PMGC FEBRUARY MONTHLY MEDAL

A reasonably lengthy shot to almost any part of the fairway will do for the first and second shots. Accuracy to the green will pay dividends on the third because there is much three putt territory on the large green.

A good firm strike to the left of center will pay dividends and open up the route between the bunkers for the approach shot.

A fairly uncomplicated par 3, providing the tee shot is firm and straight.

The short route to the green is via a good drawn drive to beyond the corner and on the left side of the fairway. This enables a second shot to the green which aims away from the water hazard on the left.

The prime spot is the center of the fairway, well clear of the many problem areas. As in the previous hole, there is a premium in stopping on the same side of the humped ridge as the flag, but to guarantee that would take exceptional skill.

The major problem here is to stop the tee shot on the same level as the flag. Putting up, down or across the ridge can be tricky.

The approach shot is open crucial on this hole so dead center of the fairway is the best place to be for the third shot. Approached from left or right to the narrow, fast landing area can be difficult and costly.

The left side of the fairway is favored so that the threat from the pond becomes less of a problem on the second shot. If cut too fine the route may be blocked.

The perfect spot to land is just right forward of the mound. This takes the bunker out of play on the approach shot to the back to front slopping green.

The par 3 draws the most attention from the gallery at the clubhouse. The tee shot is over the pond and a bunker protecting the front left of the green. The steep sloping of the green can leave difficult downhill putts.

The shortest par 5 on the course. A long hitter has a good birdie chance on this hole. The lagoon is on the far right hand side of the fairway and a bunker guards the left of the green.

A reasonably straightforward par 3 with the bay all the way from the tee box to the green on the left. When the pin is placed to the left this hole can be challenging.

The tee box is raised, providing a clear view of the lagoon on the right of the fairway and the pond on the left. The pond penalizes a long tee shot approaching the green from the left. Play the tee shot to the center right for an easy approach shot to the green, which is unprotected, large and sloping to the front.

The perimeter of the lagoon on the right of the fairway starts from 120 meters through to 50 meters from the green. To simplify the second shot, aim the tee shot center left. Bunkers on both sides protect the green. Attacking golfers can cut the second over the lagoon to leave a short pitch third to the large green.

The dogleg right fairway is broad and long. With a stiff headwind in the afternoon one club more than first thought may be needed. Two bunkers on the front left and right guard the green.

A relatively easy par 4 after the difficult second, unless the ball is pushed to the far right, where a pond awaits. Selecting the correct club for the tee shot is crucial. Two bunkers guard the green on the left and right front but it should not imposes difficulty for short iron specialists.

A difficult hole which demands a strategically placed tee shot centre left of the fairway in order to avoid the trees and leave a long iron second shot over the pond. A mangrove swamp is located all the way on the left of the fairway right up to behind the green. Bunkers on the left and right sides protect the green.

The tee box is raised and permits a good view of the slight dogleg left OB on the left from the tee to 110 meters from the green. The tee shot needs a good 160 – 170 meters carry over the pond. Keep clear of the trees on the left. A bunker on the front left and a ridge on each side protect the green. A trench runs on the right of the fairway.