RISK vs. REWARD

West Seattle Golf Course

Hole No. 12 • Par 5 • 489 yards (Blue Tees)

By Simon Dubiel

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Setup

Without a doubt, the defining picture at West Seattle Golf Course is the tee shot at 12. Soaring out of the chute and overlooking the downtown Seattle skyline, it is eye candy. And if you pulled that off and found a piece of the fairway, start shuffling your chips because you have a decision to make. A decent poke leaves you 200-250 in. The challenge waiting is a shot from one side of the saddle to the other, hoping to hit a green guarded left by a bunker and trees, with little room right. Short is fine, but will leave an awkward sidehill, uphill chip.

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Reward

Bunker, then trees, then death, left. Cart path, then trees, then OB, right. What could go wrong?! Getting off the tee is a feat in itself, but is this the hand you want to make your move with? Short and right leaves you some bail out, but anything pulled left will be a losing endeavor for sure. You need to be confidently bold with that 225 club if you push your chips in.

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Risk

After splitting the fairway, it’s time to take a deep breath and get right back to raising the stakes. Anything near the green will work just fine. Strike something pure and a circle on your scorecard awaits, maybe even two. If you do lay-up, the approach shot from the hill is no walk in the park. You will most certainly have a sidehill, uphill lie to an elevated green. Good luck.

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Final Call

The mesmerizing yet intimidating tee shot, staring out of the chute towards the Seattle skyline, is something else. If you got through that clean, it is time to be rewarded. Great shots are made from great opportunities. Count the stack out, or just push it all in. Either way, we recommend the big stick. Swing with confidence. Giddyup!