Hello one and all.
My first posting on the forum, after lurking in the wings for a while, following discussions, and seeing how it all works…
There have been comments on the 3rd at Pasatiempo as a great uphill par 3 and I agree. The course also boasts a reasonable downhill par 3 (8th), thereby having one of each category – up- and down-hill.
Peter Thompson’s new Ocean course at The National, Cape Schanck, Mornington Peninsula, Australia also boasts an uphill hole, and a downhill hole, among its collection of one-shot holes. The 11th is said to be a Redan-esque par 3 of approx 170 yards, which also boasts an appreciable drop from tee to green. The uphill 9th is significantly longer, and has a tee-box significantly lower than the putting surface. It plays to a big green, which is interestingly devoid of any great opening at the front of the green complex, for the run-up type shot. Into a 30mph prevailing headwind, carding a three is like finding a $100 note on the course...
For those who don’t recall enjoyable uphill one-shot holes, PLEASE come to Melbourne’s sandbelt. There are at least a dozen uphill par three’s of various length, which are a sheer joy to play. Metropolitan’s #2, Royal Melbourne West’s #7, Royal Melbourne East’s #4, Yarra Yarra’s #11, Kingston Heath’s #15, Victoria’s #14, Yarra Yarra’s #15, Huntingdale’s #3, and many others, are ALL truly wonderful holes. They possess varying green complexes, and all differ in how much of the putting surface they conceal from view. Many also see the golfer on the tee, positioned in such a way that they are shielded from the winds that are about to affect their ball in flight.
For the favorite dropshots – it’s hard to go past The Postage Stamp at Troon, as well as the two par three’s on the front side at Augusta National (#4 and $6), as well as Pebble Beach #7 (even if just for scenery, sorry).
Matthew Mollica