Hole 4 at Mammoth Dunes

Hole 4 at Mammoth Dunes is a par 3 that rewards precision over power, so club selection starts with an honest look at the pin position and the wind, which can shift meaningfully across this exposed stretch of the course. Take one more club than you think you need if the flag is tucked toward the back of the medium-sized green, since coming up short here is far more punishing than rolling out a touch long.

Because the green is medium in size, there's a reasonable margin for error on the putting surface itself, but that doesn't mean you should get careless with your target line. Aim for the fat part of the green — generally the center — rather than firing directly at a tucked pin, especially if you're playing a mid- or long-iron into the hole. Missing in the correct spot leaves a manageable two-putt, while missing in the wrong spot can bring bunkers or run-off areas into play around the putting surface.

Around the green, plan for a bump-and-run or a low, spinny chip rather than a high, soft flop shot, particularly if the wind is up — the firm, links-style turf at Mammoth Dunes rewards shots that stay low and use the ground.

What to avoid: don't get greedy with an aggressive line at a back-right or back-left pin when the wind is into you or crossing; a shot that misses the medium green in the wrong direction can turn a routine par into a bogey or worse.