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Hole Of Fame: Westchase's No. 3

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By MICK ELLIOTT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 5, 2008

There is brilliance in the simplicity of the par-3 third hole at Tampa's Westchase Golf Club.

Playing from 185 to 212 yards, the hole's every challenge sits obviously in front of the tee, providing no surprises but a big test.

A wetlands area sits between the tee and the greens, demanding golfers carry about two-thirds of the yardage. The green is large and receptive, but well-placed bunkers make the shot appear harder.

"It's our most challenging par 3," club professional Richard Veghte said. "The most challenging aspect is carrying the hazard that fronts the green. The green slopes from left to right and there is a bunker on the left that will guard hole locations on that side.

"You have to hit a well-struck shot in order to carry the water hazard."

Westchase opened in 1992, and is a public facility - (813) 854-2331.

MISSPENT YOUTH

Michelle Wie is not in this week's field at the McDonald's LPGA Championship, a statement on the former amateur phenom's tumble from golf royalty.

The 18-year-old has seven career top-10 finishes in majors, including a third in the 2006 U.S. Women's Open, but has barely caused a ripple over the past 18 months while dealing with a chronic wrist ailment and mounting pressure.

That brought this observation from NBC/Golf Channel analyst Dottie Pepper:

"I think it's just sadly a child mismanaged. I certainly hope that for the game's sake things turn around because she is an incredible talent. But to be mismanaged this way I think is just so sad.

"My gut feeling is that we're going to know something here pretty quickly in the next couple years. I think it's going to be hard to play at this poor level for very long for somebody who had been very close to the top."

LOCALLY

The American Junior Golf Association will return to Avila Golf and Country Club for the sixth annual First American Title Junior Classic on June 23-26.

The 54-hole stroke play event will host 78 of the nation's best boy and girl junior golfers between the ages of 12-18.

Prior to the event, an AJGA qualifier will be held June 22 at Emerald Greens to allow less-experienced juniors to "play their way in" to the field. For more information contact AJGA player services at (877) 373-2542.

TIGER DAD

Tiger Woods has started playing some holes, taking another step in his comeback from knee surgery before next week's U.S. Open, but suffered another hurt.

He was recently hit in the head by with a club swung by 11-month-old daughter Sam.

What, no "fore!"

"The only thing she yells out is 'Da Da.' That's about it," Woods said on a conference call this week. "We have a little cut-down club she will drag around. She likes throwing balls at Taz, my border collie. It's kind of funny to see an 11-month-old and my border collie play fetch.

"That's pretty funny to watch, but it's actually one of the coolest things."

NO QUALIFIERS

No Tampa Bay players competing at sectional qualifying this week at Jupiter Hills north of Tequesta were among three golfers to advance into the U.S. Open, but there were some strong showings.

Tampa's Travis Hampshire shot 75-70-145 to tie for 11th, seven shots back of medalist Bobby Collins of Palm Beach Gardens.

Also, Tampa senior tour player Doug LaCrosse shot 72-76-148. Bradenton amateur Tommy Mou finished at 78-75-153.

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