I've been reluctant to share many renderings of specific golf holes up until this point, mostly due to the fact that tweaks are constantly being made to the layout.  However, once the clay is down for the closed-loop irrigation changes to the layout are much less frequent and if made, much smaller in scale.  Since we are at that stage for many holes on the Norman course I am going to start reviewing the layout three holes at a time. 

As we get into 2009 and have grass down on both courses, I will do a more in depth study on each hole providing photography, video, and hopefully some comments from either the Designers or Player Consultants.   But for now you get a rendering and amateur commentary from a golf pro turned marketing geek...

AT&T Oaks Course-Holes 16 to 18 Hole 16:  A medium length par 3, slightly uphill and headed back toward the clubhouse.  The Tour tees will not only add length, but provide a much tougher line into back hole positions.  Green is moderately bunkered, but a decent tee shot should provide a legitimate shot at Birdie.

Hole 17:  Risk-Reward downhill par 4.  Yardage stretches to just over 350 yards, but it plays a little downhill so reaching the green should be a distinct possibility for the longer players, particularly if the tees are moved up a set for any tournament played here.   Green is protected by a menacing front-left bunker.

Hole 18:  Another Risk-Reward hole, this time a par 5.  Hole plays slightly back uphill with a beautiful shot of the clubhouse veranda far left of the green complex.  A good drive will provide a tough decision, lay-up or take a crack at the green.  However, if choosing to go for it in two, not only will the second shot require a forced-carry over water, it will also demand a precise shot as anything that leaks right will end of in the creek that runs parallel to the green.  Playing a safe shot to the left is no benefit either as two large bunkers protect the left hand side of the green and will prove a tough up and down.  Laying up is obviously an option, but even the best layup will still require a precise third shot into a narrow green that is fronted by water and protects long shots with the two large bunkers. 

What I like most about this stretch of holes is that while disaster lurks on 18, a player could conceivably finish 2-2-3 (5 under) if they play this stretch perfectly.  No lead in the clubhouse will be safe at the AT&T Oaks Course...