Hole 2 at Detroit Golf Club (North)

Your tee shot strategy should focus on finding the optimal position between the fairway bunkers rather than maximum distance. The three strategically placed bunkers create distinct landing zones, making club selection and target line crucial. Consider using a 3-wood or hybrid off the tee to ensure you stay in the fairway and set up the best angle for your second shot. Long hitters may be tempted to challenge the bunkers, but the risk rarely justifies the reward given the hole's uphill nature and well-guarded green.

For most players, this becomes a three-shot hole where your second shot sets up a short iron into the green. The key consideration is avoiding the left-side cross bunker located inside 100 yards - this hazard can destroy your scoring opportunity if you're laying up. Position your second shot to the right side of the fairway, leaving yourself a comfortable wedge distance to the green. Long hitters attempting to reach in two must navigate both the fairway bunkers and the challenging green complex, making this a high-risk proposition.

The small, contoured green features significant undulation that makes putting challenging even from close range. The green is well-guarded, meaning approach shots must be precise to avoid difficult recovery shots. Focus on hitting to the center of the green rather than attacking pins, as the undulations can help funnel well-struck shots toward the hole. Pay careful attention to the slope when reading putts - Ross greens are known for subtle breaks that can fool even experienced players. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes on the second shot for long hitters considering going for the green in two. While the potential birdie or eagle is enticing, the combination of fairway bunkers, the uphill lie, and the small target makes this a low-percentage play. The smarter play is positioning your second shot for an optimal wedge angle, avoiding the left-side cross bunker and setting up a straightforward birdie opportunity. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should treat this as a comfortable three-shot hole, using fairway woods or hybrids off the tee and for the second shot to ensure they stay in play. Focus on avoiding the bunkers entirely and leaving yourself a manageable third shot from inside 100 yards. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with driver off the tee if they have confidence in their accuracy, but should still respect the strategic bunker placement. The decision to go for the green in two should depend on wind conditions, lie quality, and pin position - often the percentage play is still laying up to your favorite wedge distance. The uphill nature of this hole means it plays longer than the yardage suggests, so factor this into your club selection throughout. Remember, par is a good score on the #1 handicap hole, and smart course management will lead to more birdies than aggressive play.