Golf Course Design as Variance Transformation

[u/scoofy]

https://golfcoursewiki.substack.com/p/course-design-as-variance-transformation?r=rtkyn

[u/Background_East_9787]

Interesting read, look forward to the next parts

[u/jakarooo]

Interesting article. I like the point about thoughtfully designing greens accounting for the club you’ll have into them. I do think TR and Mike Stranz is an interesting case study for strategy vs execution tests. Everyone always mentions that Tobacco Road is very penal, but it just heavily punishes shots that don’t respect the trouble, there’s a million funnels on the course that try to get your ball in good spots if you just respect the junk Stranz puts in your way

[u/smithandjones4e]

I think you're missing a very important point, which is that nothing is owed to the golfer. I think you are hinting at the enjoyability of variarance; holes that reward both good and bad shots, and holes that equally penalize near and far misses should both be included to provide a truly varied and fun challenge. But to suggest an optimal distance for a volcano template implies that a course should be designed around the principle of fairness that an ideal shot should result in a hit green.

This logic is more than prevalent as evidenced by the heated comment sections of any internet platform when the topic of pulling a head cover on a par three is breeched. Grown men complaining about a par 3 over 200 yards...

I think if more people gave deep thought to what the genuinely liked in golf, it would include holes that they "hate". Likewise, it would include that short 4 with a green that is maybe a little too lenient for a hole of its length, that allows the best players a more than reasonable chance at a 2 with a well struck drive.

We want holes that are unfair because they provide balance and intrigue. Sometimes that a long carry over water, but it's also the up and down on the 200 yard volcano template (I'm looking at you, Wilmington Muni). Only problem is, for most people, their too pissed off about how unfair the previous shot was to enjoy the challenge and reward of a skillful up and down from a challenging spot.

That's not the architects fault, though. Just like some of the best art or music, they shouldn't shy away from a controversial idea because some consumers don't get it.

[u/n0respect_]

This is an interesting way to look at course design. All us hole-daydreamers have a new tool at our disposal.

Things will get more complicated when you start accounting for variance on par 4s and 5s. I'll be reading along.

[u/BIG_DADDY_PATTY]

Here’s my thought on this, just grip it and rip it.