It has been brought to my attention that many members, were not aware of the changes coming to Hole #10 this spring and were surprised to see what looked like disruptive change as construction progressed. I want to apologize for this as it has been in the works for a long time and since it was constantly in my life, I assumed everyone knew about it….
The changes were made for a variety of reasons, but one important consideration was to make the course more friendly to higher handicappers and beginner/occasional golfers, while still maintaining and even raising the challenge and beauty of the hole for the experienced players. Other important considerations were to reduce maintenance where possible and to enhance some of the least attractive bunkers on the course.
A couple of years ago LedgeRock was a trial course for a new USGA program to see how courses play, how layout effects players of different abilities, and how traffic patterns effect maintenance. This program, using GPS to track players, provided some invaluable information to the club. Around the same time the club was talking to Rees Jones about updating features of the course and making it easier to maintain where possible while also making it more accessible for players of all abilities. After 10 years of play, it was time to see what tweaks could be made to make the course better. Bryce Swanson (Rees’ lead designer) did an initial evaluation, and it was surprising that (unknown to him) a lot of his observations paralleled those of the USGA report.
Some of simpler and inexpensive tweaks came right away with more tree removal and the change in the fairway lines and approach on 8. The approach on 8 was changed to allow higher handicappers the option to putt from a short distance while still letting the better players chip, albeit from a tighter lie, making it a little more challenging. The interesting part was as groups came though their reactions to the changes were what we wanted to hear – the higher handicappers were delighted with the option to putt while the better players were excited about the new challenge it offered.
Now, back to the new changes this year. #10 has had the most work, and while the initial plans were carefully planned, some of the project evolved as it went along as Bryce saw how to make it better and fit with the other changes.
The redesigned 10th from new green tee (the title picture is the original design)
The new men’s green/blue tee was always part of the plan, but the club was not allowed to build it during the initial construction phase. This tee not only affords an exciting new angle to the hole, but also provides valuable teeing space as the current tee sees a lot of traffic and is always covered in divots. Further, it was decided to add a new forward tee from the same angle, that could be used on special occasions, or for those who play the gold or white tees who wanted the alternate angle, but not at the longer distance. We do not expect it to be used a lot (and hence it is not very large), but adding it at this time made sense.
The first draft for the redesign on 10
The USGA report showed that out of the 200 sample rounds recorded no one used the fairway on 10! While it was understood that some like to use it (or at least know there was a bail out), the fact stood out that it was an area that was unnecessary. Also, many felt that it looked a bit odd (like a second green), helped with the decision. Replacing it with rough makes it a slightly easier shot for anyone who may end up there, as it will be easier to hit than chipping from a tight lie. Removing the short fairway meant that the orange forward marker no longer had a home, so a small tee/ball drop was added for this purpose. This tee will become part of another hybrid course for beginners/occasional golfers, where it will be a gold/orange tee negating any shot over the pond.
Redesigned 10th from new gold tee
The new bent grass approach in front of the green was a late add on by Bryce as he noted how many people ended up short (and it has been amazing to see how many landed on it while we were working there). Now anyone that lands short of the green has the option to putt rather than chip which may make the hole more appealing.
The bunkers on 10 were some of the worst on the course both for maintenance and playability. When discussing rebuilding them it was decided to reduce the size as much as possible (for labor savings) and the far right bay near the woods was eliminated, as it never saw play. The new bunkers are lined with Blinder to ensure longevity. It will take a few weeks for the sand to fully compact at which time some more will need to be added to make sure it is all the correct depth.
The new approach on 6 was also done based on the USGA’s and the Rees Jones reports. The complaints of balls rolling right and coming to rest against the rough in a poorly draining area have been coming for years. Upon consultation with Rees, Keith Evans (Rees’ lead on the initial course design) added more fairway to the left to encourage player to go left and feed the ball onto the green. While this did work to an extent, the complaints still came about balls stopping to the right. The concern was adding fairway to the right would make it a tougher shot to the green, but after the USGA report and consulting with Bryce they said to add it.
The plans for 6
6 completed
6 completed
It still provides the opportunity to putt using the bank on the left to feed onto the green and while not the direct way, it provides a safe option to a tough shot. Sod was available from the removal of the fairway on 10, so it made sense to complete this improvement. The area was regraded so balls will not collect in the same spot and now drains better, so it should play a lot better than it did.
6 before (left) and after
The lower fairway bunker on 11 was removed as few golfers went in it, based on the USGA report. It was also a maintenance nightmare as it didn’t drain. Last year we fixed the drainage only for it to clog again a few months later. Removing it will have little effect on play. Surprisingly, removal did not affect the aesthetic, but it will save money by not requiring maintenance.
11 before (left) and after
The next project in planning is #17. There is a plan being finalized to make the hole play better for players of all abilities. The first phase is a new forward tee. This has been in the planning for a while (you may have noticed the fill being installed over the last few years). The plan is to make this part of the gold/orange hybrid course. It provides an opportunity for those players who struggle to cross the wetlands on 17 to tee up and start the hole on the green side. I believe the new tee will be about 160 yds uphill. While still providing a challenge to what is a very tough green, the planned elimination of half of the cross bunker and regrading of the bailout landing area will enhance play for ladies from the new tee and ease the anxiety of crossing the wetlands for the gentlemen, which is one of the toughest shots in golf.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please let me know: alan@ledgerockgolf.com
Sample of the information from the USGA report
Sample of Rees Jones recommendations for the course
