Royal Melbourne West - #3. Par 4 356yds. Index 14.
For o/seas posters, it was the opening hole on the revamped composite layout at Royal Melb, for the 1998 President's Cup.
In short, there are options galore. The most gentle bend left in the fairway, over the last 50yds. The hole provides a super-wide landing area, for a long-iron. The more club you take from the tee, the more accurate one must be. One may direct the tee shot anywhere within a 50degree arc, depending upon their own preference on where they want to play their second shot. The hole tricks you, in that there doesn't seem to be too much of a disadvantage to driving close to the green. A big valley immediately prior to the putting surface, and a front to back sloping green, which is sparingly, but well-bunkered, completes the hole. One needs to hit a very exacting approach, invariably, with full shot to generate some spin, to get anywhere close. Some drive way right, away from the green, so as to play the second perpendicular to the valley. Some putt the second through the valley, after hitting driver close to the green. Some bump and run to try and access the front pins. Attempting to hit a lofted shot, after a long tee-ball, usually ends in disappointment. When the tee shot is directed on the line of charm (the flag is just visible from the tee), one approaches the ball and realises that they've played the first shot too tight on the left, and that they now have a very exacting second to play.
On a tract of land which is not too startling, the third provides more options than almost any other par four I can think of. It uses simple ideas and executes them to perfection. It makes you think, and has an unusual green configuration. It makes one wonder why this green complex hasn't been utilised more often.
Matthew