Interview 2012 Ecco Tour Championship

I've done some radio, and a couple television, interviews.  For me, it is a difficult thing.  Perahaps I'm unable to express myself well in sound bites.  When asked a question, I immediately feel a 5 to 10 second response is expected.  I feel myself rushing through the answer. 

 

Many years ago, I saw an TV interview of Pete Dye, when the Tour was debuting PGA West.  On national television, the interviewer gave a glowing overview of this unusual and fantastic new course.  He then turned to Pete and asked, "What was your thinking, your philosophy for this design?"  At the time, I thought; this is it, a watershed moment for a golf architect to make an absolute defining statement to the golfing world. We were about to recieve true pearls of design wisdom from the master.   Petes answer was truly forgettable and uninspiring. 

 

I laughed out loud and thought; 'he just layed an egg on national television'.  It took me a long time to understand, on that day Pete Dye provided the answer the network was seeking - not the meaningful, meaty, substantive answer I was interested in hearing.  He provided the "sound bite" - the 'sensational' little tidbit suitable for the television audience.

 

It was a lesson which took a long time for me to comprehend and appreciate.  Thanks Pete!  Now, if I could only put it into practice....



Interview excerpt from the final round of the 2012 ECCO TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP at Stensballegaard Golf Club

 

The full video can be found here: 2012 ECCO TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP 

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!

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!

"A Day in the Life....."

This article was submitted for the ASGCA's "A Day in the Life of Golf Course Architects" book project.

THE HOLE MOVES?By Richard A. Baril

The planting season was drawing to a close and we needed to make any necessary improvements quickly. We needed to plant grass. It was a typical visit with the client, shaper, construction superintendent and assorted interested and disinterested parties in tow, and I was guiding the delegation in search of unwelcome incongruities before providing planting approval. I don’t recall early details of the visit but we must have been successful in quest to find things that needed tweaking because when we arrived at the 12 green – a chill wind blew.

I was giving the shaper instructions to ensure a good pin location on the front right of #12 green (see diagram below) near the water. This pin location demands a resolute spirit and finesse.

Midway through my instructions to the shaper, the client, apparently annoyed be all the “changes”, impatiently inserted himself into the discussion:

Owner: “Why is this place in the green so important?”
Me: “Well, it’s truly an excellent pin location that will provide great challenge and an excellent difficult pin placement”.
Owner: “But the pin is way over there. (pointing to the stake in the center of the green) How could this area possibly be important? Besides, we need to get this hole planted.”
Me: “Yes, but this front right pin location will provide a particularly delicate challenge, when we put the flag here.”

… at this point in the exchange, I am sure there was a pregnant pause…

Owner: “You mean the flag (and hole) could be moved to here?”

I am sure at this point I began to fear there was something seriously wrong. It is also important to mention, for those not familiar with developing golf course; by this time in a project, the architect and client have spent more than a year (in this case 2 years) in detailed discussions about golf, design philosophy, construction issues, permitting, agronomy, marketing, membership structure – the list goes on and on. Of course, the most deep and meaningful discussions are related to design and how we are going to instill a new level of sophistication into this particular golf course.

Me: (tentatively) “You do understand that the hole is regularly moved to different locations on the green? We discussed this – on more than one occasion.”

Owner: “The hole is in the center of the green.”
Me: “Yes, the hole can be in the center of the green, but it will be moved to different locations.”
Owner: “You mean the hole moves around the green!!??”

And, this is the question that continues to echo in my mind still today –
“You mean the hole moves around the green?”

PLAY FOR POSITION - PLAY TACTICAL GOLF

1st installment of a 2 part series for Dunyasi magazine

If you have read previous articles, you realize our focus is to improve your golf game through better knowledge about golf. Rather than providing golf swing instruction, we attempt to highlight skills sets which will help you play better golf.

