The Hoylake Links
Long Course – green tees.
Hole 1, Course Par 4, 427yds
The 1st at Hoylake is an extremely challenging opening hole which requires both accuracy and courage. A sharp dog-leg to the right demands a well positioned drive as near to the corner of the practice ground as confidence will allow. The second shot is of some 190 yards to a green protected by a swale on the safer left side away from the out of bounds close on the right.
Hole 2, Road Par 4, 371yds
Played to the only green which remains from the original course layout, the Road hole at first glance takes on a benign appearance but two new bunkers at drive length will swallow any wayward tee shots. A drive positioned close to the left hand side of the fairway will offer you the best angle of approach to a well protected green which falls away from front to back.
Hole 3, Long Par 5, 528yds
The 3rd has the first of the three new greens to have been re-sited during the winter of 2000, this once relatively straightforward hole now offering a variety of completely new challenges. Threading a drive between the gorse to the left and the strategically positioned bunkers on the right, most players should look to play their second shots to the right side of the fairway from where they will get the best angle of approach to a two tier green. Be careful to check the pin position. Should you end up in the wrong part of the green, two putts will be a challenge.
Hole 4, New Par 3, 195yds
Normally played into a crosswind, the 4th hole is the first of Hoylake’s par 3’s and is surrounded by deep bunkers. A tip for newcomers to Hoylake is to take one more club from the tee and aim to the right hand side of the green. The extra club will help carry the cavernous bunker on the front right of the green and the natural slope will swing the ball back towards the hole.
Hole 5, Telegraph Par 4, 426yds
The 5th is a very difficult driving hole recently made more so with the introduction of two new bunkers on the right hand side of the fairway. Nevertheless, the best line from the tee requires a drive close to the right hand side of the fairway.
Any tee shot which is too cautious will mean a second shot played over a bunker which jealously guards the front left of the green. Remember to believe the yardage here as this hole always plays one club longer than you first think.
Hole 6, Briars Par 4, 382yds
The first occasion you play at Hoylake you could be forgiven for wondering where to drive, as you are faced with an out of bounds hedge in front of you, but more perturbing is the fact it is some 190 yards away. So - breathe in, get your driver out and go for it. Just to the left of the marker will do nicely. Well done! Now all that is left is a middle iron to the green.
Hole 7, Dowie Par 3, 196yds
At the 7th, you can see everything in front of you on this redesigned hole. Bunkers front left and right protect a narrow green which will throw the ball from a less than perfect shot into complex swales.
Hole 8, Far Par 5, 493yds
The furthest part of the course away from the Clubhouse, the 8th has seen some famous players come to grief, none more so than the great Bobby Jones, who, on his way to his famous Grand Slam in 1930, took a 7 on this relatively straight forward par 5. Whatever you do, stay away from the bunker which protects the front right hand side of the green. It is very deep!
Hole 9, Punchbowl Par 4, 390yds
No matter how well or badly you are playing, one cannot help but enjoy the panoramic view which awaits on the 9th tee. The Welsh hills and Dee estuary provide a backdrop to the first of four holes which run along the shore. For the best line to the green, you are advised to favour the left side of the fairway with your drive.
Hole 10, Dee Par 4, 411yds
A dog-leg to the left which invariably plays longer than its yardage, the 10th is a demanding par 4. Driving between a hidden bunker on the left and bunkers on the right to a fairway which slope from left to right, you will then be faced with a long second shot to a raised green which slopes forward from the back of the green. Take a tip, don’t be past the flag when the pin is in the middle or towards the back of the green.
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