Renovation takes Devine’s 11th in different direction
The 11th hole at William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park is the latest at the site to have been given an update. At 533 yards from the blue tees, it is the longest of the two par-5s on the Donald Ross-layout that packs a par 70 into 6,013 yards.
How long a player is off the tee determines how the hole should be played.
According to Kevin Frawley, the course's PGA professional, longer hitters should play tee shots down the left side of the fairway to take advantage of a downhill slope. Laying up along the left side of the fairway is the safest play for a second shot, but for those wanting to reach the green in 2, “you will find an expanded green complex and plenty of open space behind the green.”
In addition to a green about 40 percent larger than a year ago, the back bunker has been eliminated and the two front bunkers have been redesigned and are more centrally located.
Frawley said the smart play off the tee for average golfers is to the right side of the fairways, avoiding trees on the left. The second shot should be played to the left side of the fairway as the right side brings trouble into play with trees and a potential of a lost ball.
To make putting easier at the 11th hole, players should divide the green into two sections — left and right — and approach shots should be played to the correct side of the flag.
Frawley said all of the work done was completed last fall and should be available in the middle of the spring.