What Would You Do?

Here is the situation......

The 11th hole on the Abbotts course at Stapleford Abbotts Golf Club.

From the tee there are two hazards you have to deal with.

The fairway is only about forty yards wide where my drive would usually land.

On the left of the fairway is a small pond with some large trees behind it.

To the right is a small ditch with bushes, and just beyond that is a bunker.

During the winter months the tee is usually at the front.

This is one of the few hole where there is a fair distance between the yellow and white tees. 

In the summer I always play off the white tees.

Now I have four options, but which one should I use?

If I could produce each shot when I wanted it, then I would play a straight drive, but we all know how hard that is too do!

Or do I hit a draw, taking the ball out towards the ditch/bunker and then have it come back towards the fairway.  If I overdo the draw the ball ends up in the pond!

Next option is to hit a fade, starting the ball at the pond and bringing it back towards the fairway.  Overdo the fade and my ball ends up either in the ditch or the bunker

Then, finally, do I lay-up short of the hazards, which would leave a three wood or three iron to the green.

So there it is, what would you do?

Russ

How long is the hole?

What Stroke Index is it?

Which way are you better with, RtoL or LtoR?

I'll look up the hole before making judgement.

TheLyth

If it is a stroke hole for you, then the lay-up would be the sensible shot, followed by another sensible lay-up to pitching distance. Even if it is not a stroke hole for you it is still the most sensible option.

It's the 11th hole.

Par 4, Stroke index is 6 and it's 400 yards from the back tees.

Normally it plays into the wind.

Just lately I've been hitting my drives straight, or with a slight fade at the end.

So I would aim five yards to the right of the pond (on the left of the fairway) and that way a straight shot or a slight fade would leave me on the fairway.

Today the white tees were forward so I hit my driver, which I had been drawing/hooking all day and hit a great shot (for me today), 260 yards with a slight draw.  My approach landed on the green which left me with a fifteen foot putt, missed the putt but had a tap in for a par.  Take that everyday!!!

Russ

Russell,

Lay up, worst should be a 5 but 4's a possibility many times. Two 5irons and a chip?

TheLyth

I'd layup....or hit a slight fade and then work out how the ball lays and if it is playable, and then maybe take a drop to then hit a mid-iron to the green...