Northport Creek Hole Descriptions
Hole #1
The longest of the par 4s, this hole plays 430 yards from the back tee and will challenge even the most experienced golfer. Tee shots should err to the right side of the fairway. Club selection can be tricky on approach shots that play downhill and with the prevailing wind. Avoid going left or long on this hole as the road is Out-of-Bounds. Par here for a great start to any round.
Hole #2
This short par 4 measures 295 yards from the back tee and plays slightly up hill. A solid tee shot will leave players a short iron or wedge into the green. Players looking to “bomb” a drive should be aware of bunkers guarding the end of the fairway and the right front of the green. Approach shots will usually play into the prevailing wind so add a club or two, depending on wind speed.
Hole #3
This dogleg right plays 345 yards from the back tee and demands accuracy off the tee to avoid three large fairway bunkers. Approach shots will play slightly downhill to a green that is guarded by two small bunkers and surrounded by Bill’s pond. The safest play is to the middle of the green where a two-putt is manageable. However, players looking to take on the flagstick should understand the term risk-reward.
Hole #4
Measuring 190 yards from the back tee, the longer of the two par 3s on the course plays a little downhill and with the prevailing wind. Players should club-down to avoid going over the green. Not only will you find yourself with a difficult up and down, but risk the potential of going Out-of-Bounds and having to re-tee. Playing to the right side of the green and two-putting should be your game plan when standing on the tee.
Hole #5
A modest par 4, measuring 320 yards from the back tee, this hole puts an emphasis on tee shot placement. Favor the right side of the fairway to give yourself the proper angle to attack this small, tucked green. Find yourself on the left side and you’ll need a good short game to make par; go too far left and you’ll find yourself in the creek. This hole is a great birdie opportunity, if managed correctly.
Hole #6
The only par 5 on the course will tempt players into going for it in two, but will also reward those who have a respectable wedge game. Playing 520 yards from the back tee, players will be confronted with a short, forced carry over Bill’s pond. Tee shots should favor the right side of the fairway on this slight dogleg left. This will give you the optimum angle to place your second shot. Be sure to leave yourself the proper distance for a full shot on your third to give you the best chance at a birdie.
Hole #7
This par 4 is the mirror image of our 5th hole and plays the same exact yardage from the back tee, 320 yards. Much like the 18th at Augusta National, this hole has a narrow opening, merely 40-50 yards wide, requiring golfers to thread the needle on their tee shots. Favoring the left side of the fairway will leave a good angle into a narrow green that is tucked into a mix of hardwoods and pine. Again, players will be left with a short club in their hand and should look to take advantage of the scoring opportunity.
Hole #8
The second of our par 3s plays slightly shorter than the other but with equal challenge. Playing 175 yards from the back tee and slightly downhill, this green is guarded by a small bunker on the left side. Take enough club to make sure you carry an area of wetlands some 15 yards in front of the green. Long is safe, but will leave a delicate chip back towards the hazards.
Hole #9
Playing 405 yards from the back tee, this severe dogleg left will invite players to work the ball around the corner to shorten the hole, but be aware of the trees on the left. A fairway that slopes significantly with the shape of the hole will leave players with an awkward stance on their second shot. Be sure to aim a little right of the green, as the slope of the fairway will naturally shape your shot from right to left. Finish the round strong by avoiding the bunkers and two-putting for par.