Chris Stanton explains the differences between the two styles of golf design and gives some advice on the placing and use of hazards

It is the infinite variety in the golfing challenge and visual qualities of golf courses (and their individual golf holes), which sets golf apart from all other ball games, which are played on largely standardised "pitches". A major appeal of playing golf comes from attempting to overcome the various obstacles encountered on each successive hole during a round of golf. It is the presence of these "hazards" which intensify the golfing challenge, defining more closely the varying levels of golfing skill, while ensuring the game is much more than one of merely yardage. Without hazards the game (irrespective of the level of a golfer's ability) would be much less dramatic, much less inspiring and ultimately becoming quite boring to play Given the almost limitless variation in the location and combinations of such hazards it may be surprising to some, the manner of their distribution can be categorised as, one of two alternative basic design philosophies, "penal" and "strategic". Not only does this apply to the placement of hazards, defined under the Rules of Golf (bunkers and water) but to all kinds of hazardous elements which can influence play or affect scoring. such as, trees, scrub, topographical features, even rough.