Holes 4 & 5 - Into the woods

Now lads when you reach the fourth you are as they say "Cookin on gas". This is index 2, the first hole in the trees and an absolute smasher of a golf hole. To the more observant of you this hole is reminiscent of Augusta National (OK without the magnolias) but if you pay attention you'll see what I mean. Par 4 with a right to left dog leg and a severe slope from right to left just where you want to have your tee shot position itself. All along the left runs a stream which continues and becomes a very much in play barrier to your approach to the green.

Your ideal tee shot should favour the right side of the fairway to negate the slope but you will see the odd hero take on the corner with mostly predictable results. However of course if you can cut the corner in anything approaching a controlled manner you do leave not much more than a short iron for most players. The pin position here is key to your approach shot. The fat part of the green is left and has the shortest route over the stream, whilst the right portion is narrower with more carry required to reach the putting surface. Bunkers back left and stream in front I pick the cowardly option every time regardless of pin position. A par here is a great score moving on to a lovely par 3 fifth hole coming up next.

This par 3 has a raised tee box playing to a raised green set back in very tall trees. Bunkers front and right and also back left make front left your best bet each time regardless of pin position. I have to say at this point that I seem to spend a lot of time in the bunker at the back and as often as I've played it I don't seem to be able to change that fascination with the sand. However front left leaves an uphill putt the majority of the time and despite my best efforts birdie attempts are common enough (at least amongst my playing partners).

I like these two holes and I think that if you give them a little thought and respect you can cover yourself in glory as your partners lose more shots and trail in your wake (due in no small part to the excellent advice you are getting from me at no charge.....try that in Ballybunnion or Kinsale).

Onward.