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Course Caddy: Pelican Grove No. 17
One Par-5, Two Ways to Play and a Whole Lot of Strategy


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.

 

Pelican Grove No. 17

 

The picture from above is daunting. Not directly above, but at the very top.

As intimidating as Pelican Grove’s final par-5 might look from the blimp view, however, it can be tamed. Don’t let that early confidence downplay the magnitude of this design. No. 17 can pack a punch and spoil a scorecard if you aren’t careful (or accurate.)

The drive on the hole is crucial, and there are indeed two ways to play. With a front tee box, favorable wind or hopefully both, you can go down the left fairway and reach the green in two. Getting beyond the grouping of trees is integral in determining whether you can go for the green in two.

If you do have a clear shot, then the double eagle remains a possibility. 

The more intriguing path to the cup—the one you will have to take more times than not—revolves going to the right fairway all the tee. Simply put, if you aren’t sure your tee shot will get beyond the grouping of trees, this is the path you’ll have to take if you plan on reaching the green in two.

The key here is to be close enough to the obstruction guarding the trees but not too close. You must also keep your shot in the fairway; otherwise it’ll be time to layup.

Ideally you should be left with a 4-wood or 5-wood sitting comfortable in the fairway, both of which will clear the trees guarding the green. This shot is by no means a given, and distance control—along with spin control—will be crucial.

Because the green is so severely sloped toward the water, Backspin should rarely be an option. Bite should be more than adequate on this particular shot, and you may even tackle it without spin if the pin is tucked near the very top back portion of the green.

This shot will require practice, failures, and successes, but eventually it will get easier. And perhaps you’ll be doing this in no time.

 

If you're left with an uncomfortable look going either way, perhaps a tough setup or a tee shot that put you in a difficult position, don't be afraid to play for birdie. A three here can be far better than, well, you know...

What shot and path works best for you here? Share your thoughts below!

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