The third hole on the North course has some very interesting features that require some sound strategic decisions. A dog leg left par five, over 500 yards from the white tees and 465 from the forward tees. It invites you to cut the corner off of the tee. Unless you have Bubba length, don’t go for it. Left of the cart path means reload.

Aim at the left of the three bunkers that frame the right side of the hole. This will put you in the middle of the fairway with a straightaway downhill second. Hit as much as you like but ‘lay up’ at least 60 yards from the middle of the green. A deep ravine with water at the bottom protects the front of the green omitting any possibility to run the ball up.

It is the approach shot that is quite deceptive. Although you played your second shot downhill, the next is back uphill because the green is slightly elevated from the fairway. I had played this hole many times before I figured that out. It is somewhat an optical illusion. The bottom line is that you will need to hit enough club length and loft to fly the ball into the green on a high trajectory. Some people would prefer to hit that high shot from 100 yards rather than 60. If so club accordingly on your second shot.

Another strategic plan is to make sure you know how far you can carry the ball in the air. You need to know your ‘go to’ distance. The distance you confidently know can fly the ball through the air. Let’s say you miffed a shot coming down the hill and you are left 180 yards to fly the ravine, and remember it is an elevated green. Many people think they can hit a fairway wood that far, total distance, but not in the air. If so the ball would have a watery grave. Suck up your ego, hit a 120 yard lay up shot, short of the ravine, and pitch the next one close to save par.

Keep this ‘on-course strategy’ the next time you come to visit the beautiful Boulders North course.