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Half Set

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A half set of golf clubs is also known as a beginner set. For many of us, our first set of golf clubs was a half set consisting of a driver, 3, 5, 7, and 9 iron, and a putter. 6 clubs were all we needed and then we realised we could carry 8 more. The age-old question is: should you just because you can?

Building a Half Set

The good news is you probably have everything you need to get your first half set sorted. It’s pretty simple really, just get rid of some clubs.

Ditch the Clubs You Don’t Use

The first few clubs are pretty easy to choose. Look for wear – if your 3 or 4 iron is still in factory condition chances are you won’t miss it. It’s quite easy to go from 14 to 13 or 12… the next few get a little harder part with.

Edel EAS 1.0 Putter Half Set

The putter, in my case a made to measure Edel EAS 1.0, is the only club you don’t have to think about when choosing your half set bag.

Use Your Yardages To Lose More

After you rid yourself of the clubs you don’t use anyways, look for the golf clubs which you hit roughly the same distance. For example, your 5 wood and your lowest hybrid may go the same distance. Pick the one you’re most confident with or that is the most versatile. You probably have one or two clubs that will fit into this category. Congratulations – you’ve made it to 12 or 11 clubs without really giving anything up except your security blanket… which you don’t need anymore, right?

Be Honest With Yourself to Lose The Rest

Another way to lose a couple of clubs is to simply be honest with yourself. Until now we have focused on the top of the bag, this is where you can lose a club or too from the bottom of the bag. When was the last time you pulled off a flop shot from a downhill, tight lie to a tucked pin behind a bunker with the green running away from you after short-sided yourself? The answer to that question should indicate where we are going with this one… ditching your 64-degree lob wedge might be a good place to start.

Building a Half Set Summary

You can probably lose 3 or 4 clubs by 1) ditching the clubs you don’t use, 2) removing duplicate clubs using yardages, and 3) removing the clubs you don’t have the skill to use anyways. In truth, you will probably score better by making these changes anyways because when you remove the opportunity to play a shot you shouldn’t be attempting anyways. You’ve probably made it from 14 to 10 or 11 clubs.

Building a Half Set – Iron Options

This is where the next few clubs can pose some tough decisions. The easiest way to take the next step is to play half set Blackjack and choose Evens or Odds.

Evens Half Set

Pretty straightforward, this will leave you with the following: 4, 6, 8 irons and Pitching Wedge or 10 iron as it more or less. If you’ve followed the preceding steps, you’ve probably already dropped your 4 iron. That means you have between 4 to 6 clubs, including your putter, committed to your bag.

Mizuno JPX 900 Tour Half Set Evens

I have chosen the evens for my half set. The 8-degree gaps marry nicely with my wedge set up and I can drop the 4 iron for a hybrid.

Odds Half Set

Logically, you’ll be gaming 3, 5, 7, and 9 irons. With modern lofts, you’ll have to do some homework. If your irons are modern, super game improvement irons, check the loft of the 9 iron. It could be a little as 38 degrees. This is important when you get to the bottom of the bag, in other words, your wedges. If you have a 38 degree 9 iron and your wedge is 56 degrees, your going to struggle with hitting your numbers.

Buy a Half Set

Some boutique brands (see National Custom, Links Soul or Geom) offer a number of short set options. For example, Geom offers a Half Set (1/2 Set), a Third Set (1/3 Set), and a Quarter Set (1/4 Set). The Half Set consists of 4 clubs (21*, 29*, 37*, and 45*), the Third Set has 3 clubs (29*, 37*, and 45*), and the Quarter Set is made of 2 irons (37* and 45*). All irons have 8-degree differences between irons. Links Soul’s Colour Theory half set are Miura blades with lofts at 25*, 32*, 40*, and 49*. National Custom can do any combination you like.

Choose Your Loft Intervals

The moral of the story here is to choose your loft intervals. Industry standards (if there is such a thing?!) usually have 4-degree intervals between irons. The easy way to do it is to jump to 8-degree intervals and be done by dropping every second iron. If you go old school, you’ll have 24 degree (4 iron), 32 degree (6 iron), 40 degree (8 iron), 48 degree (Pitching Wedge), 56 degree (Sand Wedge). The most important loft is your last iron – find that and work out your wedges with consistent loft intervals.

Embracing the Half Set Movement

The half set movement is intrinsically linked to golf’s growing subgenres that have united the woke crowd lurking on social media. Tour visors, bucket hats, Sunday bags, pencil bags, leather goods, custom ball markers, pitch repair tools, and casual golf wear is all part of the scene. Whatever niche floats your boat, there is a common thread of breaking the norm and enjoying the game is of paramount importance.

Less Than 14 <14

The unofficial advocate of the half set movement is the Instagram is @lessthan14. Give them a follow and unite with other minimalists who don’t need 14 golf clubs to enjoy golf.

Half Set Sunday Bags & Half Set Pencil Bags

The beautiful thing with half sets is they are lighter and easier to carry. If you use your standard carry bag, your kit will quite literally be chattering about in your bag. A little bit like a large house, if you have it you’ll fill it. If you downsize, it’ll encourage you to walk and cement your support of the movement.

There is a load of options from the ridiculous to the sublime. An inexpensive option based in the UK is the Conybeare Golf Bag starting at £90. At the other end of the market is the Original Mackenzie Bag which landed in the UK are in the region of £800.  There are quite a few options in the middle ground – The Jones Golf Bags Original Carry Bag will set you back £159.

Making the Transition to a Half Set

The toughest part of the transition is the first step. Once you commit, you’ll realise you didn’t use the clubs you dropped and you may even see an improvement in scoring.

Half Set & Wedge Sets

Once you choose the loft interval you’ll need to sort out the bottom end of the bag. The bottom of the bag is your wedge set. If you’ve chosen an 8 degree increment, game a 54 to 56 degree Sand Wedge and be done. If I need extra insurance, I through in the Gap Wedge and Lob Wedge. As the majority of the shots are within 100 yards of the green, the extra wedges help me score if I absolutely need the help.

