What Makes A Championship Course?

We hear the phrase “Championship Course” bantered around but what really classifies as championship? Some will use that term simply if their course is of adequate length, say over 6,800 yards. But a true championship course offers much more than length.

It’s a delicate balance for a golf course to be playable and enjoyable for recreational players yet challenging for the best players in the world.  When Hazeltine first opened for play in 1962, the fairway bunkers and doglegs were placed 250 yards from the championship tees. Currently, they are placed between 280 and 300 yards from the championship tees. Because of equipment technology and better athletes playing the game, this was necessary to keep the course at the difficulty level we want. Along with added length, these are the other factors the pros expect when playing a “Championship Course”:

• Narrow Fairways: Average between 25 to 30 yards wide. Intimidating to look at and makes the players decide on club selection off the tee. Not every tee shot will be played with the driver.
• High Rough: Puts premium on accuracy. A straight shot should be rewarded before a long shot.
• Firm Greens: Requires a well struck iron from the fairway to hold the green. A higher ball flight has the advantage.
• Fast Greens: A challenge to touch and feel. The player must have control of their nerves to handle the speed.

Hazeltine’s Toughest Challenges for the 2009 PGA Championship

Much has been made, and will be made, about the length of Hazeltine National Golf Club  and the fact that it may play as the longest course in PGA Championship history.  Furthermore, several holes, including the par 4 12th and par 3 13th, if played from the tips will be the longest holes in PGA Championship history.  Yet, there are numerous factors that make a golf hole difficult.

Golf Swing Analysis Can Be the Key to a Better Game

As a golf instructor, my biggest role is to get students to understand their swings well enough to fix themselves. In order for them to do that, they need to know why the ball reacts a certain way. By analyzing the ball flight, divot patterns, and even sound, we can make adjustments to out set-up or swing and get back to solid, straight shots.

 

Tiger Woods has credited Hank Haney for giving him a better understanding of his ball flight tendencies, which in turn gives him a better chance of making corrections during his round. That is what we all strive for. All of us have bad habits and if we can identify them and feel them, fixing them can be easier.

 

In upcoming instruction articles, I will explain how the flight of the ball can give you accurate feedback and a start to self correction. You will also learn how to analyze your divots and what they tell you about your swing.