Hole three
Published: Last updated:
PAR 4, 478 YARDS
The 3rd hole has been strengthened in a similar fashion to the 2nd: the tee has been moved back by 20 yards, and two new bunkers have appeared to the right of the fairway. Long drives could also reach the pot bunkering to the left of the fairway, so precision o the tee is critical, but the fairway narrows the further down you go.
Like on the 2nd, the green opens up to approach shots from the right-hand side, so golfers will be tempted to play down the right, although the railway track still remains there, o ff-stage right. A new dune system to the left of the fairway completes a stern challenge o the tee, which doesn’t get much easier on the second shot – even with the wind. The green is slightly raised, and everyone must be aware of the deep bunker back left of the green with their approach.
LAWRIE: Again, you’re faced with out of bounds down the right and bunkers down the left, and you have to hit driver because of the length of the hole. The best plan is to feed the tee shot in off the bunkers on the left. You really have to commit to the shot and it’s easy to over-compensate for the danger down the right. If you find the fairway you might be able to attack the pin. From the rough, anywhere on the green is very good.
WATSON: You have to be really careful on the tee at number three, a par 4 up the railroad. The further you hit your tee ball, the more the fairway narrows, and it is treacherous because you could easily hit it out of bounds and onto the railroad track. That has always been a key shot for me on this golf course and I have always enjoyed taking it on.
So far, I have never delivered a ball onto the railroad in competition at Lytham – and in saying that, I am knocking on wood right now! I have only found the railroad in practice rounds, but you always have to donate a ball during practice, as a sacrifice to the gods of out of bounds.
