The biggest challenge at Granite Links
QUINCY — The third hole on the Milton course at Granite Links doesn't have the impressive views of the Boston skyline as some of the other holes on the course.
What it does have is arguably the biggest challenge.
The 457-yard par-4 is generally thought of as the hardest hole on the course with a second shot that is dead into the wind from about 200 yards. That's hard enough, but you also have to carry that long iron over water to get to a very undulated green.
The tee shot requires a driver, and the ideal play is to aim for the large fairway bunker on the left and cut it back into the fairway. Missing right could put you in fescue from which you most definitely will have to come out sideways, or hit with a lofted club for a layup. That's if you find the ball.
The approach shot is all carry if going for the green over the water is your play.
There is a bail-out area to the left, but make sure to leave it more toward the left side of the fairway just in case you catch a bad break and bounce off the right down the hill into the drink.
A bail out to the left will leave about a 60-70 yard shot with a good angle at the green.
The green is protected by water in the front and a very large bunker in back. There are several slopes and undulations to the back-to-front sloped green. Missing right will be dead, while an approach shot left short of the green will filter down into a little valley, with a difficult pitch shot back up the slope.