HAZARDS: The Heart and Soul of Golf

The following is an article written for Dunyasi Golf, a prominent golf magazine in Turkey. It is part of an ongoing series. The theme of these articles is "Understanding golf strategy from an Architect's perspective".

I hope you enjoy....

HAZARDS: The Heart and Soul of Golf

“Hazards – how well chosen the name!

They are risks; and penalties must come to those who take risks and fail.”

ROBERT HUNTER

Golden Age Golf Architect

Our intention is to help improve your golf game (and lower your scores) by gaining a better understanding of golf courses and golf architecture. Instead of focusing on swing mechanics, we focus on golf strategies from an architectural perspective.

For an Architect, there is no element more important in defining strategy on a golf course than a “hazard”.

In golf, “hazards” can be defined as; any obstacle that affects the unobstructed play of a golf hole. This can include water, sand and grass bunkers, mounds, etc. Hazards are elements which have the potential to impose a penalty on a player. Consequently, many golfers mistakenly think architects use hazards to penalize players. In fact, architects use hazards to communicate the strategy of each golf hole.

Architects communicate strategy with hazards.

Hazards are considered the heart and soul of golf strategy. These signals describe the tactical examination for the golfer. Being able to understand these signals is paramount, if a golfer wishes to improve.

To begin to understand the importance of hazards, consider what golf would be without hazards.

   GOLF HOLE DIAGRAM 1

Diagram 1 (above) is a simple golf hole without hazards. Since there are not any obstacles to consider and negotiate, the strategy is simple; play straight toward the green. There is no particular strategy, other than distance. This golf hole is a test of strength and length, with no particular importance placed on strategy.

GOLF HOLE DIAGRAM 2

Diagram 2 (above) shows a golf hole with hazards. This golf hole possesses significantly more interest and strategy. Each hazard has meaning and conveys a portion of the intended message. The player needs to consider each hazard and the message it communicates. In this example line of play “A” encounters more risk, attempting to land over the bunkers, and is rewarded with a shorter and better approach angle to the green. Line of play “B” is a safer route, playing away from the bunkers but the approach to the green is longer and from a more difficult angle.

There are different philosophies related to the placement, style and severity of hazards.  The important thing to understand is: Hazards define the strategy of a golf hole. And, hazards will penalize golfers when they misinterpret the strategy or poorly execute a golf shot.

Think of hazards as a conversation with the golf course or the golf course architect. The hazards provide information, and you must comprehend the message each hazard imparts. However, it is important to understand the implication of each hazard may not be readily comprehensible. In fact, if the golf course is really good, the true strategy may require time and study before you truly understand the strategy. You will find, a superior tactical design demands sophisticated golfing skills, to fully comprehend and appreciate the strategy.

As you become adept at deciphering these messages, you will realize there is a hierarchy of hazard “intensity” and “influence”:

Hazard INTENSITY – refers to the visual character of hazards, which can be fantastically bold to slightly obscure. Bold and obvious hazards are used to provide a strong message. These types of hazards are typically used to indicate “line of play” in a very unmistakable manner. Obscure hazards impart a more subtle message and may require more intense study to discover and understand.

Hazard INFLUENCE – refers to the penalty potential of each hazard. For example, a water hazard inflicts a clearly defined and measurable penalty. On the other hand, a sand bunker imposes an unspecified penalty, the severity of which must be deliberated by the player.

If your intent is to truly improve your score, you must assess the intent of the hazards and plan your strategy, from your destination backward. This will be the most difficult mental adjustment you will need to make. Good golfers start assessing a golf hole by imagining the most advantageous position for approaching the green. Once they have established this point, they consider what they need to do to arrive at that point. In effect, they play the golf hole backwards in their mind to determine the line of play. This is the essence of good course management.

“Management - placing the ball in the right position for the next shot...is 80% of winning golf."

Ben Hogan

Unfortunately, most golfers are inclined to only consider where it is safe to hit the "present" shot and do not consider the ramifications of the "next or following" shot. Consequently, they often find themselves in awkward positions, scrambling to produce extraordinary golf shots.

Next time you play golf, consider planning your strategy as you would any journey. Determine your starting point and destination. Then, consider the safest and most prudent route of travel – working backwards from your destination to the starting point. Calculate any risks (hazards) and determine how best to avoid these. You should find this approach to golf enjoyable and liberating. Most importantly, it is guaranteed to lower your score!