Egan’s fifth is the first real test of the front nine. This par 5 is narrow, and forces the player into more than one risk-reward decision. The tee shot plays to a dogleg left fairway, with an awkward slope. Shorter hitters ought to focus on getting around the turn, but longer hitters are force with a strategic decision. The left side is out-of-bounds, but moving the ball left, around the turn, will add valuable distance.

A well placed tee shot may leave a second shot with an awkward lie. The linksy rollers along the first half of this par 5 are quite irregular. Again, the risky, ideal second shot moves the ball left toward the out-of-bounds for the best look at the green. Note the fencing on the left side, protecting the neighboring homes. These hurt players who move the ball right in the air.

The approach plays downhill to the green, the angle here may be challenging, and a hill on the right side may make back pins challenging. Once on the green, however, it should be fairly straight-forward.

“Pacific Grove Golf Links’ first par five offers the skilled player a good chance at birdie, but a well-placed drive is key on this slight dogleg left. The second shot must be positioned correctly to offer an easy short iron into this small oval green. With no bunkering, the third shot should be easy, save for the grassy mounding surrounding the entire back portion of the green. This creates havoc on many a wayward shot and on properly reading the subtle breaks of this seemingly simple putting surface.”

Source: Pacific Grove Golf Links