COURSE CADDIES :: Celtic Shores :: Hole 1 :: PAR 4

This year’s breakdowns now include video of each hole being played, although your feedback is most appreciated on these designs. How do you play? Share your strategy or Golden Tee Great Shots in the comments below.

All holes will then be available for reference on the Course Caddies page—a bookmark must for the entire encyclopedia! Enjoy, and stay tuned for plenty more.

 

Celtic Shores No. 1


Welcome to Celtic Shores. Before you hit your tee shot, consider the following: the winds are going to pick up, the elevation will change and you’re going to want to combat it in ways you feel comfortable. Some will want loft—especially for Hole 18—others will figure out how to combat Hole 17, that tricky par-3 you know so well.

For now, however, let’s get off the tee. And as is always the case with the first hole, the name of the game here is to warm up with a comfortable birdie.

To do so, you must avoid the fairway bunkers, especially the one placed right where the fairway bends. If you happen to find it, the world may not end. You will likely still be able to reach the green, although it will limit your spin and other options with your second shot.

While you want to be as close to the green as possible—you’ll get closer to the pin if you’re closer, that’s just Golden Tee science—you shouldn’t risk missing the fairway trying to gain every inch. Hit it out there and give yourself a nice look for the approach.

Depending on where the pin is located, you’ll be able to tackle this in a variety of ways: backspin, bite and no spin at all work here; it’s simply a matter of what’s most comfortable for you.

It can’t be said enough: Hole 1 is about getting out of the gate. Of course you’d like a hole out every now and then, and there are some setups where you should get pretty close. But in general, this is the place to get your feet under you and get locked in. Things pick up, well, pretty much immediately.

How do you play?