Sheep Ranch · Hole 5
Blue
449
White
374
Gold
309
Red
209
The longest par 4 on the front nine plays along the outer edge of the promontory with ocean views on the right. At 449 yards into a typically prevailing headwind, this hole is the most demanding of the front nine and one of the true tests of the entire round. No amount of creativity or short game skill compensates for a poor tee shot here.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
Driver is mandatory — maximum controlled distance with the ball staying in the fairway. The promontory edge is right; the tee shot must favor left while still reaching the 260-yard mark. A short, offline drive on this hole means a very long approach in a headwind — the worst possible combination. Commit to a decisive swing aimed at left-center.
Approach
Long iron or hybrid approach into a headwind to a green that is firm and fast. The bump-and-run is highly effective here — a low, running shot under the wind that covers the final 30–40 yards along the ground is more reliable than a high iron in strong conditions. Aim at the center of the green and take two clubs more than the yardage suggests.
Putting
The ocean-side promontory green has the most pronounced rightward lean of the par-4 greens on the front nine. All putts break right toward the ocean. From the left side, the break is more gentle; from the right side, putts can race quickly downhill toward the right edge. Never leave putts on the right side of the hole from above the pin.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The headwind on the approach can add 40+ yards of effective distance — two clubs more is often the minimum adjustment.
- •The bump-and-run on approach looks risky in the firm fescue conditions but is significantly more reliable than a high, stopping iron in 20+ mph wind. Trust the ground game.
- •The rightward lean on the green produces putts that break far more than they appear from any above-hole position. This green regularly produces three-putts for first-time visitors.
Wind Intelligence
Hole 5 runs into the prevailing southwest headwind along the promontory edge — the most challenging combination on the course. The wind is fully amplified by the exposed position and the lack of any terrain shelter. In a strong blow, this hole plays well over 500 yards effectively and the bump-and-run approach is not just preferred but necessary. Respect the conditions and play within yourself.
Hazard Map
- ▲Pacific Ocean promontory edge right
- ▲Fescue rough both sides throughout
- ▲Pronounced rightward lean on green with fast putting surface