18
The green
Although it’s likely most players will
be pitching into the flag from around
70 to 80 yards, the green complex
givesthebiggerhittersafighting
chance at making birdie – or eagle –
the more adventurous way. Short
andleftisclearlyno-goterritory,but
arun-offareatothebackleftofthe
puttingsurfaceisasafetynetfor
those going in with a fairway wood
or long-iron.
Tee shot
This demanding par 5,
whichwillplaybetween
622 yards and 675 yards,
dictatesastrongand
accurate drive since the
fairway narrows around
the300-yardmark.The
play is down the right side
of the fairway to provide a
safer route to the flag.The approach
On this solid three-shotter, all but
thelongesthittersinthefieldwill
need to curb their natural instincts to
automatically go for the green in
two. Weather conditions and tee
placements will determine how
manyplayerstakeontherisk,but
even downwind with dry, running
fairways,thebunkersandwetlands
thatcutinfrontofthegreenwill
pose some tough strategic questions- especially on the final day.
US OPEN