Shorty's · Hole 2
Back
55
Forward
35
The shortest regulation-style hole you will ever play that still requires genuine skill. Fifty-five yards is a half-swing lob wedge or a smooth gap wedge — but the green at hole 2 is the most slope-heavy surface on the course, with a tilt that makes any putt from the top third a potential three-putt disaster. The distance is trivial. The putting is not.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
At 55 yards, this is a controlled lob wedge or even a full pitching wedge chip. The absolute priority is landing the ball on the correct side of the slope — specifically, the lower half of the green below the slope's ridge. Landing above the ridge leaves a screaming, nearly uncontrollable downhill putt. Aim for the lower portion even if the flag is above — a below-hole lag putt beats a 6-foot slider from above.
Putting
The slope ridge on this green divides the putting surface into two very different challenges. Below the ridge: standard, manageable putts that are uphill or slightly breaking. Above the ridge: fast, downhill, potentially sideways putts where 3 feet of break can appear from a 5-foot putt. Always be on the correct side.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The distance is so short that players stop thinking. This is the trap. Fifty-five yards demands as much thought as 150 — all directed at landing zone rather than distance.
- •A lob wedge from 55 yards can leave too much backspin, causing the ball to check up short of the target zone and leave a long putt across the slope. Test the spin of your wedge before committing.
- •If you land above the ridge and face a severe downhill putt, stroke it at a fraction of normal force and aim well outside the hole for break — your goal is just to get to the bottom of the green.
Wind Intelligence
Wind at 55 yards has an outsized effect on a high lob shot. Even 10 mph can redirect a lob wedge by several feet in flight. In wind, lower the trajectory intentionally — use a three-quarter 56° rather than a high 60°. The lower flight gives you far more control over landing spot.
Hazard Map
- ▲Severe green slope ridge — upper half is a danger zone
- ▲Surrounding fescue — miss-hits do not find safe areas