Golf Special Edition; Leopard Creek Country Club (part 2)
The Alfred Dunhill Championship is about to hit the number one course of South Africa. For the ones who have read the first half of the preview, here is the second half of the article.
Hole #7
The par-3 is stretched on 197 meters of the course. The length is the biggest distraction for the visitors. A straight tee shot in centre, slightly aligned towards right can help in reaching the green in one stroke. The green is protected by a massive lake
on the right and a bunker on the left. Right selection of the club can serve as an edge on this hole.
Hole #8
The par-4 is backed by the lake at the rear and trees on both the sides. The tee slopes downwards towards the fairway, which has two bunkers on the left and one huge hazard on the right. The green is strategically positioned downhill-left. The green is reachable
in two, provided a short iron accommodates the player on the tee. The elevation gives a good frame of reference for the second shot, but a miscalculated shot towards far left can roll the ball into the side bunker.
Hole #9
The par-4 is laid on 435 meters and runs downhill with a long narrow stream running on the left. The elevated tee gives a fair idea of the green, which is half hidden behind a huge lake. However, accuracy is required for the tee shot, as bunkers align the
landing area. The second shot should be aimed slightly towards right, as the ball can roll into water on the left. The green widens up on the rear, which is an excellent landing area. A perfect putter can earn a par, if not a birdie.
Hole #10
A solid tee shot can help in reaching the par-4 tenth hole. The tee is cut short by a ravine and a bunker placed in the centre. The green is protected by bunkers on both sides and is two-tiered. The low angled fairway blocks the view of the green, which
can only be reached with the help of expertise or luck. Iron can come handy on the fairway in scoring an eagle or a birdie, because of the pin position.
Hole #11
The eleventh hole is considered as the most magnificent par-4. The 343 meters layup has variety of tee options, which can shape the ending putt from different directions. The tee slopes downwards, cutting the narrow stream into the fairway. The approach
shot towards the fairway can be obtained with the help of a driver.
The second shot requires an uphill stroke onto the green, which is bunkered on the sides. Once again a mid iron to 3-iron can be used on the fairway, or else the ball will slide back on the fairway falling for any of the three bunkers ready to prison the
ball.
Hole #12
The par-3 is a free ticket for hole-in-one. A straight tee shot slightly inclined towards left can hit the flag without any hassle. For the short hitters, try avoiding the front of the green as it slopes into the bunker. There are two more bunkers on the
back, but they offer no threat to the players, unless a handicap tests his luck on them.
The rear of the back-tee gives a splendid view of the Kruger Park, which is capped by mountains on back and purple-orange sky on top.
This is it for the second part of the course preview of Leopard Creek Country Club, which will be hosting the second last event on the Sunshine tour on 9th December 2010.
Tags: