Contributed by David Galassi, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru
Sandestin Golf Resort has four courses to choose from and 72 outstanding holes to challenge every skill level.
This list of top ten Sandestin golf course holes uses both degree of difficulty and the overall golf experience.
10. The Raven. # 4
Although just a par 3, it plays 193 from the tips, and has slight bend to the right. Marsh grass and water follow the entire right side and the green, although 33 yards deep, is well protected by bunkers left and water right.
9. The Raven. # 6
Another par 3 that features a tricky island green. Playing from 87 to 203 yards it is all carry. Miss and your drop is no bargain either from behind the green. A true test of guts and perfect shot here is a must.
8. The Raven. # 11
A true Par5 nail biter. This dog left will test you fortitude. Water skirts the entire 562 yards down the left and pines line the right with a fairway bunker placed in perfect position for those wishing to cut the corner. The one large fairway bunker can suck in a ball hoping to carry the 252 from the back tees. The long approach will have you staring at the water left of the green and any bail out right catches a large random shaped bunker. Swallow hard before you play this hole.
7. Burnt Pine. # 12
A picturesque Par 3 with a button shaped round green just 24 yards deep. Playing only 149 from the back tees this hole captures the eye with water right as well as your heart with large bunkers both front and rear.
6. Burnt Pine. #5
This long, left bending, Par 5 makes target golf a must. The fairway narrows to but 15 yards at the throat with pot bunkers on either side. Lay-up and the hole gets even longer. Water skirts the entire left side and the green is well protected. Fairway bunkers left have you looking right which is no bargain with the rolling mounds of rough along the whole right. Straight is the only way to make par as any missed shot will cause your score to balloon.
5. The Links. #1
This opening hole tests your skill level and courage from the onset. A 90 degree dog leg left has trees keeping you from cutting the corner. Water left and right on your tee shot calls for the straight ball. Its 250 from the corner of the dogleg to the green which is protected by water right and long and bunkers left. A 6 is a good score and hole’s layout gets your blood boiling for the rest of the holes.
4. The Links. #14
A short Par 4 at 338 from the tips calls for a 200 yard tee shot, center cut. A forced carry over the marsh to a tiny green which is surrounded by marsh and water makes correct club selection a necessity. Trust the yardage book as your depth perception can make this hole tricky.
3. Baytowne. #7
Par 3, 189 from the back tee box. Three large traps right and water down the left and rear surround this 34 yard deep green. The greens keeper can be your friend or foe based upon the pin placement. A sexy hole that requires finesse based upon the actual playing length tee to pin. Don’t second guess yourself. Grab the right club and rip it.
2. Baytowne. #9
Not a gimmick hole but a stunner from the tee box. A dog left that has trouble left, short and long. The tee shot needs to be the perfect yardage to allow for a 206 yard approach to a green tucked in left with water front and left. No bail out room long or right but a lay-up is an optional approach. Watch the wind as well and take note of the pine tops.
1. Baytowne. #18
A great finishing hole with driving and approach bunker trouble. Fairly straight club selection is again a key to a good score. A full carry to a narrow and shallow green with a huge front bunker will end your round on a good or bad note.