MEDIA CONTEST: The longest yard [Willow Lakes Golf Course series pt. 13]

  • Published
  • Series Entry 4M
ACC MEDIA CONTEST --  Well, you just finished a rough par 5, and what does Willow Lakes have for you next? Another par 5! And not just any par 5 - at 553 yards from the champ's tee, this is the longest hole on the course. Although it's a straight shot from tees to green, this hole - due to its length and the persistant threat of water - is ranked the sixth-hardest on the course.

To help us go the distance, the Air Pulse once again turned to William Johnson from U.S. Strategic Command.

Mr. Johnson's superb hole #13 strategy:

The 13th hole at Willow Lakes is a straight par 5 that plays slightly longer than #12. It's so straight that you can see the green from the tee box, but don't let that lure you into thinking it's easy. You will need three very straight shots to get to that green that is lurking in the distance.

When you step on the tee, look to the right of the fairway, and then to the left. That's right, you see water. There are ponds to the right and left of the landing area for most tee shots. A very straight drive is required if you want to avoid them. If you're not feeling good about the driver, go ahead and hit a utility club or long iron. The most important thing is to find the fairway.

Once your drive finds the fairway, you'll have a fairly easy decision to make. A good drive will leave you anywhere from 220 to 240 yards to the center of the green. The question now is, how well do you hit your fairway woods?

If you decide to go for the green you need to be aware of a couple of things. There is a pond that stands ready to catch any shots that stray too far to the right or long of the green. There are some smaller trees and a bunker that will catch any shots that happen to go left of the green. Fortunately, the fairway is relatively flat so most shots that are relatively straight will stay in the fairway and possibly roll onto the green. If you decide to lay up, you will probably be hitting a shorter iron to get to a comfortable distance. This could pose a problem if you are on the left side of the fairway because there are three large cottonwood trees on the left side that overhang the fairway.Make sure you're conscious of those trees so you can keep your shot low enough to avoid them.

You should now be approaching the green at 13. The main feature of the green is a ridge that runs from left to right through the middle of the green. Pay close attention to where the flag is located. (Hint: Check out the location of the hole as you are teeing off on 12.) You want to make sure your approach shot ends up on the same side of the ridge as the pin. This will make your birdie putt much easier. This green seems to hold approach shots fairly well, but be careful you don't go too long because the pond to the right also wraps around the back of the green to catch stray golf balls.

A few final thoughts:

1. A long drive from the regular men's tee will need to favor the left half of the fairway. The right half of the fairway near the pond tends to kick golf balls to the right and, consequently, into the water.

2. From the championship tees, feel free to hit driver. It's real hard to reach any water from way back there.

3. Just like on #12, water will be in play for all of your shots on this hole so be careful.

4. Congratulations! You've successfully negotiated the last water hazards on the course. The rest of the round should be a breeze, right? I don't think so! Willow Lakes has a lot more fun in store for you.