Tyler Talk

As the PGA Tour rolls into Charlotte, NC for the Wachovia Championship this week, I can’t help but wonder which #17 is the scarier hole: Quail Hollow’s 217 yard par 3 or TPC Sawgrass’s 140 yard par 3 Island Green?

Not only are both of these holes part of the two toughest finishing stretches on tour, they both offer very distinct strategies and come at a pivital time in the round.

Picture courtesy of http://www.wachoviachampionship.com

Quail Hollow’s 17 is a long carry over water with a bunker guarding the front right part of the green. The green slopes toward the water – don’t they always – and your probably safer playing away from the water any day. Players at least have the ability to bail out long and to the right.

Picture Courtesy of http://www.tpc.com

Pete Dye needed tons of dirt to build the Stadium course and he started digging around the current day 17th hole. When he got to number 17 he didn’t have any dirt left over so his wife suggested that he just fill it in with water. Now – 30 years later – the 17th has become one of the most treacherous holes on tour.

No bail out here – you either hit the green or you dig in your bag for another ball. There is a small bunker in front of the green. The green is 26 yards deep and 120,000 (YES – 120,00!) balls are lost in the 4′ deep lake every year.

It’s a toss up for me. I think both holes have certain challenges and I wouldn’t feel confident standing on either tee box.

Regards,

TW