What is the apron in golf?
In golf, the apron is the area of closely mown grass that surrounds the green. It is also known as the collar, fringe, or greenside rough. [1]
The apron serves several purposes:
- Aesthetic: It provides a visually appealing transition between the green and the surrounding rough.
- Functional: It helps to slow down balls that roll off the green, preventing them from ending up in the rough or hazards.
- Strategic: It can be used to create challenging shots, as players may need to hit their approach shots with precision to avoid landing in the apron.
The apron is typically mowed to a shorter length than the surrounding rough, but longer than the green. The exact length of the apron can vary depending on the course and the time of year.
Playing from the Apron[edit | edit source]
When a ball lands on the apron, players have a few options:
- Chip: A short, low-trajectory shot that is designed to roll the ball onto the green.
- Pitch: A higher-trajectory shot that is designed to land the ball softly on the green.
- Putt: If the ball is close enough to the hole, players may be able to putt it in.
The choice of shot depends on the distance to the hole, the lie of the ball, and the player's skill level.
Significance in Scoring[edit | edit source]
The apron can play a significant role in scoring. A ball that lands on the apron may be easier to chip or pitch onto the green than a ball that is in the rough. However, the apron can also be a difficult place to play from, as the ball may not roll as smoothly as it would on the green.
Variations[edit | edit source]
The term "apron" is sometimes used to refer to the area of closely mown grass that surrounds a bunker. However, this is not the standard definition of the term.