Rick Hollenbeck

Rick Hollenbeck, the golf manager at Fairway Oaks, said the course will be in prime shape for scoring this week.

Players who fail to keep the ball in the fairway will suffer, as the rough as been let go and is thick.

"If you can keep it in the fairway, you can really score," he said."If you take a lot of chances, you can get in a lot of trouble."

Greens also will be tricky, as they are running at about a 9 on the Stimpmeter, Hollenbeck said.
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Players will have to play smart to stay in contention, Hollenbeck said.

"The best way to play it is to hit a fairway wood or iron off the tee," Hollenbeck said."You have to carry about 75 yards of water, (and) there's a small landing area that's not very big."

Players will have to carry about 25 yards of water on their approach shot, and the green runs uphill.Players also must be accurate, as the rough on the left side of the fairway is thick and water runs down the right side of the entire hole.

Hollenbeck said the 17th hole has doomed many rounds throughout its tournament history.

"To make par and get out of there is the smart play, even for professionals," Hollenbeck said.

Rick Hollenbeck, Fairway Oaks director of golf and food and beverage, said he was aware that private golf courses were not exempt.

"Because of the way it was worded, any place with employees is included and since we have employees they can't smoke here."Hollenbeck said.

Hollenbeck did receive numerous complaints from members who used to be able to smoke in indoor designated areas before the ban.He anticipates some revoked memberships as a result.

"We will have to abide by the ordinance and go from there," Hollenbeck said."You hate to see it but my hands are tied."

Hollenbeck said members can still smoke on the golf course and tennis courts.