RISK vs. REWARD

PRESENTED BY SWINOMISH GOLF LINKS

Suncadia Resort Prospector GC

Hole No. 18 Par 5 517 yards (Blue Tees)

By Simon Dubiel

Setup

Prospector has numerous holes with great character, and 18 is one that leaves a mark. This tree-lined par 5 that bends slightly to the left has a fairly generous landing zone, opening up to a slightly downhill approach to a green guarded by water left, a not-so-friendly greenside bunker right, and a grassy hill long. Fours can be had here, but many great rounds have met a bitter ending as well.

Risk

If you split the fairway, it is very enticing to raise the stakes and remove a headcover. The scene ahead is beautiful and tantalizing, but tread lightly my friends. The bunker right can lead to some impossible third shots while water left is obviously dead. Hit one pure and you may run through the green and be faced with one of those downhill stances coming out of thick rough onto a green sloping away from you. No thank you.

Reward

Sometimes the game is simple. Strike your second shot perfectly and you’ll find yourself on the dance floor. These are the shots you talk about on your hour-plus drive back to the westside, the shots you talk about for the rest of the summer, and the next time you’re standing on Prospector’s 18th tee. Glory moments. Remember the last time you heard someone telling you about the great layup shot they hit? Didn’t think so. Let the big dog eat. Sure, you can’t lose much if you don’t put the chips in the middle — but you can’t win much either.

Final Call

A well struck drive will likely leave you somewhere in the 250-yard range. A wise man once asked “Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya?” From 250 out you better be dialed in. For our money, it’s always better to drag a small pot than lose a big one, and that’s why we’re playing this hand today. Keep the headcover on and take out your trusty mid-iron. Lay up to your number and go throw a dart for your third. Giddyup!