Cape Hole :
The 'Cape' hole, according to C.B Macdonald, was first labeled that (not first designed) when he built the 14th at National Golf Links of America. Most people think it is the angle of the tee-ball play that makes it a 'Cape hole' - not true. The word 'cape' refers to a body of land jutting into a body of water, forming a small peninsula. Macdonald 14th 'Cape' green originally jutted into the bay, but was subsequently moved in the late 1920s for two reasons. One was that downwind, big hitters were attempting to drive the green. The second was the necessity of constructing a new access road along the edge of the shoreline.
Macdonald moved the green to the left further onto shore and surrounded it with sand. Then, Raynor (a civil engineer also) designed a new access road leading to the front gate. Cape holes come in a variety of designs. The 14th at Fishers Island, for example, requires the tee-ball to flirt close to the edge of a hazard rather than successfully attempt a carry. Even greens that jut out into midair on the edge of a precipice can be considered 'Cape-style greens' - the second green (not the second hole) at Yale was called just that in an early verbal description.
The 14th hole at NGLA. Image courtesy of GCA.Com
The finest Cape hole resides at Midocean, as perfect a combination of elements as can be found. From the tee pictured below, the left side is favored to approach the green...but the hazard makes such a shot a test of nerves.
Midocean's 5th from the tee, the finest Cape in the world. Courtesy of www.golftravelinformation.com
The green complex, shown below highlights the sloping right to left complex. An approach from the left can use the slope as a backstop, yet from the right a player is forced into a longer approach and narrower target.
The green complex at Midocean's 5th, note the slope from the right down to the left. Courtesy of www.golftravelinformation.com
The 13th at Kiawah, from the green. Courtesy of GCA.Com
The 13th at Kiawah, in front of the bunker seen in the picture above on the right. Courtesy of www.golftravelinformation.com
The 2nd hole at Yale. Image courtesy of GCA.Com
The 4th hole at Shoreacres. Image courtesy of GCA.Com
The 15th hole at Black Creek. Image courtesy of GCA.Com
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