Bushwood Hole #2: Part 2 in a Series of 18

For this post, Carl continues with his series that describes and details the various holes at Bushwood…

Hole #2: Par 4 

Tees = Red: 267 yards, White: 339 yards,  Blue: 348 yards  Gold: 387 yards

Hole #2 should be a par or bogey hole for mid handicappers and better but this hole has a way of sneaking up on you and tearing a chunk out of your golf game if you’re not careful.  Too many times I’ve seen people try to fly the small tree on the right side of the fairway, only to clip it, or even worse, end up in the OB farmer’s field that lines the entire right side of this hole.  There is a risk reward element to the long bomb over the tree but the smart play is to stay centre to left fairway.  You’ll have a longer second shot than if you manage to drive over the tree but you’ll increase your daily odds of making par.  In my opinion, this is not a birdie hole.  Rarely do I see people close to the pin after the usually blind to semi-blind uphill second shot.  As well, the long green is one of the highest elevated greens at Bushwood and while it may feel soft underfoot, I suspect that the combination of good drainage with a longer uphill second iron shot is what causes many balls to roll just off the back and into the thick stuff, leaving a potentially long chip to the pin if it’s at the front of the green. 

Higher handicappers who are less than accurate with their longer irons should favour the left side of the green on their second shot.  You may end up in the trap but it is far better than risking the dangerous right side.  Balls that end up right of the green often bounce violently towards the OB.  Left is generally safer than risking the abundance of shrubs, traps, and bad lies to the right.

Once on the green, putts within 10 feet are generally easy to gauge but if you get caught with a longer back to front or front to back putt, take some extra time to walk all the way around the green to get as much info as you can.  Note the slope and be aware of the grain.  This green seems to change its personality every now and then and long putts are tougher to figure out than they appear.

TIP: Pin placements at the middle to back of the green should be given respect on your second shot.  Don’t over-club unless you are able to come in high and soft.  Most hitters should be happy to be on the green in two rather than pin-seeking.  Birdie is a bonus here but playing this hole is regulation is still impressive for a hole that looks easier than it actually is.  Coming off a par here might just give you a little confidence for the intimidating drive that is coming up on hole #3.