Links Hope Island (12A in - MercedesTrophy National Final)

The first hole is an Ode to joy, with a wide fairway and no bunkers to worry about. Nor is the green so fiercely guarded. Yet it has subtlety that is deceptive. It is advisable to travel down the left side which offers a better chance of approaching the green without bother. Coming at it from the right-hand side might present some difficulty, depending on the position of the flag.

Now begins the examination, the road test, because this is a hole only the mighty can reach in two, because the green is raised and not all that large. There is no way around its difficulty as you must be straight, and long. Bunkers to the right and left and further a tree or two. Patience though will pay dividends. Five will be well earned.

Here is one of the best par three holes anywhere. The bunkers are deep and imposing and the getting of the green in one shot, is an accomplishment to boast of. Beware of the deceptive early bunkers, they are well short of the green. But between them and the target is a safe reception. To be short is not so foolish.

This can be a problem par four, as the obstacles ahead are many and to be wild here is certain disaster. Tread carefully, even shortening down from the tee, to keep out of danger. From the halfway point it is defenseless and simple!

This is the “pulpit” from which one can look around and down to trouble of all kinds. For a hole so short, the green is necessarily small and some pinpoint accuracy is required. If your confidence is low, play left and short. Three can be had from there.

This is a change of direction and strength, for here is a powerful par four. There is a serious trial of a tee shot with bunkers straight ahead, but out of range of most. A small bunker at the front of the green challenges the second shot with steep sloping sides to the rest of the green. Again it is no sin to be playing short. There is not trouble there.

This is what might be called a “drive-and-pitch” hole, but that depends on the wind. At any event the fairway bottlenecks around the 280 metre range, so that it is hardly worth the risk. The green is a ridge of no real depth, but putting is possible from out and about. This should be fun!

A hole for men not boys. A par five with plenty of action. There are 8 bunkers along this hole, the first pair being an inspiration from the Principal’s Nose at St Andrew’s. Once past these it is advisable to proceed down the left side and ignore the green until you get within close range. Those further bunkers are designed to cause trouble for the audacious.

Far and away, with a half turn to the right around a ridge of bunkers. Keep left where there is vast space and the passage peaceful. Just one bunker at the green to avoid, but be warned it is a demon! Putting is enjoyably flat. No borrows needed.

This is a hole of ridges and length. Yet all the troubles are there to see. Nothing of consequence is hidden, so hit forward with confidence over bunkers and rough. There is a wide area waiting ahead. Indeed the anti-area is generous in width, from which to make one’s pitch-approach. The green is another flat one. Make the most of it!

A short par four, but made especially difficult by the fairway bunkering which is a minefield! There are two hidden bunkers along the right-hand line, so keep left and there should be no problem. The short approach is to a two level green. There are some interesting small undulations on both sides.

Temp 12A

Now the going gets tough. A par four with lots of danger. There is a reward for driving past the fairway bunkers on the left, but consider if it is worth the risk. If you play short from the tee, the second shot is a real tester! The bunkers and the green will look you right in the eye. Wear a four proudly.

A deceptive par three with lots of generous space around the green. Yet the green is a small target tilted right to left. It is possible to putt up from the area to the right of the green but the chances of down-in-one are slim indeed. If you miss the green, miss short left, or not at all!

This may be the most difficult of all the holes depending on the wind. There is plenty of length. The fairway is bunkered right and mostly left, but the real test comes with the second shot. The green is set in a dell beyond a ridge and it sits up like a table top. This hole puts everyone to the severest test, so don’t be disappointed with a five, fours are rare.

A temptation to drive near the green. But the penalty for missing the tiny gap is heavy. Best play along the right-hand route and take on the pitch to the green from a distance out. Keep out of the greenside pot too, it is a deep devil!

Your breath may be taken away, and the wind may be into your teeth but the spectacular vista is worth it. From the back tee, most players cannot reach the green into a wind. So it is advisable to consider playing this hole as a par four instead of a three. There is a small fairway to the short right area, from where it is a simple pitch to the green. Whatever befalls you, this is an experience in courage or folly. You decide.

What a view. A long journey “home”, with plenty to see and avoid. Keep right and you’ll find no trouble, and at the end there is a small green surrounded by bunkers and a hollow out front. This is the terminus and it is hoped you’ll not be disappointed.