The Course Map
The opening tee is intended to get you into the swing of things with a failrly short Par 4 that runs along the highway. With OB on the left and trees on the right, a 200 yard tee shot is all that is required to get you on your way, leaving you a short iron into the green. The Par 5 second, however, will set the tone for your round. An elevated tee to a fairway lined with mature trees requires accuracy and length to set yourself up for an approach to a large green. There are hazards left for the length of the fairway, and trees waiting for a bailout that falls too far right. A green with subtle breaks will test the putter early.
Hole No.3 is a short Par 4, guarded by a pond and some tall evergreens, waiting for any approach shot that comes up short, or, is a little offline; anything left along the fairway will cost you a stroke. As you move to the fourth hole, you will find the first of the Par 3's. The green is surrounded by tall evergreens and a sandtrap, front right. You are faced with the option to fly the trees or shoot a 25 yard gap, neither of which inspires a great deal of confidence.
Hole No.5 opens up and allows for a grip-it-and-rip-it tee ball. Left is your miss here, leaving you access to a green that is guarded by a bunker on the left. Two solid shots will get you a makeable birdie putt, which you will need to offset the potential bogey on six. No.6 is a tough, slightly uphill Par 4, with a fairway that gently slopes away from the dogleg left. It requires a strong tee ball, combined with a strong approach to get you onto the two tier green. However, anything long on a front pin could see you walking off with a three-put.
The Par 5 7th hole is another chance to let the big dog bark, with trouble only for the longer hitters, who may find the water on the right. For the shorter hitter, the second shot requires a decision to lay up, with a creek that runs across the 100 yard marker and left all the way up to a green, guarded by a bunker on the left. Long hitters have the advantage here and can have a go at an easy birdie with an accurate fairway wood. Likewise on No.8, where a long drive over the corner will find the green, or leave you with a chip shot for an wasy birdie. However, an errant tee ball will cost you stroke and distance, and what was an easy Par 4, can quickly become a double bogey. Taking the convential route makes it an approachable hole with little risk but for OB left to a green surrounded by bunkers.
Number 9 is a medium-length par 3, but you must carry the centre of the green to avoid the false front. Anything short will leave a very tricky chip shot. Par is a good score. Double, or even triple bogey is one bad decision away. Some will tell you it is the most difficult hole on the course.
By this time you are ready for a break, and the clubhouse and refreshments are but a short walk away.
Resuming play, number 10 is a short Par 4, but it does require a 200-yard carry to clear the corner for an easy approach. Number 11 is the third Par 3, and one on which you must carry the creek twice, while avoid leaving your ball short. No.12 is a short Par 4 dogleg right, but watch the trees on the right. No.13 has a pond to the right of the green and a trap short and left. Fourteen is a deceptively difficult Par 4 that narrows as you get closer to a green, with a sand trap and water on the right and another trap left; long is trouble. No.15 is a long Par 5 with trees right and left off the tee and ponds to the right on your second shot; a lay up is prudent. Sixteen is a long Par 3, partially over a pond, with trees right and left of the green; right is the bailout. No.17 is a long Par 5 that doglegs left, with trees on both sides all the way to the green. A slight right-to-left off the tee will set up a mid iron and then a wedge to the green. From 17 you cross the creek and the climb to the 18th tee box will zap the last of your energy. Fortunately, No.18 lets you off the hook with an easy tee ball that needs to clear a couple of trees and is drivable if you have the club for it. Otherwise, standing over your approach will have you looking down at a sprawling green, with only a short iron needed to set you up for a closing birdie; just stay away from the bunkers, and the water, long and right.
Oh, by the way, make your approach a good one, you may have a gallery watching from the deck of the clubhouse, where refreshments and a recap of the round are waiting. Enjoy!