ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open About the Hole

This week focuses on The Grange’s 13th hole, a challenging 518 yard Risk Reward par 5.

ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open Opportunity

A bunker in the middle of the fairway forces players to make a strategic decision off the tee. The safe approach is down the left side and the aggressive, but risky approach, takes on the trap and favors the right side of the fairway. On a player’s second shot, bunkering further down the fairway forces another strategic decision to play safe or go for the green.

ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open Insight

The Aon Insight is that precision and strategy should be used to set-up a scoring opportunity; players cannot rely solely on power. In 2016, 93% of birdies made on this hole were via one-putt, demonstrating how difficult it is to reach and hold this green in two shots.

ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open Advantage

With a scoring average just under par, the 13th presents an opportunity for players to gain ground on the field with birdie, but a thoughtful approach tee to green is required.

Honda LPGA Thailand About the Hole

This week focuses on Siam Country Club's 15th hole, a risk-reward par-4 that presents a different scoring opportunity depending on the tee box used.

Honda LPGA Thailand Opportunity

265 Yards

From the forward tees the hole plays 265 yards and is reachable for most players in the field. When attempting to drive the narrow, angled green, players must avoid the severe green-side bunker.

320 Yards

From the back tees players are presented with two key challenges to analyze: a tree in the fairway that must be avoided, and a carry of 225 yards - the longest on the LPGA Tour - to clear the water and set up a short wedge approach.

Honda LPGA Thailand Insight

 265 Yards

The Aon Insight is that 33 eagles have been made on 15 since 2007 and 113 birdies were made last year. With a scoring average of 3.66, players must take advantage of a scoring opportunity.

320 Yards

The Aon Insight is that with 113 birdies made on 15 last year and a scoring average of 3.66, players must take advantage of a scoring opportunity.

Honda LPGA Thailand Advantages

265 Yards

Players will approach 15 with an aggressive game plan in mind and go for the green. The risk is worth the reward and it will come down to confidence and execution.

320 Yards

While all players in the field will take an aggressive approach off the tee, the longer hitters are able to minimize the risk of the forced carry and take the water completely out of play.

HSBC Women’s World Championship About the Hole

This week focuses on the 13th hole at Sentosa Golf Club, a clear scoring opportunity that forces players to choose a strategy from the tee.

HSBC Women’s World Championship Opportunity

The tee shot on this dogleg-left hole is key with bunkers on the left and right protecting the landing zone. Players can lay up short for safety or go long and right, in a bid to reach the green in two. The elevated green runs front to back, and overly aggressive shots  will likely bound over the back of the green.

HSBC Women’s World Championship Insight

The Aon Insight is that the hole location should determine strategy. In 2018, hole locations to the left or center of the green resulted in more than half of the field making birdie.

HSBC Women’s World Championship Advantage

There is plenty of Risk and Reward on the volatile 13th with scores ranging from Eagle (3) to Double Bogey (7). To gain an advantage players have to be bold with their game plan and precise in execution to find the green in two. 

Bank of Hope Founders Cup About the Hole

This week focuses on the 15th hole at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Wildfire Golf Club, a reachable par-5 which presents good opportunities for birdies and eagles late in the round.

Bank of Hope Founders Cup Opportunity

485 Yards

The wide fairway allows players to take an aggressive approach on their drive. A desert area borders the entire left side, and must be avoided at all costs.  From the forward tees most players will aim to hit the well-protected green in two, especially when the wind is helping.

525 Yards

The wide fairway allows players to take an aggressive approach on their drive. A desert area borders the entire left side and must be avoided at all costs. From the longer yardage, players will look to layup on their second shot to their optimal distance since few will reach the green in two.

Bank of Hope Founders Cup Insight

Aon Insight - In 2016, the field was combined 235 under par when hitting the green in regulation or better - so taking advantage of this scoring opportunity is crucial as players come down the home stretch.

Bank of Hope Founders Cup Advantages

There is plenty of risk and reward on the volatile 15th where scores have ranged from eagle (3) to triple bogey (8).

