Florida Swing: Ranking Best 9 Holes
By Ryan Andrade
5. 15th hole at PGA National
Don’t try to go flag hunting on your first shot in “The Bear Trap”
“The Bear Trap” has made a second appearance on my list! The first of the two par 3’s in this difficult three hole stretch is the one I consider to be more intimidating.
The biggest reason for intimidation on this hole due to the angle of the tee to the green. Unlike the 17th hole, the 15th hole doesn’t play quite as a straight shot from tee to green. The 15th green actually forces players to play more of a left to right shot. You do have to carry water, but the hazard will play more on the right than it will short, like the 17th does.
The wind is usually the biggest factor on this hole. The hole typically plays into the wind, so striking the ball flush is at even more of an importance. All it takes is a slight mis-hit and the ball can get caught up in the wind and come up short.
The hole location in the back is usually always the most difficult. This is because you have to carry even more water if you want to get close to the hole location. If the wind is coming off the left and hurting, you have virtually no shot at getting inside 15 feet. Likewise, when the hole is playing in the front of the green, the tee shot is visually more of a straight shot and that is typically when we will see birdies on this hole.
Don’t ever try to be a hero on the 15th hole at PGA National. Aim for the middle of the green and try your luck from there.
Next: No. 4 - Trump's Baby