Hole 17 at Mammoth Dunes

Hole 17 at Mammoth Dunes rewards a thoughtful, controlled approach far more than raw power. Off the tee, resist the urge to grip it and rip it. A 3-wood or long iron that finds the fairway is worth far more than a driver that ends up wrestling with the dunes' native grasses lining the corridor. Positioning yourself for a clean look at the green matters more than squeezing out extra yardage here, especially given the firm, sandy terrain that can kick errant shots into trouble.

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 — front, middle, and back locations can change your read considerably given the contouring typical of Mammoth Dunes greens. Landing the ball short and letting it release is often smarter than flying it directly at a tucked flag.

Around the green, be ready for firm, fast conditions. A bump-and-run with a mid-iron or hybrid often works better than a high, soft flop shot, particularly if the wind is up, which it frequently is at Sand Valley. Putting from just off the green is a completely viable option.

Avoid short-siding yourself at all costs — recovery shots from tight lies next to this green can quickly turn a routine par into a bogey or worse. Play smart, stay below the hole, and let the course's natural contours help guide your ball rather than fighting against them.