485 Yards

 To gain an advantage, players should be bold with their game plan and precise in execution to avoid the risk areas that can derail a round.

525 Yards

From the longer yardage, precision and control are key to setup a scoring opportunity since the hole cannot be overpowered.

Kia Classic About the Hole 

This week's hole focuses on Aviara Golf Club's 16th hole.  A Challenging par 4 that can play at 285 yards from the front tee or 375 yards from the back tee. 

Kia Classic Opportunity

285 Yards - From the forward tees, the 16th becomes a drivable par 4, and is from where Minjee Lee stunningly made an ace in 2016. The more risk averse player will set up a wedge to attack the accessible hole location.

375 Yards - When the hole is playing 375 yards, longer drives will catch the slope, and may be rewarded with up to three clubs shorter on approach to this tricky green. The risk vs. reward on this hole comes down to the second shot. hole locations will be tough to access given the deep green protected by water and funneling towards the sand in the back.

Kia Classic Insight

285 Yards - Aon Insight is that players should be aggressive when the hole is playing from the shorter tees. In 2018 the forward tee was used in the last two rounds and 36% of the field drove the green.

375 Yards -  Aon Insight is that players who hit the green in regulation in 2018 only made birdie or better 38% of the time, so this green is a test in and off itself and three-putts are common (with a total of 87 over the past three years).

Kia Classic Advantages

Risk and Reward abounds on this volatile hole.  

285 Yards - To gain an advantage, players must be strategic off the tee and determine whether the calculated risk of attempting to drive the green is one worth taking.

375 Yards - Players must decide if an approach shot to a back hole location is worth going for with water and bunkers in play or play sage to middle of green where a 3-putt is still possible.

ANA Inspiration About the Hole

This week focuses on the 11th hole at Mission Hills Country Club, a good opportunity for scoring that forces players to choose a strategy from the tee.

ANA Inspiration Opportunity

480 Yards

The easiest hole on the golf course, this reachable par 5 offers great reward for players who execute two perfect shots. After a successfully executed drive, a false front and sand traps will heavily influence decisions, making the safer play towards the back of the green. Varying pin placements add to the difficulty once players are on the 30-yard deep the green.  

536 Yards

From the 536 yard tees, players have to commit to a bold strategy and shape the ball left to right around the tall trees guarding the right side if they want to reach the green in two. The further left players choose to play their tee shot, the longer the approach into this green protected by a false front and sand traps on three sides.

ANA Inspiration Insight

480 Yards

The Aon Insight is that an aggressive execution is rewarded on this hole. Players last year who reached the green in regulation (80%) made birdie or better 42% of the time and there have 15 eagles in the last 3 years.

536 Yards

The Aon Insight is that aggressive precision is rewarded on this hole. Players last year who reached the green in regulation (80%) made birdie or better 42% of the time and there have 15 eagles in the last 3 years.

ANA Inspiration Advantage

480 Yards

Especially at 480 yards, the 11th represents an excellent opportunity for players to pick up a stroke – or maybe two. Scores here have ranged from eagle to double bogey, so a bold game plan can pay dividends. 

536 Yards

Even from the back tees, this hole is one players will feel they need to make birdie or better on. Scores here have ranged from eagle to double bogey, so a bold game plan can pay dividends. 

LOTTE Championship About the Hole

This week focuses on the picturesque par-5 13th hole at Ko Olina Golf Club.

LOTTE Championship Opportunity

An elevated tee box overlooks the entire hole, amplifying the effects of the prevailing wind which can play havoc with the tee shot, pushing it right toward a water feature unless the ball is kept low. The water is bordered by a fairway sand bunker, and that can provide some safety if the player opts for the bold strategy of challenging the right side in order to try and reach the green in two.

LOTTE Championship Insight

The Aon Insight is that finding the fairway provides a larger advantage here than on most holes. Last year 59% of tee shots on the 15th found the fairway, and 79% of the time those players found the green. Players can take advantage with a bold approach and will be rewarded with the opportunity of hitting a long club for the second shot into a well-bunkered green.