 

Edel SMS Wedges in 50 degrees, 54 degrees, 58 degrees for my half set.

I can put all three wedges in my bag if I feel the need for the extra shot-making options.
I can also drop the 50 degree and 58 degree for an 8-degree gap from my Pitching Wedge.

Half Set & Drivers, Fairways & Hybrids

At the other end of the bag, you’ll need to start with the yardage of your longest iron. Most amateurs hit their 3 wood the same distance as their driver. Most golfers can hit a fairway wood off the tee and through the fairway. Another easy choice if made logically and not with your ego. A modern driving iron is also a viable option. After that, you may wish to add a 5 or 7 wood and a long iron replacement hybrid and you have your short set sorted.

Callaway Deuce 2 Wood

The Callaway Deuce can be found for next to nothing. Dropping the Driver and 3 wood for a 2 Wood gives me the best of both worlds.

Callaway Half Sets

Callaway has an 8 and 11 piece set for Women and a 10 piece set for Teens. Men don’t play half sets I guess, but I digress. Despite the oversight, they do provide a couple of generic models to follow:

Women’s 8 Piece Reva  
Driver (12.5*)
5 Wood
5 Hybrid
7 & 9 Irons (33* & 43*)
Sand Wedge (56*)
Putter

Women’s 11 Piece Reva  
Driver (12.5*)
3 Wood
5 Hybrid
6 Hybrid
7, 8 & 9 Irons (33*, 38* & 43*)
Pitching Wedge (48*)
Sand Wedge (56*)
Putter

Teen 10 Piece Reva  
Driver (14)
Fairway Wood (19*)
Hybrid (27*)
6, 7, 8 & 9 Irons (32*, 36*, 40* & 44*)
Pitching Wedge (48*)
Sand Wedge (56*)
Putter

Half Set Issues

Gapping. If you follow the tips set out above, there won’t be too many holes to fill. Most golfers think they hit their numbers consistently but you’ll be doing well if your + or – 5 yards of what you think you hit it anyways.

Confidence. If you’re used to hitting numbers, make sure you have a club that suits your typical leave yardage. For example, if you love a 9 iron from 140 yards, find a way to keep that club in your bag. If you know you have a stock shot you can hit on command, keep that club and hit it.

Half Set Opportunities

Shot making. When you don’t have the number you have to manufacture a shot – the art of golf. Focus on the trajectory, shot shape, and your tempo – once you get back to trying to hit shots rather than mechanically hit numbers, I reckon your enjoyment will go up.

Fun. If you’ve handicapped yourself with half the tools available to you it’s pretty tough to take the game too seriously. Scoring becomes less important and other aspects of the game appreciate in perceived value.

Minimalism. Once you’ve been bitten by the bug you will see how many clubs you can ditch. Seven clubs is as lean as I’ve tried… the Deuce, 3 Hyrbid, 6 iron, 8 iron, Pitching Wedge, 54-degree wedge, and a putter. You’ll probably lose the yardage book and laser. The bag is light and has little storage so you don’t need a trolley or cart. If you’re playing a quick nine, one sleeve of balls, a few tees, and your divot repair tool and you’re away – liberating.

Benefits of a Half Set

We’ve scribed a few points below about the benefits of the gaming a half set, quarter set, third set or short set. If you’re playing less than 14, you’ve paid your dues.

Walking

It’s lighter. It’s quick. It’s easy. The journey from decadent materialist to golf minimalist has been documented here – take a few minutes to read about my journey here!

Short Set Sunday Bag Mildenhall Royal Worlington

A single-strap Sunday Bag at Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club.
Dew sweeping on the Sacred Nine is one of life’s pleasures.

Different & Forward Tees

With a full set, the goal always seems to be making the game a test and pushing the limits. You find yourself playing from the back tees because you have no excuse not to. With a half set, you can embrace change and even play from the forward tees or even different tees on each hole. Imagine being unencumbered and playing from the tees which make the hole the most interesting from a strategic point of view.

Game Formats

When you’re not attempting to shoot a score and go for your career-low round, you can play different formats… why not match play or foursomes? It’s quick, fun, and the game of golf that most have never experienced. It’s the perfect complement to the half set culture.

 

Tell us about how you’ve benefitted from embracing the minimalist golf movement in the comments below!

Harry Rountree

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For golfers, Harry Rountree is best known for his watercolours in Bernard Darwin’s book, The Golf Courses of the British Isles.

The Golf Courses of the British Isles

The book contains Bernard Darwin’s descriptions of various golf courses from Aberdovey to Woking in what is now The Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. Harry Rountree’s name was misspelt on the cover of the First Edition from 1910. The book’s full title was:

The Golf Courses of the British Isles
Described by Bernard Darwin
Painted by Harry Rowntree

The book contains 64 plates or illustrations of which 49 are colour and 15 are monochrome. The classic green cloth binding with gold gilt is handsome indeed! The Scottish Thistle, English Rose and Irish Clover are also to be seen on the cover.

Bernard Darwin Harry Rountree Golf Courses of the British Isles

The Early Life Harry Rountree

Contrary to popular opinion, Harry Rountree was Kiwi! Born in 1878 in Auckland, New Zealand, his father was a banker of Irish descent and his mother was a local from a prominent family. After attending Auckland’s Queen’s College, he began working at Wilson and Horton Printers designing stationery with his earliest work published in 1899.

His skill earned him work with the Auckland Weekly News which had ties to the London periodical press. By 1901, Harry Rountree was on his way to London to pursue his dream and passion. He described the decision to move in 1909 when he said: “Auckland is my native city and New Zealand is my nation…though it may be glorious for sheep, for the simple life, for lots of fun, yet it is no place for the black-and-white artist who wants to sell his wares.” His plan was to stay in London for 2 years.

Harry Rountree in London

Despite his obvious talent, Harry Rountree was but a small fish in a very large pond. He enrolled in Regent Street Polytechnic’s School of Art and made a contact who was the editor of a small magazine. His commissions for the small magazine made an impression and lead to his work being sought after. The subject matter? Mostly animals from visits to London Zoo! His obvious gift is clearly seen in the watercolour: Portmarnock Golf Club, ‘Coming Home’.

