Hole fourteen

Published:

PAR 5, 592 YARDS

The start of Lytham’s notoriously tough final five. Pros used to concentrate on avoiding the bunkers and sand hills to the right of the 14th fairway, which in itself left little margin for error, but a new fairway bunker on the left-hand side will raise the premium on accuracy o�1D; the 14th tee even more.

With just two greenside bunkers on this hole – virtually unheard of on this course – a swale has been created in front of the green to add complexity to approach shots. As on the par-3 12th, the prevailing wind will push shots to the right, and any approaches fi nishing long or to the right of the green will be heading towards ‘OB’.

LAWRIE: It’s another totally straight hole, which you tend to see more on older courses. It looks long on the scorecard but if you take on all the fairway bunkers with no wind you could be hitting driver, wedge to the green. Into the wind, it’s a completely different kettle of fi sh. It’s a clever hole because the three bunkers across the fairway look like they’re not in play but they can be if you miss the fairway, especially to the left. It’s a strong hole but the weather will determine if it’s a birdie chance.

DONALD: I know how to fight when I don’t have my best game and to be more consistent. I’m getting closer to fi guring out how to do it on the biggest stage and would love to win a Major – or two or three or more. I’ve always said to win the Claret Jug is so special because I’m British. To win The Open and see my name on the Claret Jug would be top of my list.

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