Five key holes at Liberty National

Five key holes at Liberty National Golf Club, where the 12th Presidents Cup match play showdown between the United States and the International team tees off on Thursday:

- Hole 1 -

Par 4, 427 yards

The first shot players will face is probably the most intimidating on the course. A lake down the left side and punitive rough on the right leave little room for error off the tee. A long, narrow green is guarded by a stream on the left.

"Brutal" was South African Branden Grace's assessment.

"It will certainly sort the men out from the boys early on," added Aussie Marc Leishman.

- Hole 10 -

Par 3, 150 yards

A striking view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline lend a picturesque air. But tricky winds complicate a shot into a tiny green guarded by bunkers.

- Hole 12 -

Par 4, 325 yards

A driveable par 4, especially with the tees moved up, offers plenty of potential to swing a match. But going for it brings risk, with water down the right side of the fairway and trees and mounds to the left.

- Hole 14 -

Par 4, 490 yards

This imposing par 4 usually plays as the 18th at Liberty National, but comes into play earlier in a revamp aimed at showcasing the course's best holes in as many matches as possible.

Amid an array of grandstands and hospitality areas, in what figures to be a critical point for many matches, players have little room for error off the tee with New York Harbor on the right and bunkers threatening on the left.

- Hole 18 -

Par 3, 193 yards

Not every match will get there, but in those that do, the slightly uphill shot into a long green protected by bunkers begs for an aggressive attack that could go awry.

"I think it brings a different element to that finish," US team captain Steve Stricker said. "I think a little bit more nerve wracking for the players, I think, when it's going to come down to either tied or one-down or one-up kind of thing."

source: AFP