I must say tree’s hindering the desired golf shot has been a pet dislike of mine for my entire golfing career as well although as a confirmed slicer I am generally trying to find my way past the big Fig tree on the right side opposite the bunkers on the 1st West. However I think Richard raises a valid point about the hole. Some may argue that you shouldn't hit it there in the first pl ace but if that was a genuine argument then no pl ayer should ever compl ain about a bunker anywhere ever again.....as if that's going to happen!! It could also be argued that you don't necessarily have the right to pl ay forward towards the green when you are in a bunker (hazard) and a chip out sideways may be the order of the day as is expected at The Open at Royal St Lytham last night.
And do we just stop at 1st West or remove other trees that impede recovery from a bunker as per the photos below? As a bit of an exercise I thought I would let the readers have their say and would like to get your opinions on the matter. Please either add a comment to the blog or if you are unsure on how to do that then pl ease email me direct at peterl@cooltweedgolf.com.au and I will let you know the results in a few weeks.
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| LHS bunkers 1st West |
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| LHS fairway bunker 18 River |
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| Drive bunkers on 10 West |
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| Drive bunkers 2nd West |
Great Post Peter. I wouldn't change it. Playing a low hook out of that bunker is very satisfying.
ReplyDeleteI would have thought that the four bunkers (pictured) were originally designed that if you were in them you would have had a shot from them unobstructed by trees. One possible choice is to leave the trees that are now an integral part of the course and replace the bunkers with mounds covered by lengthy grass. The mounds would still provide a challenging recovery shot, and, if bunkers are as expensive to maintain, as I am lead to believe, we would also be reducing our ongoing maintenance costs.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with J&J Long that bunkers are expensive to maintain but you could not get rid of all the offending ones especially the 10th West driving bunker it is an integral part of the course,maybe just trim those trees slightly so the gap is not as narrow.
ReplyDeleteI read the article in Aust Golf Digest and had a bit of a chuckle because I often land in that bunker, or just short of it. Being a left hander, it is the most common flight plan as many of my fellow lefties would concur. It would be a nice solution to trim some of the offending tree as it would make a recovery shot that much easier. However, I also believe that you must pay the penalty for a wayward shot.
ReplyDeleteGrant Evans
Upon reflection I feel that bunker does nothing for my handicap. Trim away please.
ReplyDeleteI would also include the drive bunker on the RHS of 14th River which has the big tree further blocking the shot to the green. As this bunker must require a lot of maintenance with the overhanging gum trees, should it be filled and grassed? Further, as I believe Richard is a member of our club, should we take advantage of his expertise on other matters?
ReplyDelete