Sometimes, it's not about dazzling ocean views and impossible, once-in-a-lifetime shots, wacky bunker placements or insanely situated greens. Sometimes it's just about a hole that looks routine yet requires you to both think and create. Such is the case with the 14th hole at Shinnecock, a classic course that's hosted U.S. Opens in three different centuries.
Take a look at No. 14 above there, dubbed "Thom's Elbow" after Charlie Thom, the course pro who reigned at Shinnecock for more than half a century. Angle Cabera is teeing off, and it sure looks like he's got plenty of room to drive. But the fairway, 30 yards wide at the outset, narrows in a hurry, so if you're not precise, you're 300 yards off the tee but deep in the rough. (Side note: I've always liked a well-designed mid-back nine hole from a strategic perspective. There are holes left to play, so do you get greedy and go for a red number, or do you take a moment to think that that's exactly what sneaky course designers want you to do?)
The shot doglegs to the right and ends at a tight, well-guarded green. If you were shooting in still air, this hole would be hard enough, but add in the swirling Long Island wins, and you can hear old Charlie Thom cackling at you from the Great Beyond.
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