Hole 9 at Southern Highlands Golf Club
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 592 yds
- Stroke index
- 4
- Hazards
- 7 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 19 yds deep × 31 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 592 yards
The plan for No. 9
The finishing hole at Southern Highlands Golf Club presents a strategic par 5 that demands precision over power. At 592 yards, this straight-away challenge offers multiple routes to the pin, with the absence of major hazards creating a deceptively complex risk-reward scenario. The generous fairway invites aggressive play off the tee, but the small green becomes the hole's defining feature, requiring pinpoint accuracy on the approach. Players must carefully consider their layup positioning to set up the optimal angle into the compact putting surface. This demanding closer rewards course management and short game finesse, making it a fitting finale that can dramatically impact your round at this prestigious Las Vegas layout.
Off the tee
Launch your tee shot down the center-right portion of the fairway to establish the best angle for your second shot. Driver is the obvious choice for longer hitters, but don't overlook a 3-wood if accuracy has been an issue during your round. The straight layout eliminates severe trouble, allowing you to focus on finding the optimal position about 280-320 yards from the tee depending on your distance. Avoid getting too aggressive with your target line - the middle of the fairway provides plenty of room to work with for your approach strategy.
Approach & recovery
Your second shot becomes crucial in setting up a manageable third shot to the small green. Most players should focus on advancing the ball 150-200 yards while staying in the fairway center. This typically calls for a mid-iron to hybrid, prioritizing accuracy over maximum distance. Position yourself within 100-150 yards of the green for your third shot - this range gives you the best control for attacking the small target. If you're a longer hitter capable of reaching in two, carefully assess pin position and your lie before attempting this aggressive play.
On the green
The small green size makes precision paramount on your approach shot. Focus on hitting the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the compact surface leaves little margin for error. Club selection becomes critical - take enough club to ensure you reach the putting surface, as coming up short leaves a challenging pitch to a small target. Once on the green, read putts carefully as even small greens can have subtle breaks that affect longer putts. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes on your second shot for accomplished players. Going for the green in two offers birdie or eagle potential but requires perfect execution to hit the small target. The safer play of laying up to your favorite wedge distance provides better scoring odds for most golfers. Consider your current round situation - if you need to make up strokes, the aggressive play becomes more attractive. If you're protecting a good score, the conservative approach serves you better. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Treat this as a definitive three-shot hole. Use whatever club gives you confidence off the tee, advance your second shot as far as you comfortably can while staying in play, then focus on getting your third shot somewhere on the green. Don't worry about pin hunting - the center of the green is your target. **Low-Handicap Players:** Evaluate going for the green in two based on your lie and the pin position. If attempting to reach in two, ensure you have enough club - the small green punishes shots that come up short. When laying up, be precise with your distance control to leave your favorite wedge yardage. This hole offers a legitimate birdie opportunity with smart execution. The 9th hole at Southern Highlands rewards patience and precision over power, making it an ideal test to close out your front nine with a potential scoring opportunity.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 9 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,319 sq ft
How did Hole 9 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 592 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 592 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 9?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, water in play, heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 9?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 9?
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This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.