[TheVillageChicken]

Originally Posted by jimmy D

The problem with the Sand Bunkers (not traps) is that since they are not inside nor under roof, they are exposed to the weather and sometimes the weather plays havoc with the terrain. I would suggest to lay up short and then hit a High Pitch shot. (please fix the divot on the green) and then just 2 putt, smile and move on to the next hole. If you are continually in the Bunkers you will eventually fiqure out how to hit out from them. or don't go in them. Keep raking those Bunkers.

Since we are correcting terminology, those divots on the green are called ball marks or pitch marks. I did see Mark Calcavechia take a divot on one of the double greens at St Andrews in the 1995 Open Championship. He decided to use a wedge vs attempting a super long putt.

[mulligan]

As the villages golf courses accommodate 10,000 tee times per day, and periodically fluff up the sand as it gets packed from foot traffic, it probably averages pretty good conditions. No other golf courses get the kind of traffic ours do. I figure if you can't adjust to existing conditions, perhaps bowling is your game.

[justjim]

Originally Posted by drcar

I am a 15 hanicap, played Havanna today shot a 78, had to play out of the sand on several shots. I thought the traps were fair and the course in great condition. People here complain if the sand is to loose, compact, too much, not enough etc. The grass is too long, too short, greens too fast, not fast enought. I have played under all conditions, and learn to adjust. If i have a problem it is people not raking. Easy solition to your issue, stay out of the sand, or play some where else. By the way lets replace the sand with water hazzards and see what happens, JUST SAYING!

Congratulations on an excellent round of golf. I too find the lack of raking the traps a real problem on all Courses in TV. It's a little better on the Championship Courses but the executive's forget it!

Sand traps are high maintenance on any golf course. Everyone who has played much golf can see that the maintenance of traps in TV is minimal. However, the costs are high and a golf course, even with above average play, has a difficult time balancing the books. You can bet TV Courses have a budget and there is no plan to run a deficit!

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by mulligan

As the villages golf courses accommodate 10,000 tee times per day, and periodically fluff up the sand as it gets packed from foot traffic, it probably averages pretty good conditions. No other golf courses get the kind of traffic ours do. I figure if you can't adjust to existing conditions, perhaps bowling is your game.

Sweet.

[BarryRX]

Originally Posted by waynet

After reading some posts it quite obvious that some of you like slow shaggy greens,soft"oatmeal" sand traps,inconsistent rough,and if I don't like those things then I should stay out of the sand,or lay up short of them,or practice more or just don't play here. I guess as long as some people think that way there will be no improvements to any of the golf courses because as one of you wrote "the course is the course". That's just unfortunate.

I agree with some of what you say, but not all. I agree that I have played here when the greens were so bad that it was impossible to adjust to them. But I also think that not knowing what kind of shot I have to try from rough or a trap or a hazard is what makes golf so unique and enjoyable, and also makes me a better golfer.

[fred53]

Originally Posted by justjim

Congratulations on an excellent round of golf. I too find the lack of raking the traps a real problem on all Courses in TV. It's a little better on the Championship Courses but the executive's forget it!

Sand traps are high maintenance on any golf course. Everyone who has played much golf can see that the maintenance of traps in TV is minimal. However, the costs are high and a golf course, even with above average play, has a difficult time balancing the books. You can bet TV Courses have a budget and there is no plan to run a deficit!

if everyone would rake them properly after entering there'd be very few problems(except after a good storm). Of course perhaps 50 percent do so and that is the problem.

[er9027]

It seems to get down to the fact that some people just don't care about others. They are probably the ones that do most of the complaining. In our golf group we all try to fix two or three ball marks on the green. Same with the traps,,rake someone elses mess. Main thing is to do it in a timely manor so you don't hold up play !! Have a GREAT DAY !

[nitehawk]

Originally Posted by ednagrahm

Based on what I've seen and heard over the years, a 5 Hdcp golfer can't really relate to the over 50% of all golfers whose handicaps are 18 and above. Those in the latter category do NOT practice and should not be chastised for not doing so. All TV courses where sands traps have been recently redone have too much sand, it's too soft and it's unfortunately raked to it's thickest near the upper greenside lip. You simply don't see traps in that condition on good courses that are maintained by crews that understand golf. Can't remember ever seeing a lie on a PGA or European Tour event like those that the OP is referring to. To compare the difficulty of these soft sand traps to the Old Course at St. Andrews, as someone did, is not a rational comparison to anyone who has seen, first hand, the shape and side walls of the bunkers at that course as I have during my working career as an LPGA official. Their difficulty has nothing at all to do with the consistency of the sand. Some negative comments are justified despite the fact that many responders don't seem to understand that they just might be justifiable.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by nitehawk

[/COLOR]

Yup. Raises incentive to place them better. The game isn't EASY, you know. It is the same for everyone playing on that course that day. AND, so much easier than the original St. Andrews.


Sweetie always says, There are probably 200 courses within fifty miles of here.


It's all relative.


·The Old Course at St Andrews -

[waynet]

played Spruce Creek yesterday. Bunkers nice and firm very playable. Unfortunately the rest of course was bad. Tees not cut,fairways long,greens very slow and bumpy. Will not go back.