How would you play it?

[BROOKIE]

I'm not a big hitter so theres no chance of hitting the green in two shots,so Im hoping(playing)for two putts for a
bogie 5,on the other hand on the par 5 Im definitley looking
for a five and usually get it.

 

[richart]

On current form, badly.

 

[kid2]

Its par wouldnt influence me at all...If i was level after 3 then id be playing pretty well so id expect to make par but wouldnt be disappointed with a bogie. With no trouble offf the tee i would hit driver and see what i was left with in....Also its S.I. wouldnt influence me either..Like others have said i always try to shoot what the hole requires and i find our S.I#1 easier than some of our other holes..

 

[vig]

3 wood, 3 wood putt for birdie. OR
3 wood, 3 wood, wedge, sand iron, 3 putt for triple.
always exciting playing with me

 

[Smiffy]

Don't be influenced by the new CONGU rules on matchplay handicaps. Play it the best you can and dont think "I'm giving this guy full allowance not three quarters anymore" or you're beaten before you start.

Wise words Bob.
Wise words.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'd play either the original hole or the SI index 18 par 5 the same way and hit the drive first assuming I'd make par on both. From the resultant drive it's about where the ball is and how its lying. If its on the short stuff about 250 (a good drive for me) then chances are medal or not I'd have a go as there is no trobule as Bob describes it so think the risk is worth it. If it is in the rough, it depends on the lie really. From my perspective, more shots are lost in poor course management than poor strikes and so I'd need to be looking at the best and worse case scenario and making a choice. It'll certainly involve laying up and I guess its whether I still have 150-160 left or can play a short iron from around 100 instead.

The same applies to the par 5 SI 18. Again nothing gets decided until the tee shot lands. Assuming a greenside bunker (not too deep) is the harshest punishment then a good drive would still see me having a go. A bad one will still be looking at where to play my third from.

The format and the stroke index don't come into the equation. Indeed I've seen people TRY and play sensibly almost defensively either because it's a medal or because they have a good score going and fall apart. They lose their natural swing and tempo and try and steer the ball all the time with dire consequences. Golf is a tactical game. Look at the best links players in particular. They are always planning at least one if not two shots ahead on trying to miss pot bunkers off the fairway and giving themselves a sight of the green.

 

[StrangelyBrown]

Doesn't matter the par, I can't reach in two so I'll be playing for a five no matter what it says on the card.

 

[Region3]

If it's a singles comp the SI wouldn't influence me. I just can't make myself think along the lines of 'using my shot'. I hate dropping shots whether I get one back for the SI or not.

Where do you draw the line? Should a 1 h'cap 'use his shot' on SI1?

Every hole is the same. Get it in the hole in the fewest shots possible.

I'd admit though the par for the hole would influence how happy or otherwise I was with the score I got.

 

[JT77]

I would hit driver or 3 wood off the tee depending on what I saw in front of me. I would then go for it in two providing tee shot was ok. if I hit the green, would want a 4, if short or wide would go for a 4, but happy with a 5.

Our 11th is par 4 SI 1, 475 off the backs, but it dog legs to the right, you can get to the corner with 3 wood, just, and for me it is safer than driver, 3 wood goes straight, I start driver a bit right and it draws and there are trees lined on the right and oob and river beyond them right! you can reach it in 2 with 2 good strikes, but on the tee, you would almost always be happy with a 5!
So I based my answer on this hole.

 

[bigslice]

I asked the question because I know some people are influenced by what it says on the board.
If it says it's a par 4, they immediately think "this is a tough hole", try and make 4, take 5 and walk off miserable. If it says par 5 they think it's an easy par and are happy with a 5.
We also have a short par 4 at our place (250 off the yellows)
Long par 3 or easy par 4? Does it matter?

My point is your score means nothing in relation to the par of the course. It's all about how many times you hit it in relation to the CSS.
Don't be influence by the par of the hole. Play it the best you can and dont think "this is a tough hole" or you're beaten before you start.

totally agree, i always try and play every shot with where i want to play the next shot.

 

[sawtooth]

This could be the 15th at my home club, thats 473yds of whites, par 4 no water or OOB.

Driver, 3W or rescue, chip and 2 putts. Be happy with 5 on a par 4 that long.

 

[AuburnWarrior]

I think this is impossible to say without being able to stand on the tee and assess the hole.

I'd say Driver then 5 iron but, as I say, without seeing the hole and it's hazards, it's difficult to give a definitive answer.

 

[SyR]

It is always one shot at a time regardless of the length, par or stroke index.

You pick your shot, hit it and then look what your options are for the next one.

That's all you can ever do.

Absolutely, you aren't trying to conform to the par, you are simply trying the get the ball in the hole. If it takes you 3, 4 or more shots that's what it takes. The hole number and the yardage in the first post gives you no information about if the hole is a par 3, 4 or 5. You just have to stand on the tee and decide where you think you can get the ball to safely. You then repeat until the ball goes in the hole.

 

[madandra]

I would drive it 300+ and hit an 9 iron 160to the green. 2 putt = par


In the real world it would be a drive, long iron and either a chip and a putt or a chip, another chip and 2 putt.

 

[Imurg]

Obviously a good drive is needed if there's going to be a realistic par chance. Knobble one 100 yards and I'd be happy walking off with a 5, cream one 300 and I'd be looking for a par or even a birdie.
Today - 480 yd par 5. Puched the drive into clag behind tree. Thinking probable 6.
5 wood through tree, just clipping the edge, to 60 yards short. Thinking probable par
Wedge it to 10 feet. Thinking still probable 5.
Sink putt. Walk off with a 4 and a big smile!!

 

[SatchFan]

Would have to accept it was out of range for me in reaching the green in regulation. Still obviously have a go at getting a par but would be happy with a 5.
One of the rare occasions when I wish I could hit the ball about 20 yards further.