Golf Asia – July 2019

5

The back tee is no longer in
play, so there’s a great chance
to blow it up by the green. Missing it
on the right is particularly bad
because it leaves a terrible angle to
a severe, two-tiered green with a
large hollow just in front. There’s
out of bounds at the back, so it’s a
real risk and reward.

6

The tee box sits right by the
beach, and plays back into
the breeze. The front half of the
green is easily accessible, but there
is a false front so anything short will
roll off. A pin on the back tier will
be hard to get at as it brings two
large hollows into play.

5 6

PAR 3

YDS 194

PAR 4

YDS 374

The tee is

perched

above the

ocean, which

means the

wind can

play havoc.

The hole

could play as

short as 350

yards if the

R&A pushes

the tees up.

One of

two par 3s

without any

bunkers.

With wind

behind, the

big hitters

could

reach with

a three-

wood.

The green

slopes from

back to front.

To drive the

green, the tee

shot needs to

be threaded

between two

new bunkers.

GMAC’S PLAYING NOTES WHITE ROCKS HARRY COLT’S

Let the ball

position

dictate the

hand position.

Too much

shaft lean can

lead to

a thin.

HOW TO...

HIT THE LOW

STINGER

LIKE TIGER

CLUB: 2 OR 3-IRON

It’s the shot every golfer wants to

learn, and one plenty of pros will

rely on when they reach the par-

3 16th here at Royal Portrush.

Keeping the ball under the wind

is a must on a links course, and

it’s actually a lot easier to do

than you might think. The set-up

doesn’t need to change too

much; just take your normal

address for a long iron, but shift

the ball back in your stance,

level with the centre. Once set,

make a conscious effort to keep

your sternum over the ball, and

drive your weight on to your

front foot as you deliver the club.

This will help you to strike down

into the back of the ball, as

opposed to hanging back and

helping the ball into the air. Just

make sure you finish low to

keep the ball low.

KEY

TA K E AWAYS

Don’t treat a long iron like a

driver and position the ball

too far forward.

Shift the weight onto your

front foot in the downswing.

Abbreviate the

follow through.