Andy:
The options off the tee are:
a) bomb it past the trees, allowing for clear shot;
b) stay far enough back from trees, allowing for trees to be cleared on 2nd;
c) go far left, allowing for clear second (tough to do as trees come in on the left side of fairway);
d) play for short off the tee, right of trees. That area is pretty tough to hit, but can be done - I've done it myself - figure a 185 yard shot to a smallish "green" - it's risky but if one can pull it off, it's a short shot in, over ocean, no trees in the way. What you might be thinking of as not a true option is to try and land the ball PAST the trees on the right - that's a long shot to a very tiny area indeed. What I'm talking about the right side of the fairway a little short of the trees, maybe eeking up level with them - that can be done. It's risky, but that's another thing that makes this hole great - the shortest shot off the tee is the riskiest choice! Where else does that occur?
Of course wind will effect which choice to take, as will one's abilities. But these are the four choices.
TH
ps - Mike - that's a great view looking back up 16... now give us one looking the other way.
