As a photographer, some golf courses tickle my fancy more than others. When it comes to Vineyard Golf Club, my fancy was tickled extensively. You might even say that I had the “full on giggles” by the time the sun fell beyond the horizon at this exclusive Martha’s Vineyard club. Please enjoy my ten favorite photographs from a visit to the Vineyard. I do find that naming my photographs to be a tad ostentatious, but what the hell.
Photograph #10 - Introductions
The opening hole on a golf course always sets the tone for the round of golf and the first hole at the Vineyard does an excellent job of that. Spectacular bunkering down the right hand side of the fairway adds a nice visual treat. This theme will be consistent throughout the round of golf.
Photograph #9 - Fantastic Finish
The finishing hole on every golf course leaves the golfer with their final impressions. A birdie on the 18th tastes a little sweeter and lasts a little bit longer. In this case I caught the 18th hole with some late afternoon light spilling across the fairway. To be fair, it is hard to take a bad picture when the golden hour hits at the Vineyard.
Photograph # 8 - Bunkers on the 5 Par
The 15th hole is one of the most unique and glorious golf holes on the property and it is difficult to capture the entire splendor of the golf hole with just one picture. This particular photograph does a great job at showing off the 2nd half of the golf hole. With a raised green and some beautiful bunkering, this beauty shines at sunset.
Photograph #7 - Bunkers in the Back
90% of the greens on most golf courses will to slope from back to front. The best course designs always make sure to mix this up a bit and the 8th hole at Vineyards does exactly that. It’s a glorious test of distance control mixed with a stunning display of bunkers over the back of the green.
Photograph # 6: Last Light / Last Hole
There is something magical about arriving on the 18th hole with exactly the right amount of time remaining to finish up the round of golf. The sun disappears beyond the horizon and the shadows stretch as long they can possibly go. The flag manages to stand out against the photogenic clubhouse and some lone shrubbery provides some additional depth in the foreground.
Photograph # 5: Intimidation on 18
If you are keeping track, this is the 3rd photograph of the 18th hole. Don’t worry, It’s just that good. This photograph is taken from the tee box and shows just how penal the bunkers on the left hand side of the hole can be. It looks good, but these sandy pits will get you thinking “don’t go left” as you prepare to make your final swing with the driver.
Photograph #4: The Forward Tee
The forward tees on most golf courses are often ignored and in most cases they appear as an afterthought. “Ah shoot, Steve. We forget to add the ladie’s tees.” All that nonsense stops on the 16th at Vineyard Golf Club. Given the reduced amount of play, a small circle and a walking path is all that is required. The simplistic presentation makes for a glorious photo and one of my favorites from my evening at Vineyard Golf Club.
Photograph #3: Goose Crossing
Typically, I loathe geese on the golf course. Mostly, it is the excessive amounts of goose crap that they leave behind that bothers me. However, there can be moments when they add some value to the ambiance of a place. Ideally they would have lined up in a single row spanning the length of my frame here, but they were focused on the lengthy fescue to the right.
Photograph #2: Par Three Party
Aside from the short par 4’s, the most fun you can have on a golf course is the short par 3. While many critics will argue this point, you can’t disagree with the view from behind the 5th green. The 4th green looms in the distance with just enough light to capture the top half of the pin flag. The fantastic bunkering is once again on full display.
Photograph #1: Plateaus and Peril
A good golf course photograph captures all of the elements of a particular place and communicates an experience to the viewer. It should speak to the golfer, it should beckon to thee. Just look at the exciting options for play on the 11th hole. Imagine the thrill of finding the green in two shots. Imagine the difficulty that lie in wait for the golfer that finds themselves in those bunkers. All of the attributes that make Vineyard Golf Club a notable place to play are on display. This photograph makes me want to jump out of my chair and play some freaking golf.
