Towering Oaks provide the Perfect Runway on Every Drive

One of the strongest memories you’ll have about playing at Grey Rock will be the trees. “They’re probably the most beautiful oaks I’ve ever seen,” says our teaching professional Tina Bradley-Mayers. Even though there are hundreds of oaks here, don’t be alarmed. “The fairways have generous width," says Bradley-Mayers.

You’ll find those trees as a challenge right out of the gate as you face the par-4 No. 1 hole (423 yards from the back tees and 280 from the front tees). Try to favor the right side of the fairway with your opening tee shot. Going left of center can be a problem because of water on the left. The green is well-bunkered and a steep bank on the left side will kick your ball into the hazard.

On No. 2, a par-5 (509 yards from the back tees and 422 from the front tees) that can be reached in two by long hitters, you’ll find that a large oak tree on the right and a bunker on the left guard the green.

On No. 5, a tricky par-4 (380 yards from the back tees and 264 from the front tees), you’ll discover the challenge is not so much the trees as it is the bunkers. This is a dogleg left with numerous fairway bunkers to the left, as well as some grass depressions. There are also deep pot bunkers near the green.

The toughest hole on this course is No. 7, a par-5 that plays 542 yards from the back tees and 439 from the front tees. There are clusters of trees to contend with here, but this is a great driving hole. Fairway bunkers are the main danger. If you get past the one on the right that’s 100 yards long, you might end up in a slightly smaller one to the left. You’ll also have to be cautious on your approach shot; the green has water behind it.

The back nine is loaded with doglegs. “The doglegs can be challenging here,” says Bradley-Mayers.

On No. 11, for example, a par-4 that plays 459 yards from the back tees and 356 from the front tees, the fairway curves left off the tee. Some golfers may try to cut the corner to shave off the distance, but there are trees in the way. In addition, the green is actually a bit to the right at the end of the fairway.

No. 13, a par-3, (168 yards from the back tees and 103 from the front tees) is one of Chip Gist’s favorite holes. This hole near a lake is “one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen,” says Gist.

The second toughest hole at Grey Rock is the par-5 No. 14 (591 yards from the back tees and 576 from the front tees). This is a dogleg right that demands a good tee shot in order to clear the rocks on the left. Trees to the right may block your second shot. And of course, you’ll find bunkers, both grass and sand, guarding the green.

No. 18 is Bradley-Mayers’ favorite on the course. “I love that hole,” she says. “In fact, you could call it the signature hole. It’s a great par-4 (386 yards from the back tees and 290 from the front tees) that is a subtle dogleg right with a lake to the right. You can hit a straight shot off the tee or a subtle fade. Long hitters try to cut the corner.”

But you need to be careful of a right fairway bunker near the lake. The fairway on No. 18 also slopes toward the lake. Once you’ve completed this picturesque hole, you’re home free, ready to hit the patio at the clubhouse for a final toast to your round.

Distances, ratings/slopes for Grey Rock: 6,855 yards (73.4/130); 6,313 (70.7/125); 5,678 yards (68.1/123); 5,215 (69.8/120).