MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Royal Melbourne’s composite course has been a happy hunting ground for United States captain Tiger Woods and his Internationals counterpart Ernie Els but both skippers will urge caution when their players tee off at the Presidents Cup.
An amalgam of 12 holes from the club’s West course and six from its East, players will be tempted to attack a 7,032 yard layout that features a number of holes vulnerable to long hitters.
The firm conditions of the ‘sandbelt’ track mean risk-takers are invariably punished for the slightest of transgressions, however, ensuring strategy will be key as teams plot their way through the intrigue of matchplay.
“That firm turf is critical,” course superintendent Richard Forsyth told Reuters.
“There’s a bit of fire in the reaction of the ball. So if you don’t approach from the right spot, you won’t get it close to the pin.
“Only the very best shots are going to stay where they land.”
A number of players found that to their cost at the 2011 Presidents Cup at the venue, where the wind kicked up and made the greens flint-hard.
Birdies were at a premium, and Australian Adam Scott called it “carnage” as putts rolled off greens and settled 40 yards away.
Precision in iron-play and patience with playing partners will be vital, particularly if a breeze picks up.
With the West course designed by renowned architect Alister MacKenzie, players may see elements of the Scot’s work at Augusta National as they negotiate deep bunkers and greens with subtle slopes and speed.
Woods and Els are well-placed to share their insights with their teams, having previously faced off twice at Royal Melbourne in 1998 and 2011.
