Florida Swing: Ranking Best 9 Holes
By Ryan Andrade
8. 8th hole at Doral
The par-5 8th hole can make or break your round.
After the 2013 tournament at Doral, Gil Hanse was brought in to redesign the famed Miami course. He turned it from a pushover back into it’s nickname, “The Blue Monster.” That blue, would be referring to the water because it is quite a bit more of a factor today than it was before the redesign.
One of the holes that underwent massive changes was the par-5 8th hole. The tee shot is actually pretty similar to what it was before the redesign, but the second shot is anything but. The green is basically moved about 70 yards to the left. This brought a water hazard to the left of the green into play, instead of to the one right of the green.
The 8th hole will play as one of the easiest on the course, as most players will have an iron in for their second shot on the par-5. However, with the slightest of misses left, you could wind up making a big number. Being right in the middle of a the round, a good second shot here can set up a chance for eagle, while a poor one can stall any momentum you might have had.
Last year, Rory McIlroy set up for a high fade with his second shot. A brave decision as he aimed right at the Blue Monster. He just slightly pulled his approach and it found it’s way into the drink. The golf ball was not the only thing to go into the water, however.
Rory’s club was later fished out by some local divers and returned to him the next day.
Next: N0. 7 - Wrapping up the Bear Trap