GOLF: Third Time’s a Charm

It’s a crisp Winter morning and the light over the front nine is almost ethereal. A hop, skip and jump over Euphorbia Lane and here we are, at the third hole. It might look like a simple shot but, factor in the slopes, bunkers and dam (and homes on Umvumvu Drive bringing up the rear) and you may find yourself in a spot of bother. Pro Shop Manager and golf pro Ryan Schierhout ropes in our knowledgeable men’s captain, the affable Chippy Wood to break down the science of the 3^rd.

About the 3^rd

The third hole is named ‘Shad Run’. If you look at the fig trees behind the tee, you might imagine what was once a sand road to the beach at Shaka’s Rock, when the Estate was still a farm. It was quite the busy spot, and, in peak season, many-a-fishermen would walk this way to catch their shad.

The 3^rd is par 4: this means an advanced golfer is expected to need four strokes to “finish” or get the ball into the hole. If you do this in under four strokes, you have “made par”. A par of 4 is widely considered a standard golf hole.

On the 3^rd

“This is one of my favourite spots on the course,” Ryan’s eyes light up as he hauls his clubs out of the cart. “I have always enjoyed playing the front nine.” 

Ryan, a AAA-certified PGA professional, is passionate about golfers getting the basics correct to enjoy a fulfilling game. “The pre-swing routine is just as important as the swing itself, especially on a hole like this one. You have to think about what you’re doing, how you position your feet, hips and hands to give yourself the best result.”

Chippy, whose home overlooks the third tee-box, watches golfers keenly play the third. “This tee is round,” Chippy shares. “So, many golfers make the mistake of lining their shots up incorrectly. It’s a great hole to master, but it can be a difficult shot if you do not prepare correctly.”

Ryan agrees, sharing that the course plays differently in Winter and Summer, and this should be considered when selecting your club and planning your stroke. “You have to be strategic. In Winter, take less club because the ground is hard and your ball will roll farther, especially down the slopes on the third. In Summer, you may need to use an extra club because the ball won’t roll as far.”

Ryan & Chippy’s Top Tips

1. Aim RIGHT, not left. This will give your ball a better chance of landing close to the hole…and, away from the homes on the left of the tee-box. Ryan set his tee up on the far left, which opens the right-hand side for a beautiful shot.
2. Take the time to line up your shot. To demonstrate, Ryan used a leaf just a few centimetres away from the ball. Use the arrow on the ball to ensure you have a straight line. Your club face should then be positioned on this line – use your club to help as an alignment aid.
3. Choose your most trusted, long-hitting club. It depends on the golfer, says Chippy, but anything upwards of a 6 should suffice. The club needs to carry you roughly 150m. “Too much club will leave you in trouble, short of the bunkers,” adds Ryan.
4. Again…aim right. Yes, it’s important! “You want to play your approach shot away from the water when you take your shot. Too far left with your tee shot will open up the water hazard on the right.”
5. Grip the club firmly and comfortably and GO!

As always, please repair your pitch marks and keep up with the golfers in front of you.

If you are interested in golf lessons, pop into the Pro Shop to chat to Ryan or call 032-946 5407/ e-mail proshop@simbithi.com.

Happy golfing!