I have not played this course, but this hole is similar to a couple of the par fives at Eagle Ridge as well. Overall the challenge, visual appeal and scale of Eagle Ridge are spectacular, but there are a couple of holes that I am really not sure how to get through without blowing up. The people who I play with like the course but go in knowing they are some holes that are absolutely above their skill level.
I am actually more troubled with the tee shot than the second shot or the approach to the green. On the second shot the forced layup does not bother me and it appears that you can elect how aggressive you want to be. Also the trouble around the green does not appear to be as severe, thus laying back to be conservative may be an option. as for the tee shot I generally like more width than this.
With that being said, I have played the eastern end of the Kentucky Park System and applaud them for the courses they are making available to the public.
Overall through I really tend to favor courses with more width and the challenge increases as you get closer to the hole. I have played several courses when most of the holes are like this and it is really difficult to enjoy them.
Charlie;
I assume you are referring to holes #4 and #7, since #14 is a fairly innocuous par-5. Hear are some thoughts on those two.
#4 may be the most difficult par-5 in the Universe. I have heard many people say it is too difficult, and ought to be changed or even eliminated. I disagree completely. There are surprising options here.
For example, when I tee, I play my shot far more right than anyone could expect. Why? Because every time I have hit my ball into that wooded hillside over there it fed right down into the fairway ON THE OTHER SIDE, leaving me a perfect line to the lower fairway on my second.
On the second shot, Charlie, please note that hitting the ball left of the fairway will have a similar result! They keep the underbrush a minum there because it can be used as a nice bail-out on that particularly tight looking second. It feeds to the fairway nicely.
The approach will always need to be straight, but the catchall behind the green is quite puttable. Yes, this is a very challenging hole indeed, but spectacularly beautiful and more possible that is obvious.
I love the way Forrest built in bail-outs where ER seems hardest.
#7 is also quite a challenge. It has less in the way of bailouts, but more room to play. Just be willing to play your third from 150yd and do not, repeat, do NOT, challenge those sidehill bunkers. I once did, and was in that lowest one. It is small, steep, and i thought I was in Hell. Charlie, this is one of the sweetest par-5's I know, and one of my favorite holes anywhere [except of course for holes #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #8, and of course #13 right here at ER!].
Charlie, I admit ER is not a course to everyone's taste. I have had fun finding it's little eccentricities. Most people will be more comfortable with Hidden Cove and Dale Hollow, both quite challenging and a bit more conventional. But ER will have it's little 'cult following', who come from long distances to play in Eastern KY for HC, Stonecrest, Old Silo, along with Eagle Ridge, then go home and talk about #4 and #13 and plan to come back.
And boy, the prices are right!
John Mayhugh;
Please DO go to Eastern Kentucky and play those courses which I recommend in this post. I simply have never learned to post pix here, and I think these courses deserve a look. I make no claim that they compete with the best in USA, but I doubt you will find more for your money anywhere. I especially think Ed Ault has wrought well for us here, and am looking forward to his new 'General Burnside SP' course, which is due to open this Spring.
Thanks for your posting on Mineral Mound. While I do not consider it quite up to DH, HC, ER etc, I did enjoy my trip there.
You know what I wish? I wish Tennessee would sell 'The Tennesseean' to the Kentucky State Parks! [LOL]. That is a masterpiece layout suffering from lack of conditioning. Can you imagine it with KY SP conditions? I hate that it is so lost out there. BTW, I assume you have played there and know what I am talking about.
I am rambling, sorry, been sick for a week, so ........... I'll stop now
Doug
PS:
http://parks.ky.gov/golftrail/default.htmNot a great site, but getting better