rapper
Assistant Pro
what is a signature hole and does every course have one?
signature hole
- Thread starter rapper
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CarpeDiem
Challenge Tour Pro
I would define a signature hole as a hole in which a course is reconised by, e.g. the 17th at TPC sawgrass or the 10th at the Brabazon course at the Belfry. You see what I mean, and in response to your second question, I wouldn't say that every course has one e.g. my home course (Whipsnade Park) has a signature hole. So I think that it just depends on the course.
krokodil
Head Pro
Good question: I always perceive it to be a picturesque par 3 with some water feature, however that is not always the case.
I played Bovey Castle yesterday, the signature whole is generally thought to be a short par 3 with water, yet a flat par 4 is promoted as being the most famous simply because Henry Cotton said it was the best par 4 he had played.
I played Bovey Castle yesterday, the signature whole is generally thought to be a short par 3 with water, yet a flat par 4 is promoted as being the most famous simply because Henry Cotton said it was the best par 4 he had played.
Not sure ours has one. Personally I think the approach to our 16th is the most picturesque on the course and would make that mine. I've heard it is suppose to be our 7th (SI 1) but personally I think it is just a mundane par 4
haplesshacker
Money List Winner
Good question. What is a signature hole? What makes a hole a signature hole? It's beauty, it's difficulty, it's uniqueness?
At East Horton, The Greenwood course, it's probably the 16th par 3. It's all lake from tee to green, and has recently been the death off any medal round of mine. I leave the Z-URSs in the bag and use any old rubbish that I've found. The swing leaves me completely, the balls leave me , (for a watery grave), and I use 3 or 4 balls before I get anywhere near the green.
At East Horton, The Greenwood course, it's probably the 16th par 3. It's all lake from tee to green, and has recently been the death off any medal round of mine. I leave the Z-URSs in the bag and use any old rubbish that I've found. The swing leaves me completely, the balls leave me , (for a watery grave), and I use 3 or 4 balls before I get anywhere near the green.
greensman
Club Champion
This is a great question, when I studied course architecture at college the definition of a signature hole is the one you remember. Not because you played well or not as the case may be, but how the hole presented itself.
A signature hole has character, a challenge and is pleasing to the eye. One that you enjoy playing and remember for a long time. Some courses I have played have loads however some have none. I try and make every hole a signature, that way the course is a pleasure not a chore.
Think about the best course you have played and how many holes you remember.
A signature hole has character, a challenge and is pleasing to the eye. One that you enjoy playing and remember for a long time. Some courses I have played have loads however some have none. I try and make every hole a signature, that way the course is a pleasure not a chore.
Think about the best course you have played and how many holes you remember.
krokodil
Head Pro
Haplesshacker, thats's the situation where one night you head up there with a bag of old balls and just play that hole until you are banging them on the green with reckless abandon!
(sounds like a cracker of a golf hole too...)
haplesshacker
Money List Winner
Greensman.
So which courses have the most 'signature' holes in the UK.
I only ask as I would really like to play somewhere memorable for the right reasons, and not just because of the name?
So which courses have the most 'signature' holes in the UK.
I only ask as I would really like to play somewhere memorable for the right reasons, and not just because of the name?
Herbie
Tour Winner
What a good question..
I think it is a hole that is designated so by, club/members/media/poets/difficulty/elegance and beauty and sometimes all of these factors and probably a bunch more.
I think it is a hole that is designated so by, club/members/media/poets/difficulty/elegance and beauty and sometimes all of these factors and probably a bunch more.
nomadpaul
Challenge Tour Pro
The 17th at St Andrews would probably be among the top 5 signature holes in the world , i guess ?
John_Findlay
Tour Winner
In my opinion it's the hole by which any course is most remembered. Usually the one the club is most proud of or by which it identifies itself by in advertising. e.g. the Road Hole at St Andrews, the Postage Stamp at Troon etc etc
USER1999
Grand Slam Winner
Hapless - You need to play Woodhall Spa Hotchkin. Every hole is beautiful, and they get better as you go round.
I find with links courses (sorry boys), that once you swing away from the sea, they are not as interesting to look at.
I find with links courses (sorry boys), that once you swing away from the sea, they are not as interesting to look at.
viscount17
Money List Winner
I always thought the signature hole was the one that defined the course as having been designed by one person and couldn't be mistaken for any other.
Ours is said to be the 3rd Par 3, (tee, then ditch, then pond, then green, then lake - and for the wayward shots lake left and ditch/wood right.) though I think it could do with some inspired planting as it can look quite dull all winter.
Leighton Buzzard is its 11th - Par 3, elevated tee down a steep narrow cut through woods to the green.
