Golf Special Edition; Leopard Creek Country Club (part 1)
Leopard Creek Country Club will be hosting the Alfred Dunhill Championship from the 9th -12th
December. The creation of Gary Player is considered as the number one course in South Africa. Here is a quick review of the course.
Hole #1
The opening hole is little smaller for a par-4, which makes it a warm welcome for the visitors. The green is uphill from the tee, turning a dogleg left, and has three bunkers on the left. The landing area is considerably broad for golfers starting on the
tee. A small stream surrounds the right and face of the green.
The approach to reach the fairway is by placing the tee shot in the centre, avoiding the sides, which are protected by bunkers. The second shot should be driven up the hill with a mid iron sweeping over the creek and green side bunkers.
Hole #2
The second hole of Leopard Creek is considered as the easiest par-5. The most comprehendible way of reaching the fairway is driving the ball to the left of the bunker, which aligns the fairway. The trajectory of the shot can play a very important part as
a low hanging shot can get stuck in the trees on the same side. The downhill slope will help in defining the landing area, but a longer shot will lead to a narrow landing area, which can lead to trouble. Moreover, the green bends back, hence accuracy plays
a very important part in reaching the green.
Hole #3
The par-4 is laid on 410m and is a ground made up of traps on both sides. There is a series of bunkers on the left and trees on the right. The tee shot should be angled carefully as longer the drive narrower gets the landing area. Moreover, a narrow stream
runs diagonally from right to left on the fairway with a bunker on the left. A mid iron shot on the right can save the scorecard from trouble, but one is advised to avoid a deep cut or else the ball will run into the green side bunkers.
Hole # 4
The fourth hole is yet another par-4, but is slightly smaller than the previous hole. The tee bends sharp towards left and runs uphill, thereby, golfers should try avoiding the side and approach the fairway through the adjacent side. The players with long
game can opt for a shot on the right, which will plunge over the huge bunker on the right.
The green is slightly elevated from the fairway and is protected by bunkers on the left and back. The approach to reach the green safely is aligning the left shoulder with the angel of elevation and smashing a straight shot on to the green.
Hole #5
The par-3 fifth is considered as the most dangerous on the course, because of its horseshoe shape. The tee bends sharp left with a huge lake on the same side and bunkers on the right. The best approach to reach the green- in-one is by smashing a long tee
shot cutting towards left side. Short shooters can avoid the lake, but right side of the hole won’t help in picking up a point as the distance lengthens up and a ravine in between can make things worse. The best way to save par is by hitting the green in regulation.
Hole# 6
The sixth hole is stretched on 292 meters, which makes it very small for a par-4. The tee bends left falling into two oversize bunkers in the centre. The green is uphill and is protected by greenside bunkers on the left and front. The safer way to reach
the green-in-two is by driving the ball all the way to the green, keeping it on the left. An iron play on the green can earn a birdie without any hassle.
This is it for the first half of the course profile. For the remaining part, keep visiting Bettor.com.
Tags: