COURSE CADDIES :: Celtic Shores :: Hole 2 :: PAR 5


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. 2


The opportunity to score starts early on Celtic Shores, as Hole 2 gives us a par-5 that comes equipped with two distinct routes.

Now, let’s point out the obvious and assess a theme that will be frequented throughout each and every featured hole: The water that surrounds these designs can come into play on almost every shot.

On Hole 2, you can find it on your tee shot if you come up short—more on that momentarily—and also on your approach if you happen to end up long. Ending up short and wet off the tee is the more common of the two, which is a great place to begin.

With the fairway branching off both left and right, you have the opportunity to go to either side. Left, of course, will come with more risk given the smaller landing area and the distance required to get up over the water.

In many instances, it will probably require a high tee. In some setups—particularly with a strong wind in your face—it might be impossible to reach. Despite the risk, there is a benefit of going this direction. If you land safe, you’ll almost certainly be left with a shorter shot into the green for your approach.

Whether this is a risk worth taking is totally up to you. Unlike other designs where you have no choice but to weigh the risk vs. reward, however, here you have options.

The right fairway will also give you a fine look to the green. It will be longer—with anything from a driver to a 6-wood in play, depending on the wind—although it will work just fine.

You want to keep the ball as close to the left side of the right fairway as possible to cut off distance, although don’t risk landing in the rough. If you do, you’ve essentially taken an eagle out of the picture.

Land it in the short stuff—with a straight shot or a big (but safe) C-3—and then manage your approach with care. Bite is a very popular spin into the green, especially when the pin is in the middle or back, but backspin will also work.

 

You have choices here, and that’s never a bad thing. While I would recommend that you voyage left on almost every occasion, the hole is yours to explore. There’s no reason eagle can’t be had with great regularity here. Take advantage.

How do you play?