GOLF enthusiast Paul is hacking his way across the country, offering a comprehensive review of his favourite holes in Scotland. He returns to the fantasy back nine and gives us his recommended 12th holes – though he feels they are, for reasons unknown, in shorter supply than others!
1 KINGSBARNS, 566yds, Par 5An imposing three-shotter that hugs the sweep of the bay all the way down the left-hand side. Keeping the ball to the right-hand side might be a safe option, but it adds to the hole's already considera
ble length. Measuring over 70 yards from back to front, this is one of the largest single greens that you are ever likely to encounter.
2 BRAEHEAD, 518yds, Par 5, MonumentFor some reason, outstanding 12th holes are in short supply (although I have a feeling that this week's mailbag will tell me otherwise). Meanwhile, I will indulge myself with this pick from my home club. In golfing terms alone, the hole is testing but not outstanding – but, on a clear day, the view from the tee is simply the best.
3 PANMURE, 363 yds, Par 4 From the medal tee, the burn is out of driving range for most players, but the decision is how close you want to be to the mound at the end of the fairway. An approach shot landing either side of the green is likely to be punished – so beware.
4 PETERHEAD 460 yds Par 4, St. Fergus Another example of a hole that has no bunkers, but is a stiff test nonetheless. From an elevated tee, the drive needs to find the narrow and crumpled fairway, then the second will require a long iron or, more likely, a fairway wood. Off the beaten track, but Peterhead is well worth the effort.
5 DUNBAR 457 yds Par 4, The Point This is a very strong par-4, especially when the wind is blowing (as it tends to do at Dunbar). The fairway swings gently from left to right, with the beach close by. The green itself is of generous proportions – though there are bunkers waiting to gobble up the errant approach shot – and is two-tiered.
The full article contains 367 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
