Lights, Camera, Action or Not?

Have you ever wondered what a particular golf hole really looks like without the stands and the crowd? The hole pictured above is from the Jeld-Wen Tradition, which is a Champions Tour Major, and although the tournament has been moved to Central Oregon for 2007 it flourished here at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club located near Portland, Oregon. This was one of the last pictures I took at the 2005 event and gives you a good look at what the second shot looks like into this par 5.

The following is how the hole normally looks and is just as impressive without the stands filled with people. A striking mahogany paneled chateau-style clubhouse is in the background and there always seems to be a reflection on the lake.



The funny thing is that this hole isn't even on the course that was used for the tournament which is the South Course. This is the 18th hole from the North Course and in an effort to make the finish as exciting as possible tournament officials replaced the drivable 16th of the South Course for the North's 18th. This way they were able to have three par 5's in the last four holes all with a chance for eagle. Needless to say that this created some very strong and as intended some exciting finishes.