COURSE CADDIES :: Highland Links :: Hole 2 :: 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.

 

Highland Links Hole No. 2

Things could get interesting in a hurry. Or maybe they won’t.

This is all dependent on the tee box, although don’t just view Hole 2 on Highland Links as your run-of-the-mill two-shot par-4. It might be. In fact, on most setups you’ll likely hit your tee shot in the fairway, hit your approach onto the green, tap in for birdie and move to the next hole. But not always.

With the right tee box, wind, equipment, high tee or combination of the three, this green can be reached. And even if it isn’t reached, you can get awfully close for makeable chip.

To do so, you’ll need a big C-3-type shot together. Certain balls—cough, cough, Streaks, cough cough—will allow you to travel greater distances, and that could come into play here. Realistically, you need to be between the 390-420-yard mark to consider trying.

The one thing to worry about when attempting this shot is the collection of bunkers in the middle of the hole. This could be a problem, and you should be comfortable enough that a high tee and a driver will clear. If you are, then why not? The risk closer to the green is minimal.

And as you see below, it can be worth trying.

If you’re not comfortable with this approach, have no fear. Playing for the fairway—and that still valued three on the scorecard—is a worthwhile way to attack this hole.

You can adjust your strategy accordingly depending on where the pin is located. If it’s in the back, attacking it with no spin at all—or Bite—should be your go-to. If it’s in the front or middle part of the green, you’ll want to back that ball up with Bite or Backspin.

If you can back it up enough, you might be in business.

 

Obviously you’ll only be able to drive this hole on select occasions, but the occasions will be there. Approach Hole 2 with a mindset for birdie and adjust your aggressiveness if/when you’re able. That’s not a bad position to be in at all.

How do you play?