SIGNATURE HOLES
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the best of the bunch
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4 key holes – and the best
way to conquer them
onarch Beach stands
out on "best of Orange
County" rankings for
the Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout
that requires strategic thinking
and shot-making. Take a fresh
look at some standout holes that
vex and delight golfers, and jot
down player notes from PGA
General Manager Eric Lohman.
no. 3 introduces golfers
to the Pacific ocean
At first glance, the hole might
come across as a cream puff at
just "300 yards and some
change," Lohman said. "But it's
one of the most clever, short par
4s that anyone will ever play
with its huge risk-reward dynamic."
HOLE 3
PAR 4
315 YARDS
The narrow fairway makes a
sharp left before galloping to a
tiny, tiered green guarded by a
deep bunker, out-of-bounds,
and a very large water hazard.
Many try cutting the corner
off the tee to go for the green.
That shot carries a high failure
rate, particularly since bunkers
guard the left side of the fairway.
"It's not a hole you can be aggressive on," Lohman said, noting that the ocean breeze can
often affect ball flight. "Making
par and getting out of there is a
smart move."
at 612 yards, no. 7 is the
course's longest hole
The par-5 also is the No. 1
handicap hole. Hitting over Salt
Creek is required not once, but
twice – on your drive and with
your approach shot. The narrow,
undulating fairway slopes down
toward the creek. Forget about
bailing out right, as bunkers and
a steep grass embankment area
lie in wait.
"You have to hit a really good
drive and then decide whether
to lay up on the right or left
side," Lohman said. "A poor
drive may end up in an area not
conducive to laying up."
The experienced golfer who
makes it over the creek in two
won't find a cakewalk to the
green. Another stretch of narrow fairway makes getting there
difficult. The approach shot must
be spot on, lest it be repelled '
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