Hole 5 – Hamilton

Helen’s Ash

PRO Tips

A long par 4 and, on the card, the toughest hole on the front nine. From the white tees, the drive presents an immediate challenge, with long rough to carry and an increasing carry distance the further you look down the fairway.

The smart play is to take on the drive with confidence and favour the middle of the fairway. Find the short grass and you’ll give yourself the best possible opportunity to attack the green with your second shot.

There are no bunkers around the green, but don’t let that fool you into being too aggressive. The slightly elevated putting surface will repel weaker approaches, while the rough behind the green is ready to punish an over-hit shot.

The priority here is position rather than perfection. A solid drive down the middle sets you up for a controlled approach and gives you the best chance of walking away with a good score.