Ok, just got done playing a practice round with Ravin. We used the tourney settings from the last tourney, so fast greens, medium rough, blue tees, etc.
[table="head;sort=3d;autonumtitle=rank;width=45em"]Name|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|Out|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|In|Total
Par|5|4|4|3|4|4|4|5|3|36|5|4|5|3|4|3|4|4|4|36|72
St. Francisco|5|3|3|4|5|3|4|5|3|35|4|4|5|4|3|4|3|5|5|37|72[/table]
So...shot a -1 on the front nine, and a +1 on the back nine to finish at even par. Even though my round wasn't spectacular, I didn't feel like this course was really hard. I can't tell you how many putts I left inches short...at least seven. I feel I could have easily posted a 67 or lower if I had been more focused. My best shot of the round came on the front nine (can't remember which hole). I hit a pitch shot from the rough at the edge of the green, and it went in for a birdie. A few holes to look out for:
Hole #4 (Par 3, 215 yds) - If you don't have good power, you won't be able to make the green in one shot. I have excellent power (above 10), and I managed to make the green with my 3 iron...but for those lacking in that particular skill, it's not gonna go. Don't even try a wood. Ravin hit a triple bogey on this hole, I escaped with a bogey.
Hole #8 (Par 5, 502 yds) - I can't see anyone being able to reach this green in two...you'd have to make two damn good shots. Safer to lay up, and give yourself a short approach shot.
Hole #10 (Par 5, 528 yds) - It's an easy par 5 to reach in two...but don't place your ball at the back of the green. It downslopes like a motherfucker back down to the cup. Better to leave it short than long.
Hole #16 (Par 4, 346 yds) - For those with power, hitting a draw with the driver over the palm tree will set you up with an easy approach shot, and a simple birdie putt.
----------------------------------------------------------
Overall, I think guys who don't have a lot of power are going to struggle on this course...so beef up your power for the next tourney. As always, the key to victory is the approach shot. The shorter your putts, the better off you'll be.