He soon became sought after and prolific. His work was seen in King Magazine, Little Folks, The Strand, Cassell’s, Pearson’s, The Sketch, The Illustrated London News, Playtime, Little Folks, Punch and countess others. Of particular note was his association with writers Bernard Darwin, PG Woodhouse and New Zealand Golf Cub member, Arthur Conan Doyle. Outside of the golf world, his most well-known illustrations are found in Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland.

Harry Rountree’s Legacy

Harry Rountree passed away on September 26, 1950, aged 72. With plans to stay in London for just two years, he made a life left a legacy that continues to be felt today. Three days after his death, an article appeared in the St Ives Times written by Bernard Ninnes stated:

“As an artist, he stood alone in his own sphere as the supreme delineator of bird and animal life. His drawings and paintings in this specialised field bore the authentic stamp of deepest study and intimate familiarity of these subjects…  his charming personality, the wit of his drawings and rare ability as a raconteur made him outstanding… He was one of the grand company of illustrators of the Edwardian and first Georgian period, a time when illustration had reached a pinnacle of excellence…”

Harry Rountree Gullane Sheep

We are in complete agreement. The detail and depth of Harry Rountree’s watercolours in the book, Golf Course’s of The British Isles are iconic. We are proud to announce that all 64 are now available for all to enjoy in our shop.

The Modern Golf Art Revolution – Joe McDonnell

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The Modern Golf Art Revolution

Evalu18’s journey to uncover and discover the greatest and most architecturally rich golf courses in the UK & Ireland has brought us into contact with many like-minded people. Modern golf art connoisseur, talented artist and life-long Hoylake member, Joe McDonnell is one of them – and his journey has become part of ours.

St Andrews Old Course WaterMap

One of the first architectural research projects Evalu18 undertook, was an in-depth study of the Old Course – nothing like aiming for the sky! The purpose? To share every last detail that had been forgotten over time.  After months of reading, research and assistance from Old Course experts such as Scott McPherson, we were feeling pretty good about the whole thing and wrote an in-depth review, but we felt it warranted something more.

We’d connected with Joe on social media and could clearly see that he had an ability to visualise courses in a way we’d never seen before. Merging our research with Joe’s creativity, we decide to make a map with all the named bunkers and other features ‘called-out’ whilst giving a ‘nod’ to the original 1924 Alister MacKenzie map. And so it began.

The St Andrews Old Course ‘WaterMap’ has been met with acclaim, with the ultimate acknowledgement coming from St Andrews Links Trust, with whom this original map is now under licence. Since then, other clubs and their dedicated members in the UK, Ireland, USA and across the globe have become eager to commission artworks in a similar style.

St Andrews Old Course WaterMap collaboration between Joe McDonnell and Jasper Miners of Evalu18.Joe McDonnell’s Process

Joe’s technique is very different from, and vastly more complex than, the many simpler course maps that are available online – most of which are created from tracing the outlines of fairways, greens and tees from Google Earth, or similar aerial map providers. They of course still have appeal, but ‘WaterMaps’, as they’ve been named, are very different – a combination of digital watercolour brush techniques and drone-derived digital terrain models.

Joe’s official course artwork always begins with a bespoke and comprehensive aerial survey which gives Joe exactly the assets he needs. Sam Cooper, a fellow Hoylake member, has been perfecting these course surveys over the last couple of years whilst completing (as restrictions allow!) his ‘Links On the Road’ tour. Rather than a simple fly-over, Sam conducts a golf architecture-grade survey which results in, among many other things, an orthomosaic – thousands of overlapping photos, which are then merged into a huge, ultra-high-resolution master image.

This source material provides the foundations upon which Joe can build his product catalogue.

Modern Golf Art Portfolio

Original WaterMaps

The original ‘WaterMap’ print was the first evolution of Joe’s golf art, where he digitally paints with watercolour brushwork techniques onto the orthomosaic and terrain model composite. The resulting artwork features a level of detail, depth and complexity that no average commissioned oil or watercolour painting ever could. What’s more, its modern aesthetic has a much broader appeal. Multiple variations of the WaterMaps can be produced, featuring a full course, individual holes or a compilation of holes.

Sweetens Cove WaterMap

3D WaterMaps

As both Joe and Sam perfected their skills, Joe started to further experiment with the 3D terrain data, which has resulted in a new WaterMap style. Whilst the print itself is flat, the 3D effect is so real, you’ll want to get up close just to check. The look of these new maps is quite different from the original, in that much more of the surrounding terrain is included. This lets Joe showcase the course in a different, more contextual way. Printed mounts are an integral part of these variants, which truly showcase the shadows and depth of the landscape. For examples, see Sweetens Cove 3D WaterMap or St Enodoc Golf Club.

Shiskine 3D WaterMap is a moder golf art technique and product by Joe McDonnell

Physical 3D Models

Launching soon! Physical 3D models of individual golf holes and full courses are in the final stages of development, so watch this space. There is simply nothing currently available that comes close to rivalling this exciting new product. Imagine being able to actually hold your favourite hole in the palm of your hand, analyse every contour and proudly place it on your desk, shelf or, for the true fan, your bedside table. Joe is currently in discussions with clubs to produce full-colour 3D relief model installations of entire courses – exciting stuff!

Silloth on Solway Golf Club 3D Model

3D Digital Course Tours

For clubs wanting to offer something truly spectacular to members and prospective customers, the same source material is also used to produce fully interactive 3D course tours – each one individually tailored to include the information a club would like to see on each hole – architectural history, yardages, facts – endless possibilities. These course tours can be seamlessly integrated into clubs’ websites with minimal setup. See Joe’s 3D course tour of Silloth on Solway Golf Club.

We’ve no doubt that this is just the beginning of Joe’s creative journey. Watch this space to see what happens next.

