The Preserve · Hole 9
Back
165
Forward
145
A dramatically downhill par-3 with the tee sitting high above the green on a clifftop escarpment. The drop in elevation is significant — perhaps 30–40 feet — creating the sensation of shooting down into a green far below. The ocean frames the backdrop and the downhill angle means the ball rides the wind longer and lands harder. One of the most visually dramatic tee shots on the course.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
The elevation drop adds effective distance in terms of hang time but the ball also lands more steeply and runs less. Take one less club than the raw yardage — 165 downhill plays more like 150 in still air. Aim for the center of the green; the visual temptation to aim at pins on the lower portion of the green is dangerous because the ball can roll through easily.
Putting
The green slopes considerably from back to front because of the hillside orientation. Back pins on this hole create extremely challenging downhill putts — the ball can accelerate quickly and run well past. Front pins are your friend. Any putt from above the hole should be stroked at half the normal force you would apply.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The dramatic visual of the shot dropping steeply to the green below causes players to over-swing. Let the elevation do the work — trust a shorter club.
- •A tail wind on this hole combined with the downhill makes it very easy to fly the green entirely. Check wind direction carefully before clubbing down.
- •Short misses here roll far down the bank and leave a challenging uphill chip back to a sloping green. Flying the ball all the way to the green surface is critical.
Wind Intelligence
A helping wind from behind on this hole amplifies the elevation effect — you can be looking at a 7-iron distance that plays like 115 yards. Wind-down and downhill in combination can turn a 165-yard hole into something even a sand wedge could cover. Assess both factors independently and then combine them for your club choice.
Hazard Map
- ▲Steep bank below the green — no safe miss short
- ▲Cliff exposure behind tee position
- ▲Fescue left and right of the narrow green approach