Hole 9 at Colonial Country Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 408 yds
- Stroke index
- 5
- Hazards
- 6 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 30 yds deep × 25 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 · 408 yards
The plan for No. 9
The ninth at Colonial Country Club presents a deceptively challenging finale to the front nine, where precision trumps power on this straight par 4 stretching 408 yards. This hole embodies Perry Maxwell's design philosophy at "Hogan's Alley," demanding accuracy from tee to green on what appears to be a straightforward layout. The tee shot requires careful placement to set up an optimal angle into the small, well-protected green complex. The approach shot becomes the critical element, as the compact putting surface offers little margin for error and punishes wayward iron shots. While not part of the infamous "Horrible Horseshoe," Colonial Country Club hole 9 serves as a strategic test that rewards thoughtful course management over aggressive play, making it a memorable transition point where smart golfers can capitalize before tackling the challenging back nine.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on finding the ideal position for your approach rather than maximum distance. Most players should focus on hitting a controlled drive to the center-right portion of the fairway, setting up the preferred angle into the green. A 3-wood or hybrid off the tee might be the smart play for higher handicappers, ensuring you stay in the short grass while leaving a comfortable approach distance. The straight layout means accuracy trumps distance - aim for the widest part of the fairway and avoid any temptation to cut corners or overpower the hole. ## APPROACH The approach shot represents the hole's primary challenge, with the small green demanding pinpoint accuracy. Target the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the compact putting surface leaves little margin for error. Expect to hit anything from a wedge to a mid-iron depending on your tee shot placement and conditions. The key is committing fully to your club selection and swing - tentative approaches often find trouble around this well-defended green. Take one extra club if you're between distances, as being short or long can leave difficult recovery shots. ## ON THE GREEN The small green at the ninth requires confident putting and careful green reading. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. The compact surface means most putts will have subtle breaks, so trust your read and maintain good pace control. Lag putting becomes crucial here - leaving yourself tap-in range for par keeps your round momentum positive heading to the back nine. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a classic risk/reward scenario where conservative play often yields the best results. The reward comes from precision rather than aggression - a well-placed tee shot followed by an accurate approach can set up genuine birdie opportunities. The risk lies in getting too aggressive with either shot, potentially finding trouble that turns a scoring hole into a bogey or worse. Smart players recognize this as a hole where par is never a bad score, while birdie remains very achievable with solid execution. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicappers** should view this as a birdie opportunity, focusing on optimal positioning off the tee for the best approach angle. Consider the pin position when selecting your target line, and don't hesitate to be aggressive with your approach if you've executed a quality drive. **High Handicappers** should prioritize keeping the ball in play and avoiding big numbers. Consider hitting 3-wood or hybrid off the tee for accuracy, then focus on hitting the center of the green with your approach. Two-putt par represents an excellent score that builds confidence for the challenging back nine ahead. The ninth hole at Colonial rewards thoughtful course management and precise execution - qualities that will serve you well as you navigate the remainder of this historic championship layout.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot represents the hole's primary challenge, with the small green demanding pinpoint accuracy. Target the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the compact putting surface leaves little margin for error. Expect to hit anything from a wedge to a mid-iron depending on your tee shot placement and conditions. The key is committing fully to your club selection and swing - tentative approaches often find trouble around this well-defended green. Take one extra club if you're between distances, as being short or long can leave difficult recovery shots. ## ON THE GREEN The small green at the ninth requires confident putting and careful green reading. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. The compact surface means most putts will have subtle breaks, so trust your read and maintain good pace control. Lag putting becomes crucial here - leaving yourself tap-in range for par keeps your round momentum positive heading to the back nine. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a classic risk/reward scenario where conservative play often yields the best results. The reward comes from precision rather than aggression - a well-placed tee shot followed by an accurate approach can set up genuine birdie opportunities. The risk lies in getting too aggressive with either shot, potentially finding trouble that turns a scoring hole into a bogey or worse. Smart players recognize this as a hole where par is never a bad score, while birdie remains very achievable with solid execution. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicappers** should view this as a birdie opportunity, focusing on optimal positioning off the tee for the best approach angle. Consider the pin position when selecting your target line, and don't hesitate to be aggressive with your approach if you've executed a quality drive. **High Handicappers** should prioritize keeping the ball in play and avoiding big numbers. Consider hitting 3-wood or hybrid off the tee for accuracy, then focus on hitting the center of the green with your approach. Two-putt par represents an excellent score that builds confidence for the challenging back nine ahead. The ninth hole at Colonial rewards thoughtful course management and precise execution - qualities that will serve you well as you navigate the remainder of this historic championship layout.
On the green
The small green at the ninth requires confident putting and careful green reading. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. The compact surface means most putts will have subtle breaks, so trust your read and maintain good pace control. Lag putting becomes crucial here - leaving yourself tap-in range for par keeps your round momentum positive heading to the back nine. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a classic risk/reward scenario where conservative play often yields the best results. The reward comes from precision rather than aggression - a well-placed tee shot followed by an accurate approach can set up genuine birdie opportunities. The risk lies in getting too aggressive with either shot, potentially finding trouble that turns a scoring hole into a bogey or worse. Smart players recognize this as a hole where par is never a bad score, while birdie remains very achievable with solid execution. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicappers** should view this as a birdie opportunity, focusing on optimal positioning off the tee for the best approach angle. Consider the pin position when selecting your target line, and don't hesitate to be aggressive with your approach if you've executed a quality drive. **High Handicappers** should prioritize keeping the ball in play and avoiding big numbers. Consider hitting 3-wood or hybrid off the tee for accuracy, then focus on hitting the center of the green with your approach. Two-putt par represents an excellent score that builds confidence for the challenging back nine ahead. The ninth hole at Colonial rewards thoughtful course management and precise execution - qualities that will serve you well as you navigate the remainder of this historic championship layout.
Watch for
- Mapped water (2) influences the playing line on this hole.
- Mapped bunkers (6) are in play around the landing areas and green.
Hole 9 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,649 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Colonial Country Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Charles Schwab Challenge highlights
Charles Schwab Challenge | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
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How did Hole 9 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 408 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 408-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
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: 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.