Hole 5 - Tricky Par 3
Tee Shot
This is a long iron tee shot into a green
that doesn't want your ball there. The goal is to come in as high and as
soft as possible. It will probably not be high enough or soft enough to
stay within 5 yds of the hole, but, at that distance, it's still
birdiable.
The hole is cut into the left side of a hill that runs
from about 7 o'clock to about 1 o'clock from the tees. If you end up on
the wrong side of the ridge, you will have a very difficult two putt.
If you land left of the hole, you will have a long putt or chip back up
the hill.
The ideal landing spot is near the top of the ridge
just short of pin high. In a perfect world, the ball will roll down
toward the hole leaving you a makeable birdie putt. In reality, it will
probably keep on going past the hole half a dozen yards, but at least
you'll have a makeable uphill putt.
Danger short, long, and right.
The
bunker in front of the green is the worst possible lie. Avoid it, even
if it means going long. From the bunker, play a full swing shot with
full backspin and aim to right of the pin three or four feet. With the
hole 3 feet above you and the 15-20% hard sand, hit it about 150% of the
distance to the hole. (20 yard shot, hit it about like you would a 30
yard shot from a fairway lie). A flop is also an option, but you can't
control the roll as well as a full swing. A pitch probably won't clear
the lip of the bunker.