Here's a video from Steve Elkington at the Secret Golf YouTube Channel (considered one of my favorites) discussing their method for the 15th hole at TPC River Highlands (296 yard par-4)
I do that work each week on Tour for my clients and for the past 4 years, #15 is one of the 'Critical Holes' at TPC River Highlands. I don't think it's a big revelation as to the approach employed by Elk, Perez and Dufner if you have been to invite other Tour players and their caddies. Since 2011, I've only encountered a handful of players that have layed-up at the hole.
However, I have a tendency to assume that decrease handicap amateurs are extra apt to apply a exceptional and inferior method of laying-up on a hollow like this. They are an excessive amount of in fear of playing for a 'terrible swing' instead of gambling for the in all likelihood consequences in the event that they take a 'respectable' swing on the ball.
For the amateurs that are say, 5 handicap or less, there is the assumption that playing safe "guarantees a par." However, that is more often than not the EXACT OPPOSITE of being true. As Pat Perez astutely pointed out...this green is not easy to hit into and leaving yourself with a 90 yard shot doesn't guarantee you will find the green or even get it close.
The other thing about laying-up on a hole like this is that it takes a possible eagle out of the equation. Since 2011, there have been 44 eagles on the 15th hole. In general, the numbers show that for the Tour if the eagle percentage gets to around 2% or more on a par-4, then players should go for it if feasible.
In essence, going for this par-4 off the tee is a strategy that creates a lower anticipated rating due to the fact you're much more likely to hit your approach shot closer to the cup.
3JACK
0 comments