Tall baskets?!

[paranoid70]

There seems to be a trend now at my local courses where one of the baskets on the course is basically doubled in height. Not sure the exact height, but the rim of the basket is about 6 feet high. I noticed it at one So Cal course and now have seen it at another.

I have to say I totally hate it. I just don't see the point - it's more like making a free throw than a birdie attempt.

 

[zendragon]

I agree. They are annoying in most cases. One of my local courses has a basket in a tree stump, slightly elevated. Not too big of a deal. But every once in a while, they move it to an alternate higher stump, at least 8' at the bottom of the basket. You have to climb up the stumps to get your disc.

 

[Noill]

Elevated baskets are OK... If I see one on a course it can be cool... two and I'm starting to not feel it... three and I'm lost on the whole concept...

it's kinda gimmicky but depends on where, how, and why to see if it works...

 

[Moose33]

We have one that is about 6.5ft to the rim, and at Rolling Ridge they have some cool ones but many of them don't add much.

 

[JNichols]

When elevated baskets are added to compensate for lack of elevation, trees/obstacles, or ANYTHING else that makes it just a Flat hole with a basket, I can see it. But, over using the concept can be irritating for sure.

 

[jeffmonty]

Two of my local courses have a basket in a stump and one in a rock. They're only about twice the height of a normal basket, so I don't mind those (too much).
The ones that are really annoying are the random baskets you come across that are about 7 or 8 ft up on an extended pole. I just don't see the point in those.

 

[markmcc]

I don't mind if they are up on a "natural" feature like a large rock or a stump. Or even on a man-made hill. But baskets stuck up on a tall post don't make much sense to me, and more than one or two elevated baskets per course starts to feel gimmicky.

 

[sidewinder22]

Why so serious? :\

 

[gcr_russell]

I see a lot of dislike for these. I personally love them. It changes the dynamic of the hole and adds a new challenge when putting instead of facing the same identical style of putt hole after hole. It also adds a level of risk/reward on a hole deciding whether to run the putt and risk a tough come backer or to lob a soft attempt that won't likely go on.

The only obstacles I dislike on courses are the flukey ones where skill level doesn't come into effect heavily. These just add to the fun factor though for me.

 

[jeremyhilss]

I love them, as long as there aren't too many. Like gcr_russell said, they add different challenges for a hole. A course an hour away from me has one or two that they rotate around the course and they're always fun to play.

 

[DiscFifty]

On a 18 hole course, I can see 1-2 being elevated. Anymore and it's gimmicky and takes away from the game.

 

[hellbound]

One of the courses about an hour from me is a course where you feel like your in a Mario game. One basket high next basket is low. Still haven't found how to warp around the course. It came with a high rating by a few locals. Turn out to be a waist of time.

 

[jrawk]

Sometimes adding an elevated basket to a short hole, one that is commonly perceived as a par-2, increases the degree of accuracy a player must have on his drive to still reliably obtain the 2. Also elevating the basket on a par-2ish hole eliminates the attractiveness of running the ace. Whether that is a good thing or bad thing is a matter of opinion.

 

[goosefraba1]

Course with some elevation can really add a little extra with just a slightly elevated pin.

This is a basket placement that I just put in. It is only 1 foot higher than a normal pin. However, the added difficulty is the fact that if you miss the putt and "float" it, you end up 30 feet away from the pin easily. You REALLY want to make that putt. Also, keep in mind that this hole plays on flat ground. The basket isn't on the edge of a cliff. It rewards you for landing in certain areas for less risky putts.

I don't care for the massive fake looking elevated baskets like I saw a few at Golden Gate a few months ago. Just wayyy too high and definitely nothing natural looking about it. To each their own I guess.

 

[Stardoggy]

Gimmick. Hate them.

Why not just put a clown mouth in front of the basket to shoot through?

 

[goosefraba1]

Gimmick. Hate them.

Why not just put a clown mouth in front of the basket to shoot through?

Please!?

 

[Aim For The Chains]

Gimmick. Hate them.

Why not just put a clown mouth in front of the basket to shoot through?

Only when done in a lazy manner with a long center pole. Uniquely mounted baskets are great not gimmicky at all.

 

[Jenga54]

Gimmick. Hate them.

Why not just put a clown mouth in front of the basket to shoot through?

I'm OK with the criticism. I think it's really important to have variety on a course.
I installed one on a pole on a course i designed. It's a totally flat piece of land - dead flat. We built up a tee box with a 2x6 frame filled with gravel - that's the highest elevation change. Some woods, most open, and there was a short hole that played just too easy. Par 2 from both red and white and was just boring. Had to get from A to B with some flow to the course. The basket is in the middle of an old soccer field - 80' radius landing area of grass.

I elevated it about 26" higher than normal. Now that 30' putt looks daunting to a regular player - if you miss it's not a tap in, it's another important putt to save par! Would have loved to put a basket on the side of a hill, if there was one!

 

[brutalbrutus]

This is how you make a hard hole to get a deuce on, an almost impossible 3:

No18 at Osage Grove DGC in Goshen, OH. short pin 323ft long pin(elevated) 420ft short dogleg right. Then straightens out a bit, before turning downhill to the right to the short pin. Then across creek and uphill to the long.

Mid fairway

Now if you look at farthest tree to the right at the top of the ridge, There is now an elevated basket(no pic yet sorry) set just to the left of that tree.. It is set on a concrete cylinder probably 3ftish above normal ground. Also, it is set right at the top of the hill on the flat. So if you are underneath it, it is even more elevated.

 

[filobedo]

Gimmick. Hate them.

Why not just put a clown mouth in front of the basket to shoot through?

I agree in most cases. I also do not understand how they are allowed in public parks as they are not ADA compliant. I remember several on a flat course I played in Elberton, GA including the first basket you see when driving into the park.