🏌️‍♂️ June Dev Blog: The Anatomy of a Golf Hole

In Under Par Golf Architect, your job is to design golf holes that are played, judged, and remembered by golfers. Every choice you make—tee placement, hazard design, green shape—directly affects how players experience difficulty, strategy, and fun.

Let’s break down the four key components of a golf hole—and how they work together to shape each round.

1. 🟩 Tee Box – The Opening Statement

Purpose The tee box defines the starting point and sets the tone for the entire hole. It influences how players read the landscape and plan their opening shot.

Design Tips

• Orientation: Angle and position the tee to frame the fairway and suggest a natural line of play.

• AdjustedElevation & VisibilitySlightly raised tees improve sightlines and help golfers assess distance and danger.

• Scalability: Even with a single tee, thoughtful placement leaves room for varied course difficulty later on.

2. 🌳 Fairway – The Strategic Corridor

Purpose The fairway is the main path from tee to green. Its shape and flow guide shot choices and define much of the hole’s personality.

Design Tips

• Width & Shape: Wider fairways are forgiving; narrow or curved ones demand precision. Use shape to encourage strategic decisions.

• Landing Zones: Include curves, elevation shifts, or natural obstacles that guide players through meaningful shot choices.

• Waypoint Control: You can modify the fairway’s route by adjusting its waypoints, allowing you to bend and shape the hole exactly how you want. Doglegs, S-curves, and unconventional paths are fully possible, giving you the creative freedom to break away from traditional layouts.

• Natural Flow: A fairway that blends into the environment creates a more believable and enjoyable experience.

3. 🏖️ Hazards – Risk and Reward

Purpose Hazards introduce risk and decision-making. They challenge players to weigh bold plays against safer routes.

Design Tips

• Placement: Position bunkers and rough near landing zones or greens to force thoughtful play.

• Water Hazards: Visually striking and strategically interesting, but best used sparingly.

• Rough & Boundaries: Use trees, bushes, and thick rough to define the fairway and shape consequences.

4. 🌱 Green – The Destination

Purpose The green is where every hole ends—and where precision is most important.

Design Tips

• Size & Shape: Larger greens offer forgiveness; smaller or more contoured greens demand finesse.

• Surroundings: Use flanking bunkers, runoff zones, and gentle slopes to shape approaches.

• Approach Angles: Always consider how players will access the green—avoid making it feel unfair or overly tight.

⛳ Shape the land, guide the play, and let your course speak for itself ⛳ Stay creative Broken Arms Games team Steam post image