Kingsmill Classic 1st round Feature Hole of the day... #17 at the River Course

Williamsburg, Va ---  During round 1 of the Kingsmill Classic at the Kingsmill Resort today, 89 of the 180 players had the opportunity to play the 17th hole on the River Course.  The 17th hole was set up today as a 178 yard par-3 hole which plays right along side the mighty James River.  With cross winds of 25 miles per hour constant and gusting in upwards of 40+ miles per hour, the hole played very tough. 

The 17th hole on the River Course and the James River to the right during a tranquil day.

The Senior Palmer flight which has golfers playing off of handicaps of 4-7.9 and age 50+ made 17 play as their toughest hole of the day with a stroke average of 4.40.  That is a full 1.4 strokes above par. 

The Senior Hogan flight with golfers aged 50+ playing off handicaps of 8-11.9, had a stroke average of 4.23 for 13 players.  It was the 5th toughest hole for their flight.

The Hogan flight had 19 golfers attempt to hit the green on 17 in regulation and had a stroke average of 4.10 strokes.  The lowest to par ratio of all the groups who played the hole on Saturday.  It played to their 7th toughest hole of the round 

21 Sarazen (12-15.9 handicap) flight players had a stroke average of 4.66 strokes and played hole 17 as their 4th toughest hole of the day. 

The Snead flight got a slight break teeing up from about 133 yards and averaged 4.52 strokes which was their 6th hardest hole. 

All in all 89 golfers of all abilities averaged 4.37 strokes on the hole with a low score of par (3) and a highest stroke total of 8.  Many balls were either lost to the James River or could not be found on the left towards hole 16.  Lots of players had to aim well out over the James to be able to ride the wind and land their ball on the green.

It was a very fun day to play this hole in the gale winds and lots of smiles, shouting, and rejoicing was shared by many who were lucky to hit the green. 

Those lucky enough to play this hole on Sunday during round 2 will have it a bit easier as the weather forecast is for only 10-15 miles per hour wind off the James River.