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Ran Morrissett

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A Great Golf Hole - No. 11 at The Fort, Indiana
« on: August 14, 1999, 08:00:00 PM »
(This originates from a prior post that Ted made suggesting different people show how they would write a Great Golf Hole feature. Below is my effort.)The 11th hole at The Fort is an inspired  rollacoaster par five that measures 523 yards from the tees that most golfers will play. This public facility was remodeled by Pete Dye in 1997 for the princely fee of $1.Though the 11th is the most dramatic hole on the course,  it is playable by any skill level of golfer. (Please note: this comment does not apply equally as well to some of Dye's earlier works). From the elevated tee, the high marker may feel intimated at having to reach this plateau fairway but the landing area is wider than it appears. In fact, at 54 yards, it is quite wide - the adage certainly applies here that golfers enjoy playing holes that look tougher than they  actually are. The second shot is blind and must carry a ridge to get on the same level as the green. A second shot that lays up toward the right hand side of the fairway is ideal because the green is set at an angle across the line of play. From there, the golfer has a clear view down the length of the green.The green itself is quite deep at 45 yards and good distance judgement of the pitch is required. Standing on the tee, the stronger golfer contemplates the hole in a different manner. To try and reach the green in two, the direct route is down the right hand side of the fairway. Alas, that is were two deep bunkers and a stream reside. Still, a successful power fade will bring the green in reach. For his second shot, a draw is ideal as the green is open in front and best accomodates a running ball that comes in from the right. However, two deep bunkers on the left near the green await any shot that is pulled just a fraction too much.Overall, the middle to high marker can take great delight in achieving Old Man Par where the stronger golfer too is equally inspired by trying to cover dramatic terrain in perhaps just two big blows. Either golfer will ackowledge that Pete Dye made the most of the situation.