There is a bunker that even the unskilful player should be able to drive over toward the third hole. On the way to the fourth there is another stone wall, just beyond which is a hazard in the form of a dry river-bed. The third stone wall lies on the road to the fifth hole, and ought to be cleared with the second shot. It is unadvisable to attempt to drive over it, unless one is particularly skilful.
[Illustration: THE VAN CORTLANDT PARK GOLF COURSE.--A TYPICAL HAZARD.]
The sixth hole is a very short one. It starts with an easy hazard, a little ditch not more than ten yards from the tee, which anybody but the most inexperienced should be able to drive over safely. The return trip consists of only three holes, but they are all harder than any of the preceding. There is long grass, and the railroad track along the right of the first two, and then the shore of a pond as a boundary for the ninth. Therefore any swaying to the right will prove expensive; to the left the ground is level and safe.
The seventh hole might be called an open one, except for the low stone wall that runs through it, and a dirt bunker at a good distance this side of the putting-green. Both these obstacles, however, are placed so as only to penalize the very poor player. Toward the eighth hole one meets two more bunkers, that ought also to be easily handled by a fairly experienced player. Thereafter comes what is said to be the longest hole in the United States, the distance being 700 yards. The turf is fairly clear, and crossed by two stone walls, and broken by a dirt bunker. It is possible to clear the first stone wall on the drive, and a brassey shot will bring the ball nearer the second. It is proposed to shorten this last hole at an early date, and to lengthen the eighth to about 580 yards, making the two thus more nearly equal. As it is, the ninth hole is an unsatisfactory one to play.
[Illustration: THE VAN CORTLANDT PARK GOLF LINKS.]
The trouble about crossing the next hazard is the danger of swinging to the right and going into the tall grass, or even into the pond. Then comes the bunker, and after that the course is clear. I am told that the best record for this hole is 7, which is remarkably good. It is also said that the best amateur record over this course is 42, but there is nothing to show that this is a fact. Studwell's best figure was made in the second round,--60; but Granbery made it in 57, making the record for that tournament.