Men 475m / Par 5
This is the signature hole at Blackwood and the first of four strong finishing holes with lots risk and reward opportunities off the tee and into the green. The largest dam on the course awaits any tee shot missing the fairway left but for those wishing to set-up a potential second shot to the green the tee shot must be directed across the right edge of the dam. The conservative approach to the hole is a tee shot of around 220m down the centre of the fairway, an iron or hybrid favouring the right side of the fairway to flat area at top of the hill around 100m short of the green. The green is set into a hill with a second dam and deep bunker protecting the front left side and a false green on the front right that will repel any shot landing on the front of the green back down the hill to a collection area 5m short. The green has lots of pin position options the most difficult being on a severe slope back left where leaving the approach shot below the hole is a priority. This is an excellent par 5 where birdies and eagles are possible but rare and 7’s and worse are possible and not so rare.
Ladies 405m / Par 5
Long hitters can take on the corner and aim for the upslope of the hill but hit slightly right and you will end up in the trees. Everyone else just aim up the fairway as most balls will run down. Go for the green if you want to take the risk otherwise lay up for an easy pitch to a very big sloping green. Average golfers should stay slightly right all the way to avoid the slopes and water.
