The second plays to a fairway prominently split by the creek. The creek on the right side is about 250 yards from the back cut, but is guarded by bunkers on the other side. Playing to the left is safer, but presents problems in the form of tall trees that may interfere with the approach shot.

Attacking the green from the right is the ideal approach. Players on the left will face a large bunker directly in the line of play. Players who have safely played from the right side face a straight-forward approach. One concern all players will have is the short grass that runs off the back of the green where the creek bends.

“Everything possible is thrown at the golfer to where many consider this the best hole on the course. Yet, it is encountered so early in the round that it rarely receives the notoriety it deserves. The creek diagonally slashes across the line of play off the tee before tracking up the left side of the fairway, where the flattest lies are afforded. The largest green on the course at 5,840 square feet peaks in its middle before dropping away to the back right where, alas, the same creek flows.

With the stream left, golfers like to stay to the right. However, the more level stances are offered closer to the stream.

Short grass now represents a vital component to the overall challenge at Southern Hills. Recovery from tight turf to Maxwell’s greens taxes the golfer’s touch and nerves.”

Source: Golf Club Atlas