I honestly think all 18 holes provide unique challenges at Oak Hill. To try to limit it to three is difficult, but if we had to let’s suggest the following:
Hole No. 4: 615 yards, par-5 (“The High and Mighty”)
This S-shaped par five has had a new tee added to keep the right-side fairway bunkers in play. The tee shot is one of the most difficult on the course in that the fairway is one of the narrowest in the tee shot landing area and the fairway slopes from right to left. The left side has trees that block out a direct line to the green and forces a player to play conservatively to get the ball back into play. On the right side of the hole are trees and the perimeter road surrounding the golf course which is out of bounds. In past championships, we have had players who are trying to keep tee shots on the right side hitting it out of bounds. For those who do hit the fairway, they are left with a long second shot to an hourglass-shaped green, fronted by two steep bunkers, that provides some fun and interesting hole locations. Two great shots will see players reaching the green and possibly putting for eagle or birdie but a wayward tee shot could leave players struggling to save par. This is a wonderful par-5.
Hole No. 7: 461 yards, par-4 (“Creek’s Elbow”)
This dogleg left par-4 once again calls for a tee shot that must hit the fairway. Most players will likely hit less than driver from the tee as there is a creek that cuts into the right side of the hole at around 275 yards. If players take on the creek they are left with a much shorter approach to a relatively small green. Any ball to the left from the tee will find rough and tree trouble and par will be a good score.
The green itself is sort of rectangular in shape and has a steep drop-off behind. Players should look to play to the middle of this green and will then have an opportunity for birdie.
Hole No. 15: 155 yards, par-3 (“The Plateau”)
This is a totally new hole that was built by Andrew Green during the renovation. Previously, there was a pond along the right side of the green. Andrew has tried to bring this shortest par-3 on the golf course more in line with the rest of the course. The tee is tucked back in the trees and often protected from the wind. Short and left are deep bunkers that will make for a challenging up and down. There is a tightly mown run-off area down the entire right side of the green that is 4-5 feet below the green surface and calls for a very interesting and challenging recovery. So, hitting this long and slim green is critical to being able to make a birdie but missing the green will make for a very pivotal hole.
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