8th Green Expansion and Pin Placements

Every spring, before aeration, we evaluate the greens to see if there are small expansions we can do with a goal of increasing the number of pin locations. The benefits of increased hole locations are two-fold.  From a golfing standpoint these expansions create a greater diversity of pin placements by recapturing parts of the greens lost over time as the greens became slightly smaller and more rounded for what was most likely maintenance purposes.

Original size of 14 green as evident by existing rough contour

From a maintenance perspective, the expansions are just as beneficial. With the maintenance practices performed to achieve speeds in excess of 10.5, having an adequate number of hole locations on a green is as important as any other agronomic practice performed on the green.  The greater the number of pin locations that can be achieved, the better foot traffic can be dispersed throughout the green.

Throughout the past 5 years, we have received a great deal of feedback, mostly very positive, on our pin locations.  This feedback has been very helpful in selecting pin locations, particularly for member functions.  Additionally, many have asked who determines the pin locations.  A majority of the time our assistants and I will determine hole locations and for special events the locations will be jointly determined by Greg and myself.  We employ 4 dry erase books that the general pin location for the green is drawn onto each day.

Example of a drawn out pin location (tees are done is a similar fashion)

These pin locations are looked at for 3 days after a location is selected so that in a 4 day cycle we can rotate to 4 different areas of the green. We routinely try to achieve 6 forward, 6 middle and 6 back pin locations each day with an equally proportional number of left, right and center locations. A number of factors are considered when determining the exact hole location's severity. This includes the event for the day, the amount of play the course is going to get, the speed and firmness of the greens and the expected weather conditions for the day.  During the most stressful parts of the summer, July and August, we will evaluate stressed parts of the greens and keep pins away from these areas on days where there is going to be a great deal of play.  Similarly after heavy rain events we may choose locations on the drier part of a green. Ultimately, we try to create a healthy balance of rewarding, challenging and fun pin locations.

Since aerating the greens 2 weeks ago, we have expanded the green on hole 8 to encompass the whole approach.  The expansion on 8 will eventually yield some great front pin placements between the 2nd and 3rd bunker on the green.

8th green expanded

Because the agronomic practices on the approaches are identical to the greens, the ability to expand the green is possible.  Expanding just after aeration is ideal because the crown, the growing point of the plant, is still protected by the sand applied during aeration.    

On Monday, a new approach will be created that will enhance the green complex.  There is a flat area that exists above the 1st and 2nd bunker where there was most certainly an approach that existed at one time. The addition of the approach will better frame out the bunkers and green. The approach will be playable within 2 weeks.

8th green expansion and new approach line

For our maintenance staff, selecting hole locations and cutting cups is just as rewarding as a golfer making a big putt.  We take a great deal of pride in it the process involved, appreciate the feedback and will continue to explore areas for future pins.