Golden Tee PGA TOUR’s 2023-2024 update is LIVE, and we're back with another round of course insights for the new additions to the carousel with Mr. Jim Zielinski, GT Co-Creator of and Course Designer for the Golden Tee series!


       Stay tuned to LIVEWIRE and GT’s social media channels to catch the entire series of Jim Z. 2023-2024 course insights, and be sure to check out our previous entry covering Bonnie Moor Black HERE! Now, here's Jim on South Pacific!

Jim Z. on South Pacific

What about this location drew you to it?

"Well lava is such a crazy and unique hazard. The courses that have it have been historically very popular, and we haven’t had one of those in a while, so I started scouting locations that could feature it. We chose Vanuatu as a location. It’s a small volcanic island in the South Pacific."

What can GT players expect when they tee off here for the first time?

"South Pacific is a very tropical location, the terrain here is hilly but not really mountainous. It is an island course so the ocean will play a role. But unlike many of our tropical courses, South Pacific is more inland, with the challenges mainly coming from sand bunkers and lava pools."

What makes this a worthy addition to the GT roster of courses?

"This is a tropical course that really features lava. There is probably more lava on this course than in any previous Golden Tee course. Tropical courses are the number one most popular course settings in Golden Tee. Players love the escapist locations these courses provide. South Pacific is a very unique course that is nothing like any of our previous tropical courses. From the hilly, rocky terrain, to the strategic lava locations, this course is very different."


What is unique or noteworthy about this course?

"Well besides the lava that was mentioned earlier, South Pacific also features a lot of volcanic rock areas in the terrain. These rock areas sometimes border lava pools, and many times are located next to, or surrounding, the green. These can make for some unique challenges on approach shots because the ball will bounce much higher, or possibly ricochet away if the ball lands on it. They also are very slick and the ball will roll must faster on the volcanic rock. This is particularly troublesome when the rock surrounds lava pools. It creates a lot of fun challenges and areas to avoid throughout the course."

      
What is your favorite hole (or 3) from the new course?

"I think my favorite hole from this course is hole 13. It’s a long par 5 that requires a great approach shot for any chance at an Eagle. The green is small and elevated and has some pretty steep slopes all around it. If you miss, and don’t end up in the ocean, the recovery shot is no bargain. There is a Birdie landing area to the right for the faint of heart. I like this hole because it’s all about execution. There are no hidden secrets or tricks. Either you can execute that Eagle approach shot or you can’t. This hole is all about your skill as a Golden Tee golfer."      

Does this course have any similarities to existing GT courses, and did you draw inspiration from them in designing this one?

"Well there is lava and it’s tropical, so there are some similarities to Volcano Palms and Tahiti Cove, but this one is much different. The lava is more abundant and is concentrated in smaller pools. The lava rock takes more center stage, and the coastal holes I think have a bit more challenge."

      Jim Z. makes a strong case for what this course intends to offer GT players who have a strong appreciation for tropical, inland-based GT courses! We can think of more than a few bangers' eyes and ears that'll perk up at the prospect of some hilly, lava filled fairways in this modern era of Golden Tee! We’ll be back with more GT 2023-2024 course insights from Mr. Jim Zielinski over the next couple of days, with an inside look at TPC Southwind! Stay tuned, friends!