Hole 4: Par 5, 573 YardsReachable in two for some players, but it will take two perfect shots. Lesser mortals should lay back to the left side of the fairway with their second shots, unless they can chase one up to the foot of the green.![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/Ballyneal/04.gif)
After reaching the top of the hill behind the third green, one is treated to this phenomenal view. As my caddie said, he lets the player walk ahead on his own and loves to watch the player's reaction. He said it's usually something like "holy sh*t, what a view!"
There is plenty of width off the tee. The shortest line to the green is up the right, but most will be playing this as a three-shotter and the preferred line is anywhere centre or left. Protecting the left side of the fairway is a single massive bunker. From the 'tee' one off the back, this bunker isn't in play. From the tips, it shouldn't really be in play as it is only about 200 yards to carry and the shot is very downhill. But, when it's cold and there is a bit of wind into, it can be in play (eh Scott) and is a very bad spot to be.
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/Ballyneal/Ballyneal-4tee3.jpg)
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/Ballyneal/Ballyneal-4teetips.jpg)
Though the picture does not really shot it, the fairway is filled with small undulations. The second shot is a fairly simple lay-up, but an unlucky downhill or sidehill lie in the fairway can make it significantly more difficult.
Of course, one must avoid the bunkers on the right when laying up. There is also a large swale in the fairway short and left of those bunkers that if one finds, he will have a blind approach. One would do well to play either left of, or over, this swale.
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/Ballyneal/P1070745.jpg)
Two well struck shots rewards the player with a straightforward approach to this green. A single bunker to the right and a significant false front keep the player honest, but overall this is not a difficult approach.
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/Ballyneal/P1070718.jpg)
A look back:
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/Ballyneal/04frombehind.jpg)