24 SKETCHBOOK Arcola Country Club Andy Staples, ASGCA The par-four sixteenth at Arcola Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey, where Andy Staples, ASGCA, is overseeing a renovation. “The existing hole was a short-to-mid length par four, bisected by a creek and playing to two greens,” says Staples. “The original left green was heavily sloped and placed at an awkward angle, while the right green was further back, presented a different design style and was built to receive shots from a completely different angle.” Staples’ plan is to unify the design of the hole, put a premium on the approach angle and renovate the green to a style inspired by original course designer H.H. Barker. “The existing creek was realigned to allow for a more conservative tee shot to the left, while delivering a true risk-reward decision on the right,” says Staples. “The green is best approached from the right, with an open entrance and the widest margin for error. The approach from the left, which has a more generous landing area, presents a narrower angle to the green and is made more difficult by uneven lies, mostly with the ball below the feet.” Staples is largely remaining faithful to his sketch with small tweaks made to how the creek interacts with the right side of the fairway and moving the bunkers on the left closer to the tee. “The green allows for running shots from the right, while an approach from left will require a lofted shot with spin,” says Staples. “The green contours drain from back to front, with a slight rise along the back edge to help support shots coming in from the left. Barker’s other designs, such as his Rumson course in New Jersey – noted on a 1930 aerial – provided inspiration. “This hole was the one the membership was most excited to see improved. It now plays as a true risk-reward hole to begin the closing stretch.” • Image: Andy Staples, ASGCA
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