The last hole on the front nine is a testing Par 4 with out of bounds running along the right-hand side of the hole. Golfers need to be careful with the tee shot here and think about where they want to be hitting their approach shots from on a relatively narrow fairway.Generally, the smart play would be to hit a long iron or fairway wood aiming at the left half of the fairway as to allow for any drift right. By doing so, the approach shot will be much easier as you will be playing uphill to the green with more loft in your hands.The green itself is protected by a new bunker short left, a bunker green high on the right and a steep bank at the front. By aiming to land the ball 3-4 yards on the front edge of the green, players will allow for the ball to hop forward and this should be enough to leave a good birdie opportunity. … [Read more...] about Hole #9 – Melling Road- 332 yard – Par 4
Classic Course
Hole #10 – Ballyhack – 455 yard – Par 5
Having made the turn, the first hole to greet you will be the shortest Par 5 on the golf course. Along the left-hand side, the hole is protected by out of bounds and heavy rough. On the right edge of the fairway there is a bunker and thick rough which emphasizes the importance of finding the fairway off the tee.Ideally, golfers should use the fairway bunker as a target off the tee favoring the left edge as it greatly reduces the chance of hitting it out of bounds. For big hitters, by carrying the fairway bunker and landing at the top of the slope the green is then brought into range for the second shot depending on wind direction/strength.Most golfers will play this as a three shot Par 5 so a drive and fairway wood or long iron will leave a good angle for the approach shot at the green. The green is protected by a mound short left and a hidden bunker on the right just off the apron with out of bounds 10 yards left of the green.For the approach shot, the ideal line would be to start the ball at the chimney of the white cottage beyond the green to take caution against the out of bounds. As this green can be quite firm, golfers should try to land the ball at the front edge of the green and allow the ball to release. Should all go to plan, definite birdie opportunity. … [Read more...] about Hole #10 – Ballyhack – 455 yard – Par 5
Hole #11 – Tattenham Corner – 147 yard – Par 3
The easiest Par 3 on the golf course (apparently) as per the Stroke Index. This hole has undergone some changes over the past few years with the addition of three new bunkers and the reshaping of the original bunker. The tee shot on this hole is generally played with a mid to short iron depending on the player and the idea would be to land the ball at a few yards short of the green to allow for the ball to kick forward, giving the player a birdie putt. With the improved protective bunkers and depending on hole location, this Par 3 is not without its fair share of danger. … [Read more...] about Hole #11 – Tattenham Corner – 147 yard – Par 3
Hole #12 – The Dip – 372 yard – Par 4
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