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Hole 10
Par 3, 208 yards “It looks like a relatively simple par 3 but the major issue is elevation change and then how the wind is going to affect your shot. The green itself is well protected by bunkers on either side. A two-tier green means it’s important to find the correct level.”
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Hole 11
Par 4, 350 yards “This hole is all about position off the tee so you can expect to see the players hitting long iron or hybrid rather than driver to leave themselves with a comfortable second shot. They can’t afford to be short or long on that approach.”
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Hole 12
Par 4, 445 yards “A slightly more generous fairway than you find on the front nine, despite bunkers up the right. It used to be a par 5 but is now a lot tougher par 4. There are two levels on the green and a really tricky run-off that offers some stern challenges if you end up missing the green.”
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Hole 13
Par 4, 481 yards “This used to be a shorter left-to-right dog-leg par 4 but it was extended to a very demanding right-to-left challenge. It’s two big, big shots into the green. I’d expect a driver off the tee, or a 3-wood for the bigger hitters who want to stay just short of the three bunkers.”
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Hole 14
Par 4, 320 yards “A real risk and reward hole and one of the stand-out holes. The bigger hitters can really have a go at it, carrying the bunker front-right of the green at 280 yards and getting on in one. It will need to be an exceptional shot but the hole has that flexibility.”
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Hole 15
Par 4, 463 yards “This needs a draw off the tee to follow the shape of the hole. You need to aim for the fairway bunker and then move it back into the centre of the fairway. The approach is tough, with such a narrow, long target and an elevation change. Pin position will be key here.”
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Hole 16
Par 5, 543 yards “The water dictates so much here. The state of play will determine if the players decide to lay up or go for the green in two. Even for the Ryder Cup guys, playing 16 into the wind takes reaching the green in two out as an option, so it becomes all about wedge play.”
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Hole 17
Par 3, 194 yards “A real amphitheatre and a hole built for drama. The 17th is one of the trickiest greens on the course, with so many options that offer difficult pin positions. Yardage control will be paramount here. Many matches will be won and lost here, so a prime spot for the fans.”
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Hole 18
Par 5, 533 yards “It’s potentially reachable in two but the priority has to be to hit the fairway off the tee. Even if you do, the green is a tight target to hit and if you miss, that’s not an easy up-and-down, particularly with 45,000 people watching and the Cup on the line. A very fitting finale.”
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