Centerline Bunker Strategy

[Ted Sirbaugh]

On most holes I can think of with centerline bunkers, there is one side of the fairway that is clearly preferable but often riskier. North Berwick #9 and NGLA #8 are two examples.


However, there are some where I don't know which side of the fairway is ideal. Take Streamsong Blue #8 - the left side is narrower and a direct line to the green, but you have to carry the left greenside bunker on your approach. Play safely to the right and you have a longer second shot, but no bunker to carry and you can run a ball up to the green.


In the former example, you're asked an obvious question: will you risk the dangerous side for an easier approach shot? In my opinion, the latter example asks a nuanced question that makes you think harder: what is the easier approach shot for you? Would you rather shorten the hole, or hit your approach to a more open greensite? In this second example, I'd also argue your answer is more likely to change based on the pin position.


There's no question that holes like the 9th at NB and the 8th at NGLA are exceptional, but is the variability on holes like the 8th at Streamsong Blue more interesting, especially if you frequently play a course?

[Bill Seitz]

There's no question that holes like the 9th at NB and the 8th at NGLA are exceptional, but is the variability on holes like the 8th at Streamsong Blue more interesting, especially if you frequently play a course?

I'm not sure it answers your question, but for me, the first at Kingsley creates decision based less on strategy and more on wind.  When it's into the teeth, the right side becomes much less desirable, as I'm more likely to flare one and end up pretty far back.  from the left I can get it a little longer and I have a draw lie for the second shot that will cheat the wind a little.  No wind or downwind I'm taking it right with the chance of getting it all the way over the hill.  Alternatively, regardless of the wind, if I'm walking my second or third round of the day, I may just not want to walk up the hill again.

[Ally Mcintosh]

Ted, I’ve often thought about that nuanced trade-off.


But I also remind myself that if the trade-off is too nuanced or balanced, most people will aim straight at the bunker and let it peel off either way, not caring too much about the result as long as it isn’t in sand.

[Thomas Dai]

An underused feature. Shouldn't be used too often though. A small hump or shallow hollow in the same location can also have quite an effect but is less likely to attract attention and criticism.
A tall tale. Par-4 with a centreline bunker. One year the Greenkeeper mowed the fairway to one side of the bunker very slightly wider. Uproar from the r/h slicers who claimed it helped those r/h who hook the ball. Mowing line changed back to as before. Next year Greenkeeper mowed the opposite side of the fairway slightly wider. Uproar from the r/h hookers of the ball who said the hole now favoured r/h slicers. Compromise was that the fairway on both sides was widened. Funny old world at golf clubs, although not always in a humorous way.
atb

[Jeff_Brauer]

Ted,


You probably have answered your own question.  I agree most double fw holes have a narrower fw for the shortcut option and wider for the longer option.  As to how to guard the green, I think traditionally, the shorter route got the open front, but not always, i.e., Riv no. 10.  And, I have heard Pete Dye say he preferred to guard the shorter route twice to negate length on such holes.


Taking out specific examples, there is nothing that says when a hole has two fairly distinct routes off the tee, that one needs to be clearly dictated by the gca as greatly preferred.  Unless the challenge of a greatly preferred route is nearly 50-50% to pull it off repeatedly or on individual days in specific wind conditions, and is very tempting, then you often end up building a one dimensional hole, that happens to have an extra fw to mow on one side or the other.


So, at least some of the time, offering two routes that provide equal but different results and challenges off the tee could be considered more strategic, with golfers choosing the best route more based on their game, and less on the course itself.