Is a Biarritz style green a suitable form of challenge on a short par 4?
First, to qualify my question, I am not looking to debate the exact features which form a true Biarritz.
Second, I have not played a Biarritz so I am purely speculating.
During a recent reconstruction project in NZ, a short par 4 (approx 330 metres I think) was built featuring a Biarritz style green. The hole has no bunkering and plays to a slight dogleg left from the tee. The safe play is a long iron leaving a full approach shot to the green. Of course, there is the option to take driver and try to get down as close to the green as possible.
This picture shows the approach from approx 60 metres
As you can see, the risk with driver is turning it over too much and having to deal with the left hand trees.
This photo shows the preferred angle of approach. To achieve this position, the out of bounds on the right must be flirted with.
You can just make out the swale running through the width of the green
To me, trying to approach this green (particularly a back pin) with a short wedge would be incredibly difficult. The bisecting swale runs right across the green at the point where you would seek to land your ball and have it release to the back hole location. You now have to attempt the shot with less loft and land on the front portion of the green and judge the weight and spin to have the ball run out to the back. Alternatively, a front pin is guarded by a slight false front which demands a ball either played short and run up or a shot that pitches on and doesnt run into the swale.
The next 2 pictures show the extent of the swale when viewed from front left and the back of the green
To me, a Biarritz requiring a long approach with an iron or wood, in theory seems easier as the shot will naturally release. Trying to play to such a green with a short club you are having to deal with the spin characteristics of the shot as well which further challenges the players ability to calculate how the ball will react with the ground.
Hopefully someone has played both and can offer a solid opinion on this.
I havent as yet played this hole but am hoping to next weekend. I will elaborate on its playing characteristics further then.