Join The Modern Golf Art Revolution

Evalu18 is the exclusive retail partner for Joe’s artworks – view his collection.

For more information about the full range of services Joe offers, visit his website.

The Open Rota

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The Open Rota is a list of golf clubs that are considered to be in the running to be chosen as venues for future Open Championships. An unofficial list, it is an elite collection of world-class links that will forever be part of the fabric of the game of golf.

The Open Championship has been contested 148 times with 14 golf courses used as venues. To date, the Open has been hosted 96 times in Scotland, 50 times in England and twice in Northern Ireland. No golf course in Wales or the Republic of Ireland has ever been an Open venue.

The Open Rota

There are 10 courses that are considered to be on the Open Rota. The number of Opens hosted is presented in brackets:

  1. St Andrews Old Course (29) (Played 2015/ Planned 2022)
  2. Muirfield (HCEG) (16) (Played 2013)
  3. Royal St George’s Golf Club (14) (Played 2011/ Planned 2021)
  4. Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake) (12) (Played 2014/ Planned 2023)
  5. Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club (11) (Played 2012)
  6. Royal Birkdale Golf Club (10) (Played 2017)
  7. Royal Troon Golf Club (9) (Played 2016/ Planned 2024)
  8. Carnoustie Golf Links (8) (Played 2018)
  9. Royal Portrush Golf Club (2) (Played 2019)
  10. Trump Turnberry (Ailsa Championship Course) (4)(Played 2009)*

* The R&A made a statement that The Open would not return to Turnberry for the foreseeable but did stop short of saying it would never return.

The iconic clubhouse at Trump Turnberry which is on the Open Rota.

If and when Turnberry hosts an Open is yet to be seen. Photo Credit: Kevin Murray

Formerly In The Open Rota

The 4 golf courses which have been previously hosted The Open, but are not currently considered to be part of the Open Rota, are:

  1. Prestwick Golf Club (Old Prestwick) (24)
  2. Musselburgh Links (6)
  3. Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club (2)
  4. Princes Golf Club (1)

The Open Rota

How many Open Rota venues have you played? It is an elite list and collection of courses that rival any in the world.

Perhaps a more intriguing question is: If you were to add any courses to The Open Rota, which would they be and why?

Future Open Venues

The 149th Open Championship will be played at Royal St Georges in 2021. The 150th will be played at St Andrews in 2022, 151st at Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake) in 2023 and the 152nd Open will be hosted by Royal Troon Golf Club in 2024.

Further Viewing

Click here to visit the R&A’s Open Championship website. You’ll see short films, documentaries from the 1970s until the present day. The Open is truly golf’s championship and the chance to play any course that has hosted the event should never be missed!

Header Photo Jason Livy

Bunkerless Golf Courses

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Bunkerless* golf courses capture the attention of keen golf course architecture enthusiasts. Perhaps it is the irony of great golf without a design element considered to be integral to both golf course design and strategy. Nowhere are they better presented than in England.

* As a caveat, in early golf writing bunkers were often qualified by adjectives. For example, cop-bunkers, sand bunkers or grassed bunkers. Through the passage of time, bunkers have become synonymous with sand-filled hollows of various descriptions.  

Bunkerless Golf Courses in England

England is in a league of its own when it comes to great examples of such designs. Amongst them are Berkhamsted Golf Club, Kington Golf Club, Minchinhampton Golf Club, Piltdown Golf Club, Painswick Golf Club, Welshpool Golf Club, West Manmouthsire & Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club.

Common Land & Golf

A significant factor between most of these courses is they are found on common ground. For those not familiar with this term, common land in England is ground over which other people have certain rights. Of interest, these permissions have created a symbiotic relationship with the land, its usage and the golf course architecture.

Pasturage

The most widespread right for commoners is pasturage, allowing persons to pasture cattle, horses, sheep, lamas and other livestock. Today at Minchinhampton Old, you need to play through all manner of livestock as seen in the photo below. Local rules are in place to deal with hoof marks and other ‘material concerns’ associated with the beasts.

Livestock on the common land bunkerless golf course at Minch Old.

Evalu18 Jasper Miners

Estover

Other rights afforded to commoners have affected not only the pursuit of golf but also golf course design. For example, estover rights allow commoners to take wood and use it for making implements, fences and firewood. Tree management was integral to the use of the land, albeit for survival rather than the pursuit of a sport. With the exception of Berkhamsted and Royal Ashdown Forest, the other courses mentioned are not fettered with trees and the subsequent frustrations that result.

Common in the Soil

Another example is that of ‘Common in the Soil’. This right allowed commoners to extract sand, gravel, marl, stones, lime and other minerals. The remaining quarries and pits have been used to good effect as hazards and green sites as seen in the photo below of Minchinhampton Old. In fact, Hebert Fowler and James Braid used these manmade features in their design at Yelverton Golf Club.

The old quarry used as a hazard at the at a bunkerless golf course.

Evalu18 Jasper Miners

Planning Restrictions & Bunkerless Golf Courses

Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club is bunkerless not because it is common land but because the Ashdown Forest is protected from any alterations made by man. The course needed to be built without any need or reliance on artificiality, bunkers included. What could have been considered a restraint worked in the club’s favour as the course needed to make use of what nature offered? In this case, its weakness has become its strength.

The 5th and 6th greens at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club.

Kevin Murray

Maintenance & Bunkerless Golf Courses

Piltdown Golf Club was designed and built with sand bunkers. During WW1, maintenance budgets and manpower were limited so the bunkers were allowed to go to grass and replaced with heather banks. Since then, with reduced maintenance costs, no one seems to have missed them…

A photo of the 15th hole at Piltdown GC.

Kevin Murray

Bunkerless Golf Courses & Architecture

The aforementioned golf courses exist in this form for a variety of reasons. What is for certain is most individuals playing them would not even notice they are missing one of golf’s most beloved hallmarks unless it was pointed out. That begs the questions: Are bunkers really needed? Is it a design element that is overlooked?

Bunkers – Are they even needed?

