Dixie Cup 2015 - Holston Hills

[Tyler Kearns]

Hole No. 6
Par 4
355/330/287/261


The first drive and pitch hole at Holston Hills plays downhill before rising sharply to a steeply sloped back right to front left green.





Approached played from the left side of the fairway play more directly into the slope of the green, but must carry far enough to not be repelled by a false front.  Too strong and a delicate putt awaits down the steeply sloped surface.  The lack of framing mounds behind the green make judging the distance more difficult.



Conservative approaches are understandable as players want to stay below the hole.  In addition, running over the back of this green leads to a very difficult recovery.  Note how the green surrounds blend into the adjacent 7th tee and merge with those behind No. 2 green.



TK

[Tyler Kearns]

Hole No. 7
Par 5
517/494/464/426


The split fairway 7th asks players to choose whether to play right or left of the deep fairway bunkers.  The left side route provides a more open and level approach to the green, but is uphill, slightly narrower and is approached somewhat diagonally.  The right hand route is an easier drive and makes trying to reach the green in two a more difficult proposition.





The steep vertical faces of the bunkers make them formidable hazards to be avoided.





The green tilts to the right, meaning players must negotiate a fairly large mound guarding the front left corner of the green which can lead to a wide range of positive and negative outcomes.





TK 

[Tyler Kearns]

No. 8
Par 3
148/134/100


Another wonderful short hole, the 8th features a green nearly encircled by five greenside bunkers.  The front left bunker is set on a diagonal to the line of play and warrants much consideration, especially to holes cut in the narrow front portion of the green.




The green surrounds feed overly aggressive approach shots into the hidden bunker behind the green.





TK

[Tyler Kearns]

Hole 9
Par 4
417/399/380/298


A great vista and a classic example of the strategic school of design.  The green opens up to drives challenging the left hand side fairway bunkers, allowing players more options on the approach which again is best left below the hole. 




I think joining the fairways on No. 1 & 9 beyond the fairway bunkers would enhance the strategy of the hole, enabling players to gain an even better angle of approach.





The mounding on the back side of the front bunker hides the ground options available to the golfer immediately beyond them.  The charming clubhouse serves as an excellent backdrop to the green which slopes severely from back-to-front.





TK

[Mike Feeney]

McConnell Golf Acquires Holston Hills CC       The 89-year-old club in Knoxville, Tenn., is the first property that the management firm will operate outside of the Carolinas, and the fourth in its 11-club portfolio with a Donald Ross-designed golf course.

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