CHANGE COURSE vs CHANGE YOUR MIND

(Originally written for DUNYASI - Turkish Golf Magazine)

As golf architects, we are often asked to make modifications to existing golf holes. Certainly there are circumstances which can justify modifying golf holes or elements on specific golf holes.

However, most often the reason for requesting a modification is caused by a player or group of players that perceive something “unfair” or “too difficult” about a golf hole or particular aspect of a golf hole.

A little story to make a point……

Several years ago we showcased a new golf course with a competition between two international caliber professional golfers. During the competition, one of the players suffered a vague mishit from a sand bunker. After the round, the player complained about the quality of sand in the bunkers. What ensued was a lively discussion about the sand and how such a tragic error - poor sand selection - could occur on this great new golf course.

The fact is there are not any absolute standards for sand in bunkers. There are “guidelines” for texture, composition (silica is preferable) particle size, particle shape, color, depth, etc. Of course, availability (proximity to the golf course) and cost are very important considerations.

Sand selection is a balance between playing characteristics, maintenance considerations and aesthetics. But, the bottom line is: there is no obligation to satisfy the golfer. In fact, as an extreme example and as shocking as it may sound; sand type could change from bunker to bunker!

Sand bunkers are hazards. As hazards, there are no absolute rules. Of course, the best advice we can give golfers is; Avoid these hazards!, especially if they too daunting for your playing ability.

In this particularly case; the bunker sand remained (as it was the best option available) and there have been no further discussions or complaints (beyond the ones normally expressed and typical at nearly every golf course).

The above example highlights an interesting issue, that being: some golfers believe they are entitled to certain conditions or opportunities within the golf course. If the golf course does not conform to their expectations, then the offensive elements must be changed, right?

Golfers might be surprised about what they are not entitled to.....

The following are a few examples:

• “Flat” tees – actually, tees must have a gradient/slope in order to drain. So, very few tees are “flat.” It is “suggested” that tees should be fairly level but a tee can also be an unlevel area designated as the departure point for a golf hole.
• A “level” lie in the fairway – this expectation is perplexing. I’ve often heard this complaint, but never understood why golfers believe fairways should be “level.” First, this would be a truly unappealing situation (imagine a fairway that looks like a parking lot) and second, fairways like tees, must drain. Drainage is one of the primary tenets of golf course design and construction. It is paramount to providing good drainage in order to provide good turf growing conditions.
• Reaching a par 4 in two shots and par 5’s in two or three shots – another curious complaint. You are only invited to reach the green in regulation if you possess the skill to accomplish this feat. You are not “entitled” to this privilege.
• Consistent bunkers – As discussed in the previous example, bunkers are hazards, don’t expect standardization or consistency. Hazards are obstacles to be avoided. Expect and accept any penalty imposed. Otherwise, stay clear of them.
• To be able to roll the ball to the target (no forced carries) – Golf is a combination of aerial assault and putting. Getting the ball airborne (controlling distance and trajectory) is important to golf’s strategy and central to mastering the sport. 
• To shoot par or (even worse) to shoot your handicap – I’ve actually heard numerous golfers complain that a course is unfair if they can’t play to their handicap. It should be obviously that different golf courses require different skills. This is perhaps the greatest attribute of golf. The variety of venues.

Of course, this is only a small sample of things we have come to expect from golf course. Sometimes I think we have forgotten golf is a tempered contest with nature; random, variable, unpredictable and unmanageable - nature.

Certainly, we must impose some modifications and maintenance over nature to provide conditions to better enjoy the sport. But, perhaps the modifications we make to nature and the increasing standard of maintenance has caused us to develop unreasonable expectations. Golf, in its purest form, is a contest with natural elements. It is a worthy and honorable pursuit, contested within, and surrounded by nature. It becomes a less noble pursuit when we relentlessly impose our will over nature and render it innocuous.

Before you mount a campaign to dilute the tactical strength of a golf hole, because it disturbs your sense of fairness, consider changing your strategic approach. Many golf holes and golf courses are not immediately understood or appreciated. And, if after you’ve really attempted to be objective and appreciate the thing that is troubling you, and you still cannot perceive it’s merit, perhaps it troubles you because it exposes a weakness; in your play or your character. Golf has a unique way of doing this.

Remember, it is always easier to modify your perspective than it is to modify a golf hole!