Holes 1-3: Apps
The first three holes exemplify the VIGCC course philosophy - narrow fairways with sloping and uneven footing and ravines running through the natural approach lines. All three can be parred - all three can be double-bogied.
Hole 1: The Vashon Maury Show
This hole is emblematic of what’s to come. Tree-lined fairways that slope and are bisected by a ravine. Both the drive and approach encourage missing to the left.
Path to Par
Shot 1: Driver 250
Better to miss left than right.
Fairway opens up, let it rip.
Shot 2: 9-I, 120
Better to miss left than right.
Green is always surprisingly fast, lag putt is critical.
Hole 2: The Tube
A par four with a deceptive tee box. The tree line on the right side is the optimal line, but missing right can land you in tree jail (or worse, the drink.) The smarter play is to aim slightly left and club up for the approach.
Path to Par
Shot 1: 3W, 215
No need for driver, risk of water right, gulley long, jail left.
Line is just left of trees on right.
Shot 2: GW, 100
Do not go long middle.
Green has false front and falls off to the left, play to the right.
Hole 3: The Salt Mines
A very deceptive tee box, the optimal line is over the trees to the left.
Path to Bogie
Shot 1: Driver 250
Play to the left, including in the fairway of the Tube.
Line is directly over big tree to the left.
Shot 2: PW 110
Green crashes to the right, play to the left and let it roll.
Long and right are very bad.