This week, we take a closer look at a "short" par-4.
The 442-yard third hole doesn't seem very short by the numbers, but the yardage is just like the picture ... deceiving!
If you've never stood on the tee, it's easy to look at this picture and think, "Well that's stupid. There's nowhere to hit the tee shot."
This is the part where depth perception and trusting your caddie are essential parts of the game.
The tee shot on this hole is the key and most players, if it's dry, do not hit driver. Here's why: Look at the picture first and focus on the far left number (red 296). Now compare that to the yardage book's matching number, but take notice of the line you're on off the tee (way left). Take a very close look at the compass and realize that the tee ball will play 12 yards downhill.
Now the fairway run out, which you can't see, is only 284 yards, which for a pro means driver is a no-no. Did you notice the arrows in the fairway? If they're pointing like that, which way will the ball go when it hits the ground? If you said downhill and right ... ding, ding, ding! You're on your way to being a good caddie.
Moving to the fairway chart, let's say your player hit the perfect 3-wood that ran out to 300 yards. You'll have 129 yards to the front edge (add eight yards to the 121). Here's something to keep an eye on: even though it says 0 for slope, the second shot always plays a little longer than the number. So when the hole is located 12 paces on and five from the right edge, many shots will spin off the front of the green or be short of the hole.
Looking at the green complex, I can tell you the only place that's dead is that back right bunker. The green as a rule slopes a little from back to front and right to left looking down at it in the book. The middle hole location might be the toughest because guys will over-read break and miss on the high side often.
I know, you looked at the hole map and now are thinking, "What about the water?" It's not in play unless you hit it in the trees way left or the deep rough way right and then clank it off one of the trees by the water. It doesn't happen often, but last year there were 15 double-bogeys and two triple-bogeys, so it does happen!
Yardage books provided by Mark Long -- TourSherpa@gmail.com. Copyright 2016 Tour Sherpa, Inc. All rights reserved.
