Ballybunion Par 4 11th

Similar to a bad case of genital herpes, GPW can lay dormant for weeks, but you know it will eventually return. There's no getting rid of it, no matter how much it may cause you to itch. GPW is back!

Today GPW brings you three pictures of a world class golf hole; the par 4 11th at Ballybunion's Old course.



The 11th measures 453 yards from the back tee, however, it will likely play shorter than that. The tee is located high atop the dunes. From here, the player can see the entire hole, as it tumbles down the dunes toward the sea. The sea is very much in play here. The prevailing wind blows in from sea, forcing the player to aim just inside the OB stakes on his drive. The majority of the back nine plays through the enormous dunes seen on the horizon.



The second shot at Ballybunion's 11th is one of the world's great second shots. The hole continues to fall down the dunes, the fairway a mess of ridges and rolling humps. The green sits just steps from the sea, well below the player's position. From here, the crescent beach and Irish countryside are in full view. Once again, the player will have to factor the wind, likely starting his approach right of the green.



The front of the green is guarded by two steep dunes. The opening between them is no more than 15 feet wide. These dunes force the player to fly the ball all the way to the green on the approach. There are few holes in the world like Ballybunion's 11th.