RISK vs. RE WARD

Whidbey Golf Club Hole No. 1

Par 5 497 yards (Blue Tees)

By Simon Dubiel

Setup

At under 500 yards, the opening hole is the first of several great risk vs. reward holes at Whidbey Golf Club. Your tee shot needs to split two fairway bunkers to get in the go zone at 200-240 yards away. The approach is to a challenging green that is heavily guarded with bunkers on both sides and water waiting for anything that is short and right. With the green angled to the right one must commit to the yardage and line.

Risk

If you take the big stick out, you’re putting your chips in the middle — all gas and no brakes. The water right is no spot to start your day, while all three of the bunkers can leave some very challenging shots at different pin placements. Anything hard left will likely leave tree issues and a rough angle to try to get on the putting surface. Bad approach shots will burn a piece of your stack so make sure you give it a go.

Reward

Whidbey offers many options for club selection on a ton of holes, and your very first decision comes at you quickly. If you can pound your 225 club at the putting surface, make sure you take a healthy swing at it. Something left to right but not overcooked is on the menu, better long than short. Fours can be made here. Sometimes you just have to gamble a little.

Final Call

Hitting great shots you remember is part of what golf is all about. It is fun to push the action. However a gambler must know their limits and birdie dreams can turn into double bogey nightmares quickly on this hole. We are going to find a better spot to make our first big bet. Layup to your perfect yardage and go stick a wedge tight. There is more than one way to win a pot and we don’t need to go broke on the first hand of the day anyway.

Presented By Swinomish Golf Links