One of the hardest holes on the golf course, this Par 4 has recently undergone some changes to the shapes of the water hazards. Add to this out of bounds on the left-hand side and further gorse on the right hand side, it fair to say that the tee shot is important off this hole. Depending on ability, players have three options off the tee. They can aim at the pylon in the distance and drive over the water, lay-up short of the water or hit their tee shot in between the two hazards.Taking on the water leaves an approach shot that you can attack the green with. By laying up, golfers have the decision whether to go for it in two or to lay up to their preferred yardage and try to get up and down for Par. Most players would be happy to take 4/5 and move on to the next but there is always the chance of an elusive birdie (Fingers crossed!) … [Read more...] about Hole #12 – The Dip – 372 yard – Par 4
Hole #13 – The Pond – 170 yard – Par 3
The first of two difficult holes back to back and the longest Par 3 on the golf course. This hole is a challenge for even the most experienced of golfers. Teeing off over water to a green further protected by an additional water hazard on the left-hand side and over the back can be particularly testing to say the least. Depending on wind direction/strength, this hole can play anything from a mid-iron to fairway wood. There is a bail-out area right for those that don’t fancy taking on the green which leave a good opportunity of pitching on and making Par. For those brave enough, a tee shot hit high and pitching at the front of the green will give you a good look at birdie. … [Read more...] about Hole #13 – The Pond – 170 yard – Par 3
Hole #14 – The Dip – 372 yard – Par 4
One of the hardest holes on the golf course with a water hazard running along the left-hand side and an additional water hazard on the right. The tee shot on this hole can be particularly difficult as the further you drive down the hole, the tighter the fairway gets as the water encroaches in on both sides.Ideally, using a long iron or fairway wood off the tee would leave an approach of around 150 yards into a two-tiered green protected by mounds either side. It’s best to air on the side of caution due to the hazard running up the left-hand side and favor the right side of the green when picking your target line. Distance control is also a key factor for the second shot as depending on the hole location it can leave a long putt for birdie and getting down in two is not a certainty. Get it right though and you will be looking at birdie, most would take a Par at this hole and move on to the next. … [Read more...] about Hole #14 – The Dip – 372 yard – Par 4
Hole #15 – Elbow – 489 yard – Par 5
Next up is a dogleg Par 5 and the second longest hole on the golf course. Turning to the right, this hole gives players a few options off the tee. With out of bounds along the right-hand side, players can choose to lay-up to the corner and widest part of the fairway with a long iron/fairway wood or to take on the corner and drastically reduce the distance of the second shot. Big hitters can get on this green in two with a helping wind and favorable ground conditions.Players should be wary when playing their second shot as along the left-hand side is an area of newly introduced heavy rough which, if found, will test any golfer. For most golfers, this will be a three shot Par 5 with the aim of the second shot to place the ball between 100-150 yard range to setup a relatively straight forward approach. The green on this hole is protected by a splash bunker short left, large bank on the right and out of bounds long of the hole. Distance control is key and players should aim to land the ball 2-3 yards before the green to allow for the ball running out. Good birdie opportunity but don’t try to force it. … [Read more...] about Hole #15 – Elbow – 489 yard – Par 5
Hole #16 – Beechers – 341 yard – Par 4
The first on three tricky Par 4’s to finish the round. Bordered with out of bounds along the right-hand side, thick rough down the left and a fairway bunker on the right this hole will punish any errant tee shots. It is best to aim your tee shot at the left half of the fairway with driver or 3-wood the most popular options off the tee.The approach shot can be quite difficult when ground conditions are firm as landing the ball on the green can result in the ball kicking on and running to the back edge or through the green. There is a large bank on the right-hand side with a drop down so a miss right will need a bit of magic to get up and down. Likewise, missing the green to the left will result in chipping/pitching onto a green that runs away from you so touch and feel are paramount. … [Read more...] about Hole #16 – Beechers – 341 yard – Par 4