Hole 16 at Mammoth Dunes

Hole 16 at Mammoth Dunes is a par 3 that demands precision over power, and club selection starts with an honest look at the flag position and wind. Because the green falls into the medium category, there's a reasonable margin for error compared to a truly small target, but that doesn't mean you can get careless — take one more club than you think if the wind is into you or crossing, since coming up short here is far more punishing than rolling through the back.

Your primary goal on the tee shot is to favor the fat, safe portion of the green rather than firing directly at a tucked pin. Mammoth Dunes' greens reward shots that land with a controlled trajectory and a bit of check spin, so if you can flight the ball down and take the bounce out of play, especially in breezy conditions common to the property, you'll have a much better look at par.

Around the green, be ready for firm, sandy run-off areas that can chase mishits well away from the putting surface. If you miss, miss short and to the side that gives you the most green to work with for your recovery chip or bump-and-run — putting from just off the fringe is often smarter than trying to be too cute with a lofted flop shot.

Above all, avoid the temptation to chase a hole location that guards a hazard or steep false edge. A committed swing at the center of the green will save more strokes than a heroic attempt at a difficult pin.