Hole #2 - Pine Valley Golf Club, Clementon, NJ - 368 yards Par 4

There is no set criteria for what a second hole should be like.  Par 3 like Shinnecock Hills, Medinah and Garden City?  Par 5 like Cypress Point, Augusta, Merion, Oakland Hills and Peachtree?  Short Par 4 like Oakmont or Olympic.  Or a long Par 4 like the second hole at Pinehurst No. 2.  Although I don't prefer it to be a par 5 or a par 3 as I think it is too early in the round for either, I do not believe it "must" be a par 4.  That being said, if it is going to be a par 4, there is none better as a second hole, in my opinion, than Pine Valley.  The first hole at Pine Valley is a great start to the round, but the introduction to Pine Valley is uneqivocally on the second tee. This hole may be the best hole on a course with many great holes.  Although the 13th hole is more difficult than the 2nd, the second is more spectacular in that the entire hole is visible from the tee.  The tee shot is hit into a reasonably wide fairway that is completely surrounded by sand and scrub.  The green canno be reached if the fairway is missed as the bunkers and scrub are plentiful and it is very unlikely that the golfer will be left with a reasonable stance and lie.  However, if the fairway is found, the second shot is severely uphill to an elevated green that is the most difficult on the course.  Even if the green is reached in regulation, a par is not a sure thing.  It is a truly magnificent hole that is as beautiful to look at as it is to play.

Next best: Pinehurst No. 2, Royal County Down, Sebonack, Cypress Point, Oakmont, Atlantic, Peachtree, San Francisco, Prairie Dunes, National Golf Links of America, Shoreacres
Most likely to take its place, but have not yet played: None