26 The fourteenth hole at Mesa Country Club in Arizona has been redesigned by Andy Staples, ASGCA, as part of a renovation of the 1948 Billy Bell design. Staples has transformed the hole from a mid-length par three to a short par four, with new tees ranging from 140 to 335 yards. Close inspection of the sketch reveals a small ‘super secret’ tee that has been incorporated into the new design. “I’d like all players to be able to try for the green, so the tees are set to accommodate this intent,” said Staples. “The strategy is to weigh going for the green versus laying up. The small green is angled from right to left, and slopes in a variety of directions, which places a premium on the approach. I can see many players just mindlessly hitting driver to have as short of an approach as possible; however, the downhill and sidehill slopes around the green, combined with the contours of the putting surface, will make the ‘half wedge’ quite tricky. Also, a wayward shot that finds a bunker or a grassy hill will be a very difficult up and down.” “This hole is a perfect example of a par 3.5, something that does not really exist in Arizona,” said Staples. “I’m certain it will garner a lot of talk after the round – players will either love or hate it!” • SKETCHBOOK Andy Staples, ASGCA Mesa Country Club
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