3 Favorite Holes: Indian Wells

Indian Wells features water on 15 holes, outstanding greens and great value, but which holes will you remember after you’ve left the course? We asked general manager Steve Hamrick to name his three favorite holes, and he gladly agreed.

No. 1, 491-yard, par 5 – The relatively short opening hole gives players the opportunity for a good start, something Hamrick appreciates. Water runs along the entire left side so danger lurks. The green is reachable in two, but players must be careful, particularly when hitting driver off the tee. Any drive over 270 that leaks left has the potential of landing with a splash.

“It’s a risk-reward hole,” Hamrick said. “If you hit two good shots, you can hit the green, or there is room to layup. Starting out you have a chance to make birdie and that puts you in a good mood.”

No. 17, 210-yard, par 3 – The course’s longest par 3 by nearly 20 yards, the 17th can play even longer depending on the wind. Water runs the length of the hole on the left and its kidney-bean shaped green isn’t particularly large. The 17th isn’t an easy green to hit or hold, but it’s a great challenge and a beautiful hole.

No. 18, 410-yard par 4 – With bunkers on both sides and a fairway that ends at yet another lake, this is Indian Wells’ toughest hole.  The water is just 272 yards from the back tees, so it’s a factor no matter where you are playing from. Throw in a large pine tree that sits between the fairway and the green and positioning off the tee is vital.

“You need to hit your tee shot down the left side,” Hamrick said. “If you are in the middle or right, the tree is in the way. If you play it (correctly), you will be left with 140 to 160 yards into a well-bunkered green.”

Players open a round at Indian Wells with one of the course’s easiest holes and close with the hardest. In between is a layout that offers a lot of fun.

What are your favorite holes at Indian Wells?