“I expect the “final four” to be considered one of the most challenging and exciting miles of golf, in terms of risk and reward. Comprised of a short par 4, long par 4, a great par 3 and a medium to long par 5, a lot of things can happen on the home stretch. There could be a two or three shot swing which will cater to the best players, providing spectators and the television audience with a gripping finale to the Dubai World Championship.”
Hole 15
“This short par four is the beginning of a fantastic final stretch. With a slight dog-leg left back uphill, its nothing but risk and reward. A massive low attracts everything to the left of the fairway which pushes up right under the green. This tee shot has to be played to the left to get the best reward. The safety shot to follow means playing over the low area into a green that slopes away towards a deep low.”
Hole 16
“Significantly longer than the previous hole this is a dog-leg right played over a falaj to a broad fairway that slopes away from the tee and will carry the long drive further. The large lake to which the fairway slopes influences the entire fairway right up to the green. Again, a high risk shot will give you the most reward onto the green. You will need to watch out for the waterfall that links the two lakes.”
Hole 17
“A fantastic, but precise short par three. This iconic hole is a true island green. Club selection is crucial for this hole. Wind from any direction will make this very difficult with the tight island green surrounded by a selection of bunkers offering the green the maximum protection. If you’re lucky a stray shot will only find the bunkers, further misdirection will leave you wet for sure.”
Hole 18
“A long par five hole to finish with water off the tee right and a creek right at the landing area. Bunkers sit short right and left of the tee shot. A second can be played either directly towards the green or up the left, as a falaj splits the fairway in two for its entire length.
Although more risk involved, the shot played right is narrower but opens up the green for approach, whereas the shot played left is easier but brings into play a large group of dangerous bunkers. The green is raised and uphill from the fairway with the falaj off to the left. A true challenge for the ultimate finale.”
