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2008년 5월 9일 금요일
Cruden Bay Golf Course
Last week, I wrote about Morton Hall. And in this week, I will talk about the Cruden Bay links course. On this course, I was impressed because of its majestic and fantastic routing. In 1926 the course was redesigned to the current layout by Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler. They also redesigned the St Olaf course which was opened at the same time. In routing the course, the first goal should be to explore the property and to direct the golfer to its most dramatic spots. Totally, I could appreciate the characteristic property and the fantastic dramatic views on routed spots.
This course begins with three holes below the town’s main street, which plays tantalizingly away from the ocean. On the tee of first hole, golfers cannot realize that this course is links course. There is only the land with rolling slop and gorse. However, the intention of architects might hide the surprising dramatic view on the course.
1st hole on the tee
On the first and second hole, the interesting point is that golfers on the tee 1st hole can appreciate both greens (1st and 2nd hole). On second hole, the plateau green is the feature of this hole with bunkers on the left and a big fall away on the right. This is very similar to my last project (par 5 hole on Gullane project), as the landing area of the fairway was two area (high level, and low level). High level landing area requires the accuracy of driving shot. And on this area golfer can hit the second shot easily to the green. But because of the bunker on mid-fairway, it is not easy to hit tee shot to the high level. Even the slop of high level is tilted, which makes this hole difficult. I can see the intention of preserving existing natural slop and using it as strategy.
2nd hole on the tee
4th hole on the tee
And this course turns to the sea alongside Cruden Water at the wonderful par-3 4th, where golfers are beginning a journey with leaving civilization. And next this course plows through huge dunes.
5th hole on the tee
From 5th to 8th, those holes were designed with using the huge dunes. On the second, the plateau tee offers a beautiful view. Personally, this hole is the best hole showing the characteristic topography by using the sand dunes. Especially, two sand dunes in front of the tee not only stimulate golfers’ curiosity, but also express their picturesque landscape. Strategically, the left side fairway is good position to approach the green. Two long accurate shots can reach the green.
5th hole on the fairway
On 6th hole (par 5, 525yds), there is a creek, called ‘Bluidy Burn’, which was disguised from the tee and even fairway. It can be demanding to the Golfers trying to approach the green in two shots because of the burn.
6th hole on the fairway
7th hole on the tee
On 7th hole, I could not see the green on the tee. But on the wide fairway, I could see the green elevated between two mounds.
7th hole on the fairway
And then the routing crossed over itself into the par 3, 8th hole. This is a shot par 4. This is not only a hole, but a huge natural amphitheater, which excites golfers. This hole was the climax enough to show the characters from 4th to 8th.
8th hole on the tee
After the 8th hole, When I stood on the tee, all I would want to do is admiring the view. To appreciate this majestic sea-scape, it seemed that I had walked around the site. Especially, on 10th hole, driving shot was very impressing. But it seems difficult for golfer to fall pass the burn(creek).
10th hole on the tee
Drop dramatically back to the links and play out to the far end at the 12th green; run the narrow gauntlet between the dunes and the high hill from the 14th through 16th holes, completing the southern loop of the figure-eight routing; and finally head inland to finish below the clubhouse. On the routing of Cruden Bay, the most interesting point is that the golf course is routed exactly the way I might be inclined to wander the property if there were no golf course there. This course is not only golf course, but the attraction of naturally inherited Cruden Bay.
Routing of Cruden Bay
In summary, Cruden Bay golf course took the greatest advantage of the property’s existing natural asset. These days, many modern courses, relegated to unpromising ground, rely upon the creative skills of the architect utilizing earthmovers, and the lay of the land may be of little consequence. But this course shows the correct routing through the natural terrain without the big construction. I could not find the artificial trace of the golf course. It is absolutely harmonized with the nature. On the other hands, there is a host of blind tee shorts and hidden greens. Especially, 15th hole (200yds.) was special on me, as par3 blind hole is not common. I though it was not reasonable. However, what wonderful, natural and compelling golf it is. This hole was also only the route to appreciate the landscape of Cruden Bay.
15th hole, par 3 on the tee
I will remember the Cruden bay as one of natural original courses, such as St Andrews, which let me know how much important the natural heritage and its use was.
This course begins with three holes below the town’s main street, which plays tantalizingly away from the ocean. On the tee of first hole, golfers cannot realize that this course is links course. There is only the land with rolling slop and gorse. However, the intention of architects might hide the surprising dramatic view on the course.
1st hole on the tee
1st hole on the fairway
On the first and second hole, the interesting point is that golfers on the tee 1st hole can appreciate both greens (1st and 2nd hole). On second hole, the plateau green is the feature of this hole with bunkers on the left and a big fall away on the right. This is very similar to my last project (par 5 hole on Gullane project), as the landing area of the fairway was two area (high level, and low level). High level landing area requires the accuracy of driving shot. And on this area golfer can hit the second shot easily to the green. But because of the bunker on mid-fairway, it is not easy to hit tee shot to the high level. Even the slop of high level is tilted, which makes this hole difficult. I can see the intention of preserving existing natural slop and using it as strategy.
