While playing Forsgate Country Club a few years ago, we first discovered the amazing ‘Horseshoe Green’ design that resembles a crater-like shape in the middle of the green. Charles Banks incorporated the horseshoe green design on the 12th green at Forsgate, a version of the famous “Short” design found on many C.B. MacDonald and Seth Raynor layouts.
Recently, we discovered a photo of the original 18th green (above) at the Greenbrier’s Old White Course, which was designed by MacDonald and Raynor. The green featured the same horseshoe design. We’ve done some research and found that the Horseshoe feature, although rare, can be found at notable original MacDonald/Raynor/Banks courses including National Golf Links of America, Somerset Hills (Tillinghast) and Sleepy Hollow. Having just play NGLA last summer, we realized that the 12th green features a very dramatic version of the Horseshoe (the dramatic back to front green with a horseshoe contour).
Characteristics of the Horseshoe include a back to front sloping green, typically found on short par-3’s. The interest that this type of hole draws really adds to the enjoyment of the round. The green is big enough to provide a variety of pin placements (including outside of the horseshoe), and the short distance adds to the fun. Taking the short shot for granted though is not advised, as poor positioning can make for a difficult two putt. As you can see below, the Horseshoe green at Forsgate is by far the most dramatic, making for a fun short par-3.
George