Hole 16 at Aviara Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 408 yds
- Stroke index
- 16
- Hazards
- 1 bunker · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 61 yds deep × 29 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 408 yards
The plan for No. 16
The 16th hole at Aviara Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort presents a deceptively straightforward par 4 that rewards precision over power. This 408-yard test features a generous fairway that invites an aggressive tee shot, but the real challenge lies in the approach to a small, well-protected green complex. The straight layout allows golfers to see their target clearly, yet the compact putting surface demands accurate iron play to avoid leaving difficult recovery shots. With minimal hazards cluttering the playing corridor, course management becomes paramount as players must resist the temptation to attack pins tucked near the green's edges. This hole exemplifies Aviara's strategic design philosophy, where subtlety trumps intimidation.
Off the tee
Focus on finding the fairway rather than maximizing distance. A well-struck driver or 3-wood down the center of the fairway sets up the ideal approach angle. The straight layout means you can aim directly at your target without worrying about doglegs or forced carries. Given the hole's handicap rating, resist the temptation to get overly aggressive - a smooth, controlled swing that finds the short grass is far more valuable than an extra 20 yards in the rough.
Approach & recovery
With the green being small, accuracy becomes paramount on your approach shot. Plan to hit one club more than you think you need to ensure you clear any front-edge trouble and give yourself the best chance to hold the putting surface. The lack of significant hazards means you can be aggressive with your target line, aiming directly at the pin when it's accessible. Focus on a smooth tempo and solid contact rather than trying to muscle the shot.
On the green
The small green size means there's less room for error, making lag putting crucial for avoiding three-putts. Pay attention to the overall slope and grain direction, as these subtle breaks can be more pronounced on smaller putting surfaces. When the pin is tucked near an edge, don't be afraid to aim for the center of the green - two-putting from 20 feet is always better than chipping from off the green. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole's primary risk/reward decision comes with club selection off the tee. While driver might leave you with just a wedge into the green, a more conservative 3-wood or long iron ensures you stay in play and still leaves a manageable mid-iron approach. Given the scoring opportunity this hole presents, the conservative play often yields better results. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Higher Handicap Players:** Focus entirely on keeping the ball in play. Use whatever club gives you the most confidence off the tee, even if it's a hybrid or long iron. On the approach, aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, and don't worry about getting close to tucked pins. **Lower Handicap Players:** This is a hole where you should expect to make birdie. Be aggressive with your target lines while maintaining good course management principles. Consider the pin position when selecting your approach club, and don't hesitate to take dead aim when the conditions are right. Use this scoring opportunity to offset bogeys from the more challenging holes on the course.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 16 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 8,068 sq ft
How did Hole 16 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 408 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 408-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 16?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, large green requiring good lag putting.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?
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Key hazards include: water at 350.0 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 16?
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The green is large and can play quite long. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.