I think the strategy as you describe in on #15 is not fully correct. Taking the risk on the right side on #15 does nothing really for you. I went down that side and was completely stuck. There is nowhere to go given the way the hole bends hard right and I don't think you gain an advantage or shorten the hole--it is deminimus strategically to dare the hazard. The right call is to fire it down the ample left side which both Ran and Tom Doak did when we played.
I believe Tom's advice was to play it more that way unless I can hit a giant power fade. I didnt listen, that bunker is fool's gold.
Even though you may extend the hole a bit at 600 yards going left, you arent getting home in 2 going right and if you are off on your drive, the trees down the right will make you get home in 4.. There is no reason to flirt with that side.
Noel,
I'd agree with you.
I hit it down the right side, over the bunker, thinking I'd gain an advantage. But, it's just the opposite. The stand of trees on the right thwart a direct shot at the green. I had to hit a good fade to get just short of the green, and if my ball didn't fade, I'd have been in some ugly stuff.
The play is down the center or even favoring the left.
There is only risk with NO REWARD for going over the bunker and down the far right side with your drive. And, should your drive drift further right into the woods, you're in deeper trouble.
As to # 18, it presents the golfer with a wonderful dilema off the tee. It's optically intimidating and the wind can magnify the fear factor.
But, I think you may be right, hitting to the right, which initially doesn't appear to be the play of choice, may be the correct decision. What you lose in yardage you gain in safety. Even if you go in bunkers, the hole is short enough to allow for recovery and reaching the green in regulation.
And, I don't mind the angle of attack from the right.
Obviously the wind could influence my comfort zone.
I liked the par 5's, although # 13 wasn't my favorite.
# 15 and # 18 were higher up the totem pole for me.
The tiny green complex with the unique greenside bunkering on # 15 added to my enjoyment of the hole, and # 18 was a terrific finishing hole, an eagle or a telephone number, depending upon your play.
I thought the course was sporty from the blues and too difficult for me from the blacks, especially with the prevailing winds.