Hole 7 at Mammoth Dunes

Hole 7 at Mammoth Dunes is a par 5 that rewards a well-thought-out game plan more than raw power, so start your strategy at the tee. Rather than reaching for driver automatically, consider what leaves you the most comfortable second shot into position — a 3-wood or hybrid that finds the fairway is far more valuable here than a driver in the dunes. Positioning off the tee sets up everything that follows on this hole.

For your approach or layup shot, think in stages. Since it's a three-shot par 5 for most players, use your second shot to work the ball into a clear yardage for your third rather than pressing for distance. Leaving yourself a full, comfortable wedge number into the medium-sized green is far better than a half-shot from an awkward distance. Take note of the green's contours and plan your layup to the side that opens up the flag rather than leaving a blind or obstructed angle.

Around the green, be precise — with a medium green, there's less margin for error than on larger targets, so favor the center and let the ball release toward tucked pins rather than firing directly at them. Short game touch matters more than aggression here.

Above all, avoid the temptation to force a big number on your second shot if it brings trouble into play. Patience through the fairway, smart layup placement, and disciplined wedge play will consistently produce good scores on this hole.