Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions About the Hole

The 17^th hole at Tranquilo Golf Club is a relatively long but reachable par-5. With water bordering the left side of the fairway and to the side of the green players will need to make a strategic decision on whether to risk going for the green in two or laying up. A shot of 225 yards is going to be required to hit the green in two by going over the water and risking a poorly played shot finding the hazard.

Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions Key Decisions

The key decision at the par-5 17^th centers around the second shot. A long drive allows a player to go for the green in two, but with water in front of the green, risk is evident. 13% of players managed to hit the green in two during last year’s tournament.

Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions Aon Insight

1 eagle – made in 2019 by Georgia Hall in the 2^nd round. 

2^nd – easiest hole67% - making birdie or better when reaching the green in two in 2019.

10% - of birdies recorded during tournament were made at the 17^th hole in 2019.

Last year’s winner, Eun-Hee Ji made a birdie at the Aon Risk Reward Hole in the final round and went on to win by two strokes

Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio About the Hole

The 16th hole at Boca Rio is a double dog-leg par-5. The landing area for tee shots is well framed by a lake on the left and fairway bunkers on the right.

For players successful in finding the fairway, they will then have to navigate the second dog-leg with an approach shot in to a well-protected, slightly elevated green. Bunkers and run-off areas will make hard to hold the green with a fairway wood or long iron.

Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio Key Decision

The key decision for players this week relates to the second shot.

A well-positioned drive of 260+yards will leave less than 200 yards in to the green, allowing players to go for the green in two.

However, if a player misses the fairway, adopting a three-shot approach for this par-5 will be the safer strategy, where holding the green will be easier with a wedge in hand.

Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio Aon Insight

4.76 - LPGA player’s scoring average on par-5’s during 2019

Volvik 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.

Volvik Founders Cup Key Decision

The key decision here focuses on whether a player goes for the green in two or plays the hole with a three-shot strategy.

The elevated green on this par-5 is well protected by greenside bunkers and has run-off areas on all sides, making it hard to hold the green.  This will be a key factor for players when making the decision on their second shot.

Volvik Founders Cup Insight

Aon Insights

170-under par - aggregate total when players hit  the green in regulation

8-over par - aggregate total when the green was missed

14 - eagles recorded on the hole last year

2 - double eagles have been recorded here by Hannah Yun (2012) and Jane Rah (2013)

Last Year

Last year's winner Jin Young Ko made three birdies at the Aon Risk Reward Challenge hole on her way to a one-stroke victory

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

About the Cambia Portland Classic

This week focuses on the par-5, 12th hole at Columbia Edgewater Country Club.

Cambia Portland Classic Opportunity

This par-5 is a three-shot hole for all but the very longest hitters. To reach the green in regulation requires three solid shots played between tree lines and a large embankment on the right. The green is large but can be very challenging for up -and-downs if the player ends up out of position

Cambia Portland Classic Insight

Aon Insight - is that the success of this hole centers around the tee shot. An optimal line off the tee is left center and anything hit right will result in a difficult recovery to get home in three. In 2018, the field recorded a score of birdie or better only 27% of the time and par or better 92%.

Kia Classic About the Hole 

This week focuses on the par-4, 16th hole, an exciting part of the closing stretch at Aviara Golf Club

Kia Classic Key Decision

When the forward tee is in position on this par-4, it provides the opportunity for players to drive the green.  The key decision will center on whether players take on the calculated risk to go for the green or utilize a safer strategy and lay up.

Looking to drive the green brings in the water hazard on the left-hand side, and with a deep green, three-putts are always a possibility.

Kia Classic Insight

Aon Insights

37% - players who hit the green in regulation last year made birdie or better

29 - average number of three-putts over the last four years on this deep green

Last Year

Last year's winner Nasa Hataoka played the Aon Risk Reward Challenge hole in even par, on her way to a three-stroke victory.

