During my round yesterday I took the time to look around more than normal. The Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort has some picturesque locations and sometimes I forget to take them in when I am looping the course. During my early bird round yesterday, I stopped on the bridge crossing the stream that winds through the course. After taking a deep breath, I looked up and was surprised by the view. I am not sure it is breathtaking, but it sure has a great deal of beauty packed together in one spot.
When I looked at the view, I really saw the architecture of the hole. Before I continue, take a look and see what you see:
The tee box is 50 yards behind where I took this picture. The pin is located in the far distance between the edge of bushes on the right. If I hit a driver and push the ball, I am in the woods on the right. If I pull the ball too far left, I am in the river.. The hole narrows at about 75 yards from the green and there is no bail out area.
The left side is the safe direction to play, but one needs to be careful not to be too aggressive. The safe play off the tee is a three wood. Any distance out to 240 yard is good, however hitting right and you have to hit over the trees on the right that block out the green. The distance from the trees on the right to the green is 35 yards. Not much to play with when making this difficult shot.
What I like about this picture is how it is all tied together. The beauty of this hole is that it offers amazing sight lines that accentuate the risk/reward of the hole.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
I see a birdie op looking at that hole. It’s one that sets up for a draw and that always has suited my eye. I’d be aiming at the third tree in with the ball slightly back in my stance to give me that lower flighted draw and swinging away.
I’m thinking 3 wood off the tee. Something less than a full one. Might hit a 5 wood. Even a 4 hybrid. My guess based on your clues makes the hole maybe 335 out. 240+75+some more to provide the room to clear the trees easy. So my 4 hybrid means 9 iron max for the approach shot.
Scoring clubs. Thus, a birdie hole. So the most sensible play is hit the club I think provides me the best chance to see the green not necessarily get the closest.
That will depend on the day somewhat and depend a lot on where I’m at with my swing. Whatever choice I make I’ll still be sure and note the beauty of the surroundings.
We played a course thats known for its water hazards. Very picturesque. Cyprus swamp meets manicure. Lol..A winding track that can confuse and confound but that always makes you want to come back. Seven Springs is it’s name. Never played it without seeing gators.
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Kevin,
You description of how to play the how works. I have played it that way many times. Usually when the wind is blowing towards the flag. As long as we are in play off the tee, we have an opportunity to hit into this postage stamp green. All kinds of fun on this hole.
Cheers Jim
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