The answer to the question is ‘No’, as is proven by the six courses previously mentioned. It is, however, an entirely different question to ask if the courses would be improved if they did have bunkers. Golf in its simplest form requires a ball, stick and hole. In the modern age, teeing grounds, putting greens and fairways would be considered essential, if not elementary. It must be said though that for golf to be truly engaging, topography or ground contours assist greatly.

Golden Age Golf Course Architecture Principles

Alister MacKenzie’s 7th principle of golf course architecture states: ‘The course should have beautiful surroundings, and all the artificial features should have so natural an appearance that a stranger is unable to distinguish them from nature itself.’ It is interesting that bunkers themselves mimicking seaside dunes have become ‘naturalised’ elements of inland golf. I guess this is exactly what Alister was alluding to. When introduced, artificial features should ‘look’ natural. Reading between the lines, he wasn’t saying that artificial features don’t have a place but should appear as though they do and have occurred naturally.

Is necessity the mother of invention?

When you can rely upon exciting topography, epic views and have the equipment and budget to literally make and move mountains, the tendency could easily be to simply do so. Perhaps being handcuffed by not being able to add bunkers makes the architect work harder to make the most of what he has. When restrictions are imposed, the metal of the architect is really put to the test. When you can hide behind smoke and mirrors, it would take a motivated individual to still create the current iteration even if bunkers would have been in his or her arsenal.

Perhaps this is why each of these bunkerless golf courses stands out amongst its peers. Kington Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in England. Minchinhampton Old provides outstanding value for money and would be shown more love if it the average golfer wasn’t caught up with the green speed and cross-hatch mowing lines. Painswick Golf Club is just one of 18 golf courses in all of the UK & Ireland which made Tom Doak’s Gourmet Choice. The remaining could equally be given the same plaudits.

Bunkerless Golf Courses Summary

When you consider the benefits of bunkerless golf courses, does it seem logical that we will see more of them? One would think so! They’re unique, different and exciting. They offer a potential reduction in maintenance costs – depending on what is used in place of them. There is of course no perfect solution as any element of a golf course needs to be maintained. Grassed hollows present a unique challenge and, depending on the local circumstances, a lot of variety in construction and design.

Just as exciting is the prospect of seeing more above-ground features. Brian Schneider and Blake Conant have done exactly that at Llanerch CC in PA, USA. Reminiscent of the above-ground features found at Walton Heath, could this be the watershed moment for fewer bunkers and more above-ground features? Cyclical, some of golf’s most iconic designs include these features, such as the Dell and Klondyke at Lahinch. If it worked then and have stood the test of time, the principles therein must provide the basis for design moving forward.

In addition, those who move the needle with regards to golf course design have successfully pulled it off. The popular Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design at Bandon Dunes known as the Sheep Ranch has received rave reviews. Make no mistake, when those at the forefront of the industry create a wake, it allows the rest to follow behind. A case and point approach calms the nerves of most more than investing in being the first to break new ground.

We will have to wait and see, but for some courses, fewer bunkers may be a fine solution. In any event, this just may be the genesis of a movement in golf course design and architecture. The famed golf course architect, Robert Hunter wrote when surveying JF Abercromby‘s Addington, ‘These undulations indicate the possibility of having one day a golf course so moulded that sand bunkers may be dispensed with.’ Maybe that day has now come?

Further Reading

A very interesting read is Ian Andrew’s ‘A Complete Look at Bunkering’

Golf Gifts

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Golf gifts are a tricky thing to get right. Whilst your loved one may thank you for the golf ball monogrammer, it’ll end up on eBay as soon as they get the chance. Evalu18 is here to help you navigate the minefield that is golf gift-giving for Father’s Day, Christmas and every occasion in between. Evalu18 presents the ultimate golf gift guide.

Buy These Golf Gifts

The best golf gifts are both practical and have longevity. Golf balls get lost, most practice aids don’t work and unless you are buying gag gifts, most other options fall flat.

The Ultimate Gift For The Golfer With Everything

Struggling to find the perfect golf gift for the serious golfer who has it all? Why not get him the one thing he doesn’t have yet – a made to measure putter from The Putter Tailor? An Edel EAS Putter or set of Edel SMS Wedges that have been custom-fit is the ultimate gift. The experience is akin to a bespoke Savile Row suit fitting and each handcrafted putter is never off the peg. A fitting or executive service is available for the more discerning.

Give the Gift of Golf

The one thing golfers like to do more than anything else? Play golf. Why not get them a game on a course they’ve always wanted to see? Perhaps a green fee to their dream course or contribution towards it?

Any course on the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World Rankings would be appreciated – find them here. If you want to cast the net a little wider, check out our Bucket List Collection. What to keep their partner happy as well? The Total Package Collection with identify venues that have pursuits for all tastes.

Golf Gifts Which Keep Giving

The newsstands are full of golf magazines that are filled with hints and tips that promise extra distance, slice cures and the latest equipment. For quality golf journalism and long-form writing, your best bet is independent golf titles. The best bit? They come at various intervals throughout the year!

There are a few options – for some homegrown content, The Links Diary is a Scottish golf magazine and the latest addition to the craft magazine movement. One of the best-written magazines with contributions from world-class journalists is McKellar Magazine. Catalogue 18 is a coffee table magazine that is unique and full of visual stimulation. Caddie Magazine is a personal favourite – Australia based, it offers a twist and flair unseen in any other offerings. Lastly, the magazine that started the revolution – Golfers Journal. If you want to show the golfer on your list that you care, get them a subscription or back catalogue of these epic magazines.

A nice idea is a magazine subscription, such as Golfers Journal as shown.

Golf Course Architecture Books

Golf course architecture is a passion of many and unknown to even more. There is a growing awareness of the topic and the golfer on your list is keen, these will be of interest. If they are just beginning on the journey down this rabbit warren, our Beginners Guide will get them going. If you know they have an interest already, getting them a copy of any one of these golf course architecture books won’t go amiss. Finally, if you want to sort them out and with digital copies, find out how by clicking here.

