The 5th Hole – “Alps” inspired par 5.Posting as I’ve a few pictures from this weekend…Wind dependent, for the low handicap man, the strategy of this hole sets up perfectly from the back tee. There is a decent carry (much less from mid two sets in foreground and non-existent from forward set) to a wide, perfectly natural, undulating fairway amongst a really deep dune valley. The first half of this hole corridor has been in the routing right since the early days of Jim Engh’s plan although the initial idea was to take the green in to the left as a shortish par-4.
Now, the choice: Low and left (visible) to what is actually quite a narrow landing area (30 yards wide) or up and over the saddle to the right (blind). It takes quite a hit to get up there unless you are in the absolutely perfect position in the fairway.
Take the low road and you have an open shot down the length of the green but you’re still looking at 150 yards. The approach bunkers shouldn’t come in to play (being 30 yards short) but there’s one tight left on the green that will always cause problems.
Here is the view back down the hole from the 6th fairway above the 2nd shot landing zone.
Take the high road and you have to execute a good shot to travel far enough down to allow a decent angle in for your 50 yard chip. Only problem is the area is guarded by those approach bunkers and anything coming up too short will have to take on the green from a very awkward angle.
This one of the longest and least undulating greens on the new nine. A view from behind shows your two options for your second shot.
I always knew this hole would provide a lot of discussion. Most people have loved it on first look. A few have yet to get it although I’m hoping that more plays will turn them round. It’s certainly anything but conventional.