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 Big hitters like to blast it off the tee and go for the green in two. Finesse players prefer to put their course management skills on display and get the job done surgically. And for the rest of us, just about anything can happen. That's what makes par 5s so unpredictable and exciting. They more often than not define the meaning of risk-reward golf. Join us now as we take a tour of some of the best par 5s in the Inland Empire - many of which require accurate drives and approach shots that must contend with menacing water hazards that guard the greens. And be sure to bring an extra sleeve of balls, just in case. MENIFEE LAKES COUNTRY CLUB Where: Menifee Designer: Ted Robinson Sr. Hole: 16th, Palms Course Length: 482 yards Description: Don't be fooled by the length of this hole - it plays directly into the wind. Tee shots that clear the strategically placed fairway bunkers give players the option of hitting an all-carry shot over water to a green sloped from back to front. If you lay up, you'll be faced with a challenging approach as shots hit with too much juice could spin back into the lake. Quotable: "This is a great hole," said general manager Dan Farrar. "There are so many ways a good round could be absolutely ruined." EL RANCHO VERDE GOLF CLUB Where: Rialto Designer: Harry Rainville Hole: 3rd Length: 572 yards Description: Don't let the length of this hole intimidate you. This generous par 5 is straightforward, has a wide landing area and only the longest hitters can reach the green in two. Most will elect to lay up to their favorite distance. The only real problems you'll face on your approach are the greenside bunkers on the left and right. Quotable: "It is a good scoring opportunity, especially coming on the heels of the second hole, which is the toughest hole on the course," said assistant pro Justin Hernandez. CROSSCREEK GOLF CLUB Where: Temecula Designer: Arthur Hills Hole: 14th Length: 502 yards Description: This is the only par 5 on the back nine and the shortest on the course. There are several options off the tee, but the ideal play is down the middle of the fairway. If you attempt to go for it in two, you'll have the difficult task of holding the ball on a green with a false front and a mound on the left portion. If you lay up, you must avoid a lengthy fairway bunker situated 80 to 120 yards from the green. Conservative play on this hole usually leads to a good score. Quotable: "It is a good birdie opportunity but don't let the beautiful scenery distract you," said general manager Randy Shannon. LINKS AT SUMMERLY Where: Lake Elsinore Designer: Cal Olson Hole: 10th Length: 575 yards Description: Although you can't play it until the course opens in December, this hole will be one of the most picturesque on the property. A slight dogleg left, it features a massive lake that surrounds three-quarters of the putting surface, where there's no room for error if you're going for the green in two. You'll also have to contend with a couple of bunkers around a green that drops off directly into the water. Also, a burn runs through the middle of the fairway that must be avoided at all costs. Quotable: "This is a great hole that will punish you if you hit a bad shot," said golf operations manager Stan Gonzales. EMPIRE LAKES GOLF COURSE Where: Rancho Cucamonga Designer: Arnold Palmer Hole: 18th Length: 557 yards Description: This is a great risk-reward hole and has provided many exciting moments at the Nationwide Tour's Mark Christopher Charity Classic. Whether you go for the green in two or lay up, you'll be faced with a second shot into the wind and a hazard that runs along the left side of the fairway to a two-tiered green guarded by a lake on the left and bunkers on the right. Ideally played, it's a three-shot hole. But remember: no guts, no glory. Quotable: "The 18th is probably one of the best finishing holes on the Nationwide Tour," said general manager Ugene Park. "It gives players one last chance to make an eagle and move up the leaderboard or claim the title." DIAMOND VALLEY GOLF CLUB Where: Hemet Designer: Bill Martin Hole: 12th Length: 611 yards Description: From the tee, a series of massive waste bunkers line the entire left side of the fairway. Although the light-colored sand and emerald-green fairway provide a stunning contrast, you need to stay focused to avoid trouble as trees and bushes on the right side can wreak havoc with your score. The biggest test will come on your third shot, where you have to avoid perhaps the largest greenside bunker in Southern California - a huge, sprawling sand trap that hugs the green. Quotable: "I'd rather play from the waste trap all the way up the fairway than hit it into that greenside bunker once," said general manager Kerry Rapelje. TEMECULA CREEK INN