Chuck,

Our 11-hole course has been in the ground for over a year now, and I am working on the disign for the final 7 holes. I have a couple of questions i hope you can help with. First, i know that having fairways that cross is a big no-no, but what about situations where you have to cross a firway to get to the next hole. I know that is not desirable, but is it okay if there is no alternative?
Secondly, I have a hole that I am trying to figure out par for. The distance is less than 400', but it will be basically impossible for most to get a 2 because you will tee off through a tunnel with a low ceiling, and the green is set back with trees on each side. Is it okay to have a par three that will probably have many more 4's than 2's, or should it be called par 4. I don't think it would be par 4 for pros.

Throwing across fairways is design no-no #1 at least at the same elevation. There are some fairways that appear to cross on a map but the crossing point might be 50' elevation difference so interference doesn't occur from a safety standpoint. Having to walk across a fairway is not desireable but sometimes has to be done. Just make sure to have good signage if it's not obvious the walk is across a fairway.

On holes where the par is hard to call, pick the higher number for starters. Then make sure to gather and look at actual scores on the hole and adjust downward if you think it's necessary.

And remember that rap spelled backwards is par.