LOTTE Championship Advantages

This volatile hole offers players a strong risk-reward opportunity, and scores here have ranged from eagle (three) to quadruple bogey (nine). An aggressive game plan can reap dividends, but danger awaits any poorly planned or executed shot.

About the Hugel-Air Premia LA Open

This week focuses on the 15th hole at Wilshire Country Club. Scores have ranged from eagle to quadruple bogey so this hole could create a swing in the Aon Risk Reward Challenge score.

Hugel-Air Premia LA Open Opportunity

459 Yards

From the front tees, players have the chance to make birdie – or better – provided they can navigate 14 strategically placed bunkers and a well-guarded green. Depending on hole locations, players may try to set-up a favorable angle for their second by favoring one side of the fairway.  However, since most players can reach the green in two, the strategic decision comes into play on the second shot. The green is protected by a deep creek in front that also wraps around the back-left, so players must choose whether to play aggressively, with a watery end awaiting a poorly planned or mis-struck shot, or the more conservative play towards the bunker protecting the back-right.

528 Yards

The longest hole on the course gives players the chance to make birdie – or better – but they will need to balance the risk with the reward and navigate 14 strategically placed bunkers that protect this hole. From the back tees, those who play aggressively and successfully challenge the bunker on the right side of the fairway will set up an opportunity to go for the green in two. The green is protected by a deep creek in front that also wraps around the back, so club selection is important for the approach, whether going for the green in two or after a more conservative laying-up.

Hugel-Air Premia LA Open Insight

459 Yards

The Aon Insight is that while trouble abounds, this is a scoring opportunity players will want to take advantage of. Last year 81% of the field hit the fairway off the tee and 81% of the field reached the green in regulation or better. There were 13 eagles recorded on this hole.

528 Yards

The Aon Insight is that while trouble abounds, this is a scoring opportunity players will want to take advantage of. Last year 81% of the field hit the fairway off the tee and 81% of the field reached the green in regulation or better. There were 13 eagles recorded on this hole.

Hugel-Air Premia LA Advantage

459 Yards

There is plenty of Risk and Reward on the volatile 15th with scores ranging from eagle to quadruple bogey. To gain an advantage, players have to be bold with their game plan and precise in execution to find the green in two, especially when the pin is cut front right or back left.

528 Yards

There is plenty of Risk and Reward on the volatile 15th with scores ranging from eagle to quadruple bogey. To gain an advantage, players have to be bold with their game plan and precise in execution to find the green in two, especially when the pin is cut front right or back left.

About the LPGA MEDIHEAL Championship

This week focuses on the picturesque par-5 15th hole at Lake Merced Golf Club.

LPGA MEDIHEAL Championship Opportunity

This straightaway par-5 presents a clear scoring opportunity, as longer hitters will have an opportunity to go for the green in two, and shorter hitters will set up a short wedge into the green. The fairway is pinched in by fairway bunkers and lined by deep rough on both sides. Any tee shot off the fairway will require a lay-up to ensure no worse than par. The green, slightly elevated and protected by five bunkers, can be tricky to negotiate, especially when approaching with a longer club.

LPGA MEDIHEAL Championship Insight

The Aon Insight is that in 2018, 88% of the field hit the green in regulation, resulting in players making birdie or better 43% of the time. A total of 155 birdies and 9 eagles were recorded.

LPGA MEDIHEAL Championship Advantage

With scores ranging from eagle to bogey, and nine total eagles recorded in 2018, the insight is clear: the potential reward outweighs the risk on this hole. Players who find the fairway off the tee should choose the more aggressive play.

About the Pure Silk Championship presented by Visit Williamsburg

This week focuses on the  par-3, 17th hole the signature hole on the River Course at Kingsmill Resort which features a steep drop-off on the right leading to two deep bunkers and the James River.

