4th hole overview
A lovely little par 3.75, the 4th at Barnbougle is purported by a few noted critics to be perhaps the best hole built in Australia during the last 50 years.
Options abound. One can a) lay up short of the prominent fairway bunker and leave a small but blind pitch, b) hit a longish club to the left corner for a better view of the approach, or c) try to drive one up into the punchbowl green complex. The strength of the day's wind (usually hurting) will often be the deciding factor.
The penalty exacted upon the overly aggressive drive (option c) can be quite severe…
Option b allows for shots played directly at the day’s pin, with bilateral sideboards generally providing favorable kicks to pushed or pulled pitches.
Reaching the green, one can distinguish its “V” configuration.
Pup generously agreed to pose for the camera, lending a sense of scale -- he’s 7’5”.
Pins located in the left/rear portion of the green (opposite this camera position) might be more easily accessed via options A and C… What say ye, resident experts?
It’s a superb hole, but fortunately there are plenty more gems ahead, not to mention the spectacular walk to tee #5.