We previously discussed the “Value of strategic golf”, assigning percentage values to each type of golf shot and highlighting the importance of the “short game”:

• Tee shots – 19.45%*
• Approach and bridge shots – 30.55%*
• Putts – 50%*
• *based on a par 72 round

To stress this point even further, on June 1, 2007 the USGA Research and Test Center released this years “Statistical Analysis of PGA Tour Skill Rankings 1980-2006”. According to the USGA, “Correlating the money won rankings to skill rankings, can be used to determine the relative importance of key skills to winning…” The analysis includes complex statistical evaluation charts. The following two excerpts from this study underline the importance of the short game:

 

“Greens in Regulation (GIR) and Putting Average rankings have relatively strong correlations to money won rankings.”

 

“Compared to GIR and Putting Average, Driving Distance ranking has a relatively low correlation to Money ranking. It has remained fairly stable over the period studied.”

 

From the statements above, driving distance ranking (which exhibits a low correlation to money ranking) has remained fairly stable for 26 years. So, this study contemplates the recent technology advances, which is the subject of so much debate. To many, this may seem a curious finding, based on all the emphasis given to driving distance increases. However, it also neatly underlines the enduring influence the short game has on scoring and winning.

 

These statistics, based on the world’s best golfers, supports the assertion that the short game is vitally important to scoring well in golf.

 

How do you use this information to improve your scoring? The reality is, too many players focus on distance, when they should focus on accuracy. Most golfers lack the skill to consistently execute long, difficult golf shots. But, this doesn’t discourage them from relentlessly attempting them. The result is frequently disastrous to their scorecard.

 

Take a hint from these professionals: Peter Thompson, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods. Each one is a multiple British Open winner and each one is a consummate golf strategist. Each approaches golf with unbridled cerebral intensity, cleverly outwitting the challenges of the most tactical golf course. They are not disturbed about sacrificing length, if they feel they can gain an advantage by playing for position.

Perhaps you don’t have the same skills as these players. But consider the fact that none of these players completely mastered every skill. There is not a single professional golfer that has been able to lead every statistical category in golf.  Each golfer, amateur or professional, has strengths and weaknesses. Play to your strength.

 

Statistics, as shown previously, indicate the best investment you can make is in your short game, i.e. putting and approach shots. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to isolate a few skills you can master.

 

In the next installment, we will talk about playing a tactical short game and how to make tactical decisions that will lower your scores.

 

In the meantime, if you are still obsessed with the desire to gain distance rather than lower your scores, think about this:

The record for the longest drive in history has not been seriously challenged for 33 years!!Mike Austin's record setting drive came in 1974, and measured 515 yards (468 meters). It was struck with a steel-shafted, persimmon driver and a balata ball at the U.S. National Senior Open in Las Vegas. Austin was 64 year old at the time of the legendary shot.

A truly amazing feat! A 64-year-old man, using a persimmon (wood head) driver with a steel shaft, hitting a 468 meter drive!! All the new technology, intense physical training and talent of the world’s best players haven’t been able to match this feat for 33 years and counting. Certainly a memorable feat!

An interesting footnote to this event is: Mr. Austin’s scorecard recorded a bogey on this par-4 hole. He missed the green with the drive, chipped on the green with his second shot and took three putts, for a bogey 5.

In the words of Paul Harvey, "And now you know the rest of the story...."

Shaving strokes on the putting surface

Another installment written for the Turkish golf magazine GOLF DUNYASI

Putting is an important part of golf. Fortunately, becoming a proficient putter is easier than becoming a skillful ball striker, which requires exhaustive training, practice, dedication. Since approximately 50% of your score will be comprised of putts, it makes sense to invest time learning how to become a better putter. You will find ample information to help you “groove” your putting stroke. But, perhaps just as important is: understanding greens and putting surfaces.

GETTING TO THE GREEN…All greens are not created equal. Understand what type of golf course you are playing, and concentrate on positioning your ball on the green with a good approach technique. This will improve your chances to reduce putts.

