Inside the course: Greenbrier's Old White Course

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Courtesy of The Greenbrier

The 213-yard par-3 15th at the Old White Course will challenge golfers this week.

THE TRAIL: Shane Gillespie, head instructor at TOUR Academy Orlando, analyzes the course this week:

This week the PGA TOUR heads to the Greenbrier Resort's Old White Course in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The Old White Course is known for its undulating greens and unique bunker style. The PGA TOUR will play the course at 7,020 yards and a par of 70. Both par 5s are on the back nine and will give players a chance to shoot some low scores on their second half. Currently, the forecast is for some rain during the practice rounds and perhaps on Thursday with sunny conditions Friday, Saturday and Sunday. With generous resort style fairways and soft greens, expect low scores this week. The final four holes consist of two par 3s, a par 4 and a par 5. It may be possible for a charging player to go 4 or 5 under on this stretch, which could lead to a very exciting finish.

Putting will rule the day at The Greenbrier Classic. However, with greens that have so much undulation it will be critical that players position their shots to maximize their chance of a makeable putt. Playing from the fairways and controlling the spin on their approach shots will allow players to get the best opportunity for birdies. How will the players do this? Here are a few suggestions that you can use on your own to attack the pins.

First, try to play from your favorite distance. If you love your pitching wedge and hit it best from 120 yards, try to position yourself at this distance on short par 4s or lay up to this distance on longer par 5s. The PGA TOUR players practice their distance control with short irons and will position their tee ball to give them the best chance of hitting a shot they are comfortable with and have confidence in.

Second, control your spin. Hitting a highly lofted club with a full swing generates a lot of spin on the ball. Even if you judge the distance correctly you can spin the ball off a shelf or slope and the ball will end up much farther from the hole than where it first landed on the green. Try using a less lofted club and swing anywhere from 50 to 75 percent. The ball will have less spin and will be easier to control. Watch how many of the PGA TOUR players will use three-quarter wedge shots to increase their accuracy and to minimize the spin on the ball. This strategy will be critical this week if the greens are soft.

The PGA TOUR heads to The Old White Course at the Greenbrier Resort for the inaugural Greenbrier Classic this year. Learn more about this historic venue.