Golf course architecture books are a good idea, such at this book written by Tom Simpson.

Ultimate Golf Gifts

Golf Art

Modern golf art takes many forms. Whether its fine art or photography, Shop.Evalu18.com has got the best options available. These museum grade fine art pieces represent great value for money that you won’t find anywhere else.

Digital Watercolours

Joe Mcdonnell has established himself as an innovative and exciting artist that is pushing the boundaries of golf art. A keen golfer, artist, historian and golf course architecture student puts him at the forefront of the modern golf art movement. Check his collection out here.

A piece modern golf art by Joe Mcdonnell of The Island Golf Club.

Golf Course Photography

Evalu18 has partnered with world-renowned golf course photographers such as Kevin Murray, Gary Lisbon and Kevin Markham. Up and coming photographers, such as Adam Toth, are creating a buzz with a new take on best practice.

A golf course photograph by Kevin Murray.

 

Oil Paintings

Michael Miller and Simon Dalby have worked with Evalu18 to make some of their most profound works available for purchase. A more traditional product, they are perfectly suitable for even the most refined spaces.

A golf course oil painting by Michael Miller of Pinehurst.

Harry Rountree Watercolours

The ultimate golf gift for golf historians and Bernard Darwin fans, these digitally remastered watercolours from the book, Golf Courses of the British Isles, are a very rare gift that offers tremendous value for money.

A watercolour by Harry Rountree.

Don’t Buy These Golf Presents

We’re not telling you how to spend you’re hard earned dosh, but there is a reason why No Laying Up holds a competition every year for the worst golf presents on Boxing Day. What are the perennial winners? Practice Aids, gimmicks and cheap golf equipment.

Green Light Golf Gifts

Golf is a highly personal endeavour and unless you know exactly what kit the golfer on your list games, steer clear. There are exceptions to the rule. For example, Titleist Pro V1 and Titleist Pro V1-X golf balls will always be looked on favourably. They are the gold standard and you can’t go wrong even if it’s not their preferred ball. The age-old adage is ‘you get what you pay for.’ This is especially true with golf gear.

Golf Art

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Walnut framed oil paintings are great in the smoking rooms of legendary clubhouses, but if you’re after modern golf art – we’ve got you covered! Evalu18 presents fine golf art for the modern home or workspace.

MODERN GOLF ART

GOLF COURSE MAPS

Digital Watercolours by Joe Mcdonnell

Not since Dr Alister MacKenzie has there been a map like this. Modern in concept and design, own a piece of The Old Course or even the whole course! Click here to visit the online shop! Prolific, his portfolio is continually improving and growing.

A modern golf art course map of The Old Course St Andrews by Joe Mcdonnell.

 

GOLF COURSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Golf Course Photographer Kevin Murray

World renowned photographer Kevin Murray has curated a bespoke collection of unique photographs from his back catalogue exclusive to Evalu18. Take a look at his inspiring work here.

A golf course photograph by Kevin Murray.

 

Golf Course Photographer Adam Toth

Canadian Adam Toth is Dublin based and gaining considerable attention as an aspiring professional photographer. His unique style is a modern take on more traditional golf photography. Take a look at his work on The Shop.

A golf course photography print by Adam Toth.

OIL PAINTINGS

Michael Miller

World-renowned, fine art oil painter, Michael Miller is best known for his illustrations in Geoff Shackelford’s many golf course history and golf course architecture books. His prints are now available exclusively to Evalu18.

A golf course oil painting by Michael Miller of Pinehurst.

GOLF ART WATERCOLOURS

Harry Rountree Golf Course Watercolours

One of golf’s greatest artists is Harry Rountree. His collection of watercolours from Bernard Darwin’s Golf Courses of the British Isles is one of the most iconic in the history of the game. These have now been digitally remastered and are available as fine art giclee prints on Shop.Evalu18.com.

A watercolour by Harry Rountree.

We are continually adding and refining the selection of artists and products in the shop. Follow us on social media or sign up to our newsletter to stay informed! We will never spam you and only contact you when we truly have exciting offers we know you’ll appreciate.

Template Holes

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Template Holes have become increasingly popular and an awareness of them are on many golfers radar. Much of the interest is due to a resurgence in the appreciation of CB Macdonald’s & Seth Raynor’s golf course designs, especially at National Golf Links of America (NGLA).

Interestingly, the American template holes often get more attention than the originals. Below, we look at the originals found in England and Scotland.

CB Macdonald’s Template Holes & The Originals

 

Sahara Template Hole

2nd NGLA & 3rd Royal St George’s Golf Club

  • CB Macdonald admits the hole is not a replica but rather the NGLA template hole embodies the underlying design principle. The design principle, or identifiable characteristic, is a golfer is rewarded for successfully carrying an immense bunker after which the ball can run to the green. At Sandwich, the carry is not over a bunker but a waste area.

Alps Template Hole

3rd NGLA & 17th Prestwick Golf Club

  • The Alps is an Old Tom Morris original design (possibly altered imperceptibly by James Braid) and is the oldest single golf hole in Open Championship Golf. Identifiable characteristics include a blind approach over hidden bunkers to a punchbowl green. The approach must be carried rather than ran in.
The massive Sahara bunker at Prestwick Golf Club. The basis for the Alps Template Holes.

Mark Alexander

Redan Template Hole

4th NGLA & 15th North Berwick Golf Club

  • The most popular of all templates, but what exactly is it? “Take a narrow tableland, tilt it a little from right to left, dig a deep bunker on the front side, approach it diagonally, and you have the Redan.” – CB Macdonald. The green falls away sharply from the player with a terrifying bunker guarding a direct line. Interestingly, a redan is not solely a golfing term. It can also refer to an arrow or V-shaped fortification with banks forming part of the protection. The approach must be made from the back or opening of the V. The original falls away from right to left, with the V pointing left. A reverse Redan would mirror these same elements but in reverse.

