Short or “drivable” par-4s are all the rage in golf course design these days, providing eagle and birdie opportunities in exchange for calm nerves and stellar tee shots that find the short grass or the dance floor. The thought process behind the most fun hole design in golf is to reward great tee shots but punish those who failed to layup to a safe distance. They’re fair, balanced and rewarding – just like the game of golf itself, and the Coore Crenshaw designed Saguaro course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club has one waiting for you on the second hole.
Playing at a tantalizing 336 yards from the back, Saguaro’s par-4 second hole is well within reach of the long hitters out there. But just a fair forewarning for all the would-be Dustin Johnson disciples out there, you’ll need exemplary accuracy to reach this green off the tee.
So, you’ve decided layups are for basketball and you’re looking for an eagle putt on No. 2. Got it. Here’s what you need. The best shot shape is left to right, but players will need to start their tee shot well left of the green in order to avoid undulations in the fairway which funnel down to bunkers or native desert area on the right. Most tee shots that land on the right third of the fairway find their way into a hazard which provide little reprieve and leave a tough up and down. The large green is very receptive with an elevated backstop, but players will likely have a tough two putt from there. No risk-it, no biscuit.
The prudent play is to lay up just short of the far bunker on the left with a long iron or hybrid, which takes the right side out of play and leaves a fantastic angle for a pitch into the green. Just like the hole itself, the green slopes towards the bunkers and desert area on the right, so make sure to leave yourself plenty of room to funnel down, especially with right-side pin locations.
Whether your aim is to tee it high and let it fly or simply get a good look at the green on approach, plan for birdie opportunities on No. 2.
