Hole 16 at Southern Highlands Golf Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 423 yds
- Stroke index
- 11
- Hazards
- 3 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 37 yds deep × 22 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 · 423 yards
The plan for No. 16
The 16th hole at Southern Highlands Golf Club presents a deceptively challenging par 4 that demands precision over power. At 423 yards, this straight-away layout appears straightforward from the tee, but the absence of major hazards places premium emphasis on course management and accurate shot-making. The generous fairway invites aggressive tee shots, yet the small green complex requires a calculated approach to avoid leaving difficult recovery shots. Players must resist the temptation to attack this seemingly benign hole, as the compact putting surface punishes wayward approach shots. What makes this hole memorable is its ability to test a golfer's discipline—rewarding those who play within themselves while humbling those who underestimate its subtle demands in the desert landscape.
Off the tee
The wide-open fairway invites aggressive play off the tee, making driver the preferred club for most golfers. Aim for the center-left portion of the fairway to set up the optimal angle for your approach shot. With no major hazards to navigate, focus on finding the fairway rather than chasing maximum distance. Players who can carry the ball 250-270 yards will find themselves in prime position for a short to mid-iron approach. The generous landing area allows for some margin of error, but staying in the short grass is crucial given the precision required on the approach.
Approach & recovery
The small green is the hole's primary defense, demanding accurate club selection and precise execution. From a well-positioned tee shot, expect to have anywhere from a 7-iron to pitching wedge in your hands, depending on conditions and pin position. Target the center of the green regardless of pin location - the compact putting surface makes getting close to any pin position achievable with a solid approach shot. Pay attention to wind conditions, as they can significantly affect club selection on this exposed hole in the Nevada desert.
On the green
The small green creates interesting putting challenges, as seemingly short putts can break more than expected due to the condensed contours. Focus on getting your first putt within three feet of the hole rather than being overly aggressive. Pin positions on the edges of this small green can create challenging two-putts, so approach shots that find the center of the green often lead to the best scoring opportunities. The desert climate typically produces firm, fast greens, so factor this into both your approach shot and putting strategy. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers excellent birdie potential for players who execute two solid shots. The risk/reward calculation favors aggressive play, as the lack of major hazards means the penalty for missing your target is typically just a slightly more difficult recovery shot. However, the small green punishes approaches that miss by significant margins, potentially leading to challenging chips or pitches back to the putting surface. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus on finding the fairway with whatever club gives you the most confidence - this might be a 3-wood or hybrid rather than driver. From there, choose a club that you're confident will reach the green, even if it means aiming for the center regardless of pin position. Two-putt pars are excellent scores on this hole. **Low-Handicap Players:** This is a prime birdie opportunity that shouldn't be wasted. Attack with driver off the tee to leave yourself a short iron approach. Be aggressive with pin-seeking approach shots, as your precision with scoring clubs should allow you to attack various pin positions. This hole often separates good rounds from great ones at Southern Highlands. The 11th handicap ranking suggests this hole plays easier than its position might indicate, making it a crucial scoring opportunity during your round at this challenging Las Vegas layout.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 16 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,556 sq ft
How did Hole 16 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 423 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 423-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 good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?
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Key hazards include: 3 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 16?
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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.