Short on Length, Long on Charm

While the 18th hole on the Eden Course is justifiably the most famous hole at Fanling, the short 12th on the Old Course lays claim to being the best par-three on the property

“It’s unique and slightly quirky – modern course architects wouldn’t consider such a design,” Iain Roberts, the club’s head professional, tells me as we watch one fourball tee off at this picturesque corner of the course. You can see his point. Measuring 162 yards from the back tee (a mere flick with a nine-iron for most pros these days), the 12th plays across a grassy hollow to a raised green surrounded on three sides by bunkers. Two sets of steps, in full view from the tee, ease players’ ascent to the putting surface. It’s hard to imagine designers like Nicklaus and Trent Jones Jr. incorporating similar features today.
The real genius of the hole, continues Roberts, is the green setup. From the tee the putting surface appears square on to you. But in fact it’s angled – the green cuts away from you on the left. That side of the green is actually 25-yards further away – a full three clubs difference – than the right edge. It has to be one of the most visually deceptive holes in the region.
The playing strategy is clear-cut: aim for the right half of the green and hope for a straight one. With the prevailing wind into the players’ faces, any amount of cut spin on the ball will bring the bunkers on the right into play. A pulled or hooked shot – well, more than likely you’ll be faced with a blind chip from the bottom of the bank.
Most amateurs will hit anything between an eight and a six iron here, but if the pin is at the back and it’s really gusting then plenty of four irons and hybrid clubs will see some action. “When the course first opened they’ve have probably been hitting brassies,” reckons Roberts.
Aside from being lengthened slightly over the years, little has changed since 1913 (when the black and white photograph was taken). “It’s the best use of 160-odd yards; and it just goes to show that you don’t need yardage to make a tough hole,” he declares. “Three is always a great score here.”

Click here to see the published article.