“Mandell’s reverence
for the game’s classic courses is evident in his work at sites like the upscale Creekside Golf & Country Club
in suburban Atlanta.”
– Links Magazine

Last summer, we wrapped up construction of the final nine (of 27) holes at Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia.  One of my favorite re-designs there was the sixth hole of the white nine (completed summer of 2007).  It was a short par-four, forced dogleg thanks to a grove of trees planted to the left of the landing area.  For me, trees should never determine strategy.  They also blocked the view of the green complex from the tee, so the hole lacked aesthetic quality as well.

Army Navy Country Club - Arlington, VA - #6 White Before

My solution was to replace the trees with a series of sand bunkers along that left side which pinches the landing area for the typical long-ball hitter.  A few of those bunkers were placed closer to the green just to entice the over-confident driver who may choose to follow the line of instinct straight at the green.  To egg them on further, I created a sliver of fairway to reward the tee shot along that line.  Everyone else has a wide open fairway.  This hole is a good example of replacing a forced strategic directive with a risk-reward option that golfers of different ability can contemplate. 

Army Navy Country Club - Arlington, VA - #6 White After