Irish Based Links - WIP

[hhhaaarrryyy]

Currently got 10 holes down with some light grass planting to frame/inspire holes for the planting stage.
 
I would love some feedback from any Tour Organisers/Rangers/Designers where possible 

Few images below;

5th Green/6th Tee



Approach into the 9th Green.


A look down the 10th (One of my favourites and the most naturals holes i've ever found)


Approach into 7th Green. This hole can play drastically different dependent on wind speed and/or direction

[hhhaaarrryyy]

A few more images of my current WIP 

[hhhaaarrryyy]

NWLINKS001 Published with 10 playable holes. Been keen to hear any feedback 👍 cheers

[hhhaaarrryyy]

Par 5 6th - removed the grass mound central of the fairway. Re-contoured the fairway and green accordingly 


Par 5 1st - removed the grass mound that diagonally protected the green and added 2 pots. 


Par 4 15th - Drive-able 4 with a pretty well protected green with 2 pots and heavy slope

[hhhaaarrryyy]

Par 3 11th

[hhhaaarrryyy]

Would love some feedback and thoughts on the 14 holes currently down - a lot still to be done but some thoughts along the way would be much appreciated

NWLINKS002 

[hhhaaarrryyy]

Par 3 14th 

[bhazen]

I really like the visual and sightline on #11. Solid looking hole from the tee box. The grass on the hillside with the sun behind it softens the visuals really nicely, and great use of shadow/light patterns up to the hole. The sunlight really highlights what's there and gives you nice target windows while including depth to the hole. Honestly, I would like to see a close up of the green complex there.

The sightlines on 14 from the tee are good also (not quite as nice) but still a good use of light/shade and the bunkering is top notch. As for the bunkering, I do like the it throughout the pictures you provided, the style, size and shape are uniform and from afar the depth of them look good.

Your use of the railing/fencing is spots is good and logical just be careful not to overuse it in places that aren't really needed. You have one picture of fence use behind the green facing the sun/ocean that I'm assuming is a drop off into the ocean, that I won't extend any further to the right. While the fence adds depth to the green, it almost takes away from the hole visually from the approach.

Not thrilled with the bridge that you see on the 14th, I feel like its not needed and in reality you would most likely find another way around the pond just for upkeep purposes. (maybe that's untrue, I can't quite see what over there). But honestly its taking away the focus on the tee shot for 14, and really looks to unnatural for the environment you have created. Its almost like you searched for the widest part of the lake and decided you needed to put a bridge across it.

Overall I really like the early sculpting and planting you're showing, it feels natural almost part of the real in places (My favorite type of design). Transition at the water edge is good and soft.

Note - I normally don't like links style courses in the game because everyone tries to 'add' too much crap (think bridge I've already mentioned) into them rather than keeping it simple. Wind, grasses, and slopes are that define these type of courses and I feel you're working in the right direct with this one. Keep up the good work!

[greenlightning]

I think the course is pretty good but a little bare. Take a look at the way Architexmaze uses assets in his latest Irish course. Clonmel I think. You can find it in completed courses. Karma introduced the thread.

[fargo]

I think it's interesting that the last two comments were (1) I like that there's no crap all over it, and (2) you should put more crap all over it.

FWIW I fall into the first camp. I like what you've got here Harry and look forward to seeing the finished product. Yeah it needs to be filled out a little more with some subtle planting, but I'd love to see it presented relatively open and natural looking.

[greenlightning]

One man's crap is another man's asset.

[hhhaaarrryyy]

Thanks all for the comments and initial feedback. I’m 16 holes down and a lot of planting to cover. I think i’m also in the camp for less and purposeful planting. Just the balance of it looking bare but i think without the option for naturally longer heavy rough, it’s just how the game is. It’ll be getting fired up tonight and some work done. Have more pictures to follow tomorrow/sunday hopefully!!

Poorly 1 year old at home - keep me in your prayers haha