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!
An Opening Hole: Tobacco Road Golf Club
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 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 →
Kyle Harris' Nearest Point of Relief 