Hole #4 is probably the least contoured green on the Vale Course. I worked with the shaper for some time to find a way to put some movement in this green but not just throw in a lot of bumps that don’t relate to anything. With a new putting surface of just over 6,000 square feet, this green had the size to have some movement. We were able to extend the green about 10’ – 12’ farther toward the back which allowed me to create a small, high area in the back, center of the green. It is not a lot higher than the rest of the green but a flag put on it will be a challenge in green reading and putting skill.
With such an uphill 2nd shot, I felt that players should be able to land an approach short and have it run on the green. But, the way the approach narrowed in front of the green, run-in shots would be very difficult. We decided to enlarge the bent grass approach areas on both sides of the green to increase the strategic options for playing the hole.
The green will have several good pin locations for tournament use. The back-center position is certainly a good one but the low area in the front-left can also be challenging. The approach to a flag in area #3 on the plan is a small target and will bring the left side bunker into play.
Installment #5 – coming soon!
Rick Robbins, ASGCA
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