The Short Par 4 – Golf’s Ultimate Thrill Ride
By: GolfPRGuy
There is nothing more exciting in golf right now, with its bombers paradise, than the short par 4. The enticement of players “go for broke” attitude and the seductive challenge it brings has made the short holes in golf that much more fun to play and watch.
Who wants to hit driver, then long iron or 3-wood all day. Give me something with some strong risk-reward and a short pitch, and I am all in.
Some of the most memorable short holes in golf include the 10th at Riviera, the 17th at TPC Scottsdale, as well as multiple short holes at Crystal Downs in own backyard here in northern Michigan. PGA Tour, PGA of America, and USGA have made it customary now in major events to provide at least one drive-able hole to generate excitement.
Geoff Shackleford, a nationally recognized golf writer for Golf Digest and course design expert wrote this great story titled “Drivable Par 4’s” offering some great insight into golf’s ultimate thrill ride!
The Gaylord Golf Mecca here in northern Michigan provides some great short par 4’s providing thrill seeking golfers some great opportunities for birdies, and maybe even an eagle.
My top 10 short par 4’s in the Gaylord Golf Mecca include:
- No. 15 at Tom Fazio Premier at Treetops
- No. 15 at Jones Masterpiece at Treetops
- No. 8 Classic at Otsego Club
- No. 16 at Elk Ridge
- No. 13 Gaylord CC
- No. 8 at Black Lake Golf Club
- No. 8 at Black Bear Golf Club
- No. 7 at The Natural
- No. 6 at Michawye Pines
- No. 7 at The Lakes Course – Loon Golf Resort
