Waialae Country Club Hole by Hole - 16th Hole

Hole 16 at Waialae Country Club is a challenging par 3 that requires precision and strategy to conquer. Located in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii, this hole offers stunning views of the ocean and lush greenery.

From the championship tees, Hole 16 measures 167 yards with a handicap of 18. The distance may seem manageable for some golfers, but don't be fooled - this hole has its fair share of obstacles. As you approach the tee box, take note of your surroundings and consider how altitude, temperature and wind may impact your ball flight.

For an average golfer who hits a driver around 217 yards off the tee, I recommend using a mid-iron such as a 7 iron or even an 8 iron to ensure accuracy on this shot. The green area is relatively large at approximately 9550 square feet, but there are five bunkers strategically placed throughout the course that could easily ruin your approach if not taken into consideration.

Speaking of bunkers, Hole 16 has greenside bunkers as a mere fraction (10%) compared to other holes on this course. This means that while they are present and should still be considered when planning your approach shot from the fairway or rough, they shouldn't pose too much trouble for most golfers.

One major obstacle that cannot be ignored is water - yes, there is water on Hole 16! With its close proximity to the ocean and gentle trade winds blowing through year-round in Honolulu's tropical climate, it's important to stay focused and avoid any mishaps near or over bodies of water.

As you make your way towards the green after successfully avoiding hazards off the tee box and finding yourself safely on land near or on dry ground with no penalty strokes incurred thus far during playthroughs across all four seasons (spring/summer/fall/winter), remember that pitching wedge shots tend to travel about ~120 yards for our average golfer. Therefore, I recommend using a pitching wedge for your approach shot to ensure accuracy and control on this tricky hole.

In summary, Hole 16 at Waialae Country Club is a stunning yet challenging par 3 that requires careful planning and execution. With its strategic bunkers, water hazards, and varying distances from tee box to green, it's important to stay focused and select the right clubs for each shot in order to conquer this hole with success. Good luck!