In the modern game of golf, defending against long-bombing assaults has become a central question. Traditionally, tournament organizers adjust course setups by drawing back tees, firming up greens, tucking hole locations, and adding rough to pinch fairways. However, architect Kyle Franz suggests a different approach rooted in design rather than course setup. He believes that the best way to stand up to big-hitting players is to draw inspiration from historically significant courses like the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland.
The Old Course at St. Andrews, which has remained an entertaining and challenging course for over 600 years, presents a balance between width and strategically placed hazards. According to Franz, wide fairways can be fun but can also diminish shot values if there are no proper consequences for wayward shots. The 13th hole at St. Andrews, a 465-yard par-4, is a prime example of a hole that challenges players with its fairway bunkers and guarded green. Franz specifically praises the design of the 13th hole for providing clear and specific routes for players to navigate.
Franz points out other examples of strategically designed holes, such as the hog’s back feature on the 5th hole at National Golf Links and the split-winged fairway on the 15th hole at Seminole. These design elements force players to think strategically rather than relying solely on power and distance off the tee. In a recent interview on the Destination Golf podcast, Franz discussed his experiences in golf course design, including restoration projects on Donald Ross courses and the development of his original courses like the newly opened Karoo Course at Citrus Farms in Florida.
In addition to his golf course design work, Franz also has an interest in designing sports stadiums. He shared his top four favorite sports stadiums in the interview, omitting Fenway Park from his list. Franz’s approach to golf course design emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking and shot values, especially in an era dominated by long hitters. By incorporating elements like strategically placed hazards and unique design features, courses can provide a more engaging and challenging experience for players of all skill levels.
