Sheep Ranch · Hole 16
Blue
139
White
64
Gold
64
Red
64
The easiest hole on the course by handicap, the 16th is a short ocean par 3 that plays from an exposed promontory tee to a green with the Pacific as its frame. Despite the short yardage, the fully exposed tee and the wind off the ocean make this the most variable short-iron shot at the resort — the same hole can require anything from a pitching wedge to a 7-iron depending on conditions.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
Select the correct club for the wind-adjusted distance — this is the primary skill required on this hole. In a headwind, take two to three clubs more than the yardage suggests. In a tailwind, club down appropriately. Aim at the center of the green regardless of wind direction. The green is wide enough to be forgiving on the line; distance is the critical variable.
Putting
The ocean par-3 green slopes gently from back to front and right to left. Most putts break toward the ocean (left in this orientation). First-time visitors are surprised by the pace — the firm, exposed surface runs faster than the short hole suggests. A two-putt par after a center-green tee shot is an excellent result.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •Short is the most common mistake on short ocean par 3s — the ocean backdrop and wind create an involuntary deceleration. Trust your club selection and make a full swing.
- •In a direct headwind, this 139-yard hole can play 190 yards effectively — three clubs more than the yardage card. Never under-club on an exposed ocean par 3.
- •The easiest handicap hole can still cost a bogey or double through poor wind management and club selection errors. Respect the hole despite its short yardage.
Wind Intelligence
Hole 16 is the most wind-variable hole on the course by effective yardage. The short distance means the wind as a percentage of required distance is highest here — a 20 mph headwind on a 139-yard hole is proportionally far more impactful than on any par 4 or par 5. Always check wind carefully and make the appropriate club adjustment without hesitation. The ocean wind here has no shelter.
Hazard Map
- ▲Pacific Ocean backdrop and exposed promontory tee
- ▲Bunker left of green
- ▲Short-of-green rough with recovery toward water