For the first time in three years the 888poker.com PGA EuroPro Tour returns to Collingtree Park Golf Club this week.
The Northampton course is playing host to the WSL Open and ahead of the sixth event of the Tour season we spoke to Geoff Pook, head professional at Collingtree Park, to get his ‘Inside Track’ on the course.
Changes To The Course
“We haven’t had any major changes at all since the EuroPro Tour was last here in 2009. Those who played here then will definitely recognise that the course is as it was when they left!â€
Who Does It Suit?
“You need to be accurate and you also need good distance as well. It’s very much a tee-shot dominated course, so you need length but you also need accuracy; you can’t just knock it anywhere.â€
Hazards
“We have lakes on about two thirds of the holes. We also some fairly heavy semi-rough at the moment that is pretty tough to get out of after the wet weather we have had.â€
Weather Watch
“We are hoping for a dry week but you can never be sure! The greens are alright though, they aren’t too fast but they are still a decent pace. They have come on very well in the last couple of months.â€
Score To Aim For
“I expect the leader will do something around four under in a round but a lot depends on the wind; if the wind dies then the golfers can expect to score quite well.â€
Finding The Rough
“We don’t have much thick or high rough but the semi rough is quite thick and will hold the ball; you won’t get many that sit up in the semi rough so it is pretty rough.â€
Key Holes
“On the front nine the key holes are four and five, a par five followed by a par three. It’s a very tight tee shot at four and then it is very difficult to hit the target at five because it has water surrounding it.
“On the back nine there is 12, a 192-yard par three over water. Then you have 13, our stroke-index one hole. It’s a 463-yard par four with a very tight, narrow entrance into the green. Finally there is the par-five 18th which has water down the left and an island green.â€
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