Hole 1
Tee Shot
Perhaps it’s because this is the first hole, but the tee shot here feels a little narrow. But maybe it’s because there’s out-of-bounds to the left and there’s a lake that comes to play on the right. You also have to worry about a lot of trees over there as well. Your best bet is to hit it straight, even if it means taking a bit of distance off. Then you’ll be in good shape for an approach shot on the green.
Fairway/Approach Shot
If your tee shot went right, you’re probably going to have to pitch out and try to salvage a par. If you’re in the fairway or in the rough on the left side, you should have a pretty good shot at the green. But try not to go long. The cart path for hole #2 tee box looms pretty close behind the green.
The Green
If the pin is on the front half, you can stick a ball pretty close to the hole, since it will usually hold. It’s more challenging if the pin is at the back, since the back half of the green slopes away from you, toward the hole #2 tee box.
Hole 2
Tee Shot
If any hole on the course screams GRIP IT AND RIP IT, it’s this one – the lone par 5. However, you can get yourself in some serious trouble if your drive goes wayward. There is actually out-of-bounds on BOTH SIDES on this hole, and there’s the lake on the right about 225 yards or so out. So rip it if you must, but do so with care.
Fairway/Approach Shot
Depending on your drive, you may have several choices here. If you’re a long hitter and are up adjacent to the lake, you may want to try to get on the green in two, particularly if the pin is situated back left. Your shot has to clear the trees, and even with a very nice drive, that’s not an easy shot. Otherwise, you’ll want to land your second in front of the green, but past the dogleg pivot. Then it’s a chip and a putt, and you’re awesome.
Hole 3
Tee Shot
Hole #3 is fun. It’s a short, drivable par 4 where it’s not too difficult to stay dry, as long as you can clear the canal, which is about 100 yards out. There’s also the lake on the right, but that shouldn’t come into play. There is another lake (really more of a pond) about 215 yards out, but it’s far left of the fairway and also shouldn’t come into play unless you hit a major hook. You don’t need to worry about OB on the right, so you’re welcome to use the #2 fairway, as long as no one’s hitting on #2. Watch out for that.
Fairway/Approach Shot
In many cases this is a fairly short pitch. The green slopes down toward the front, and it’s a pretty good slope, so your golf ball could roll off in the front. Still, below the hole is easier, so really, what choice do you have. If you’re in the #2 fairway, you’ll need to negotiate the trees that are probably in your way. A wedge should do the trick.
The Green
As mentioned above, there’s a fairly major slope on the front half of the green. If the pin is there, it will be more difficult. Make it easier and leave yourself a little short so that you have an uphill putt. You can thank me in the clubhouse later with a beverage.
Hole 4
Tee Shot
You’ve got a short shot to the green, but it’s over the lake, and there is a tendency to go for a Lake In One. Stay down when hitting your shot and you will do fine. BTW, this hole is by far the hole with the most hole-in-ones, so you never know. We have a space on our hole-in-one plaque reserved for you. The tree on the left of the green comes into play if the pin is on the left. In that case, you may want to play it safe and go for the center of the green. One last thing. The green slopes quite a bit and if it’s dry your ball could roll down. Well, at least you’ll have an uphill putt!
The Green
As mentioned above, the green has a very pronounced slope. Be careful if you’re above the hole. If you’re not careful, your next shot will be way below the hole. If you’re below the hole, give it a ride. Uphill putts are very makable on this green.
Hole 5
Tee Shot
The tee shot is straightforward. After clearing the water which is less that 50 yards in front of each tee box, the fairway opens up. But if you have a right-handed slice, you may end up in the dirt. One more thing: you should try the alternate tee box. It provides a different angle to the fairway and is more challenging.
Fairway/Approach Shot
If you are in the fairway, the approach shot is not difficult, unless you are on the left side bordering the rough. In that case, there is a tree guarding the green that may come into play.
The Green
The green is large, and presents no real problems. This is definitely a birdie hole if you hit a good approach shot.
Hole 6
Tee Shot
This is the more difficult of the two par 3’s. It’s noticeably longer than #4. On the bright side, if the wind is blowing from the west, it’s not long at all. However, there’s a tree on the left that juts out into the fairway a little bit. This hole can be a difficult birdie hole, but should be no problem to par, particularly if you have a good short game. One last word of advice: Don’t go over the green on your tee shot. It’s tough to chip back onto the green on this hole.
The Green
The green is typically forgiving with just the right slope, and the pin is often front right, which makes the hole a little easier, and thus more amenable to birdies. If that is the case, try to take advantage of this gift from the superintendent. Thanks Jose!
Hole 7
Tee Shot
You need to decide whether to try to make it over the canal, which is about 190 yards out, or to play it safe and lay up. Honestly, except for bragging rights, and perhaps a side wager, making it over really doesn’t buy you much, unless your short irons are not working for you.
Fairway/Approach Shot
If you made it over the canal with your tee shot and are in the fairway, congratulations – your next shot is with a wedge. If you laid up, you probably have a little over 100 yards, which again is a wedge or a short iron shot. Not bad. If you’re in the rough, your second shot is probably one to get out of trouble, so you should opt for the fairway in front of the green.
The Green
The green is large. From the center, it slopes down and to the right. It’s also a bit tricky to read. From all but short lies, this is more than likely a two-putt.
Hole 8
Tee Shot
On your tee shot you need to watch out for two main things. The first is the canal, which is 100-120 yards away. There is also a lake adjacent to the canal on the right side of the hole. These should be easy to avoid unless you mis-hit your shot. The second obstacle is the large tree that overhangs the right side of the fairway. This comes into play even for better golfers. BTW, it’s acceptable (although, not recommended) to end up in the #9 fairway. Just be courteous if any golfers are on #9.
Fairway/Approach Shot
The green is a bit elevated, but there’s nothing special to worry about when hitting into it. If you are on the far left of the fairway or in the rough over there, you may have to contend with some trees. Also, watch out for the grass bunker in front of the green. Oh yeah, try not to go long. Behind the green is a tough place to hit from.
The Green
If you’re on the green, you’ve done the hard part. There’s no special local knowledge from here. Putts are makable, particularly on the upper half, which is more level than the lower half.
Hole 9
Tee Shot
This tee shot is hard. You have 60th Street East and OB on the left as well as a fence. You have a lake on the right, about 200 yards away. Because of these hazards, it feels pretty narrow so be careful. One more thing: The left side of the fairway is better than the right. On the right, you could be faced with some tree branches obstructing your approach to the green.
Fairway/Approach Shot
If you’re in the fairway, you’re probably good to go for the green. Do not go long on this hole! There’s a parking lot less than 10 yards from the back of the green. Also, the back half of the green actually slopes away from the fairway. As if that’s not enough, if your ball is on the right side of the fairway, you could be faced with some branches obstructing your approach shot, so choose your club wisely.
The Green
The green is large and very flat. As mentioned above, the back half of the green slopes away from the fairway. This is a challenging hole to end on, so if you do well you owe yourself a treat!
The Green
The near half of this green has significant slope forward. If the pin is here, it can be quite a delicate putt, so hopefully, you’re playing with a soft golf ball with some feel, and can lag it close or drop it in the cup!