COURSE CADDIES :: Greek Hills :: Hole 5 :: 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.

 

Greek Hills Hole No. 5


It might be the most challenging front-nine drivable par-4, which is important to get in the open early. That’s not to say you should be intimidated by Hole 5 on Greek Hills, but you should at least respect the obstacle it presents.

The stream that runs through the design is what stands out most. It’s this hazard that can undo your hot start, and any shot that comes up short of the green will almost certainly end up wet. That’s lesson one—the most important advice to pass along—don’t be short.

Anywhere but short will still give you a chance at a birdie.

How you decide to attack this hole will depend greatly on the tee box, pin and wind. The trees just beyond the tee area can alter how you approach this hole, and it’s something to be wary off. It alters your attempt just enough to throw you off your game. It’s brilliant, painful course design.

The trees blocking the front of the green also make for an interesting obstacle, and that’s where the tee shot advice really kicks in.

If the pin is located on the left side of the green, you can avoid the trees near the green, land and still get really close. You cannot overcut this shot, though. That’s when you hear the spalsh.

But if you can master just the right amount of movement—perhaps with a fairway wood or driver—the results could be lovely.

The next attempt is the more unorthodox approach, a strategy that comes in play when the pin is in the back part of the green directly behind the trees.

Well, let’s just hit right through them.

The club will vary (likely fairway wood or driver), but the strategy actually has a pretty solid track record. Because everything slopes toward the hole on that side, any ball that gets through will likely trickle on the green.

It’s not the most exact strategy but it works, as long as your distance is on point.

 

The eagle is obtainable, but don’t be disappointed with a birdie. Miss long if you’re going to miss, and don’t let yourself leave with anything worse than a three.

How do you play?