Decisions, Decisions!

A supremely designed par 5 is one that challenges players in many different ways while still allowing them to conquer the hole if they commit to a well-designed plan, and execute each shot required of them. There is perhaps no other par 5 anywhere on the Grand Strand that embodies this ideal more than No. 9 at True Blue Golf Club, a hole sure to make a lasting impression on your upcoming golf getaway with Caledonia Golf Vacations. Measuring 548 yards from the back tees, No. 9 (scorecard) doglegs significantly to the right off the tee and then back toward the left as you approach the green. Still, there is a lot to navigate from tee to green. A forest and sand bunkers protect the left side of the fairway, while a sandy waste area and more trees guard the right side of the landing area. The critical challenge for players off the tee is to cut as much off the right corner over the sandy waste area as possible, as carrying the waste area onto the fairway beyond it provides the chance to go for the green in two. For players who carry their drives to the bottom area of the fairway, a shot of just 200 yards awaits into a small, well-guarded green with one bunker in the front left and three others protecting the right side of the green. On this shot, there is also a forced carry over wetlands some 135 yards before the green, though this won’t come into play as much for those who play No. 9 as a two-shot hole. As a three-shot hole, favor the left side of the fairway to avoid the waste area. Then, decide whether to try and clear the wetlands on your second stroke, leaving only a wedge into the green, or simply hit a short iron to the edge of the wetlands, leaving another short iron into the green. Whatever you decide, commit to your plan and focus. No. 9 can be birdied when all of the above is taken into account!