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I'd been golfing lately when I came across a recognizable hole that has given me large amounts of suffering in the past few rounds. It isn't an exceptionally difficult par five however a score will increase to a seven or eight with just one bad decision. I consider this an excellent golf hole, and it got me thinking about just what it is which makes for a great hole when we play golf. Obviously that is actually an individual thing, and even professional players point out great golf holes that for them are particularly difficult. For those professionals it presents a big challenge because they have the tools to deal with. Nevertheless for a 10 to 20 handicapper a hole such as that is usually too great an obstacle. And so for me those don't characterize outstanding golf holes simply because a skilled golfer believes it is. Personally the best golf holes embody choices; ways in which players at all levels may negotiate the hole by hitting shots that they are well effective at hitting. For instance, should a player who normally plays bogey golf has a string of golf shots they ought to complete on a consistent basis, through making the proper alternatives they ought to be in a position to achieve a bogey. The scratch golfer by hitting golf shots he is capable of hitting should be able to achieve at minimum par, though there is going to be greater risk-reward trade-offs. In any case, with not executing the appropriate golf shots and making the right choices should result in a high score. Applying this standard it would not be possible for every golf hole on the course to be great. Certain things may be accomplished using bunkers and other obstacles, but course architects have to use the topography pretty much the way it is. I'm sure that every hole if it's possible should have those reward-options, and a golf course architect should be able to find at least 2 or 3 such holes that fit the bill. When we examine many of the great Scottish golf courses and hear commentators say that it's unfair if they hit some pot bunker that's situated in the fairway with an enormous drive. Hitting one of these might demand that the player have to in fact hit the ball backwards in order to continue to the hole. But a hole like that brings out the strategies that should normally be a part of the golf game. The player could certainly take that pot bunker from play by intentionally hitting a shorter shot, but that will give him a longer shot into the golf green. The fantastic golf holes should never be about merely striking the shot farther, but making good choices and carrying out good shots. If you are into golf like we are, we invite you to check out our website http://golfshortgames.com, as well as an article on tips on drawing a ball with your driver. Jim O'Connell is an avid golfer and writer living in Chicago.
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