Party hole is crowd favourite at NZ Open
BY Bruce Young | Web.com Tour | 2009 New Zealand Open | Round Three | 14 Mar 2009
The party hole concept has hit the New Zealand Open, but this time it is the reachable par four 15th hole at the Hills Golf Club in Arrowtown that is capturing the attention of golf fans.
On one of the most stunning days imaginable on day three of the event, sizeable crowds were attracted to the food and bar facilities surrounding the hole but it was also the location and the vistas of the surrounding Wakatipu Basin that attracted the fans.
The altitude of the area (310 metres) plays a small role in assisting many of the field to find the green at the 301 metre (330 yard) hole and the range of scoring possibilities adds further intrigue. The occasional eagle was recorded – one by American Roger Tambellini from 40 feet below the hole and that was enough to get the crowds’ juices flowing.
The tee perched well above the fairway and the superb Remarkables Mountain Range in the background, provide one of the most dramatic and dynamic backdrops in golf and those behind the decision to incorporate this hole as the party hole must be applauded.
To date there have not been quite the rowdy scenes that were widely criticised at the recent Australian Open although tomorrow is another day and the final day of the tournament at that.
Nearly half the field on the third day this week either eagled or birdied the hole providing plenty of reason for the crowd to down their glasses. Professional golf is the entertainment industry and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise and this concept has entertained many.
