RISK vs. REWARD

BY SIMON DUBIEL

Walter Hall Golf Course

Hole No. 2 • Par 5 • 498 yards (Blue Tees)

Setup

This relatively short par 5 has a wide and forgiving fairway to aim for, but the same cannot be said for the approach. A marshland with tall grass is the death of all shots short and left, while several small fir trees lining the right side as you near the pin. The green itself can be diabolical, slanting from right to left and leaving some very challenging lag putts.

Risk

Anything left or right can be dicey, and at best, is probably going to leave you with an awkward and challenging third shot tough to get near the hole. The trees on the right may not look too intimidating, but combined with the slope of the green, they are no fun to play out of. Short/left likely leaves you searching for your ball and wishing you had laid up.

Reward

A short par 5 early in your round is always inviting. Swing with confidence off the tee and split this generous fairway — your approach is where you make your move. Make sure you take enough club as the middle of the green is your target. Right is better than left. Leave yourself an eagle putt or an easy up and down for a four.

Final Call

Occasionally the best way to grow your stack of chips is not to lose them. Your ability to get home in two is tempting but throwing away shots isn’t a way to lower your score.