TarheelsRule:
This topic is very difficult in that the different tees can make a hole that plays easy play very difficult. On Kiawah for example, the 13th hole I think that is right is about a 365 yard par four from the master tees but goes back almost 100 yards from the Legend tees and is a tight tee shot from a tough angle.
The 17th at St Andrews from the Legend tees is about 60 yards longer and again with a horrid angle that with a heavy right to left wind is almost impossible to get in the fairway.
I think the 4th hole at St Andrews is in that group as well. Plays back to about 490 from the Legend tees.
That is why people make comments like wait till you get to the Legend tees, because in some places it is like a completely different hole and what is a drive and wedge is now a tight drive and a 5 iron.
Completely agree. Recently turned legend and the whole Kiawah Back 9 which used to be a pushover is now horrid, especially 10, 13, and 17. 12 almost starts to feel like a breather hole lol and it used to be the hardest hole on the course.
I also found a bunch of ways to get a reliable par on 17 of St. A's...One way it to play to the front of the green...play a punch shot running just over the slope..not a tough 2 putt to either pin.
Another way is to lay up to your favorite wedge yardage and play from there
Next you have the half sissy good under pressure way: Play to the right fairway and then go left of the green-you have 40 yds of room to the left of the green before OB so aim about 10 and you will be fine. easy up and in
Then you have the super sissy but great for high winds under pressure: play to the left fairway (2nd fairway) as far down it as possible. Then aim 10 yds left of the green-will be a little longer but the bunker is taken out of play. similar spot to the above-just make sure you clear the weeds...
Also, you have the semi-agressive shot-play to the right fairway andd go for the middle of the green-birdie on front pin and par for back pin.
Finally, you have the Kamakazi way..not too reliable and only doable slightly into the wind, preferably about 12 mph 70 degrees into and 20 degrees right to left. Drive to either fairway depending on what angle you want for the given wind. Then fly it all the way to the hole with full backspin (you also need some decent sticks for this). Stick it for birdie (possibly) and par a formality.
I personally prefer the semi-agressive shot to the middle of the green, but under pressure i sometimes play left for a very easy par