Elevated Green (aka Push-up, Pedestal Green)
An elevated green, which is also known as a push-up green or a pedestal green, is a term used in golf to describe a putting green that is built on a higher level than its surroundings. This design feature adds a level of challenge to the game and requires golfers to carefully consider their approach shots and putting techniques.
Here are some key points to understand about elevated greens:
- Height differential: An elevated green is typically constructed by raising the green above the level of the fairway or surrounding area. This height differential can vary, with some elevated greens being just a few feet higher while others may be significantly elevated, creating a more dramatic effect.
- Strategic placement: Elevated greens are strategically positioned on the golf course to add difficulty to the playing experience. They are often placed on holes where precision and accuracy are essential, requiring players to navigate their approach shots skillfully to avoid hazards or penalizing rough.
- Visual appeal: Apart from being a challenge, elevated greens also enhance the visual appeal of the course. They create an interesting aesthetic with their raised platforms and provide a clear distinction between the putting surface and the surrounding landscape.
- Challenge for approach shots: When golfers approach an elevated green, they must consider the additional height and adjust their club selection accordingly. The extra elevation may require players to choose a club that produces a higher trajectory to ensure the ball reaches the green and avoids coming up short.
- Effect on green speed: Elevated greens often have a steeper slope, which can affect the speed and break of putts. Golfers need to pay attention to the slope of the green when reading and executing their putts, as the ball may roll faster or break more pronouncedly than on a flatter surface.
- Challenging chip shots: If a golfer misses an elevated green with their approach shot, they are left with a challenging chip shot to get the ball onto the green. The height differential adds an additional layer of difficulty, requiring precision and touch to execute a successful chip and keep the ball close to the hole.
- Strategic pin placements: The design of an elevated green often includes various pin placement options. Golf course architects take advantage of the elevated nature of the green to create challenging locations for the hole. Golfers need to carefully consider the pin placement when reading the green and planning their putting strategy.
Elevated greens are a prominent feature on many golf courses around the world. They offer both a visual appeal and a strategic challenge for golfers of all skill levels. When playing a course with elevated greens, it is important to consider the additional height and adjust approach shots and putting techniques accordingly.
Overall, elevated greens add complexity to the game of golf, requiring players to think strategically, make precise club selections, and execute accurate shots to conquer the challenge they present.
