Tees, Trees, Turkeys

Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course
Carmel Valley, California
Part 2

by Anthony Scaggs
Golf Clubs, Golf Resorts, Golf Courses

If you can drive towards the water hazard but beyond the tree, there is an opening giving a clear chip shot to the green. Go too far and you will have to negotiate the water hazard and use a wedge or lob shot to lift the ball over the water hazard onto the peninsula.

Hopefully, there is enough backspin to stop the ball before reaching the water’s edge.

Hole number 7 has the river winding down the left side with trees protecting the right. With luck the bunker on the left will stop that errant hook or for the less fortunate it is the water. The trees will greet the slice on the right. If you hit a fade or even a slight draw, the reward is both the beauty of standing on the tee and looking all around and the par or birdie that awaits as the drive sails straight down the inviting and friendly fairway. Ignore the water and the trees, if you can.

From the narrow confines of Hole 7, you are enticed to grab the big dog and unleash its power in the wide-open expanse of Hole 8. Be careful because the bunkers are waiting.

Looking down the fairway of Hole number 8, immediately to the left is Hole number 6. The cart path separates the holes like a river running through a fertile valley. What excitement the architect must have felt converting this pristine area into the Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course.