I was fortunate to play a round at the Old Course in St. Andrews this year and while I don’t have a lot to say about it (nothing too original at least), I did capture a little video which can be found after the jump.
This was only my third to time around with my sticks, although I have walked it a few other times, and what really jumped out at me was the contour of the greens. I have seen a lot of modern courses with truly wild rolls and dips and I believe many architects would point to the Old Course as precedent. Sure, the contours at the The Old Course are crazy but for the most part they are on the outside edges of the putting surface. The actual area where the pin is most likely located is actually quite tame. I had a case of the lefts that day which left me with lots of long putts from the wrong half of the double greens. It was rare if I had a putt that broke more than six inches. (more commentary and video after the jump)
I know Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse closely studied this phenomenon and incorporated it on the greens at Castle Stuart. To me it makes perfect sense especially on a site as windy as Castle Stuart where there are worries of balls moving on the greens. It creates interesting recovery shots for errant approaches and rewards stellar shots with makeable putts. Many modern greens are so rumpled that making putts is almost a crap shoot. By keeping the most extreme contour to the front, back and sides an architect can produce greens that are interesting visually and strategically without totally sacrificing playability.
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First and foremost, I like the clip. As to your point, I agree wholeheartedly. On those open courses that are exposed to the wind, the course and hole are already well defended by the element. To hit the green in a windy playing environment only then to be further challenged by potato-chip contour is unnecessary in my mind.
Some really excellent information, Sword lily I discovered this.