Canterbury, England
11th hole / 180 Yards / Par-3
Architect: Harry S. Colt (1927)
by M. James Ward
The 11th is a testing par-3
Those heading to Kent with golf clubs in tow should avail themselves of a round of golf at Canterbury Golf Club. Just minutes from the heart of town, the golf club is worth the effort in sampling a design from one of the foremost contributors during the Golden Age of Architecture in the 1920s.
The 11th is a testing par-3 that is listed at 180 yards from the championship tees, but because the hole is elevated 25 feet from tee to green proper club selection is paramount.
The two-tiered green slopes from back right to front left and has an array of hard to decipher internal movements. Total square footage comes to just under 6,000 square feet. Prevailing wind patterns switch depending on time of year. During prime playing months the approach plays down wind off the right. During the non-peak months, the wind will switch to a northeasterly direction – playing into the wind from the left.
In recent years only small modifications have been carried out. The tee area was levelled to accommodate all tee boxes – it was previously three tiers. A new fence and landscaping were carried out around the new tee area. The greenside bunker on the short right side was removed and landscape in the winter of 2020. Forestry work to the right of the green during the same time frame was done in order to allow more light and ventilation to the green.
“The 11th hole starts Canterbury’s very own ‘Amen Corner,’ said Aaron Galbraith, Director of Golf. “It is not a hole for the faint hearted. Since hitting to the correct tier is crucial in order to have a reasonable birdie opportunity, however, any putt beyond the pin will require care and caution.”
Harry Colt designs are certainly ones to relish. While many of his finished efforts are at private clubs and will require some extra effort to snare an invite, Canterbury GC is open to visitors and worth the time to enjoy.
The par-3 11th showcases the need for mental resolve in selecting the proper club and executing with utter clarity.
For more info go to: https://www.canterburygolfclub.co.uk/