Holiday Golf (Part 4 of 4) - Sandpiper

Saved the best for last. Sandpiper is currently my favorite course to play. The views are amazing, the course is tough with lightning fast greens (gotta be below the hole), and I can usually go off as a single. That's what I did over the holiday and played two balls and shot a 91 and 88. At times I was hitting 4 and 5 balls from 150 yards out because there was no one behind me.

The 13th hole (below) gets me every time. It's a 532 yard par five with cliffs on the right and junk on the left. A big straight drive is needed on this hole then it's decision time. Depending on the drive it's 215-250 to an elevated green (on the right, left green is easier but I've never played it) over junk with a nasty bunker in front. You could also lay up. My first drive wasn't that good and left me with 265 to reach the green. With the wind it was impossible so I lay up, but chunked it 75 yards in front. I had to go for it. My third shot was looking good, in the right direction and high enough to clear the bunker...but wasn't strong enough and bounced in-play then down the hill...OB. On the second ball my drive went right, but got lucky and stayed in. I was in the rough and had to lay up. After the first ball went into the junk I decided to go left and safe. If I pushed it right I would still be ok. I landed safely and ended with a 7 on the first ball and 6 on the second. I will par that hole one day!