Pacific Dunes · Hole 16
Blue
103
White
23
Gold
53
Red
53
The easiest-rated hole on the course by handicap but among the most psychologically complex. At 103 yards from the blue tees, this is the shortest par 3 on the property — but the green is set at an angle and has a severe internal slope that makes any putt from above the hole a white-knuckle experience. The hole plays to a 'what could go wrong?' mentality that frequently produces unexpected doubles.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
Despite the short yardage, precise club selection is essential. In a headwind, take two clubs more; in a tailwind, take two clubs less — the wind effect is proportionally large at this yardage. Aim for the front-left quadrant of the green on most pin positions. The front of the green is safe; the back is severely sloped and leaves terrifying downhill putts. Never aim at a back pin position — the risk-reward is entirely unfavorable.
Putting
The defining feature of this green is the internal slope from back to front. Putts from the back half of the green are among the fastest on the course and can easily run off the front edge. From the front half, putts are uphill and slow — a firm stroke is required. Getting above the hole on this green is the primary strategic error that turns a simple par into a scrambling bogey.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The short yardage fools players into a casual approach — club selection here is just as important as any long par 3.
- •The back of the green is a putting nightmare — a tee shot that goes 10 yards too far turns a tap-in par into a potential three-putt bogey.
- •The handicap rating of 18 (easiest) lowers players' guard — treat every shot here with the same focus as any other hole.
- •In a crosswind, even a 100-yard shot can drift a full green-width off target — aim into the wind and allow for drift.
Wind Intelligence
The southwest wind on this short par 3 can have a proportionally larger effect than on any other hole. A 15 mph headwind turns a sand wedge into a gap wedge; a 15 mph tailwind turns the same shot into a lob wedge. Because the margin for error is so small on a short par 3, the wind must be read and respected with as much care as on a long par 3. Never dismiss the club selection process just because the hole is short.
Hazard Map
- ▲Severe back-to-front slope making rear of green nearly unputt able in strong conditions
- ▲Bunker on the right side of the green
- ▲Rough on the left that leads to a difficult chipping angle
- ▲Disproportionate wind effect on the short yardage