Greenbrier Classic: 5 Crucial Holes at Old White TPC

Last year, Stuart Appleby fired an amazing final-round 59, torching Old White for a winning score of 22-under-par.  

This year, the course has been toughened up.  

However, there is only so much that can be done with the almost 100-year-old layout, so expect some low scores.  

Here are five holes on which players really can pick up strokes.

No. 4: 396-Yard Par 4

Technology has eliminated the trouble on this short par four.  

The left-side bunker is the main danger off the tee. However, needing only 250 yards to clear, it won’t pose many problems.  

The hole opens up past the bunker. This will leave a short iron or wedge into the large, triangular green.

A bunker guards the left side, while a drop-off area occurs to the right.

No. 5: 344-Yard Par 4

Similar to the previous hole, technology has eliminated the danger on No. 5.  

A large bunker crosses the fairway, but only requires a 250-yard shot to clear. It is uphill, so some players may lay up.  

A creek and large mounds on the left guard the green. With such a short second shot, even with a lay-up tee shot, the obstacles shouldn’t pose a problem. The green slopes from back to front.

No. 10: 385-Yard Par 4

A bunker on the left side and two in the center of the fairway are in play for those who hit driver. However, laying up short of these dangers leaves only 150 yards to the green.  

The green slopes to the right, so a good second shot is a must.

No. 12: 568-Yard Par 5

With the elevated tee and down slope on the fairway, tee shots should go a long way.  

Very long hitters might be in danger of landing in the bunkers in the left fairway.

Hitting the green in two wont be a problem. The challenge comes from the large, undulating green. Hitting the wrong part could result in a three-putt.

No. 17: 570-Yard Par 5

Another par five that is reachable.  

With no defense directly in front of the green, players can run their second shots in. The green is not as severe as the one on the 12th hole.  

Coming away with less than a birdie would be a disappointment.