Designer Notes:

Gold Tees: 538 yds Blue Tees: 516 yds White Tees: 469 yds Green Tees: 414 yds

The 8th Hole at the new par-72, 6,700 yard Turtle Creek Golf Course has quickly acquired "signature hole" status. Although not excessively long, the Par 5 hole plays at: Gold - 538 yards; Blue - 516 yards; White - 469 yards; Red - 414 yards. The hole offers numerous playing options, allowing golfers of all skill levels to play to their strengths and capabilities. Potential birdies and pars can quickly become bogeys and double bogeys if a player fails to execute the required shot.

The elevated tee boxes present the golfer's playing options at the outset. The width of the fairway is generous, but if your ball lands in the deeper fescue rough or fairway sand bunkers, be prepared to alter your playing strategy. Only the longer hitting, highly skilled player will attempt to go for the 5,500 square foot green in two. A well placed tee shot that skirts the left fairway bunker and runs to the right side of the fairway will produce the possible 220-250 yard approach shot into the green. However, most golfers will play to the first intended landing area just before the fairway sand bunkers - two on the right and one on the left. Based on the lie, one can lay up to the pond along the left side of the hole or simply play to the fairway bailout area along the right. The ease of the third shot (the approach shot) will be dictated by the level of risk the golfer is willing to accept on the second shot. Playing along the right side of the fairway will lengthen the hole, but provide a more receptive opening to the green, without the required carry over water.

This hole is a splendid example of the strategic design philosophy that is available on all of Turtle Creek's golf holes. Each has its own character and playing options. No two are alike and no hole will play the same way every time. The course is challenging, but fair, and provides a memorable experience for all skill levels in a visually appealing and natural setting.