About the Volunteers of America Classic

Hole #17 at the Old America Golf Club is a reachable par-5 for players but, if the wind is in to the players, laying up to about 60 yards short of the green to allow for an easy pitch and setup for birdie is the safer approach.

Volunteers of America Classic Opportunity

Water flanks the entire left side of this hole but the bunkers are what players will look to avoid off the tee and around the green. Care must be taken to avoid the set of two bunkers in the center of the fairway, and a large, deep bunker that guards the front left of the green. This hole ranked as the easiest on the course in 2018, and so presents a good scoring opportunity.

Volunteers of America Classic Insight

Aon Insight – following a good drive, players should feel comfortable going for the green along as there is no head wind that day. Barring a severe miss-hit, the worst likely scenario is a difficult up-and-down for birdie. Players who hit the fairway off the tee and reached the green in regulation or better made birdie 39% of the time.

About the Buick LPGA Shanghai

This week focuses on Hole #17 at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shanghai, China. Players on the tee will have to make the decision on which fairway to negotiate knowing choosing the left fairway will allow them the opportunity to go for the green in two. The drawback is a narrow fairway and water in play if their shot runs through the fairway.

Buick LPGA Shanghai Opportunity

The safe route to the right should set-up a straightforward par, with a potential 1-putt birdie. The aggressive play to the left side of the fairway can bring water into play, but sets up a shorter second shot from a much better angle compared to approaching from the right.

Buick LPGA Shanghai Insight

Aon Insight – The longer hitters may want to take less than driver, as the fairway runs out about 240 yards from the tee on the left side, which leaves an approach of around 200 yards. “Being able to reach the green in two is a great advantage to make birdie as a lay-up would leave you a tough, blind third shot with several different plateaus on the green to work with.” –Yu Liu, Aon ambassador

About the BMW Ladies Championship

Hole #11 at LPGA International Busan is a reachable par-5 with water from the tee shot landing area to the green where shots short and/or right of the green will most likely end up in the water. Players will have to weigh the risk of going for the green in two and ending up in the water or laying up for a safer approach into the green in regulation.

BMW Ladies Championship Opportunity

Fairway bunkers positioned in the landing zone off the tee will require players to choose a safer strategy to layup short, or a risk approach to challenge them in an effort to reach the top of the hill and use the severe drop to gain yards. Players going for the green in two will need to navigated three greenside bunkers and water on the right side of the fairway

BMW Ladies Championship Insight

Aon Insight – This hole drops 42 feet from tee to green with the landing area acting as a speed slot for drives that reach the top ridge of the fairway. A drive that makes it to that landing zone can catch the downslope and leave a player with less than 200 yards for their second shot on this par-5.

About the Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA

This week focuses on Hole #8 at Miramar Golf Country Club. This par 4 has multiple teeing areas and presents a wonderful risk-reward opportunity for the player, depending on yardage for the day.

Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA Opportunity

When the hole is played at 260 yards, a large greenside bunker short-right will capture any errant shots of players looking to drive the green or set up a short pitch approach shot.

Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA Insight

Aon Insight – When playing from the shorter tees, players will be tempted to hit driver. The preferred miss short and left will set-up a manageable up-and-down.

About the TOTO Japan Classic

This 476 yard Par 5 plays uphill to a narrow green pitched severely from back to front. After a drive into the fairway, the player will need to choose to either go for the green, setting up a potential birdie, or lay up into an area guarded by 5 bunkers. A poor second shot going for this green in two leaves the player in a tough spot playing for par.

TOTO Japan Classic Opportunity

This par 5 plays uphill to a narrow green pitched severely from the back to the front. Playing as the fourth-easiest hole on the course, players will want to take advantage of this reachable par-5.

TOTO Japan Classic Insight

Aon Insight – The risk/reward decision comes into play on the second shot. Players must hit a drive of 250 yards in order to go for the green in two, but a failed attempt to go for the green will leave the player in a difficult position playing for par. However, the lay-up area is protected by five bunkers, complicating the decision to lay-up or go for it.