Few players smile when they tee up at the 7th on Ridgemark
’s Diablo course … and even fewer are very happy by the time
they get to the next tee.
Few players smile when they tee up at the 7th on Ridgemark’s Diablo course … and even fewer are very happy by the time they get to the next tee.
PRO SAYS: The tee shot on this 561-yard monster requires an accurate long iron shot to a narrow fairway bordered by out of bounds left and water hazard right. If you are lucky or good enough to get one in play off the tee here, your second shot is the most difficult on the hole. Your second shot needs to advance about 150 to 230 yards. That sounds easy enough, but did I mention you need to carry the ball over a ravine to a fairway that slants left into a lateral water hazard? A solidly struck ball into the right side of the fairway is optimal. This will allow you to hit an approach shot from 100 to 150 yards. Your next shot should be a low to middle iron to a double-tiered green.
THE SKINNY: The key to this par 5 is a solid tee shot to the middle of the fairway. From the white tees play a shot that is about 160 yards, not to the end of the fairway. The second shot is difficult. There is no getting around it. Your second shot should be a middle iron, or hybrid wood. Club selection is key. Just because it is a par 5 does not mean you need to hit a 3 wood second. Play a shot that will allow you to safely navigate the ravine up the fairway. Once you have the green in sight, remember that this shot plays shorter than the distance. Play one club less than the distance, and favor the right side of the green.
A par or bogey is a good score on this hole. Take your medicine and make it up on the easier back nine.
– Paul Filice, PGA Golf Professional, Ridgemark G&CC
