Golfing Carolina Colours 8th Hole

Approaching the 8th tee, the player notices that this par 4 runs perpendicular to hole 7, joining hole 4 as the two south facing holes on the front nine. From the very slightly elevated tee, one sees a fairly simple hole, with trees lining both sides of the fairway and circling the rear of the green; a pretty sight. The player also sees what appears to be a series of bunkers on the left side, beginning at the back of the green, guarding the front right of it, and extending well down the left side of the fairway. The thought from the tee is simple; avoid those bunkers and all will be well.

After a successful drive, as the player approaches his or her tee ball, it becomes apparent that what was seen from the tee as a bunker complex is actually one huge, continuous bunker, the largest by far on the course. It extends from the left rear of the green around the green, guarding more than half of its front, and then extends some 100 yards down the fairway. The gently rolling fairway is wide, its narrowest point being about 30 yards across where the bunker extends closest to the tee.

Again, pin placement is key to the second shot. The large green has a hint of a figure eight shape, but sits at an angle of about 45 degrees, from back left angling forward. A pin on the front or back right of the green makes for a simple approach, while a position in the middle or left rear requires a delicate shot over that portion of the enormous bunker that guards the left front and side of the green. Go long, and the slope away from the green will make the approach chip challenging. The contours of the green are not severe, but it has subtle breaks, and must be carefully read.

One of the shorter par 4 holes on the course, most players will be hitting mid to short irons into the green. A front or right side pin position will have the player thinking birdie. If the pin is to the left, however, the safe play will be to the heart of the green, with a realistic two putt for par. Avoid the bunker, and the player will likely feel good recording the hole 7 score.

Black: 382 Blue: 371 White: 355 Gold: 322 Red: 287

Kenneth M Kirkman, Carolina Colours Developer