Shorty's · Hole 8
Back
70
Forward
50
Hole 8 is the creative hole — the one where conventional approach play is not always the right answer and the terrain around the green rewards players who think outside the box. The design specifically accommodates creative entry routes: bump-and-runs from a certain angle, low punch shots that use a slope as a backstop, or a high pitch that drops softly from above. The creativity is the point.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
Before selecting a club, evaluate all entry routes to the green. Is the wind pushing left to right? A low bump from the left with a 9-iron might be safer than a high wedge that catches the wind. Is the ground firm? A running chip from below the green is a great option. At 70 yards, you have the full range of short game shots available — use them.
Putting
After the creative approach, the green at hole 8 offers a pleasant reward — moderate, readable slopes that make putting more straightforward than holes 2 and 7. Make your read, commit, and put a good stroke on the ball. Let the creativity of the approach carry you into a confident putting mindset.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •Creative shot selection can become indecision. Make a creative choice and then fully commit to it. Half-hearted creative shots produce terrible results.
- •The bump-and-run option works best on dry, firm turf. In wet or soft conditions, the ball stops earlier than expected and the entry route changes. Assess conditions before committing to a running shot.
- •Players who default to the high lob wedge on every shot at Shorty's miss the entire point of holes like this one — and often score worse than players who use creative alternatives.
Wind Intelligence
Wind is an ally on creative hole designs. A headwind eliminates the high lob wedge option and pushes you toward lower trajectory alternatives — which are often the better plays anyway. Embrace the wind as a creative partner rather than an obstacle.
Hazard Map
- ▲Off-route approaches from the wrong angle leave difficult recovery positions
- ▲Fescue around the perimeter of the creative terrain