The Tee Shot

The tee shot at the 4th is anything but easy, and few would argue that it is one of, if not the, hardest tee shot on the course. The new out of bounds makes it even harder. There is a ditch which is about 100 yards off the tee, and there is a large tree that sits within this ditch, so for the higher handicapper this ditch is very much in play. If you can get over the ditch the trouble is far from over. The left hand side is a no go area, with a large copse of trees that can be very tough to find your ball. Past these trees there is another ditch, and if you happen to go in this ditch you will now be out of bounds. Anywhere in this hedge or ditch, and also if you happen to hit the ball over this hedge and onto the practice ground, you are now out of bounds. This makes the already tough tee shot even harder. While there is more room right, there is a hedge that can come into play with a big slice. Before this hedge there are once again more trees. The futher you hit your tee shot the more this hedge comes in towards the fairway. Also on the right there is another ditch, which is once again very much in play, especially in the summer when the ball is rolling a long way. If you can keep your tee shot in play on this hole and give yourself a chance to hit the green, you should be happy. The further you hit the ball the less trouble there is, as for the single figure handicapper a lot of the trouble does not come into play, although the new out of bounds makes the bail out shot left a no go shot anymore.

The Approach

The approach to the green is not easy, due to the fact the hole is uphill after the tee shot. This can make choosing a club for the second shot tricky. There are also two large, very tough bunkers guarding the green. One is front right and the other is on the left in the middle of the green. There are trees on the left and the right for the whole length of the hole, and these can come into play for a wild second shot. As you get to the green distance, there is plently of room to miss the green, although missing the green too far right will lead to you being under some conifers, and if you over sail the green you could find yourself in another ditch.

The Green

Although there is plenty of space to miss the green, this does not mean chipping is easy. The green slopes from the back all the way down to the front, with a very steep hill which is about 10 yards on the green. There are alot of tough breaking putts on this green, and this green is normally quick. If the flag is in the middle or near to the front, do not be at the back of the green. In the summer it is sometimes worth hitting one club less and coming up short, as a putt from the back of the green could well lead to a three putt. If you have hit the green in two and two putted for par you will walk off this hole happy, with good birdie chances to come.