| AVERAGE JOE’S HOLE OF THE WEEK: MINNECHAUG GOLF CLURSE, GLASTONBURY (NO. 8, PAR 3, 126 YARDS) |
| Tuesday, 13 May 2008 | |
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Hole description: For those who tuned in to the Players Championship last weekend, even the most casual golf fan remembers the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass’ signature hole. “It’s a draw for people,” Minnechaug head pro John Dipollina said. “I don’t care if you are a little kid or a retired 85-year-old person, it’s a draw. People come to play for the island hole. It’s the only hole on the course which remained in its full entirety when the course was redone.” The green is about 30 yards wide, which makes it 110 yards to clear the water, but less than 140 to go over the back. The green is wide and receptive enough (600 square feet) to hold any lofted shot — you just need to have the guts to trust your swing and hit the proper shot. “It gets in their heads that they cannot do it,” Dipollina said. “I tell people to line up to the ball, take a deep breath, look once at the hole and fire. It’s like any other shot. In fact, it is easier. When you hit wedge, you don’t have the luxury of hitting it off a tee. It’s the second-easiest hole on the course for a reason, but people play it like it is hard. “I tell people, ‘Forget the pin, hit to the center of the green and walk off that green with 3 (par) or a chance at a 2 (birdie). You did your job. Make birdies on par 5s.’” Played like a pro: Dipollina hit a soft 9-iron into the middle of the green, 12 feet left of the right-hand pin placement. He two-putted for par. Played like your average Joe: I hit first, a three-quarter 8-iron rather than a hard 9. I wanted to make a smooth stroke. I did, and it landed in the center of the green about 15 feet left of the pin. I slid the birdie putt 2 feet by, but made the comebacker for my first par of the season. I wonder if it will be the only one I make this season. |
