Golfing Carolina Colours’ 10th Hole

Having completed (hopefully successfully) the front nine, and having gotten refreshment at the Pavilion, the player moves to the 10th tee. This short par 4, running parallel to the 1st hole, is an intriguing hole. From the tee, extensive bunkering along both sides of the fairway frame the landing area, the highest point on the fairway, while the green is visible over the right side bunker.

A straight drive, between the two bunkers, into one of the narrowest landing areas on the course (still a generous 25 yards in width) brings into view the challenge presented by this hole, and may encourage longer hitters to go with a 3 or 5 wood off the tee. As with most short par 4’s, the green is the hole’s primary defense. For this short iron or wedge, one is hitting into a green that is about 40 yards from right to left, but presents a narrow target, with a small bunker guarding its center. Accuracy is key, as the long bunker on the right (some 80 yards in length) stretches from the fairway to the right corner of the green, and there is a significant drop-off behind the green.

The green itself has two levels, the right side high, the left side low. It also slopes back to front, and particularly on the high (and wider) side of the green, this contour is significant. Any approach that is not on the pin side of the green will leave a long and difficult putt, making three putts a real concern.

For the precise short iron player who avoids the bunkers off the tee, birdie here is a real possibility. However, par will be difficult from any of the extensive bunkers, and the green is treacherous. After a number of fairly lengthy par 4’s on the front, the shorter but accurate player clearly has the advantage here, where precision trumps strength.

Black: 335 Blue: 325 White: 310 Gold: 295 Red: 224