Langenthorp (Beta) now published for feedback

[PhilMickLite]

Welcome to Langenthorp (Beta). I have just published a beta version of the course and I would really appreciate any comments and criticisms. I design on the original Xbox and am fairly imcompetent at tech stuff, so I don't have fancy pictures to post here, hopefully not a deal breaker

There is no deep special reason for the name Langenthorp, it just came to me one day and sounded different.

My intention was to create a realistic course, easy to walk so no need for cart paths, in a natural scenic tropical atmosphere. There are no fancy rock formations, waterfalls, large areas of grasses which don't render in the game until the last nanosecond, or any other extras that cause Xbox soul-sucking swing tempo issues. After the design contest is over I'm likely to be the only person playing the course so I'm designing for myself

The course features wide fairways because the challenge begins with the approach shots to open greens, and scoring depends on bringing a good short game. Bunkering is functional, there are no fancy fingerling bunkers or waste areas, no long forced carries, and all par 5 holes are reachable depending on wind and the golfer's abilities.

The course contains 3 different tee-sets, with the green and black champtionship tees set at the same distance on each hole but set at different angles for multi-day variety. There is only one par 5 on the front 9, but the last 7 holes have 3 par 5's for a potential big finish.

The pinsets have been randomized across holes so each pinset is approximately equal difficulty.

The facilities include a full driving range and short game practice area, with clubhouse patios providing great views of the 9th and 18th greens.


Thanks in advance for any feedback that can be provided.

[Leecey]

Hey - congratulations on publishing the beta.  Just had a quick play through so thought I'd pop on and give a bit of feedback.  I'm in the contest as well so you should probably take everything I say with a grain of salt as I'm no expert!

Really liked the layout of some of the holes - short 7th hole specifically stands out. I also really liked the open feel but it did feel a little too open in parts - probably just a personal preference. 

A couple of holes I really struggled to know what to do off the tee.  For example, on 10, there's a tight fairway with a centre-line bunker which left about 10 yards either side if hitting driver.  3 wood would probably have left me running into the bunker so I laid up with a 3 iron and found myself blocked out by the trees on the right.  I like the idea of making the drive really tough but it didn't feel like there was a safer option that was still viable.  Might be worth widening the fairway on this hole specifically (but also more generally as they didn't feel as big as you made out in your post).

I liked the challenge of the greens but I think that some of the sloping was a little too severe for my limited abilities with the putter.   I felt that some of the slopes could be softened a little.  I think you got the balance spot on with the 10th green.

Really enjoyed it.  Looking forward to see what others think and what changes you make. 

[PhilMickLite]

Thanks for the feedback. Some holes play better with certain winds, too bad we as designers can't dictate the default winds. Good luck to you also in the contest.

[bmckenzie69]

I too am in the Rookie Competition so same grain of salt... I liked the lack of density on most holes. Seemed like 2 needed a little something behind the green, although it looked like there is an oil rig or something way out in the ocean. What is that?
In general, it seemed all ocean views could have used just a few pops of something IMO.
3 green was tough in a good way.
Loved the little window left on 4 to get closer.
The pond on 7 was a little bland. Just a little color in the planting would help.
Trees right on the tee on 17 are a bit unfair with a right to left wind. Maybe push them 5 yards farther right?
Greens were a challenge, but I managed to end up 5 under par after a rocky start. Fun course to play. Looking forward to the final product.

[jswift]

Pretty fun course.  One big change I'd consider is raising the water level in the pond on 18 and really bring it close to the front of the green then show off the pond.

Your bunkers seem a little bathtubish, check out one of the tutorials on them.

Your green slopes are very interesting, but they are also very binary.  Could be even better if there were some yellow slopes instead of all red

I enjoyed playing it for sure,

Cheers!