SamSpayed:
CaptRon48:
Was wondering which courses have the firmest greens and/or is it even more complex and green firmness varies within each course?
In my experience, the British courses (St. Andrews and Royal St. Georges) have the firmest greens. Approach shots there, even with full backspin, tend to roll out more. Maybe it has something to do with the lack of trees.
I do believe that green firmness (as opposed to green speed) does vary with each course.
I agree also. If you had 2 nearly identical shots, say 150yds with 0 elevation and 5mph wind from 12:00, and hit an 8 iron 100% with full backspin on each, I think the one on RSA/StA is going to roll out slightly farther than on say BPB or any of the US parkland courses. Slightly farther, by maybe a yd or two, but still farther. And like Simon says, all depends on the particular swale or hump you hit. I also find Pinehurst to be one of the "firmer" US courses, and it just happens to also be a Links style course so that follows.