Golfing Carolina Colours 7th Hole

After again passing through and over a small, wooded wetland, the tee complex for the 7th hole, a par 4, rises to the right of of the cart path. From the tee, there is a clear view of the entire hole, including the bunker complex that surrounds the green. By now, the player is becoming accustomed to the rolling fairways of Carolina Colours. On this hole, the fairway gently rolls downward from the tee, and then back up to the landing area, while gently sloping from right towards the trees on the left.

The landing area is wide, guarded only by a sizable bunker on its right edge. Since the fairway slopes away from the bunker, the ideal tee shot is into the right side of the fairway, so the bunker can easily come into play. Driving over the bunker will not be an option for most players.

Once the tee ball is in play, the challenge of the hole becomes apparent. The right side of the green is guarded by a large bunker that extends from the edge of the center of the green at an angle away from the green, some 40 yards down the fairway. The right rear is guarded by a small bunker. Of most concern, however, is the small bunker sitting in the fairway about 25 yards short of the green. This bunker must be carried, unless one can thread a bouncing ball through a narrow opening onto the right side of the green. This bunker is why a tee ball on the right side of the fairway is advantageous.

Once the green is reached, the challenge is not over. There will be few level putts on #7. A ridge runs from the right center of the green, turning to the left front. While the green generally slopes back to front and right to left, this ridge creates some low pockets, particularly on the left central portion of the green. Many putts will require the difficult read of up, then down, with break as well. As with many of the greens at Carolina Colours, the pin placement will make a great deal of difference. I believe it is safe to say there will be more three putt than one putt rounds for the average player, as getting the approach shot close to the hole will often be a challenge.

This seemingly simple hole will likely play harder than it looks. It is long enough to require two well struck balls to reach the green in regulation; par will be difficult from any of the bunkers. Any lapse in concentration on the greens will make 3 putts a likely result. Birdies will be rare, while any player leaving this hole with a par will be content. And seniors and ladies beware, this is the longest 4 par on the course from the up tees, by far.

Black: 414 Blue: 402 White: 385 Gold: 381 Red: 327