Fresh Express Classic Tournament: A course overview
Here is an overview of the scenic TPC Stonebrae course in Hayward San Francisco, the venue of this week’s Fresh Express Classic Championship on the Nationwide Tour. The course is a par-70 7,100 yards, David McLay Kidd design, facing the breathtaking San
Francisco Bay. The $600,000 event is scheduled to start this weekend.
Par-4 1st hole: First hole of the course tees off from one of the most breathtaking San Francisco bay in the back drop. As the fairway extends further left than as it may appear, distance control remains the key. An ideal tee
shot would carry all the way over the left bunker.
Par-3 2nd hole: The par-3 2nd hole provides a challenge to the golfers as the fairways experience an abrupt slid downhill shearing the San Francisco bay breeze. There is also a large landing area to the right of the
putting surface which renders the shot more difficult.
Par-5 3rd hole: Like every third hole on any course, the Par-5 3rd at TPC Stonebrae is no less exciting. One of the way of getting through is to aim right of every fairway bunker. This will provide a short but a tougher
approach. Golfers going straight to the green can aim left of the bunkers in the centre and can rely on the slope afterwards to narrow the distance.
Par-3 4th: Being the shortest hole on the course, Par-3 4th is ideal to make up for the losses. 167 yards in total, greens are still tricky and require much pondering for the putts.
Par-4 5th: Although a Par-5 for 377 yards would sound an easy task, this hole poses considerable challenge with its steep inclined fairways. A good tee shot should be aimed between the bunkers leaving 80-100 yards to the approach.
Par-3 6th: The green for this hole is divided into two tiers both on the left and right. With a yardage of 188, the hole appears shorter when played upon. Golfer must take into consideration the slope on the green before launching
his approach.
Par-4 7th: Another of the uphill holes, Par-4 7th, the ball tends to slide from left to right, so a shot aimed slightly to the left will suit most of the tees and approaches.
Par-4 8th: The challenging 8th has a slight dogleg to the left and golfer should aim left of the fairway bunker located on the right. There is also a downhill roll beyond the bunker which can be used to significant
advantage.
Par-5 9th: 598 yards long, this hole is one of the decisive holes of the course. Tee shots should be aimed slightly left.
Par-4 10th: David Mclay Kidd’s deceptive design comes into play at this hole. It incorporates several perception-deceiving elements including a large spine which crosses the putting surface from the centre.
Par-4 11th: In case of high winds, a tee shot should be aimed to the left side of the fairway while a left sided approach to the green is recommended.
Par-3 12th: The green is situated diagonally to the tee and a left to right shot is recommended.
Par-4 13th: It takes quite a skill to avoid the bunkers at both sides of the fairway and a blind uphill aim from the fairway poses another difficult shot for the golfers. Approach to the green for this hole is often aimed at the
gap between the two large oaks in a distance.
Par-4 14th: One of the most tempting holes on the course, par-4 14th often deceives the golfer of the yardage in it. Bunkers closer to the green can make it hard to calculate the meat in the shot.
Par5 15th: Precision in second and third shots are the most important in this hole. Golfers should keep the ball left in order to allow it to roll down on the fairway.
Par-3 16th: This hole is slightly uphill and any shot which fails to make the distance, usually rolls down. Aiming to the left centre of the green normally yield better results.
Par-4 17th: This hole gives an edge to the long hitters as laying short of it will increase the length of the second and third shots. A staggering 225 yards will have to be covered in case the golfer decides to lay low of the
bunker.
Par-4 18th: The final hole runs all the way back to the clubhouse with a steep incline. Golfers can make effective use of the slope by shooting longer and allowing the ball to slide down closer to the green.
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