[Mike Benham]

With Pajaro Valley being mentioned a few times today, I thought I would post a few pictures of my nemisis hole, the par-3 11th:

[John Chilver-Stainer]

It can't be that difficult? I can see 2 balls on the green - if your one is the nearest - did you get the birdie Mike?

[Brad Tufts]

That second pic makes it appear that there is a several-inch step down from the fairway cut to the green....a feature formerly brought to you by the one and only Ralph Myhre Golf Club in Middlebury, VT.....

[RJ_Daley]

I just recommended to one of my regular playing buddies here, who is on a vacation there with his wife who also joins us some Sat morning rounds, that they stop in if they get time and say hello to old Pete.  They were meeting some of their friends to play Pacific Grove, and I told them that Pajaro would be another excellent choice to enjoy a round with the wives. I mentioned that old Pete might know a good place for chiopino.  

[Tom Huckaby]

John - this hole isn't just Mike Benham's nemesis.  It's damn well the toughest hole on the course.  Mike left out the stats... it's about 175 and plays generally into the wind.  That tiny false front is exactly that - the ball won't stay on it.  The bunkers are deep and flashed up as you see.  There's also a serious fall off on the left past the bunker... The end result is this is one damn tough green to hit, then when you miss it, a very very tough up and down no matter where you are.  Only if you somehow succeed in getting the ball on the tiny plateau back part of the green do you have a chance... and then woe to you also if you get the pin Mike did in this pic - that is one scary putt going back toward the false front.

TH

[John Chilver-Stainer]

Tom,
I concur, from a 175 yards with the wind against, I could imagine the fear juices will flow freely, particularly to such a narrow target. Can’t be more than about 10 yards. Maybe that’s Mike’s second shot on the green?  

[Tom Huckaby]

John - well.... Mike himself is a very fine long-iron player.  I won't bet against that being his ball on the plateau.  If I'm playing that hole though especially in wind, I'm happy to be where that is in two.

 

[John Keenan]

and they called this an Old Man's Course. I think not  

[Mike Benham]

Maybe that’s Mike’s second shot on the green?  

Whoa ... were you sitting in a tree watching us play?

Yes, that is my second ball on the front of the green, it landed a little short and left of the hole location and trickled down to the front.

The rear of the green is larger than it appears and yes, my first shot was long left.

[Adam Clayman]

Naturally, the last time I golfed this hole there was a two a three and then me.
 
Huck makes an excellent point about the affect of the wind. Since this hole faces westerly, and the Pacific ocean is but a short distance, into the wind adds real length to this great golf hole. One of my Favorites at PV. The green also reminds me of the greens found just down the coast at Pebble. Maybe it's the size. Because there are no Lightbulb shaped greens at Pebble. (Maybe #4 but not as pronounced)

[David_Tepper]

Guys -

Am I correct in presuming that the pin is never set on the front slope of the green?

DT

[Tom Huckaby]

Guys -

Am I correct in presuming that the pin is never set on the front slope of the green?

DT

Can't see how it could be.  That is a very pronounced slope.  Of course our friend Pete Galea can be mischievous at times, but that would take this to the level of sadism.

 

[Peter Galea]

Guys -

Am I correct in presuming that the pin is never set on the front slope of the green?

DT

You are correct.

[JohnV]

Guys -

Am I correct in presuming that the pin is never set on the front slope of the green?

DT

You are correct.

I recall that it was on the front a few times during the year that it was my home course.  Usually when things were wet and slow.

[Peter Galea]

Hey John, I'm getting old and forgetful, but, I do remember the rules of golf. The area to place a cup should be flat for at least 3 feet around. The flagstick was never in the front of that green during my watch.
Good to hear from you btw.

[James Bennett]

Hey John, I'm getting old and forgetful, but, I do remember the rules of golf. The area to place a cup should be flat for at least 3 feet around. The flagstick was never in the front of that green during my watch.
Good to hear from you btw.

Hey Pete, where would you put the pin on #5  (the short par 4) with that rule?  Level for three feet around, but flat?

James B

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