What is a collar in golf?
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In golf, a collar refers to the raised portion of the green surrounding the putting green, which is also known as the greenside collar. [1] It's a strategic element of the course, often featuring rough or closely mown grass, designed to challenge golfers with different shot options and risks.
Purpose and Function edit
The collar serves several purposes:
- Defining the Putting Green: The collar clearly distinguishes the putting green from the surrounding fairway or rough.
- Strategic Challenge: It presents a unique challenge for golfers who miss the green. The collar can be mowed at different heights, offering varying degrees of difficulty for recovery shots.
- Visual Aid: The collar helps golfers visually assess the slope and undulation of the green, aiding in their putting strategy.
- Preventing Balls from Rolling onto the Green: The raised edge of the collar helps to prevent balls from rolling onto the green from adjacent areas, ensuring fair play.
Playing the Collar edit
Golfers often face a decision when their shot lands on the collar:
- Chip or Pitch: A chip shot is a low-trajectory shot that rolls along the ground, while a pitch shot is a higher-trajectory shot that lands softly on the green. The choice depends on the distance to the hole, the condition of the collar, and the golfer's skill level.
- Risk vs. Reward: A shot from the collar often involves a trade-off between risk and reward. A well-executed chip or pitch can lead to a birdie or par, while a poorly executed shot can result in a bogey or worse.
Variations in Collar Design edit
Golf courses can vary in their collar design, with some featuring:
- Mowed Collar: The collar is closely mown, providing a relatively smooth surface for chip shots.
- Rough Collar: The collar is left rough, making it more difficult to chip or pitch.
- Bunker Collar: The collar is adjacent to a bunker, adding another layer of difficulty.
Conclusion edit
The collar is an important element of golf course design, providing a strategic challenge and adding variety to the game. Understanding the purpose and function of the collar can help golfers make informed decisions and improve their performance.