If you’re going to have a conversation about the best 2nd holes in Western New York, please don’t forget to toss in the short par 4 that Elkdale Country Club brings to the table.
I grew up playing Elkdale and remain impressed with the character of the golf course. There are devilish greens on the back side that reward local knowledge (see the 14th). There are two par 5s – one is attackable and the other is only really survivable. The 16th hole is consistently considered one of the best and most challenging par 3s in the area.
There are so many great holes – it’s easy to look over #2, but we shouldn’t. The second hole is a short Par 4 that long ball hitters can go after with driver and/or possible three wood. There is out of bounds to the left and trees down both sides. Four bunkers surround the green leaving just a tiny path for a ball to run up on the green if you can get it there.
It’s a hole you look at and say, I can make birdie here. But, you’d be surprised how often people don’t. I’ve always believed the key to a good round at Elkdale is a strong start. The first five holes are all attackable – but they will punish you if you get cocky.
And that’s what makes the 2nd hole beautiful. It’s an early swing hole in a match. Good players stand atop the tee deck knowing they should be able to make birdie. They may get aggressive and try to drive the green. Or, maybe they think it’s best to play safe and hit 8-iron-wedge into the green. Either way, the bunkers are eager and willing to grab their Titleists.
Sometimes the beauty of a golf hole is to make it simple. The second hole at Elkdale offers no tricks and throws no punches. It simply stares at you and says, “hit the shots.” It puts an early birdie right in your sights and tells you to take aim. Still, time and time again, players will jot a 4 or a 5 on their scorecard and head to the third hole thinking of opportunity missed.
