Overview:
Central Florida's Innisbrook Resort is stop #3 of the PGA Tour's month-long series of tournaments played throughout the Sunshine State. Home of four courses Innisbrook's "Copperhead Course" is the scene of this week's Transitions Championship. You could generalize Florida golf courses as being flat and open, but that's not the case for Copperhead. Nestled in a pine forest, this course is often very tight with plenty of elevations changes and rolling hills.
Two weeks ago the Honda Classic saw pros struggle with the "Bear Trap." This week they'll find an even tougher challenge in Copperhead's "Snake Pit." These three holes -- #16, 17, and 18 -- are the toughest on Tour. For reference, the Bear Trap stretch of three holes saw pros average .785 strokes over-par. The Snake Pit's average is significantly higher at .924 strokes over-par.
Where they'll struggle:
#16 - Par-4 - 475 yards
This long sweeping dogleg is the start of the PGA Tour's toughest three-hole stretch. A large water hazard runs the length of the fairway. The hole wraps around the water, doglegging right the whole way. A good tee will leave players with well over 200 yards to the green. From there a long accurate shot is required to reach the green in regulation. Miss the green short and you'll likely find your way into one of two bunkers protecting the front of the green.
Where they'll score:
#1 - Par-5 - 560 yards
Copperhead's opening hole offers pros a chance to start their day on a good foot. Birdie on this 560-yard par-5 isn't a sure thing. Broadly speaking, #1 dog legs right, but a devilishly placed pair of fairway bunkers forces drives to the right side of the of fairway, thus keeping players off the green on their second shot. A short approach shot makes birdie a reality, though an eagle will be tough to come by.
At last year's Transitions Championship, there were a total of 174 birdies made on #1. But the pros only managed to tally five eagles on the opening hole, thanks in large part to the unique double-dogleg like design.
Kent Lister is a journalist working in the Midwest. He's covered a number of PGA Tour events over the years, and has spent the better part of his life playing competitive golf. From junior tournaments all the way up to NCAA tournaments, and while organized golf has come to an end for Lister, he continues spending a disproportionately large amount of time perfecting his game. Follow him on twitter @listerkent for a complete rundown of all his previews.