Pure Silk Championship presented by Visit Williamsburg Opportunity

Based on hole location, the 17th can measure from 145 to 190 yards – so club selection is critical to hit the proper section of this 47-yard deep green. With a hole location on the right side of the green, an aggressive shot will challenge the trouble to the right of the green, bringing bogey or worse into play with an errant shot. With a forward hole location, players have less green to work with since any ball beyond the ridge separating the front section of the green will be an extremely challenging two-putt.  A miss short or right is a difficult up-and-down so players may use the ridge to funnel the ball back to the pin.

Pure Silk Championship presented by Visit Williamsburg Insight

The Aon Insight is that this hole has averaged 63.33 birdies per year for the week. In 2018, 86% (56 of the 65) of birdies came with a hole location on the left of the green – so this is when players are able to adopt a more aggressive mindset.

Pure Silk Championship presented by Visit Williamsburg Advantage

With scores ranging from a hole-in-one to double-bogey 5, players will need to strategically assess the hole location and their position on the leaderboard to determine how risky they want to approach this hole, especially on the weekend.

About the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer

This week focuses on the 9th hole at Seaview Resort & Golf Club’s 9th hole, a par-5 presenting a clear scoring opportunity if a player avoids the fescue around the green.

ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer Opportunity

This hole is generous off the tee, and reachable in 2 for most. Players will be aggressive to set-up a potential scoring opportunity. A second shot lay-up, resulting from an errant drive, must avoid three deep cross bunkers awaiting any short or errant shots. A deep bunker guarding the front, and natural grass mounds to the left and back of green can eliminate any hopes of making birdie. The green slopes severely to the right, so holding the green with a longer club can be tough.

ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer Insight

The Aon Insight is that with 180 birdies and 17 eagles here in 2018, it is clear the players are in an attacking mindset from the tee. With a scoring average of 4.65, a player making par here each day will lose a shot on the field for the tournament.

ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer Advantage

Players must take an aggressive approach to this hole, but respect the trouble awaiting around the green. While birdie and eagle are possible, the dangers can bring bogey or worse into play quickly for a poorly planned or executed shot.

About the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give

This week focuses on the 17th hole at Blythefield Country Club, a challenging par-4.

Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Opportunity

The tee shot is extremely important on this difficult par-4 to set-up a clear approach shot into the green. The aggressive play favors the right side of the fairway for a shorter approach from a preferred angle but, trees overhanging the fairway will block out a shorter tee shot or one played too far right.

Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Insight

The Aon Insight is that in 2018, 75% of players who found the fairway reached the green in regulation. For players who reach the green in regulation, this hole can be a scoring opportunity, with a 99% par-or better rate and a 21% birdie rate. However, only 49% of players made par or better when missing the green.

Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Advantage

With a scoring average over par (4.02) in 2018, this is a hole where players must consider birdie a bonus. Playing for safer position off the tee will keep this difficult hole from derailing a round.

KPMG Women's PGA Championship About the Hole 

This week focuses on the iconic 16th hole at Hazeltine National Golf Club, a course that hosted major championships including the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open, and Ryder Cup.

KPMG Women's PGA Championship Opportunity

255 Yards - This iconic par 4, offers a reasonable scoring opportunity when set up from the forward tees. Players must choose a safer lay-up to set-up a wedge from a preferred angle and distance, or take on the chance to drive the green, guarded by Hazeltine Lake.

370 Yards - This is a daunting par 4 from the back tees and has been described by twice major champion Johnny Miller as "probably the hardest four par I ever played". The drive here requires a carry of 220 yards over Hazeltine Lake and must also be kept short of a creek on the left side of the fairway.  Risk abounds on this hole and par here is a good score.

KPMG Women's PGA Championship Insight

255 Yards - The Aon Insight is that players must play to their strengths and evaluate their risk tolerance to set up the best opportunity at birdie – or even an eagle. For those not wanting to challenge the trouble surrounding the green, precision and execution remain crucial on approach to this narrow, elevated green angled away from the fairway. Hole locations along the right side of the green bring the lake back into play.

370 Yards -  The Aon Insight is that precision and strategy should be used to set up an accurate approach which is mandatory for a good scoring opportunity here. The right rough can be penal off the tee while the narrow, elevated green angles away and is difficult to hold with approach shots. Hole locations along the right side of the green bring the lake back into play.

