#9 · PAR FOUR
(Stoke 9) Welcome to Hole 9, a deceptively challenging Par 4 that has earned its reputation as one of the toughest tests on the course.
#9 · PAR 4 · STOKE 9
Welcome to Hole 9, a deceptively challenging Par 4 that has earned its reputation as one of the toughest tests on the course, especially during the Bobby Locke ProAm Event.
Tee Box
As you stand on the tee box, the difficulty of Hole 9 becomes apparent. Flanked by out-of-bounds on the left and the Sluit on the right, the narrow fairway asks for an iron, but will reward a drive if you’re accurate (and brave) enough. Add to this the knowledge that you’re being watched from the balcony and the half-way patio, and it’s easy to hit your worst shot of the day! At around the 200-meter mark, the fairway narrows even further, bringing a gang of Willows left and right into play. The good news is that for the first time in a few holes, the ball will be at the same height as your feet. The bad news is that your second shot, whether after a cautious iron or a longer drive, needs to find a green that is 10 meters above your lie.
Approach
30 meters short of the green is a pot bunker at the top of the hill. 2 bunkers lie in wait on the left of the green and another at the front right edge. With this sand, the elevation and a bit of wind, judging distance is as important as hitting the right line. Find the green and you’ll need to navigate a significant back to front slope. As always, the break contains a few nuances that will collaborate with the flag position to make you feel like you’re at Augusta.