Hole 16 at Forest Dunes Golf Club

Par 3231 Yards • Roscommon, Michigan

Enhanced Content
Brutal

Nicknamed "Hell's Acre," the 16th hole at Forest Dunes stands as the course's signature par 3 and most intimidating test. This lengthy one-shotter demands a precise carry over a sprawling waste area to reach Tom Doak's masterfully crafted green. The hole's fearsome reputation is well-earned among golfers tackling either the clockwise Black or counter-clockwise Red routing.

Tees:
231y203y195y146y
Green:18y × 33y
9 BunkersWater dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par
3
Yardage
231 yds
Green
3672 sq ft
Bunkers
9
Water
Yes
Course Slope
142
Course Rating
74.8

Recommended Gear

A hybrid or long iron makes this long par 3 far more manageable off the tee.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 231-yard par 3 requires precision club selection and accurate distance control. With no fairway width recorded at typical landing distances, you're hitting directly to the green complex. Choose a club that carries 231 yards comfortably to avoid coming up short into hazards.

green

Target the center of this moderately-sized green measuring 18 yards wide by 33 yards deep. The 3,672 square foot putting surface provides a decent target, but precision is key since there's no bailout area - it's green or trouble.

hazard warning

Multiple bunkers guard this hole at strategic distances around 2.3 million yards from various reference points. While the exact positioning requires visual confirmation, expect significant sand hazards that will penalize missed shots, especially given the lack of fairway width.

approach

With zero fairway width at both 200 and 250 yards, this is an all-or-nothing tee shot directly to the green. There's no layup option or safe landing area - commit fully to your club selection and swing with confidence.

tee shot

The landing zone shows 0 yards from the tee, confirming this is a direct shot to the green with no intermediate target. Focus on tempo and balance rather than power - smooth rhythm will serve you better than trying to muscle a shorter club.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your long iron or hybrid. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

On long par 3s, hitting the green is a win — don't be afraid to take one extra club and aim center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 231 yards, most golfers will need a fairway wood or hybrid to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 16?

This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3, water in play, heavily bunkered, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?

Key hazards include: fairway bunkers at 2319547.4-2319815.8 yards; water at 2319773.1 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 16?

The green is small and requires precision. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

Where is the best miss on hole 16?

If you're going to miss the green, favor the right side. The left (water) brings more trouble into play and makes recovery difficult.

What's a good score on hole 16?

This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.

Can I practice hole 16 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Forest Dunes Golf Club. You can play this exact par 3 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators

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