KPMG Women's PGA Championship Advantages

255 Yards - The signature hole at Hazeltine National, the picturesque 16th will entice players to drive the green. Players who are bold enough to take on the challenge and able to execute off the tee will be rewarded with a manageable look for birdie or better.

370 Yards - The signature hole at Hazeltine National, the picturesque 16th offers reward for the player who is able to execute a precise second shot into a green on a raised peninsula which falls off on all sides, including into the hazard in the back and on the right.

About the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G

This week focuses on the 12th hole at Pinnacle Country Club, a challenging par-4 with a scoring average over par.

Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G Opportunity

The risk vs. reward decision on this hole is the choice off the tee. A driver over the trees on the right will set-up a shorter approach, but brings danger into play. When the hole is cut on the lower shelf on the right of this large green, tee shots to the left of the landing area will set up the best angle to access that portion of the green and avoid a difficult putt.

Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G Insight

The Aon Insight is that players must play to their strengths and evaluate their risk tolerance to set up the best opportunity at birdie – or even an eagle. For those not wanting to challenge the trouble surrounding the green, precision and execution remain crucial on approach to this narrow, elevated green angled away from the fairway.

Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G Advantage

This difficult par-4 is all about playing to your strengths. For those without the power, ball flight or appetite for risk, a shorter drive leaves a longer approach and may result in a tricky putt. But, the player who can execute the aggressive tee shot will be rewarded with a much shorter approach and potential birdie opportunity.

About the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic

This week focuses on the par-5 12^th at Thornberry Creek at Oneida. Players who reach the green in two here can gain a one shot advantage over the field.

Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic Opportunity

This week focuses on the par-5 12^th at Thornberry Creek at Oneida. Players who reach the green in two here can gain a one shot advantage over the field. Players should approach this hole from the green backwards to determine if an aggressive tee shot is worth the risk it presents. For longer hitters, an aggressive drive avoiding the fairway bunker sets up an approach over water to the green. Those opting for the safe play should lay-up to the wide fairway short of the sand, then trying to set up a wedge or short iron approach into the green.

Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic Insight

The Aon Insight is with a green in regulation percentage of 87% of the field this hole can turn into a birdie hole, with scoring average of 4.69. Players who are not able to go for the green in two should still be able to set-up a reasonable approach to the green and still make birdie. Maude-Aimee Leblanc scored an albatross (2) here last year by taking an aggressive approach. 

Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic Advantage

Regardless of game plan, this hole is a scoring opportunity, whether approaching with a wedge from the fairway, or a chip around the green, or even an eagle putt. Players’ strategies may depend on where they are in their round, whether a birdie is needed to make the cut or climb the leaderboard on the weekend.

About the Marathon Classic presented by Dana

This week focuses on the 17th hole at Highland Meadows Golf Club, the first of two back-to-back par-5s.

Marathon Classic presented by Dana Opportunity

This short par-5 challenges players with a blind tee shot over a hill to a pinched, tree-lined fairway. Players will favor the right side off the tee as a bail-out. The aggressive tee shot is down the left-hand side setting up a reasonable approach to a small, well-protected green.

Marathon Classic presented by Dana Insight

The Aon Insight is that tee shot is key - If a player misses the fairway, trouble can be compounded with too aggressive of a play – scores ranged from 3 to 7 last year. Average driving distance is 246 yards given the uphill tee-shot. This makes the hole play longer than the scorecard would indicate. Once on the green, most putts are reasonably makeable – resulting in 165 birdies last year

Marathon Classic presented by Dana Advantage

This hole is a clear birdie opportunity for players who can avoid the trees lining the fairway. With no overly punitive hazards near this small green, players will look to get as close as possible with their second shots to set up an eagle putt or up-and-down for birdie.

About the Evian Championship

This week focuses on the par-3, 14th hole at Evian Resort Golf Club located above beautiful Lake Geneva.