Short Template Hole

6th NGLA & 4th Royal West Norfolk Golf Club

  • It’s all in the name. A short hole with disastrous consequences for failing to reach the putting surface. The original 5th is now the 4th and is the iconic showstopper at Brancaster. Sleepers line the elevated putting surface where the cup is obscured from view. Many of the famous green sites stateside feature a square or horseshoe shape along with a ‘thumbprint’ contour on the putting surface.

Road Template Hole

7th NGLA & 17th St Andrews Old Course

  • Harold Hilton wrote: “No hole in existence has been the innocent cause of so many opprobrious epithets and language of so lurid a hue as the Road Hole.” Why the sentiments? The identifiable characteristics include a dogleg and hazard which needs to be carried at the apex. The original now features a hotel and replica drying sheds. Modern templates have used trees, bunkers or waste areas in lieu of a hotel at the apex. Near the green is usually a severe single bunker and road-hugging one side. CB Macdonald used a bunker on the rear of his Road template to simulate the original road.

Bottle Template Hole

8th NGLA & 12th Sunningdale Golf Club

  • A Willie Park Jr hole with a slight alteration of the green by Harry Colt. The identifiable characteristic here is an extreme narrowing of the fairway as you approach the hole. The neck can be restricted by a reduction in width, hazard or some other feature.

Long Template Hole

9th NGLA & 14th St Andrews Old Course

  • Considered to be one of the greatest golf holes in existence, identifiable characteristics include a three-shot hole with multiple routes from tee to green. Alister MacKenzie identified 4 routes available to the player in his book The Spirit of St Andrews. Later, Bobby Jones found another route by playing long thus leaving himself an uphill shot to the pin.

Cape Template Hole

14th NGLA & 1st Machrihanish Golf Club

  • Supposedly the best opening hole in golf, the first at Machrihanish could be called a Cape. There are two identifiable characteristics. Firstly, a bite off as much as you can chew tee shot. (As a well-known example, take Herbert Fowler’s 18th at Pebble Beach Golf Links) Secondly, a green precariously situated near the water’s edge. The opening hole at Machrihanish isn’t a true Cape as per CB Macdonald’s iteration and improvement stateside.

Leven Template Hole

17th NGLA & 16th Lundin Links

  • Originally, 18 holes were shared between the towns of Leven and Lundin called Innerleven Links. It was the 7th hole on this course which inspired CB Macdonald. After the split, James Braid redesigned the course and the Leven hole became the 16th on Lundin Links known as Trows. Leven (Trows) is an Old Tom Morris original. Identifiable characteristics include a diagonal hazard across the fairway and a green obscured from view from the tee. Visibility is incrementally rewarded for taking on the risk provided by the hazards.

Other Classic Template Holes*

 

Punchbowl Template Holes

4th Royal Cinque Ports & 9th Royal Liverpool Golf Club

  • Identifiable characteristics include a depression or “sunken green” as per AW Tillinghast’s description. These natural sites are quite common on links land and the free-draining soil allows for their use as green sites. Some are below ground level on all four sides!

Eden Template Holes

11th St Andrews Old Course

  • An Old Tom Morris original, this short par 3 features an elevated green susceptible to the wind. The identifiable characteristics include severe bunkers fronting the green and hazards behind replicating the original Hill and Strath bunkers and shoreline of the Eden estuary. Any shot that carry the green are caught by the shoreline or backing hazard.

Dell Template Holes

6th at Lahinch Golf Club

  • Identifiable characteristics include a blind tee short to a completely hidden green site. Popular in the UK and Ireland, most Dell templates have been watered down due to the potential for litigation or a growing aversion to blind shots.

A photo of Dell at Lahinch Golf Club. The basis for many template holes.

Cardinal Template Holes

3rd Prestwick Golf Club

  • The hole itself, probably an Old Tom creation, is dubbed Cardinal. (Possible alterations by James Braid in 1918 and 1930) However, the bunker of the same name is what has gained notoriety. Identifiable characteristics include a double dogleg and severe hazards. The original has out of bounds down the right side and severe bunkers midway through the hole.

Maiden Template Holes

6th at Royal St George’s Golf Club (No Longer Exists)

  • Similar to a Dell. The original from 1887 was completely blind over the largest dune in Championship golf. The original tee was located on the left side of the current 5th fairway. By 1910, the tee placement was moved so the shot needed to carry a smaller dune. In the 1930s the tee was again moved, removing all blindness, to its current position. Jason Livy wrote an excellent article along with excellent photography which can be found by clicking here.

Postage Stamp Template Holes

8th at Royal Troon

  • Known by its relation in size to its namesake. The identifiable characteristic is a very small green… no larger than a postage stamp! While the green size is easily replicated, what makes the original so unique is the constant shifting of the wind which seems to exist around the hole. Its

Littlestone Template Holes

16th at Littlestone Golf Club

  • The identifiable characteristic for CB Macdonald was a dogleg left. Playing along the dogleg it would be a three-shot hole. Played directly to an alternate fairway would allow a player to cut the corner and get home in two shots.

*These classic golf holes were identified in the book Classic Golf Hole Design by Robert Muir Graves and Geoffrey Cornish.

Template Holes Summary

A heightened awareness of template holes and their characteristics can only be a good thing for golf and golf course architecture. Perhaps as the rising tide of awareness swells, the originals will again become as revered as the holes they inspired.

Read More About Template Holes

Click here to read The Fried Egg’s article featuring the Alps, Leven, Redan, Biarritz, Punchbowl, Road, Cape Eden and Short Template Holes.

Classic Golf Hole Design is perhaps the seminal written work on template holes. Click here to read the synopsis and buy the book.

Another terrific resource is George Bahto’s book about CB Macdonald – The Evangelist of Golf.

CB Macdonald’s Ideal Holes

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In 1897, CB Macdonald wrote that the ideal golf links, let alone a collection of ideal holes, were yet to be constructed in America. Requiring 18 ideal holes, sandy soil and time to develop, Long Island was earmarked as an ideal location.

