Split fairways on the golf course are nothing new but they are appearing with more and more regularity on new courses.
A split fairway, which is also known as a double fairway, offers you a choice of two paths to take with your ball. These paths are usually split by a hazard such as water, large bunker complex, trees or a ravine.
In most cases, the side of the fairway which appears more difficult to hit, is the one which offers the best path to the green. So, the choice from the tee is to decide whether you should go for the more difficult drive and be left with an easier approach shot or take the easier shot off the tee and be left with a tougher approach shot.
The difference between the two fairways could be the width of each fairway, the closeness of the hazards to the fairway, and the length and angle of the fairway.
When playing a split fairway, you must look which side is the bigger risk and if that risk is worth taking for the reward it will provide.
You must consider the hole as one and not only think about the tee shot. If the tee shot to the right of the hazard means you are playing over water and have a smaller area to hit but your approach shot will be clear, with no hazards to worry about, it will be tempting.
However, if the alternative route is clear off the tee and leaves you with aa slightly longer approach shot to the green, over a bunker complex, this is still probably the better option. If either shot was to go wrong, would you rather be in the sand or the water?
At least if you play down the clear fairway and your approach shot goes wrong, you can play out of the sand. If you play the riskier tee shot and your ball ends up in the water, you will drop a shot.
However, when playing a split fairway, you must also consider which is the easiest of the two for you to hit.
Which way do you like to hit the ball? The side of the fairway which is the more difficult to hit may be on your natural side and is therefore easier to hit than the other fairway option. If one side of the split fairway requires a type of shot you know you cannot play, don’t do it and play the shot you know you can do well.
The same applies if there is a carry over water on one of the fairways. If you know you can clear the carry with room to spare then great but if you know it will be difficult for you to hit the ball the required distance, it is probably best to play the other option.
When playing a split fairway, assess the two choices carefully in terms of tee shot and approach shot and play towards the fairway you are most confident of finding.
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