A look at the Royal St. George’s Golf Course – Part 1
Host to this year’s Open Championship, the par-71 Royal St. George's course will gather top guns of the world on its windy fairways this Thursday, July 14. The majestic course, renowned for its beauty and treacherous greens, stretches on a total of 7,106 yards, which is 246 yards longer than what it was the last time it hosted the Open Championship. Here is a quick glance at the hole-by-hole course profile.
Hole #1
The opening hole on the front nine stretches on 442 yards, which makes it a moderate par-4 setup. The hole is a straight and an open layout, which has a lot of interference from the wind that normally blows from the right side. Four bunkers are found on the entire stretch; one sits in the middle of the fairway, whereas, the other three sit by the greenside.
Since wind is a crucial factor on the fairway, it is therefore recommended to avoid a driver, as the club allows room for inaccuracy. Instead, use a hybrid and aim for the left side of the fairway, as it will allow the golfer to attack the green more freely. The second shot should be aimed towards the right side of the green, as it is free from all sorts of hazards, including the three bunkers and the sloppy terrain.
Hole #2
This hole is the second par-4 setup, which is comparatively shorter than the first hole. A single bunker sits in the centre of the fairway that can be avoided by long hitters. The fairway turns dogleg right, which means that the left side of the setup is the shortest path to the green. The green sits on the elevated piece of land that requires utmost accuracy. However, a shot faded from the right side of the green can earn a birdie for sure.
Hole #3
Welcome to the first par-3 of the front nine. The setup stretches on 210 yards, with no bunkers but an abundance of mounds and rough around the green. The green is 43 yards deep, which indicates that it will catch the ball and not let it slip onto the sides. Aim for the centre of the green and make sure the shot does not cut short or else, the golfer will have to chip from a very tight spot, which might force him to settle for a bogey or worse.
Hole #4
This 497-yard hole is the first of the par fives. The tee, which was pulled some 30 yards back during the renovation, is the most crucial testing ground on the course. The fairway is narrow and undulating and it gets narrower as one heads further. The green is open for attack, but it requires a long hitter to conquer it with ease.
Hole#5
This par-4 setup is longer than a normal par-4, with water and mounds in the way towards the green. The fairway turns dogleg right, which makes the approach shot from the left side the shortest route to the green. Long hitters will once again have an advantage here. Aim for the left side of the fairway and target the centre of the green from there.
Article continued in Part 2…
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