Definition: An "alternate fairway" is a second fairway built on the same golf hole. In other words, a golf hole that offers two fairways is said to have an alternate fairway.
Why would a hole be designed with two fairways instead of one? To provide the golfer options. The two fairways might provide the golfer with a preference of landing areas off the tee, or might provide the golfer with different angles of approach to the green, or both. The golfer would have to decide which of the two fairways on the hole best fit his eye and his game.
Alternate fairways aren't uncommon, but their use does require more land be used in the design of the golf course, and more water and chemicals be used in caring for the course.
