Hole 9 at Spyglass Hill Golf Course
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 431 yds
- Stroke index
- 5
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 37 yds deep × 28 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 · 431 yards
The plan for No. 9
Named "Captain Smollett" after the steadfast ship's captain in Treasure Island, the 9th hole at Spyglass Hill marks the final ocean-view challenge before players venture into the dense Del Monte Forest. This strategic par 4 serves as a memorable transition point, with The Grill offering spectators a perfect vantage point to watch the drama unfold on the green.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on finding the optimal position for your approach to the small green. With the straight layout, target the center of the fairway to give yourself the best angle and lie for your second shot. Driver is typically the play for most golfers, as you'll want to get as close as possible to reduce the length of your approach shot. However, if you're struggling with accuracy off the tee, consider a 3-wood or hybrid to ensure you find the fairway - being in the rough makes the already challenging approach shot even more difficult. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to overpower the hole. The key is positioning yourself in the fairway with a manageable distance remaining to the green.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole shows its teeth. The small green demands precise club selection and accurate execution. Depending on your tee shot distance, you'll likely be hitting anywhere from a mid-iron to a long-iron for your second shot. Take extra time to factor in wind conditions, as the Monterey Peninsula can present challenging breezes that significantly affect ball flight. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position - the small target leaves little room for error. If the pin is tucked to one side, resist the temptation to get aggressive unless you're hitting the ball exceptionally well. A shot to the center of the green, even if it's 20-30 feet from the pin, is far better than missing the green entirely.
On the green
The small green at the 9th creates interesting putting challenges with subtle breaks that can be deceptive. As with many Robert Trent Jones Sr. designs, expect undulations that aren't immediately obvious to the eye. Take time to read the green carefully from multiple angles, paying particular attention to the overall slope and grain direction. Given the green's compact size, most putts will be makeable, but the key is avoiding three-putts. Focus on speed control and getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive. The green's size means that even a slightly misread putt won't travel too far past the hole.
Watch for
- Greenside bunker (greenside)
Hole 9 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,430 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Spyglass Hill Golf Course — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Spyglass Hill Golf Course. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
A Bunch of Questions: Jordan Spieth Practice Round at Spyglass Hill
How did Hole 9 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 431 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 431-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 9?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
How big is the green on hole 9?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 9?
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This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.