Hole Description.

A short but troubled par 5 gives the player their first real chance of striking a sub par score at Royal Palm. The tee shot must carry the lake 150 yards to reach the lush straight fairway, which runs through tree lined rough both left and right. Out of bounds all the way up the right side of the trees, comes into play on every shot on the hole. Strategically placed fairway bunkers on the left and right can swallow up even the good shots.  Bunkers short of the green make every shot to this green mentally difficult. The long but narrow green requires absolute precision on the approach shot as slopes left, right and long force the ball to be carried away from the putting surface. The green is long with a ridge towards the back. From the peak of the ridge towards the front of the green, the surface plays very quick from back to front. From the peak of the ridge to the back of the green, the surface runs the ball over the back of the green. The putting green demands a lot of respect so take extra time in deciding your putt.  What this par 5 lacks in length is certainly made up with the obstacles of the hole design.

The Pro’s Way:-

The ideal line form the tee is slightly right of the large fairway bunker positioned left of the fairway. The bunker is 320 yards from the tee so the long hitters have to avoid it by playing to the right. From this position the green can be reached with a long iron or fairway wood. Try to way up the risk and reward of attempting to reach the green in 2, as a slight push will send the ball OB or bunker bound, where as a mis-strike could catch any of the bunkers short of the green. If green is out of range in 2, then a lay up shot short of the green side bunkers is the sensible option. A mid iron should be placed in position to keep the chances of the birdie alive. Pay attention to the position of the flag and try to leave your ball below the hole, to give the best chance of an up hill putt.

The Amateurs Way:-

You will find more fairway room up the left side of this hole and you will also play away from the trees and out of bounds up the right side. The ideal line is towards the fairway bunker on the left. From this position take note of the two fairway traps slightly hidden up the right. The second shot should be played with a long iron or fairway wood with the intended target being short of the bunker in front of the green. A steady pitch shot to the front portion of the green will leave the ball below the hole giving an up hill putt. If you use your strategy, par is a definite possibility on this par 5.