COURSE CADDIES :: Turtle Island :: Hole 8 :: PAR 4


Welcome to the Course Caddy, a look at each and every hole in Golden Tee 2014. Over the next few months, we will spend each day looking at a different design, starting with Hole 1 on the first course and ending with the final hole on the final design.

We want—no, NEED—your help in this process!

How do you play a particular design? Share your thoughts on strategy and YouTube uploads in the comment section. Your feedback is integral in the complete understanding of the design.

All holes will then be available for reference on the Course Caddy page—a bookmark must for the entire encyclopedia! Enjoy.

 

Turtle Island Hole No. 7

Are you using Golden Tees? No, not the game, like actual, usable Golden Tees. If so, you could be in luck on this Turtle Island drivable par-4.

Hole 8 isn’t complicated. And, to be honest, it really isn’t all that hard if you take the right approach. Your approach will vary from round to round—so will your club, spin and overall shot type—but the path to a successful shot (aka and eagle) will remain relatively simple.

The only hazard you have to be concerned with is the water situated behind the green. And unless you really hammer your tee shot, this should never come in play. The trees guarding the front of the green are a different story, and that’s where a high tee comes in.

With access to a high tee, you can hit your club—whether it’s a 3, 4 or 5-wood—further and (you guessed it) higher. The only downside with using a high tee is some of the spin will be nullified. If the pin is near the middle or back part of the green, however, spin won’t be a problem. In fact, the slow trickle from Bite, Backspin or no spin at all can actually help you.

If the pin is in the front of the green, the shot becomes a bit more complicated. With a strong out wind—or just overall favorable conditions—you can get a 4 or 5-wood to the pin without the tee. You’ll also have the benefit of backspin, which you’ll want on this particular shot.

Even if you clip the trees, you’re not necessarily out of eagle luck. In fact, we’ve seen a handful of shots blast right through and then trickle down directly in the cup. Obviously this shouldn’t be your go-to strategy, but it also shows how many ways there are to be successful here.

 

Find shots that work for you on certain tee boxes and with certain winds. Also take note of how your ball reacts when it lands. If you can master those, then you’re certain to walk away with a ton of eagles on this hole.

What works for you?