Looking to play Red Hawk Ridge in Castle Rock, Colorado? Here is an overview of how to best play each hole if you haven’t played it before. Its a great course with lots of elevation changes.
These tips should help you play your best round. Headings on each hole show the distance from the Black tees (tips) first, the Gold tees second
Hole 1: Par 5, 508 Yards or 489 Yards Start with a downhill par-5 that can be reached in two shots. Aim to place your tee shot between two bunkers, avoiding the out-of-bounds area on the left. Decide whether to lay up or go for the green, which is protected by a bunker. Play smart, and you might be putting for an eagle.
Hole 2: Par 4, 379 Yards or 359 Yards Accuracy is crucial on this downhill par-4. Consider not using a driver to avoid the bunker on the right side of the fairway. The large green is also guarded by a bunker on the right, but once on the green, the putt is fairly flat, offering a good scoring chance.
Hole 3: Par 3 184 Yards or 181 Yards This hole features a severely sloping green surrounded by hills and strategic bunkering. Aim short left for the best miss the tee shot, though chipping and putting here are challenging.
Hole 4: Par 4, 426 Yards or 392 Yards A challenging downhill dogleg left. Avoid the native grass on the left and aim for the center of the fairway. An aggressive approach will help you avoid the lake which is short and right of the green.
Hole 5: Par 4 388 Yards or 331 Yards This straightforward hole has a wide fairway. Beware of the bunker on the left side of the green when making your downhill approach shot.
Hole 6: Par 3, 181 Yards or 165 Yards This scenic par-3 plays over a large lake. Club selection is crucial to avoid the water and ten pot bunkers short of the green. The expansive green tests your putting skills but offers a large target.
Hole 7: Par 5, 648 Yards or 570 Yards A long uphill par-5 that requires three shots to reach the green. Hazards on the left and native grass on the right make accuracy essential. Your second shot should aim for a spot that leaves a full swing into the green, which is only visible by the flagstick. Birdies are possible, but a par can be equally rewarding.
Hole 8: Par 4, 308 Yards or 298 A reachable par-4 where your tee shot is crucial. Lay up to a spacious fairway or attempt to drive the green, which is surrounded by thick native areas. Control and accuracy are key.
Hole 9: Par 4, 364 Yards or 338 Yards A short, open par-4 offering a great scoring chance. Avoid the out-of-bounds on the left and the large bunker on the right side of the green. Longer hitters should avoid the green-side bunker to set up a makeable eagle putt.
Hole 10: Par 4, Yards 412 or 377 Yards Starting the back nine, the tee shot is wide open but deceiving. A short layup to about 150 yards is ideal to avoid the ravine and green-side bunker.
Hole 11: Par 3, 178 Yards or 157 Yards This straightforward par-3 can be challenging due to club selection. The green is deep, and the pin position can greatly affect yardage. Choose the wrong club, and par becomes difficult.
Hole 12: Par 4, 374 Yards or 345 Yards A par-4 with out-of-bounds on the left and intimidating bunkers on the right. Accuracy is essential to score on this bunker-filled hole. The green slopes down to a bunker, requiring precise distance control.
Hole 13: Par 5, 508 Yards or 500 Yards This uphill par-5 is the hardest hole and the course and likely requires three shots to reach the small, elevated green. The hole is open with native scrub oak on either side. Reaching the green in two is possible, but a small target makes any miss challenging.
Hole 14: Par 3, 195 Yards or 162 Yards Red Hawk’s signature hole with an 80-foot elevation drop from tee to green. Club selection is crucial due to the elevation change and pin placement. The green is 45 yards deep, guarded by bunkers on the left.
Hole 15: Par 4, 528 Yards or 465 Yards A long downhill par-4, longest on the course, requiring two full shots to reach the green. The green, surrounded by fringe and runoffs, can be difficult to hold if the ball doesn’t come in soft.
Hole 16: Par 5, 571 Yards or 513 Yards A long uphill par-5 with a large bunker on the right narrowing the landing zone. The second shot is also challenging, with a 60-yard grass bunker on the right. The third approach is more straightforward with a clear line from the fairway.
Hole 17: Par 3, 155 Yards or 134 Yards The shortest hole on the course features a tricky green. Nine pot bunkers to the left and a large collection area off the back add to the challenge. Depending on the pin, this hole can be very difficult.
Hole 18: Par 5, 533 Yards or 512 Yards A downhill par-5 offering a great scoring opportunity. The landing zone is wide, but long hitters should beware of the fairway separation. To reach the green in two, you must carry a large lake and a massive bunker. Once on the green, the severe slope can lead to exciting finishes.
Conclusion Red Hawk presents a diverse and challenging course that requires strategic thinking and precise execution. From long, demanding par-5s to short, risk-reward par-4s and picturesque par-3s, each hole offers unique challenges and opportunities for scoring. Mastery of club selection, distance control, and course management will reward golfers with an exhilarating round full of memorable shots. Whether you’re aiming for eagles or navigating tough bunkers, Red Hawk promises a fulfilling and dynamic golfing experience.
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