Sheep Ranch · Hole 3
Blue
547
White
472
Gold
407
Red
307
The first par 5 at Sheep Ranch tumbles downhill toward the ocean, creating one of the most dramatic elevation changes at the resort. The downhill grade adds considerable distance to the tee shot and gives the hole a sweeping, cascading character. In a favorable wind, longer hitters can reach this green in two — but the terrain makes anything short of perfect execution an adventure.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
Driver from the elevated tee takes full advantage of the downhill grade — the ball carries further and runs longer than usual. A controlled drive of 260 yards can play like 290 yards given the elevation drop. Aim left-center and let the natural slope gather the ball toward the ideal second-shot position. Avoid the right side of the fairway where the ocean-side terrain becomes more severe.
Approach
The second-shot decision: going for it in two with a tailwind and from a good lie is a legitimate birdie or eagle opportunity. The green sits at the base of the hill and is relatively accessible from downhill approach angles. Laying up to 80–100 yards leaves a full wedge to a large green. In a headwind, lay up without question.
Putting
The large par-5 green at the base of the downhill run has a natural front-to-back slope that mirrors the terrain's cascading character. From the back, putts are very fast — the slope and firmness combine to produce surprising pace. Lag putting is critical; a careless approach putt from above the hole can run well past the front edge.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The downhill tee shot carries much further than the flat-course equivalent — driver can easily run to 300+ yards in a tailwind from elevation. Know your carry distance to avoid running through the fairway.
- •The two-shot route requires a carry of 250+ yards to a firm, fast green below — a slightly misjudged distance runs through the back in downhill conditions.
- •Long putts from above the hole are among the most difficult at Sheep Ranch — the pace is extreme and the run can be 30 feet past the hole if not managed carefully.
Wind Intelligence
Running toward the ocean, the 3rd plays in a variable wind that is either a headwind or tailwind depending on the day. In a southwest tailwind, this is one of the most exciting holes at the resort — the ball flies a long way downhill in the wind and two-shot territory opens up for most players. In a southwest headwind, the hole plays much harder than the yardage suggests and three full shots are required.
Hazard Map
- ▲Ocean-side terrain right of fairway — slope toward cliff
- ▲Back of green running through in downhill conditions
- ▲Severe fast putting surface from above the hole