2nd hole on the tee 4th hole on the teeAnd this course turns to the sea alongside Cruden Water at the wonderful par-3 4th, where golfers are beginning a journey with leaving civilization. And next this course plows through huge dunes.
5th hole on the teeFrom 5th to 8th, those holes were designed with using the huge dunes. On the second, the plateau tee offers a beautiful view. Personally, this hole is the best hole showing the characteristic topography by using the sand dunes. Especially, two sand dunes in front of the tee not only stimulate golfers’ curiosity, but also express their picturesque landscape. Strategically, the left side fairway is good position to approach the green. Two long accurate shots can reach the green.
5th hole on the fairwayOn 6th hole (par 5, 525yds), there is a creek, called ‘Bluidy Burn’, which was disguised from the tee and even fairway. It can be demanding to the Golfers trying to approach the green in two shots because of the burn.
6th hole on the fairway
7th hole on the tee On 7th hole, I could not see the green on the tee. But on the wide fairway, I could see the green elevated between two mounds.
7th hole on the fairwayAnd then the routing crossed over itself into the par 3, 8th hole. This is a shot par 4. This is not only a hole, but a huge natural amphitheater, which excites golfers. This hole was the climax enough to show the characters from 4th to 8th.
8th hole on the teeAfter the 8th hole, When I stood on the tee, all I would want to do is admiring the view. To appreciate this majestic sea-scape, it seemed that I had walked around the site. Especially, on 10th hole, driving shot was very impressing. But it seems difficult for golfer to fall pass the burn(creek).
10th hole on the tee Drop dramatically back to the links and play out to the far end at the 12th green; run the narrow gauntlet between the dunes and the high hill from the 14th through 16th holes, completing the southern loop of the figure-eight routing; and finally head inland to finish below the clubhouse. On the routing of Cruden Bay, the most interesting point is that the golf course is routed exactly the way I might be inclined to wander the property if there were no golf course there. This course is not only golf course, but the attraction of naturally inherited Cruden Bay.
Routing of Cruden BayIn summary, Cruden Bay golf course took the greatest advantage of the property’s existing natural asset. These days, many modern courses, relegated to unpromising ground, rely upon the creative skills of the architect utilizing earthmovers, and the lay of the land may be of little consequence. But this course shows the correct routing through the natural terrain without the big construction. I could not find the artificial trace of the golf course. It is absolutely harmonized with the nature. On the other hands, there is a host of blind tee shorts and hidden greens. Especially, 15th hole (200yds.) was special on me, as par3 blind hole is not common. I though it was not reasonable. However, what wonderful, natural and compelling golf it is. This hole was also only the route to appreciate the landscape of Cruden Bay.
15th hole, par 3 on the teeI will remember the Cruden bay as one of natural original courses, such as St Andrews, which let me know how much important the natural heritage and its use was.
2008년 5월 2일 금요일
Mortona hall-golf course analysis
- Morton hall brief information
Morton hall Golf Club was founded in 1892. Initially the course consisted of 9 holes, this was increased to 18. Willie Park, J H Taylor and James Braid were each involved in the earlier layouts and in 1979 Fred Hawtree not only designed 6 new holes but upgraded the remainder. Therefore, comparing to the Gleneagles Golf Club of James Braid, there are different things. Even on the walkway from club house to hole # 1, I felt different comparing to the original works of James Braid.
- Impressive golf course?
The difference of a good or bad golf course is not depending on the only good strategy. Personally, I believe that the fantastic landscape can be more important than strategy. Planning the impressive golf course will be depending on the value of existing landscape on the site. And then, using the existing valuable landscape as the strategy of each hole will be the most important among the process of design. Therefore, in this article I will focus on the value of view in Morton hall golf course.
When I appraise the view of Morton hall, I will record the high point except several things because Morton hall is surrounding the Braid hill in Edinburgh. Braid hill is a famous hill to show not only the historic geology but also characteristic vegetations of Edinburgh.
Morton hall Golf Club was founded in 1892. Initially the course consisted of 9 holes, this was increased to 18. Willie Park, J H Taylor and James Braid were each involved in the earlier layouts and in 1979 Fred Hawtree not only designed 6 new holes but upgraded the remainder. Therefore, comparing to the Gleneagles Golf Club of James Braid, there are different things. Even on the walkway from club house to hole # 1, I felt different comparing to the original works of James Braid.
- Impressive golf course?
The difference of a good or bad golf course is not depending on the only good strategy. Personally, I believe that the fantastic landscape can be more important than strategy. Planning the impressive golf course will be depending on the value of existing landscape on the site. And then, using the existing valuable landscape as the strategy of each hole will be the most important among the process of design. Therefore, in this article I will focus on the value of view in Morton hall golf course.
