cause a significant break far earlier than a normal long lag putt. If the pin is left and your ball is in the swale on the right, or visa versa, that is a putt that golfers rarely attempt. If you misread the effect of the upslope, you can have a 6 footer or more even if you had perfect pace. Getting the pace right is really difficult. You can see the upslope and know you have to hit it firm, but once you are in the swale you tend to forget about the additional contours past the swale. First time players almost always leave it 10-15 feet short.


Give me a player at random (handicap unknown) and I'll bet three putt every time!

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