Spurned on by an article in Golf Illustrated regarding golf’s best holes, CB Macdonald questioned architects and professionals in Great Britain which holes were considered to be best. Armed with responses, CB Macdonald travelled to Great Britain to gather material, survey the holes and make maps in 1902.

Consensus Best Holes

One-Shot Holes

Eden High Out – 11th at St Andrews Old Course

Redan – 15th at North Berwick West Links

Two-Shot Holes

Alps – 17th at Old Prestwick Golf Club

Three-Shot Holes

Long – 14th at St Andrews Old

Road – 17th at St Andrews Old

A photo of the book Scotland's Gift Golf by CB Macdonald. In it he lists his ideal holes.

Evalu18

Return to America

Returning to America in 1906, CB Macdonald had with him 30 or so sketches of ideal holes. CB Macdonald had identified the following 18 holes – 17 of which existed in England or Scotland. After gaining 70 subscribers and $1000 from each, CBM began setting out his National Golf Course of America (NGLA) on March 11, 1908.

The 18 Ideal Holes

Bottle Hole – 12th at Sunningdale Golf Club Old Course

Narrows – 14th at North Berwick Golf Club – West Links (Perfection Green)

15th at Muirfield (Camel’s Back Green)

Cartgate Out – 3rd at St Andrews Old Course

Redan – 15th at North Berwick West Links

16th at Littlestone Golf Club

4th at Royal St George’s Golf Club (Sandwich)

Short – 5th (now 4th) at Royal West Norfolk Golf Club (Brancaster)

9th at Leven – ??

9th at Royal West Norfolk Golf Club (Brancaster)

Sahara – 3rd at Royal St George’s Golf Club (Sandwich)

Road – 17th at St Andrews Old Course

High In – 11th at St Andrews Old Course

Cardinal – 3rd at Old Prestwick Golf Club

Long – 14th at St Andrews Old Course

12th at Biarritz (France)

7th at Leven – now 16th at Lundin Links

Alps – 17th (former 2nd) at Old Prestwick Golf Club

8th St Andrews New Course

Ideal Holes Conclusion

Curiously, not all holes are reflected at NGLA but most elements are, some composite in nature. Template Holes are not synonymous with replicas nor are they copies. Both CB Macdonald and Alister MacKenzie at Augusta National explained they were using elements in order to produce classic holes.

The foldout map in the book Scotland's Gift Golf.

Private Golf Club Experiences

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Private Clubs in the UK & Ireland are a rarity but the allure of private golf club experiences is unmistakable. Whether the golf is indeed better can be argued but it does seem sweeter if you find yourself on the inside rather than the outside of the gate.

Most private golf clubs in the UK are accessible if an approach is made in the right manner. Rye Golf Club, for example, is a private members club which allows visitors at the Secretary’s discretion. Muirfield is another which allows visitors but only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The club remains a private club five days a week and open to the public two. Swinley Forest Golf Club allows a small number of visitors weekdays by prior arrangement – with your best bet being a cordial email. Hogs Head is said to be built for friends by friends but 20% of the annual rounds are set aside for strangers! You’ll need to contact them in advance and the privilege with a mandatory caddie will set you back €375!

A photo of Hole 4 at Swinley Forest Golf Club.

Swinley Forest is a private club which is worth every effort to play.

Private Golf Club Experiences

The Rennaissance Club is a private members club. The Renaissance Experience gives members of the public the ability to play the links and enjoy a three-course lunch on a Monday or Wednesday. Another option is to choose The Renaissance Experience Overnight Stay Option which allows multiple chances to play the course during a stay of up to a week. The Member’s Lodge and Villas provide some of the most refined accommodation in East Lothian. Make sure you make the most of your stay as non-members who have their request approved can only come once. If you want to come again, you’ll need to be a member…

Carnegie Links at Skibo Castle is not a private golf club but rather a private club with a golf course. The Carnegie Links Experience allows one fourball to tee off at 9 a.m. Monday to Friday from June until September. The Experience includes access to the practice facilities, a round of golf, refreshments from the Golf Steward’s Cart at 11 a.m., complimentary use of fully stocked halfway house after the 5th and 12th holes, a wee glass of Skibo’s own whisky on the 18th green, a complimentary gift bag and a three-course lunch. You also have access to the Skibo Shop which is usually reserved for guests resident at the club. The experience will cost you £350 in 2020.

Centurion Club – The Golf & Dining Experience at Centurion Club includes golf, lessons with former Walker Cup player Raymond Russell and a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings. The day will set you and your mates back £1200 (£400 each) in the summer and £1000 (£333.33 each) in the winter.

The Centurion Golf Club allows a Private Golf Club Experience for £400!

Centurion Club is located near St Albans just outside London.

Private Clubs Without Experiences

Bearwood Lakes – There is no pay and play option. The course is for the pleasure of members and their guests.

Beaverbrook – Don’t be fooled… the resort and golf club are run separately and staying in residence at the resort won’t help get you a tee time…

gWest – Perhaps the most difficult place to play in the UK. No experience days or any other avenues to play the course are known.

JCB – Membership is reserved for corporate clients and their guests. There is no pay and play option available no experience days to be had…

Leckford Estate – Old Course – It is a private members club but societies of 8 or more can book to play.

Loch Lomond – The privilege to play the course is extended only to members and those expressly invited by the club.

Queenwood – Perhaps the most elusive club in England you’ll need to know the international jet set to get behind the gates.

Royal Automobile Club – This is a private members club with a golf course. With 1000’s of members the odds are better you can use a connection to open the gates!

The Wisley – The club is owned by its members which are 700 strong. There are no ‘experiences’ available.

Wentworth – Under new ownership a new debenture model was introduced allowing individuals and their families to become members of one of the world’s premier golf and country clubs. There is no experience day available.

The 18th green and clubhouse at Royal Automobile Club.

The grand clubhouse at the Royal Automobile Club in Epsom, Surrey, England.

Missing Private Golf Club Experiences?

If we have missed any of the experiences let us know! Have you stumped up for the privilege? Was it worth it? We would love to know – please leave us a message below.

Royal Albatross London