When I appraise the view of Morton hall, I will record the high point except several things because Morton hall is surrounding the Braid hill in Edinburgh. Braid hill is a famous hill to show not only the historic geology but also characteristic vegetations of Edinburgh.
Hole # 1, on the fairway(the harmonic background between gorse and rocks).
The view of the first hole is focusing on the braid hills. Even this hole is blinded even on the fairway, which makes golfer be difficult to regard the first hole as golf course. Basically, the first hole has to be easy and opening to the green. But this hole is stimulating golfers’ curiosity by using the natural topography and braid hill. Personally, I like the next second hole. After blind hole, the second hole gives the reward by showing the panoramic view on the tee of high level. The Elf Loch appears on the left, and around the loch some Pine trees was planted. The length of hole is 461 yard from the back tee, which makes a difficult par 4 hole. On the left side fairway, player can get more angle to the green.
Hole # 2, on the tee(the open view)
Hole #3: par 3 - 169yds
Hole #4: par 5 - 559yds=blinded hole (on the ridge on the fairway)
Hole #5: par 4 - 368yds=blinded hole (steep right dogleg)
Hole #6: par 4 - 333yds=blinded hole
Hole #7: par 3 - 161yds
Hole #8: par 5 - 513yds
Hole #9: par 4 - 334yds=blinded hole (steep right dogleg)
Hole #10 : par 3 - 147yds
Hole #11 : par 4 – 392yds
Hole #12 : par 5 – 500yds
Hole #13 : par 4 – 429yds
Hole #14 : par 4 – 389yds
Hole #15 : par 5 – 513yds
Hole #16 : par 4 – 335yds
Hole #17 : par 3 – 148yds
Hole #18 : par 4 - 394yds=blinded hole (steep right dogleg)
After the second shot, the routing of Morton hall is above the same. There are even 5 blind hole from the first hole to the final 18 hole. I think that blinded hole can be used as strong impressive hole. So I am not negative in designing the blind hole. But in Morton hall course, there are many blind holes. If there are affluent reasons such as the panoramic, majestic, and fantastic view of next hole or green, It will be reasonable and can be the good golf course. However, in this golf course, the use of blind holes is very often, and after the blinded shot there is no strong impression in hole [6, 9, and 18hole]. I guess that the reason is why this course was not built by one architect, and after being built, nine holes was added. Therefore, they had to squeeze the routing of hole by designing steep dogleg holes, which gave me awkward and weird impression.
Hole # 5, on the tee
on the green there is no strong impact
Hole #5. on the fairway
Also after the blinded tee shot, there is no strong impact on the green
Except the trace of squeezing the routing, the view of several hole is majestic. In there, some landscape elements such as gorse, wall, and Edinburgh view was used well.
Hole #8. on the tee
The view of Edinburgh city, wall, and vegetation is well harmonized. And the ridge on the fairway makes semi-blind, which stimulates the golfers’ curiosity.
Hole #10. on the tee
The green, angled to the tee, is surrounded by bunkers in which it is preferable to be, rather than down the steep banking on the left. And additionally, background on the green makes open view harmonizing with green well.
Hole#12. on the tee
The drive is from an elevated tee and should be shaped for distance by following the contours of the fairway on the right, which makes the hole look like natural landscape.
Hole#16.on the tee
Hole#17.on the tee
Usually, in some golf course 11-13hole or 15-17hole was highlighted, which makes golfers impressed. Also, in this course, architects focused on the view of 16-17. The view of the holes is good. But personally, I don’t like the view much. Because on second hole, I already appreciated the view such as pine, pond, and other elements. So I could not be surprised. In addition, the size of pond is not big, which is used only in par 3 to penalize golfers. Therefore, I could not be impressed so much.
When I play golf in any courses, I really enjoy the flow of view. Like that of novel, the view of golf course has to have ‘flow of view’. The flow will repeat ‘strong or weak visual impact’. If the flow is too weak or too strong, the golf course cannot be a memorable golf course. In the case of Morton hall, in some hole, it has a strong visual impact on the tee. But some blind shot or steep doglegged hole was too weak on me. Even the walk way from the green to 18hole tee was too long, which made me exhausted. Contrary to my expectation, the last 18 hole was blinded.
In conclusion, I think that totally the view of Morton hall and its use is well done. But the harmony between original hole and added hole is not natural. Especially the visual impact of last 3holes was not impressing on me. Personally, I think that Morton hall is exemplary golf course that shows the importance of renovation. It means that designing golf course is a systematic process from routing to detail design. Without these process, if some holes are added or redesign, it will be very difficult for architects to renovate it to good golf course.
Next week, I will post the article about Royal Aberdeen or Cruden bay golf course. Personally, I really like the flow of view of above golf courses and also strong visual impact in some hole. I will post about that continuously.
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