What makes "A Good Golf Hole"

[HomerJSimpson]

Has to be visually interesting, ideally with some strategic bunkering for both the average club player (200-230 yard range) and more to make the big hitters think (250-260). Has to be not too long to offer everyone a chance to have a chance of hitting the green and ideally with a contoured green without it being silly. Good greenside bunkering too. I'd like a natural brook or stream and maybe an old stone wall at some point

 

[patricks148]

And you will appreciate that most links courses are in Scotland and baked hard fairways are not always the norm even in summer.:thup:

what did you think of the 16th?

 

[FairwayDodger]

You should. There's a great par 5 with a burn going across at 280 yards. I'll show you how to take it on.

That's a brilliant risk/reward hole from the red tees - 200 yard carry to clear it but that brings the green right into play for the second shot.

 

[Rlburnside]

what did you think of the 16th?

We got a heavy downpour for the last 5 holes so I can't remember much about the closing holes.

 

[Rlburnside]

Guess we'll just have to disagree on that one because I've played a lot of links golf in Scotland and had plenty of run on the ball.

Its ok to disagree sometimes makes life interesting :thup: of course you will get plenty of run on a ball if it's good weather but that's not always the case in Scotland.

I have been playing for over 25 years now and played many links courses in Scotland, also played a lot of golf in the Kent, Sussex area nearly all parkland/ heathland courses and get far more run of the ball in the summer than in Scotland

 

[Ragamuffin Gunner]

id also add that good shots get rewarded and bad shots get fairly punished

for me aesthetics matter a lot hence why im not a fan of blind holes and would never call one a good hole (albeit i know others will disagree)

These are the two points I would have made. I think that “fairness” is the real key.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

I always think a hole that makes you draw it off the tee and then cut a long/mid iron into the green is a good hole.

 

[Hosel Fade]

That'll rule a lot (most even!) of James Braid openers out then! And I'd say many like that are great openers! But would make pretty/very tame finishers!

Of the many Braid courses I've played (30+) only Fraserburgh, Reading and Shanklin & Sandown have 400+yd par 4 openers. They tend to be quite easy as a general rule, mostly in the 330-370 range.

 

[Foxholer]

Of the many Braid courses I've played (30+) only Fraserburgh, Reading and Shanklin & Sandown have 400+yd par 4 openers. They tend to be quite easy as a general rule, mostly in the 330-370 range.

Given that there was a 'Sky' reference - so applicable to the tournaments/courses they are commenting on - I took the liberty of adjusting the length to 'suit' we mere mortals! Probably should have mentioned it, so apologies for not doing so! Indeed, most are 'gentle starters', but there's a distinct 'stamp' on many for a pair of bunkers at potential driving distance and at the front of the green.