Standing atop Manitou’s elevated 9th tee, golfers have a difficult decision: go for the enticing drivable par-4 green and face a multi-layered defense or lay up and live to fight on the back nine.
“It’s high risk, high reward, no doubt about it,” says manager/pro Mark Foley. “Either you’re playing great and lay back or you’re playing poorly and go for it.”
Left of the fairway is a steep hill leading to native grasses and trees requiring a punchout, while across the slim landing area sits an encroaching pond. The large, undulating green slopes back toward the water and is bracketed by bunkers left and long. A narrow apron requires a precise drive of the bold.
“Play it conservatively,” says Foley. “Lay up to 100 yards and wedge it towards the left side of the green. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re going to be swimming.”
“It’s a real good finishing ninth hole. We often reverse the golf course on the weekend of our club championship to finish on 9, so people can watch the finish.”