GREENS VARY ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF GOLF COURSE:

• Older golf courses (pre 1950’s) will likely have “push-up greens” – meaning the green was built from soil found near the green. These greens will likely be smaller, higher in the middle with slopes (for drainage) in all directions. Your target is the middle of the green.
• Golf courses built from approximately 1950’s to 1990’s tend to be sloped from back to front, to “receive shots”. During this time, sand also became popular in greens construction which, among other things, improved their receptive quality. You might consider favoring the right side and short of the “flag or hole” on these greens, which will normally leave you an uphill putt and/or a right to left break (more comfortable for right hand players).
• Contemporary golf courses tend to have more sophisticated and larger greens. These courses feature “target areas or greens” within the green, with drainage (slopes) directed in any direction. The best advice in this case is to place your approach as near to the flag/hole as possible, to avoid complex breaking putts.

READING THE GREEN…Reading the green includes understanding two factors: “break” and “speed”.

SlopeAll greens are built with surface drainage, which is a prerequisite for the growth of good turf. Identify the lowest part of the green – the outlet point - and follow the direction of drainage up from this point. This will help you comprehend the contour of the green.

Greens built near any water body will generally slope in the direction of the water. Also, greens built in mountainous terrain will slope away from the mountain, regardless of what your eyes are telling you.

When you approach the green it is important to look at the contours and assess the slopes and lie of the land. Remember, the closer your eyes are to the surface of the green, the better you'll see the green contours. This is why you see professionals squatting to read their putts.

Grass types
There are basically two categories of grass used on golf courses; warm season and cool season. “Warm season” refers to locations where there are zero or very few days when temperatures will reach freezing temperatures.

1. Warm season grasses include Bermuda, Zoysia, Paspalum, etc. These grasses are propagated through stolens and are characterized as stiff, bristly and wiry. These grasses can produce heavy grain (explained later) and generally produce slower putting surfaces.
2. Cool season grasses include Fescue, Ryegrass, Bent grass, etc. These grasses are normally seeded and are finer and softer warm season grasses. Cool season grasses can be maintained at a lower mowing height and produce fine and fast putting conditions. Grain can be light to moderate.
   

GrainGrass does not grow vertically. Grass grows at an angle producing “grain”, a characteristic which affects putting. Good cultural practices reduce grain and its affects.
A green with a strong grain has very contrasting light/shiny and dark/dull color. If the green appears shiny and light, you are putting with the grain, and the ball will be “quick”. If the green looks dull and dark, your putt is against the grain and the put will be “slow”.
You will need to look at the green from several angles to determine the grain. But, it is important to remember, the direction the grass grows depends on where the green located. Grass grows toward any water body and away from mountains or shade. Often grass grows toward the setting sun.
REMEMBER THESE TIPS...

• Always take a few putts on the practice green. This will give you an idea of the speed of the greens, and sometimes gives you some insight into how the course's greens are designed.
• Understanding green speed is critical. The optimum pace to hit a putt is one that would take the ball 30cm to 40cm past the hole. This speed ensures that the ball holds its line. Remember: more speed equals less break.
• Pay attention to your partners' putts or chips toward the hole.
• Ask for help. Unless you're playing in a competition, your partners should be happy to help. This is why the pros use caddies - to have another pair of eyes to help them around the course.
• Every putt is effectively a straight putt. It depends on how hard you hit it as to whether it takes any break.
• With your pace of putt in mind, pick the break you envisage the putt will take. Then pick your target out as a straight line and hit the ball at the right speed so that it takes the break.
• Uphill putts are much easier than downhill putts because they have less break due to the momentum of the strike required to hit the ball up the hill.
• On side slope putts it is important to remember the first part of the putt is uphill and then downhill on the second part of the putt.
• Once you have assessed whether the put is uphill or downhill (to help you determine the pace of the putt and initial starting line) then focus on the area around the hole where the ball will die and gain an understanding of the direction of the true down slope, as this is where the slope will have the greatest influence on your putt.