MEDIA CONTEST: Epitome of the course [Willow Lakes Golf Course series pt. 12] Published Dec. 27, 2006 Series Entry 4L ACC MEDIA CONTEST -- Hole #12 at Willow Lakes is the second hardest on the back nine, and it's all downhill from here. Still, if you look forward to the relative ease of the second half too soon, you could find yourself tripping up on this hole, which is pure Willow Lakes. It has everything - sand, water, even willows. To help us navigate the twists and turns, the Air Pulse recruited William Johnson, a contractor at U.S. Strategic Command. Mr. Johnson on Hole #12: The 12th hole at Willow Lakes is the first of three par 5's on the back nine and this hole has it all, as in all of the hazards. There's water, sand, trees, out of bounds and lots of rough. It's a relatively short par 5 that can yield an easy birdie or an even easier double bogie. The first things you notice from the tee is the giant Cottonwood tree to the front and left of the tee box and the pond to the left of the fairway on your tee shot. The right side is guarded by numerous large trees. The perimeter road is way to the right on this hole and is out of bounds. The ideal drive will be a slight draw that favors the center of the fairway. If you are a longer hitter, you may need to hit a fairway wood from the tee or if you're feeling adventurous, you can aim farther left and hit a drive that avoids the big cottonwood and carries the pond. Mr. Johnson on strategic hitting: A good drive will leave you in the fairway with about 225 yards to the green. At this point you have a decision to make, to go for the green, or not. If you decide to go for the green, it will require a very straight shot. The fairway in front of the green slopes to the left and any shot landing short of the green will have a tendency to bounce left and put you in the second of the ponds guarding the left side of this hole. There is also a bunker short of the green guarding the right side. This leaves a very narrow strip of fairway, maybe 5 yards wide, to land a ball that hits short of the green. This green stays fairly firm so any shot from longer than 200 yards that lands on the green, will have a hard time staying on. If you go over the green , this is where you'll discover the two bunkers at the back of the green. These bunkers play tough because you'll be hitting your sand shot to the green that now slopes away from you with water waiting to catch any shot that goes too far. The smarter shot is a short iron lay-up to a comfortable distance. From there you can hit a wedge to a green that slopes from back to front and right to left. If you were bold enough to carry the pond from the tee, you should have a shot of about 175 yards. This will leave you with a mid-iron to the green which will make it much easier to hit and hold the firm green. This is where the longer hitters can take advantage of their length and get an easy birdie. Just a few more words of advice: 1. If you're playing the regular men's tees, feel free to challenge the pond if you're a longer hitter. Shorter hitters can take advantage of their accuracy and plan for a one putt birdie. 2. From the championship tees, only the longest of hitters will be able to reach the green in 2, so don't even think about it. 3. Water will be in play for all of your shots on this hole so be careful. 4. Cheer up, there is only one hole with water left in your round and that's #13. Good luck! [Graphic text] Water, water, everywhere ...and not a drop to drink. At least, not if you hope to get a good score on this challenging hole. It's easy to see where the course got its name, Willow Lakes, when you're knocking balls down this fairway. In addition to the two huge ponds that threaten your ball on the left, numerous willows (along with many other tree species) wait to block your shots on the green. Like many holes, this one rewards golfers who are willing to take risks. If you're a strong hitter, you can try going up and over the ponds and trees for a quick shot at the hole. Just watch the water. It will threaten your ball on every shot at this hole.