Where: Temecula Designer: Ted Robinson Sr. and Dick Rossen Sr. Hole: 9th, Stonehouse Course Length: 555 yards Description: From the tee, out-of-bounds stakes guard the left side of the fairway and rock outcroppings protect the right. If you hit a good drive and want to go for it in two, your ball must carry a lake that guards the front and right side of the putting surface. If you lay up, accuracy is crucial as the fairway becomes extremely narrow upon approaching a deep green with a hump in the middle. Finding yourself on the correct side of that hump can lead to a routine two-putt - otherwise, you'll have your work cut out. Quotable: "The key to getting a good score is the tee shot," said first assistant professional Nick Bland. "Without that, it's tough to make a par." OAK QUARRY Where: Riverside Designer: Gil Morgan and Schmidt-Curley Design Hole: 16th Length: 572 yards Description: Not many par 5s are unreachable these days, but this hole could be one of them. From the tee, fairway bunkers to the left and right act as directional guides. Those who go for the green on their second shot will have to contend with a water hazard that runs along the left side. Regardless, your approach must be placed on the correct level of the three-tiered green to have a chance at a birdie. Be careful if the pin is in the back since a deep bunker will gobble up anything hit long. Quotable: "It is a fun and challenging hole," said assistant pro Jason Vigo. "Many consider it the toughest par 5 in the area." OAK VALLEY GOLF CLUB Where: Beaumont Designer: Schmidt-Curley Design Hole: 16th Length: 523 yards Description: A fairway bunker on the right challenges short hitters, but big boppers should have no problem clearing it. A lay-up second shot must be threaded between three mounds dissecting the fairway and a lake on the left. If you decide to go for it in two, you must carry the water hazard with a shot that plays into the wind. If you can avoid the hazard, a birdie opportunity is there for the taking. Quotable: "It is a great risk-reward hole," said general manager Kai Chang. "A player can make anything ranging from an eagle 3 to an ugly 8." LANDMARK AT HEMET Where: Hemet Designer: Schmidt-Curley Design Hole: 13th Length: 491 yards Description: From the tee box, the fairway is slightly elevated and long hitters will want to avoid the right fairway bunker to have a chance at getting home in two, which requires an all-carry shot to a green protected by water on the front-left side. If you choose to lay up, keep the ball right of the water and you'll have a relative easy approach shot. Quotable: "This par 5 tempts you to go for the green in two," said general manger Dan Horning. "It is also a very picturesque hole with water and granite mountains in the background." LOS SERRANOS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Where: Chino Hills Designer: Jack Kramer Hole: 18th, South Course Length: 677 yards Description: It's the longest hole on the longest course in Southern California. Forget about getting home in two; it's a three-shot hole - at best - that has been enhanced with the addition of three fairway bunkers. Even when you get near the putting surface, your approach shot must carry a water hazard that is situated 80 yards in front of the green. Quotable: "You need to hit a good drive and long second shot in order to have a chance to hit the green in regulation," said director of golf Ron Kramer. "If a player does not hit a long second shot they may be forced to lay up in front of the water on their third." REDHAWK GOLF CLUB Where: Temecula Designer: Ron Fream Hole: 18th Length: 555 yards Description: The hole plays slightly downhill with a creek that comes into play at the far end of the fairway. Players electing to go for the green in two will have to hit a big second shot over water. Laying up will give you a better angle to the pin, but beware of the bunker over the green where a visually intimating shot back at the water awaits. Quotable: "This hole is a pivotal hole when the California State Open is played," said general manager Tony Quealy. "Whatever you score here can really make or break your tournament." GREEN RIVER GOLF CLUB Where: Corona Designer: Lawrence Hughes Hole: 7th, Riverside Course Length: 528 yards Description: This hole is a birdie opportunity if you keep the ball in play. Water runs along the right side of the the landing area, while trees protect the left side of the fairway. Approach shots must avoid a bunker guarding the front-left portion of the green, which is one of the largest on the course. Quotable: "With a good drive, the green can be reached in two for most players," said golf shop manager Kevin Orr. "However, if you flare it out, you will likely have a splash landing." |
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