Hole #10: Unlike the front nine opener, the getaway hole is never called a downhill pushover. Ten requires a stout drive to climb a gentle, unending hill that runs from the out-of-play crossing stream to the green. It is the uneven fairway lies, some uphill, some sidehill, that create complexity in the hole. Another enormous putting surface, protected by two bunkers, ensures a putting adventure.
Hole #11: To the strategic! The eleventh doglegs hard left around an out-of-bounds, housing complex. Drives that stray too far right (or sometimes, too far straight) will bound into a stand of trees. A hybrid play to the 150 marker is always smart, but if one can chase a hook, the ball will run up the fairway a bit longer, leaving wedge into the green. The putting surface is the most tilted on the golf course. Of course it is large and it does have a massive ridge (akin to the one on the fourth hole) running from front to back. Add the vertical lean to the recipe and below the hole looks enticing.
Hole #12: The longer of the two par fives on the back, twelve is reachable with a following wind, which happens sometimes. If the fairway is firm, the right side is safer, while the left offers a better angle to the lay-up zone or the green. With the exception of the lake that stretches the entire length of the hole, there is a linksy feel to number twelve. The fairway is rumpled and balls that land properly will bound forward. The green is a natural extension of the fairway, with no front hazard. The only bunker on the hole is located at the rear of the putting surface, more of a containment hazard than anything else. Ridges run side to side on this green, creating a false front and a high back.
Hole #13: The coolest drive on the golf course is quite dangerous, if care is not taken. The fairway is elevated right, somewhat the reverse of the third hole, with bunkers protecting the high side. The proper play is left, toward the water’s edge. Too much right is never advantageous; trees and a bad angle add to the negative. The ample green has bunkers on guard at front and back right, with a whole bunch of internal contour to make things interesting. Length is also a factor, as a back tee location adds yardage and consternation to the playing.
Hole #14: The first par three of the northern loop will be a Go Hole. Despite the presence of four bunkers, the interwoven ridges that separate putting quadrants will demand that competitors go flag hunting. Unless the wind is up, the ability to put their hands on the ball and play the shot they want will give all golfers an opportunity to take a run at birdie here.
Hole #15: Having turned slightly for home on the 14th tee, fifteen marks the beginning of the long march in. The short par four will offer a second consecutive, birdie opportunity. A wide, unbunkered fairway allows golfers to let out the tee shot and play a ball to within 75 yards of the green. An accurate, spinning pitch is required, as another massive green (perhaps the largest on the golf course) awaits. Putts from one side to the other exceed 100 feet in length. It should be an interesting hole.
Hole #16: The second, one-shotter on the back side plays a bit longer than the last one. Mid irons for most, hybrids for some, to a green sheltered among stands of trees. In this case, big bunker left and big bunker right protest the entrance to the green. Deep from front to back, but not so wide from side to side and you have a narrow, challenging target. Despite these concerns, there will be an appropriate number of 2s scored on this hole
Hole #17: The final, five-par on the course is dessert. Competitors will go eagle hunting on this hole, as its sizeable swing from left to right means yardage may be cut off with the proper play. The lone fairway bunker will be an afterthought for many, as it sits at the 225 mark from the tee. The safe play, up the left side, means the hole plays to its yardage. Gamblers will challenge the corner tree and right-side fescue in the hope of having a mid- or short-iron in (yes, it can be done!) Although there is sand in the lay-up zone and around the green, all systems will be go in the search for 4s and 3s.
Hole #18: The home hole is something of an enigma. To this juncture, golfers have not been restricted in the slightest (perhaps with the exception of #11) in the vertical sense. The closing fairway is bisected by an impossible-to-carry pond that begins 140 yards from the green. Longer hitters will be forced to play 3-metal and might even opt for hybrid off the tee, if the downward-running fairway plays fast and firm. The approach will be yet another dart-throwing contest, as the uphill shot to the tilted green will sit and spin with ease. Greenside sand bunkers right and long should be an afterthought, but you never know what happens under the pressure of a tight finish.
Round One Pairings & Tee Times
