Las Sendas Golf Club’s ninth hole is a straight par four that plays a little longer than its stated yardage (420 yards from the silver tees, 324 yards from the copper tees) due to increasing elevation toward the green complex. Hole nine also features a split fairway design that contributes to its handicap rating (five for men, seven for women).
Tee Shot: Don’t “Run Out” of Fairway
For most golfers, the ideal tee shot would stop short of the first fairway’s end—past the fairway bunker but before the low, grassy area separating the two fairways. From the black tees, this involves hitting the ball about 250 yards. Many people opt for a three wood or long iron from this tee box.
Big hitters might try driving the ball into the second fairway, which certainly leaves a shorter approach. Be careful though—missing the mark could result in a less-than-ideal lie in between fairways or, even worse, in the desert or penalty area. Note that hole nine’s fairway has a red penalty area to its left side, which allows for lateral relief (in addition to stroke and distance or back-on-line relief).
Planning Your Approach
Sitting at the far edge of the first fairway leaves approximately 170 yards to the green. Keep in mind that hole nine plays uphill. If you’re thinking eight iron, you might pull out your seven iron instead. Notice that the green is surrounded by two bunkers and more desert area. Going short left might be your only viable option for missing the green while preserving par.
Difficult Green Complex
A steep slope that falls toward the front-left edge makes hole nine’s green especially challenging. Putting on the left side of this green can be very difficult, especially during winter months. For these reasons, pin placement is usually on the back-right side of the green.
Visit Our Snack Bar as You Make the Turn
After putting out on hole nine, the cart path will take you past Las Sendas Golf Club’s snack bar. Walk up to the window and choose from a variety of sandwiches, snacks, and beverages to complete your back nine experience.
Learn more about Las Sendas Golf Club.