Lahinch has to be its 5th
Ours is said to be the 3rd Par 3, (tee, then ditch, then pond, then green, then lake - and for the wayward shots lake left and ditch/wood right.) though I think it could do with some inspired planting as it can look quite dull all winter.
Leighton Buzzard is its 11th - Par 3, elevated tee down a steep narrow cut through woods to the green.
Lahinch has to be its 5th
Herbie
Tour Winner
I agree about Hotchkin, played it and Bracken a couple of times recently, dont understand why more major stuff doesnt end up there?
And the LinKs courses without the sea view are mostly boring but have a challenge about them but thats all. St Andrews maybe an exception.
Wildrover
Tour Rookie
The only thing going against Woodhall Spa as far as major events goes is it's location, it's a bit off the beaten track. Although that is part of it's charm if you're going to play it. I'd have to agree that it doesn't really have a signature hole as they are all corkers. The par3 5th is usually the one that features on photo's though, because of the cavernous bunkers.
RGuk
Tour Winner
I'd say almost all courses have a signature hole....or even a few.
Ours is the 18th, at my last course the 1st (now the 10th) the one before that the 13th and so on. To my mind it's the most distinctive hole, something you don't see every day, and sticks in the memory for being either picturesque, hard (maybe) or just a great hole to play.
As much as I'm not a great fan of the Belfry, it certainly has some great holes. i.i.r.c. holes number 3, 6, 9, 10, 15, 17 and 18......quite something. It's not the course design that gets me down, it's the whole parkland thing, when you are on the fairways everything just feels so "samey".
The hole I remember most from Homer's club is probably the 18th (see the picture underneath for proof I've played it). The hole that could be the best and most interesting is probably the par 5 5th (?) ......it just needs something interesting down the right hand side. Ask 'em Homer.
Ours is the 18th, at my last course the 1st (now the 10th) the one before that the 13th and so on. To my mind it's the most distinctive hole, something you don't see every day, and sticks in the memory for being either picturesque, hard (maybe) or just a great hole to play.
As much as I'm not a great fan of the Belfry, it certainly has some great holes. i.i.r.c. holes number 3, 6, 9, 10, 15, 17 and 18......quite something. It's not the course design that gets me down, it's the whole parkland thing, when you are on the fairways everything just feels so "samey".
The hole I remember most from Homer's club is probably the 18th (see the picture underneath for proof I've played it). The hole that could be the best and most interesting is probably the par 5 5th (?) ......it just needs something interesting down the right hand side. Ask 'em Homer.
RGuk
Tour Winner
Is this thread over???
Pity...I like a good signature hole.
Pity...I like a good signature hole.
haplesshacker
Money List Winner
I hope not, I can't play at Woodhall due to being one over their min h'cap of 24. And yet women can play there off 36! Equality - lets 'ave it!!
I was hoping for a few more recommendations.
I was hoping for a few more recommendations.
RGuk
Tour Winner
Here's a hole I remember with some mixed results.
It's not a par 3 b.t.w.
6th at Gatton Manor.
i.i.r.c. this is the view after a cracking drive. Otherwise, all this awaits a mid iron.....nervy or what.
It's not a par 3 b.t.w.
6th at Gatton Manor.
i.i.r.c. this is the view after a cracking drive. Otherwise, all this awaits a mid iron.....nervy or what.
TonyN
Money List Winner
Great post this and its very similar to a post I was dreaming up on the plane this morning. (stay tuned)
I always thought a signature hole was decided by the club, (designer or owner etc)
I think the signature hole basically comes down to the one that looks the best, character, presentation etc.
My club has an island green for the 17th par 3. They class it as the signature hole. It is very fun to play but not exactly gold to look at.
I prefere the 14th at my club. I cant really give it justice by describing it but it has big banks on both sides with deathly rough awaiting anythin less than straight. The green is raised with about 5 pot bunkers staring you in the face with a menacing grin! Get close enough to float a wedge in and land it anywhere within 2 putt territory and it makes the whole round feel twice as good, no matter how poor you have been playing.
I always thought a signature hole was decided by the club, (designer or owner etc)
I think the signature hole basically comes down to the one that looks the best, character, presentation etc.
My club has an island green for the 17th par 3. They class it as the signature hole. It is very fun to play but not exactly gold to look at.
I prefere the 14th at my club. I cant really give it justice by describing it but it has big banks on both sides with deathly rough awaiting anythin less than straight. The green is raised with about 5 pot bunkers staring you in the face with a menacing grin! Get close enough to float a wedge in and land it anywhere within 2 putt territory and it makes the whole round feel twice as good, no matter how poor you have been playing.