The Evian Championship Opportunity

This difficult par-3 can be played from 150 to 225 yards. When the wind is blowing this can play as long as a fairway wood for players. Playing 39 feet downhill from tee to green, with elevation change amplified by winds, club selection and ball flight are critical. The green slopes opposite of the natural contours of the land, creating tricky reads that can lead to three-putts.

The Evian Championship Insight

The Aon Insight - the difficulty of this green makes certain hole locations more difficult. Volatile scoring of bogey or worse awaits players who play too aggressive. Only two birdies were made with a center hole location vs. 16 bogeys. 24% birdies vs. 23% bogeys or worse from the back-right hole location. 18% birdies vs. 29% bogeys or worse with front-left hole location.

The Evian Championship Advantage

This is a hole where par is a good score. Tee shots should not get too aggressive – hitting one close or making a longer putt for birdie should be considered a bonus, with the primary goal of avoiding bogey or worse. “You need to aim for the middle of the green because par is easy from here.” – Ai Miyazato ('01, '09 Evian Masters Winner)

About the AIG Women's British Open

The signature hole on the course, the par-5 7^th hole sets up as a wonderful risk-reward opportunity because of its stunning split fairway. Players can opt to play the hole as a conventional par 5 by going up the left side, or instead take the risk of playing up the right fairway in a bid to reach the green in two.

AIG Women's British Open Opportunity

This strategic par-5 forces players to make a decision on the off the tee – try to go for the green in two or lay-up for a preferable distance into the green. Trees dissecting the left and right sides of the fairway provide two distinct playing corridors – the right gives an opportunity to hit the green in two for longer hitters, but a more difficult lay-up, while the left presents a safer path to the green in regulation. Approach shots into the green need to carry a swale in front and three large, deep bunkers protecting the putting surface

AIG Women's British Open Insight

Aon Insight - scoring average for players who reached the green in two was 4.02, compared to 4.71 for players who hit the green in regulation; a difference of .69 strokes. Laying-up and reaching the green in regulation can still provide a scoring opportunity – players made birdie 34% of the time.

AIG Women's British Open Advantage

Players with the distance to reach the green in two should consider the reward for two well played shots enough to warrant the risk. Five eagles were made in 2016’s Women’s British Open, including two by Moriya Jutanagarn. With scores from 3-8, players need to be aware of trouble lurking.

About the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open

This week focuses on the par-4, 14th hole at The Renaissance Club is a classic coastal links course in Scotland. A rock wall about 50 yards short of the green highlights this hole.

Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open Opportunity

This short par-4 is unlikely to be drivable, so positioning off the tee is crucial. A key architectural feature is a rock wall in the rough approximately 50 yards from the front of the green. The green is extremely sloped with steep fall-offs front and back, placing a premium on a well-struck and accurate approach into the green.

Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open Insight

Aon Insight - "(Most players) will want to lay up 10-20 yards short of that wall. If you can clear the wall, it is much easier to hit a low chip to the green than from before the wall because into the wind the ball will be spinning more, so control will be key." - Catriona Matthew (2009 Women's British Open Champion)

Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open Advantage

Given the severity of the green, players will look to set up approach shots strategically selected angles and distances.

About the CP Women's Open

This week focuses on the par-5, 14th hole at the prestigious Magna Golf Club.

CP Women's Open Opportunity

The par-5 plays downhill almost 100 feet from tee to green, so will play shorter than the listed yardage. Fairway bunkers line the hole, protecting the landing zone off the tee, lay-up area and the fairway. The 30-yard deep green is protected by sand and O.B.

CP Women's Open Insight

Aon Insight - An aggressive play off the tee and challenging the fairway bunkers to the left will reward players with extra yardage thanks to the slope of the fairway. Too far left and the slope may kick the ball into the rough. The safer play (right of the fairway) avoids trouble, but won't catch the slope, and will force players to decide between going for the green vs. laying up. The downhill approach to the green can use the ground to feed balls onto the putting surface but must be precisely played to avoid sand.

CP Women's Open Advantage

Players looking to play aggressively will have an opportunity for birdie or better - but native grass, long rough and eight sand traps await any errant shots, and make birdie much more unlikely.