Hole by Hole

Most will hit a three-wood off this tee to take a deep fairway bunker out of reach, which then leaves a medium- to long iron into a green that was designed to accept short-iron shots. If the pin is in a corner of the green, then the prudent play is to aim for the middle of the green and be happy with a two-putt par.

The green has two distinct portions separated by a ridge, and to get the tee shot all the way to a back-left pin position requires a long iron even for the longer hitters. Although a front-right placement looks more inviting from the tee, it brings more bunkering on the right into play. I very seldom see anybody go past the pin on their tee shot. It is much more uphill than you think.

The most popular spot for spectators, the 9th green and surrounding provide one of the great amphitheaters in South African sport. On at least two of the four days, the island green will be in range in two shots, setting up the possibility of two-putt birdies and the odd eagle, but some potentially big numbers as well. Always play for the middle of the green whether it is your second or third shot.

A visually intimidating tee shot, as the hole takes a 90-degree dogleg from right to left and there is nothing but thick bush all the way up the left. The prudent play is to aim straight and be content with finding the fairway, even if it does mean a slightly longer approach. There is a lot more room on the right side so stay away from the left.

There’s a surreal feeling at this hole – being the furthest from the clubhouse, there are seldom many spectators. Four is always a good score as there is danger left and right off the tee, and a green full of slopes and subtleties. A back-right pin position is toughest, with a gaping bunker protecting the front. Straight uphill, so don’t be short and make sure you hit through the ball on your second shot.

The real challenge lies in the tee shot. You need a miracle not to make bogey if you find the left-hand fairway bunker that is in range of a three-wood off the tee. The bunker front right of the green is one of the deepest on the course, so to be shooting for a right-pin position, hitting the fairway off the tee is imperative. If you can draw the ball of the tee it is an advantage.

From the back tee, it is a carry of more than 200 meters just to reach the fairway. The real risk, however, is with the approach shot even with a good drive from the back tee, the players are left with a medium-iron shot to a green positioned in the famous Sun City lake, with a deep bunker to the right protecting against a bail-out. Don’t be embarrassed to play 17 for a bogey. The whole idea is to avoid a double bogey, don’t be greedy.