Many of the posts on this site use the phrase, "attack the hole." In context (from this post): "The wise player will drive to the larger portion of the fairway away from the bunkers and attack the hole with a full pitch from a level lie." In general, attacking the hole indicates a shot played... Continue Reading →
Development of the NPOR Style Guide: Introduction
Inspired golf writing occurs when the writer is able to capture the spirit and story of a round of golf. As with many games and sport, golf requires emotional control. Uniquely, golf features a passive antagonist which incites and compels players to certain emotional states throughout the round. A golfer can dissociate himself from an... Continue Reading →
An Opening Hole: Tobacco Road Golf Club
Mike Stranz managed to inject moments of sheer terror and excitement into actually gentle opener, so much so that a 160-yard lay-up on an opening 550-yard hole can feel exhilarating!
Strategic Hazards: Why Every Dogleg Doesn’t Need a Bunker
I am currently in a discussion on Golf Club Atlas about the strategic nature of a bunker on the fourth hole at Galloway National. Elements of the discussion highlight some of the differences in perception of strategy in golf, as well as what features introduce strategic thinking. No single authority exists which define the nuances... Continue Reading →
Who put that $%&#@* hole there?
...or how I learned to stop worrying and love the game. Last week's topic of general setup guidelines begs a few questions, especially on definitions for difficulty. Golfers constantly encounter hole locations or course setup nuances that are quickly labeled as "unfair" or "difficult." Seeking a fair examination of one's game is in the nature... Continue Reading →
An Opening Hole: Bethpage State Park Red Course
In which first holes are examined. Today’s is Bethpage State Park Red Course's 471-yard first hole. Bethpage State Park developed out of the ashes of the Lenox Hills Country Club during New Deal era public works projects. The Devereux Emmet design at Lenox Hills contributed elements that became the Green Course while A.W. Tillinghast designed... Continue Reading →
Golf Course Setup: Aims and Methods
Nothing integrates the golfer to the golf course more than golf course setup. Two levels of setup exist that accomplish this end. The first and most complex level pertains to the mowing practices, bunker maintenance, and overall agronomic presentation of the golf course while the second involves the daily location of the holes on the... Continue Reading →
Golf Course Image Crops
The horizontal crop emphasized the uphill nature of the tough approach into the eighteenth green. I've always liked the view of the flag-stick peeking over the bunkers in the hillside. The green extends further right of the flag-stick than the bunkering suggests, so much so that this seemingly middle hole location is actually closer to the left edge.
An Opening Hole: Galen Hall Golf Club
In which first holes are examined. Today's is the Galen Hall Golf Club's 331 yard first in Wernersville, PA. Galen Hall Golf Club started play as part of the Galen Hall resort in 1912. Alex Findlay designed the original nine holes with additions by A.W. Tillinghast in 1917, which expanded the course to eighteen holes.... Continue Reading →
Value Statement: My Five Values of Golf Course Agronomy
My Five Values of Golf Course Agronomy: Aesthetic Appeal: Amongst the attributes which make golf a unique game is the idea that the game is played in a variety of visually stimulating settings out-of-doors. As a golf course agronomist, it is my responsibility to ensure that the golf course is presented in the manner best... Continue Reading →
Kyle Harris' Nearest Point of Relief 