Hole 16 at Forest Dunes Golf Club
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 231 yds
- Stroke index
- 16
- Hazards
- 9 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 44 yds deep × 40 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 3 · 231 yards
The plan for No. 16
Nicknamed "Hell's Acre," Forest Dunes Golf Club hole 16 stands as the course's signature par 3 challenge at 231 yards. This intimidating tee shot demands precision as golfers must carry their ball over a sprawling waste area that guards the front of the green like a sandy moat. The small target features a distinctive left-to-right slope that can either help or punish depending on pin position. What makes this hole particularly strategic is the bail-out area short of the green, allowing players to use the ground game to chase their approach up onto the putting surface. As part of Tom Doak's innovative reversible Loop design, this hole plays differently depending on whether you're experiencing the clockwise or counter-clockwise routing, adding another layer of intrigue to an already memorable test.
Off the tee
Club selection is paramount on this lengthy par 3, typically requiring anything from a long iron to a hybrid depending on wind conditions and pin position. The target line should favor the left side of the green to account for the natural left-to-right slope that will help feed your ball toward most pin positions. Avoid the temptation to aim directly at right-side pins, as the slope can quickly take your ball off the putting surface. Take extra club rather than forcing a shot you're not comfortable with - the waste area is unforgiving and will likely result in a difficult recovery shot. Wind plays a significant factor here, so assess conditions carefully and don't hesitate to club up when facing any headwind or crosswind from the left.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot is your approach, making precision even more critical. The green features a pronounced left-to-right slope, so shots landing on the left portion will naturally feed toward center and right pin positions. There's a valuable bailout area short of the green that allows you to use the ground game, letting your ball chase up onto the putting surface. When the pin is positioned on the right side, consider playing to the left portion of the green and letting the slope work in your favor. For left pins, a more direct approach is acceptable, but ensure you have enough club to clear the waste area with confidence.
On the green
The green's left-to-right slope dominates putting strategy on Hell's Acre. Putts from the left side of the green will break significantly toward the right, while putts from below the hole on the right side can be quite fast. The slope also affects approach shots that land on the green, so factor this into your target selection from the tee. Pay special attention to pin positions - when the flag is on the right portion of the green, the slope makes it particularly challenging to hold shots close to the hole. Focus on getting your ball below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are much more manageable than trying to control downhill putts on this slope. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision centers on aggressive pin-seeking versus playing for the center of the green. When pins are tucked on the right side, the reward of a close approach must be weighed against the risk of the ball sliding off the green due to the slope. The bailout area short of the green offers a conservative play that can still yield par opportunities, especially when conditions are challenging. The waste area creates a severe penalty for any miss short or significantly left, making club selection the most critical risk management decision. Taking an extra club and playing to the fat part of the green is almost always the percentage play. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus on clearing the waste area with confidence by taking plenty of club. Aim for the center-left portion of the green and don't worry about pin-hunting. Use the bailout area short of the green when in doubt - a chip and putt for par is far better than a penalty stroke from the waste area. **Low-Handicap Players:** Can be more aggressive with pin positions, but must respect the green's slope. When pins are right, consider the high-risk, high-reward play of attacking directly, but have a clear miss strategy. Use course management skills to identify when conditions favor aggressive play versus when discretion is the better part of valor. The 16th hole at Forest Dunes rewards thoughtful club selection and strategic thinking over pure aggression, making it a true test of golf strategy and mental toughness.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 16 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,672 sq ft
How did Hole 16 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 231 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.