Hole 8 – Dune Ridge
Playing steadily uphill, this par-5 follows a natural dune ridge that adds dimension to every shot. The elevation changes demand thoughtful club selection, and players who navigate the slopes well will find a beautifully tiered green waiting at the top, offering a rewarding opportunity.
Hole Information
Handicap: 9
Blue Tees: 508 yards
White Tees: 482 yards
Red Tees: 447 yards
Origins of Dune Ridge
Dune Ridge was designed along a natural ridge of coastal dunes, giving the hole its distinctive uphill progression. Architects used the existing slope as the backbone of the par-5, allowing elevation to influence club selection and planning. The multi-tiered green was added to reflect the dune’s layered feel. Over the years, vegetation management has helped highlight the ridge while preserving its rugged coastal identity.
How to Play the Hole
Dune Ridge demands strategic planning on every shot as golfers ascend a naturally elevated ridge that shapes one of the course’s signature par-5s. The rising terrain influences ball flight, often making shots play longer than expected, while crosswinds add a layer of complexity. Aggressive players may attempt to reach the green in two, but conservative navigation along the ridge often proves just as effective. Mastery of this hole comes from respecting elevation, choosing disciplined landing areas, and controlling trajectory against the shifting wind patterns.
Aiming for the right half of the fairway gives golfers the most advantageous position to climb the ridge on the second shot. Drives must be struck cleanly to avoid being held up by the incline, and anything pulled left risks settling into dunes or uneven lies. Prioritize a firm, controlled swing that produces a ball flight able to penetrate mild headwinds that frequently drift across the ridge. Establishing a stable tee shot sets the tone for the rest of the hole.
Your second shot must navigate increasing elevation while managing the fairway’s natural contours. For players laying up, the ideal target is the right-center of the fairway, where flatter lies make the approach far more predictable. Golfers attempting to reach the green in two must judge the wind meticulously and produce a strong, high shot capable of holding the tiered putting surface. Regardless of strategy, approach shots require crisp contact, as the green’s elevation and tiering can exaggerate misses.
Recovery shots near the green require thoughtful shot selection due to the multi-tiered surface and surrounding slopes. The front tier provides the most manageable angle, while misses to the left create awkward uphill chips that can be difficult to stop. Right-side misses offer a bit more room, though still demand precise distance control. Executing a composed, controlled short-game shot can salvage par and maintain momentum heading into the heart of the front nine.