Ever found yourself on a par-3 staring at a gigantic putting surface with two different flagsticks? You've likely stumbled upon one of golf’s most interesting and sometimes confusing features: a double green. These massive greens are more than just a novelty, they are a unique architectural feature with a rich history and a specific set of challenges. This guide will walk you through exactly what a double green is, why they exist, and most importantly, a clear strategy for how to play them with confidence.
A double green is a single, large putting surface designed to serve two different holes on a golf course. Instead of having two separate, smaller greens, the architect combines them into one massive area. You'll find two distinct flagsticks and two cups on this one surface, with each pin corresponding to its designated hole.
Here are the key characteristics that define a double green:
The concept of a double green might seem strange at first, but it originated out of tradition, practicality, and clever design. Understanding why they were built can help you appreciate the challenge they present.
You can't talk about double greens without talking about the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland, "The Home of Golf." The Old Course is the original and most famous example. On its classic "out-and-back" routing - where golfers play nine holes out away from the clubhouse and nine holes back in - space was limited. The early course designers creatively used double greens to maximize the playing area on a relatively narrow piece of land. Of the 18 holes at the Old Course, a remarkable 14 of them share a green. Only holes 1, 9, 17, and 18 have their own private putting surfaces.
While many double greens built today are a direct tribute to St. Andrews, modern architects use them for several strategic reasons:
While not a common feature on your average local course, double greens are showcased at some of the world's most venerated golf destinations.
Alright, let's get practical. Standing on the tee and seeing two flags can be intimidating. But with a clear, simple plan, you can navigate this challenge successfully. It breaks down into three key phases.
This is the most important step, and it happens before you even pull a club. A mistake here will guarantee a difficult time. You absolutely must know which flag is yours.
Hitting a great shot to the wrong pin can leave you with a putt of 100 feet or more. Don't let that happen. Verify your target!
Once you know which flag you're aiming for, your mindset has to shift. You are not aiming for "the green." You are aiming for a specific zone, section, or quadrant of the green.The rest of the putting surface is irrelevant - it might as well be a water hazard.
Even with a good approach shot, you can easily face a 50, 60, or 70-foot putt on a double green. When faced with this, your goal changes completely from "making the putt" to "not 3-putting."
Because you're sharing the space with another group of golfers, there's an extra layer of awareness required.
A double green is a wonderful and historic feature of golf course design that challenges your precision and your putting touch. Playing one effectively boils down to a simple process: confirm your target before you hit, aim for a specific section on your approach, and prioritize speed with your lag putting.
Navigating unique course features like double greens can feel intimidating sometimes, but a clear strategy removes that guesswork and lets you play with confidence. We designed Caddie AI to give you that confidence right in your pocket. Before your approach, you can get a simple, smart play, and if you ever end up with a tricky lie around one of these massive greens, you could even ask what to do if you’re unsure, and I’ll help give you a good option for your next shot. My goal is to let you focus on making a great swing, not guessing your way around the course.
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