Comments on Wegoblogger #31: Ballyneal: A Golf Addict's Guide (1st Hole)

BN is an excellent opening hole. You can take it ...

2010-02-02T09:55:52.165-06:00

BN is an excellent opening hole. You can take it as easy or aggressive as you want. And Jefe is right on, if you over cook your drive to the left, you have a short blind shot.

The green is also a great introduction. It sits high on the property and is very exposed to the wind. Any two putt on that green is a well-earned prize.

It serves as a great introduction to the course and fits very well with the long 2nd hole.

Cheers, Hickory Player

The opener at Ballyneal is a quality golf hole bec...

2010-02-02T07:08:13.875-06:00

The opener at Ballyneal is a quality golf hole because while not overall long you can get out of position, especially if you hit it too far left and catch the slope down into the bowl left from where you're blind.

However, I really like it because it's a good prelude for what's to come. It just seems like it's a good fit without being overly difficult and an appropriate introduction to the course. The course is about angles, position, creativity, and fun which are all on display at the first. Similarly the hole also shows the golfer what to expect in terms of the character of the bunkers and the greens as well.

Excellent opener to a world class golf course. I l...

2010-02-01T18:41:23.879-06:00

Excellent opener to a world class golf course. I love the option to start with either the diagonal chew off as much as you can carry tee or to start with the aim it straight up the fairway tee.

If only the club offered boxed sets of "The Wire" in the rooms, but I guess you can't have everything.

Why do I have the feeling I'm going to hit your we...

2010-02-01T14:16:15.674-06:00

Why do I have the feeling I'm going to hit your website ten times a day looking for the next installment?

I have the feeling that a PDF compilation of all 18 holes will make great reading material on my June flight to Denver ;)

Unless your name is Jon Spaulding, don't attempt t...

2010-02-01T13:53:23.430-06:00

Unless your name is Jon Spaulding, don't attempt to flirt with the left side unless the hole is playing downwind. Any front hole location means play for par. I would argue that the best angle of approach is actually from the right side of the fairway (which is blind). It all but takes long and right out of the equation, which is good unless you have an affinity for doubles.

Ah, the 1st at Ballyneal. Seems like it should be...

2010-02-01T11:59:50.862-06:00

Ah, the 1st at Ballyneal. Seems like it should be an easy hole, but in the 12 or so rounds I've got on BN, I've only birdied the 1st one time. (perhaps it has something to do with my sub-average golf game) Unfortunately, I think I've made an 8 here and maybe even a nine. Even thought # 1 hates me, I still have love for it. GREAT opener; cool back box location, inviting fairway, sets up for a draw, cool elevated green.

A perfect hole to start your round. Intimidating c...

2010-02-01T10:25:05.922-06:00

A perfect hole to start your round. Intimidating carry off the tee, but finding the fairway is not overly difficult. The reward of hitting wedge vs 7i or 8i is not worth the risk of bringing the left bunker in to play for me. Lots of fairway to the right gave me the perfect target to start the round.

Confirmed on lots of 3 putts...