| Baxter Spann, Golf Course Architect: I think that this medium-long par 4 may prove to be one of the most difficult holes on the course, particularly for those who are overly aggressive. The silhouette positioning of the green on a natural plateau creates a lot of uncertainty for the better player trying to get close for a birdie on one of the flatter surfaces on the course. All of the real trouble is on the left with a large series of stacked bunkers running from the landing area to the green. These bunkers make it impossible and counterproductive to attempt to cut the dogleg, as an approach from the left side is undesirable. Though the fairway landing area is wide, the tee shot must be hit long and favor the right side to have a decent angle and as short a club as possible into the green. The wind is normally at the player’s back here, though it is not at all helpful when going for a left pin. The left side of the green above the bunkers is very shallow and only a perfectly struck iron with lots of loft is likely to hold the green, particularly downwind. To the right side of the green and behind it is plenty of mowed chipping area to afford some bailout opportunity, but that puts pressure on the short game for what could be a critical up and down near the end of the round. |
