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ST Andrews Hole 14 (Par 5)

• micheldess 819 Posts

  Tue, Jul 1 2014 8:43 PM

  I have problem with this hole, can't stop the ball on green on  the second second...  specially when the wind is in the back , how you hit this one   to stay on green (without little bit  luck) ?

• mkg335 5,491 Posts

  Tue, Jul 1 2014 11:52 PM

  You have to bounce it on then hope it doesn't roll too far away.  Takes a lucky bounce for sure, but take care you don't trickle it onto the front of the green and have to putt up the hill...sometimes the best play is to go over (but not too far) and pitch back.

  Even with helping wind, sometimes the smartest play is to lay up to full wedge distance so that you've got a decent chance to stop the ball close to the hole.  The pitch or flop from in front of the green isn't an easy one.

  I'd almost rather play that hole into a headwind because it's easier to control the wedge approach.

  I'm sure the better players have their own ideas.  The above options usually work for me. 

  btw, congratulations on your win against the US, was a great match!

• alanti 10,564 Posts

  Wed, Jul 2 2014 1:14 AM

  I agree with mkg, you need a lot of luck but is possible with a good bounce. I would rather be long that leave a putt up the hill.

  Smart play is usually a wedge and take an easy bird rather than a long (at best) putt with the possibility of a 3 putt.

• alberich35 858 Posts

  Wed, Jul 2 2014 2:41 AM

  Bonjour,

  

   

  I personally try to play in this place bouncing, the ball will roll and go left towards the hole

   

• WigerToods2010 8,447 Posts

  Wed, Jul 2 2014 5:16 AM

  With a longer 2nd shot try taking - especially with a  tail wind - a minimum 10 yards off the given distance remaining then use your normal 'calcs'.

  Other than the above, as others have already mentioned, a 3rd shot using a wedge is probably safer.  Mind the down slope just past the apex of the 'hump' at the front of the green, more so when pitching.

  I personally tend to use a flop shot if just off green.

• alberich35 858 Posts

  Wed, Jul 2 2014 6:05 AM

  replay.aspx?ID=6de0ff96 10e2 4cd7 a969 a35c00d4f9a3

   

  This way Michel, second shot.

• incompetentia 4 Posts

  Wed, Jul 2 2014 2:38 PM

  As somebody who isn't nearly good enough to employ Alberich's method consistently, I usually aim to end up a little past the green (which leaves a very manageable up-and-down back). If I don't think I can get over the ridge, though, I aim to its left, near the two tiny bunkers in front of the green—this also makes for a relatively easy up-and-down. Certainly not as rewarding as a close eagle chance, but it still minimizes the chance of having to settle for a 5 or worse after being in range to get on in two. 

• alberich35 858 Posts

  Wed, Jul 2 2014 8:56 PM

  Was to show the beginning of the area :)

  replay.aspx?ID=e74168c0 f9dd 4508 bcb6 a35d003c0e10

  Here, short shot at the other end of the area (eagle missed). For intermediate distances, shot between these two points.

• JFidanza 1,676 Posts

  Thu, Jul 3 2014 1:06 AM

  This is my shot w/ the Cleveland Wedge and starter ball.

  After fighting the weeds, this was only a Birdie. Obviously I was close enough to afford the wedge shot.

  Replay SA 14

  or

  http://www.wgt.com/replay.aspx?ID=782bfe71-ff11-443f-a742-a2d3003e3adc

   

  After some trials, I usually use alberich's method. :

  edit: 'I personally try to play in this place bouncing, the ball will roll and go left towards thehole' (with the pin placement at the front right)

• alberich35 858 Posts

  Thu, Jul 3 2014 3:50 AM

  Hey JF  ! the hole is not in the same place !

  It's not my method, i saw this shot made ​​by another player that got me thinking.(sorry dont remember his nickname).