Times-Advocate, 1996-05-29, Page 14AND•PEN
Second Section - Ma
29, 1996
Area , fer, f
challengingCourses holeso
Goi�is a game of challenge that pits thegoffer against the golf course. Most gofers agree,
the holes they favor most on any golf course are the ones that have the
**test degree of difficulty and are hardest to conquer.
Exeter and surrounding communities are blessed with a variety of different golf courses, each with its own unique challenge that beckon the most serious golfers.
The Tinier -Advocate will feature some of these courses in a two part series.' ":.•
JRONWOQP GOLF COURSE
At Iroinvood, owner Gib Dow was quick to point out the
seventh hole as the most challenging.
The pin stands 226 yards away from the blue tees over water to
a trick') green that makes this par three a golfer's nightmare.
• Theme's something intimidating about a large body of water
standing in between you and the pin and you need a good 180
yards just to dear it.
"It makes golfers nervous. They tense up and try too hard and
then their swung doesn't flow," said Dow adding the pond is
notorious for claiming a large number of golf balls and the odd
club every year.
The number seven is the most visible hole from the club house
and often golfers have to deal with the pressure of having people
watch them.
"It's hard to concentrate with people behind you imitating the
sound of the ball hitting the water," said one golfer.
During a tournament last year, Dow said 75 golfers teed off at
the number seven and only five hit the green. But clearing the
million and a half gallon pond is only half the challenge.
Negotiating the green can frustrate the most cool-headed golfer
because it slopes down, on a steep angle, towards the water; and if
you land left or right of the green it's difficult to chip close to the
hole.
"It's unforgiving. If you don't get on the green from the tee
you're,*
A tee shot is the best advice Dow can give adding "if
you're going to miss the green miss it short, if you hit past the hole
you have to deal with a longg put."
The number two hole is Dow's nse d pick in terms of difficulty.
The 335 yard par four runs parallel to the north boundary of the
course and right handed golfers tend to stray off picking up a
penalty stroke.
A creek runs across the fairway ell 81¢5 degree angle and most of
the fairway slopes down towards its •
Don't even think about using a driver when teeing off. A long
first shot will certainly take you into the creek bed to make your
second shot. •
"You don't need to be long here but you have to be accurate,"
said Dow suggesting a landing area fax from the creek. However,
this leaves you with a long second shot if you want to hit the green.
Bali placement on the two-tiered green is important. If you shoot
too far to the right the ball will bounce and roll away from the hole;
too far left and you'll land in a large mounded bunker.
Dow said the second shot is the most important on this hole so
your first shot should set you up for it
"Your second swing will either put you on the green or get you
into trouble, he added. Accuracy is more important on the tee -off
than distance and according to Dow, this hole is risky for the
aggressive golfer.
IRONWOOD - SECOND HOLE
EXETER GOLF COURSE
At Exeter Golf Course, owner Bob Mason said the sheer length of
the number two hole poses the greatest challenge.
This par four is a monstrous 386 yards from the white tee and
most of the fairway runs predominantly uphill and doglegs to the
right. An elevated green complicates matters and a large bunker to
the right comes into play' if you attempt to challenge the pin after
less than a perfect drive.
The wide-open design- and up -hill play forces the golfer to
contend with the rev winds that l havoc with a soft
stet that may enduupp ,f a jin,4, the aide of the barmy
This holslc er tris is a pint of action right of
the tee.
"Hit off to the left side of the tee. to avoid the sand trap and trees
on the right," suggests Mason adding it will also give you a better
angle to make the green.
The second most challenging hole at Exeter is the seventh hole.
With 378 yards from the white tee to the pin, this par four is
straight but long, and again the openness of the terrain brings the
wind into play so dub selection is important.
The fairway runs downhill towards a creek and then runs uphill
to the green. An errant swing to the tight will put you out of
bounds and cost you a ty stroke A strategically placed sand
trap on the left also poses a hazard.
Trees flank both sides of the fairway making this one of the most
visually stunning holes and the panoramic view can dull the golf
senses and distort your judgment of distance.
According to one long, -time member, this hole has ruined many a
good score and it doesn't give up very many birdies.
Trouble awaits both the short and the long shot and the
combination of the curving creek and the out of bounds are the
most important obstacles to overcome on this hole.
However, Mason said the creek (he likes to pronounce "crik")
that meanders through most of the course, poses the greatest
problem for golfers.
"It seems to attract a lot of golf balls," said Mason adding it
claims about 3,000 balls a year.
Standing at the tee at the number two is intimidating as it is
pretty. The golfer must decide to either to lay it up short to avoid
the creek or go for the long shot over it.
"Your first and foremost priority is making it past the creek,"
said Mason. "Then you have to navigate between the trees on either
side of you."
Unless you're prepared to work for it, don't expect to beat par
here.
LOCATED A MILE EAST OF EXETER, ONTARIO - OFF HIGHWAY 83
Play our picturesque 'course
while you try to ,
conquer our most
challenging hotel =
GREAT SPECIALS EXTENDED
Green Fees & Gas Cart
pet,,00 \\" •kri:trs • S30 Person - Weekends (minimum 2 pl,i‘.
Jo effect until lune 1 1 9G (eAeluding tournaments)
REGULAR RATES
Weekdays • 9 holes $14 • 18 holes $21
Weekends `Holidays • 9 holes $15 • 18 holes $23
BALL 235-1521
EXETER GOLF CLUB - SECOND HOLE
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kt
Exeter
fi
4
9 hole Pa
Driving Ra
Golf
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Try out our most _challenging, hole
while you play our scenic course
Club
WE ARE LOCATED:1 MILE EAST OF NO. 4 HWY.
1 MILE SOUTH OF EXETER
CALL 235r1517