Risk vs. Reward

The Setup: Named “Drive It,” this short par-4 is the fantastic finishing hole for one of the Northwest’s finest tracks. Whether you find yourself sitting even in stroke play or looking to press your $5 Nassau, the 271-yard distance from the blue tees forces any golfer to a decision. The tee box (in shadows, above right) is elevated, making this green drivable for those with the power and nerve to ignore the water on the right. Five bunkers guard the front of the green, gobbling up anything short-center.

The Risk: It is so tempting to pull out the Big Dog, but smart golf may prove otherwise. Accuracy is of the utmost importance, and if you’ve been playing well, do you really want to ruin your round on the home hole? Spray it right and watch it sink (unless you’re so right that you reach the 17th fairway). Overswing and you may yank it dead left into the trees. Bunkers will catch anything short. Eight-iron, wedge is always a safe play.

The Reward: As if 271 yards was not enticing enough, an elevated tee box shortens one’s drive to a 252-yard carry to the center of the green. Avoid the water on the right and you should, at worst, have a short chip or pitch to the dance floor. Finding the sand still leaves you plenty of opportunity for a par or better. Miss just a little bit left and one of Gold Mountain’s lush fairways are likely waiting with a great angle in. Hit the green and you’re the envy of your entire group.

Final Call: A birdie and a cold beverage — the perfect combo to set the mind at ease. After 17 holes on this championship course, this is just what the doctor has ordered. Play to win or play not to lose? We choose the former. The pros may only need a three-wood or less, but we call on the driver. Time to force the action — then go order that frosty pint and smile.