Hole 10 at Mammoth Dunes

Hole 10 at Mammoth Dunes rewards golfers who prioritize position over pure distance off the tee. Rather than reaching for driver, consider a 3-wood or hybrid that keeps your ball in the fairway and sets up a comfortable angle into the green. This is a hole where being in the short grass matters more than squeezing out extra yards, especially given the rumpled, dune-scarred terrain that flanks the fairway and punishes stray shots with awkward stances and blind lies.

Your approach shot should account for the medium-sized green, which demands precision rather than a "get it somewhere on the putting surface" mentality. Take note of the pin position before committing to a club, and favor the center of the green when in doubt—Mammoth Dunes' greens often have subtle movement that can carry a slightly missed shot away from a tucked flag. Bringing one more club than you think you need is often smart, as coming up short can leave a difficult up-and-down.

Around the green, be ready to get creative. The natural, sandy waste areas and closely mown chipping zones common to this course call for a versatile short game—practice your bump-and-run with a 7- or 8-iron for tighter lies, and keep a lofted wedge ready for greenside recovery shots.

Above all, avoid the temptation to force a hero shot from trouble. Play smart, take your medicine when needed, and let the green in regulation be your primary goal on this strategic par 4.