Hole 11 at Bethpage State Park (Blue Course)

Your tee shot strategy centers on committing to the right club and trusting your swing. From 187 yards, most golfers will need anything from a 6-iron to a 4-iron depending on conditions and personal carry distances. The key is selecting a club that gets you to the back portion of the green, as short shots on small greens leave difficult up-and-down opportunities. Take one extra club if there's any doubt about distance, as the small green size means you need to be aggressive with your target line. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position - the compact target doesn't allow for much creativity in shot selection. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to muscle the shot.

Since this is a par 3, your tee shot IS your approach shot. The small green demands that you land the ball softly and with proper trajectory. A higher ball flight will help the ball stick on what's likely a firm surface, especially given Bethpage's traditional conditioning. Pay attention to wind conditions, as they'll have a significant impact on a shot of this length. A helping wind might allow you to take less club and focus on control, while an into-the-wind shot requires committing to more club and trusting your distance.

Bethpage greens are known to be "tame" compared to other championship venues, which works in your favor on this small target. However, the compact size means that lag putting becomes crucial - you can't afford to leave yourself long comeback putts. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. The small green likely has subtle breaks that become more pronounced on longer putts, so take time to read the green carefully from multiple angles before putting.