Melbourne Sandbelt | 6 nights, 5 games

A classic opening hole, it is seen to preview perfectly the style, quality and beauty of the course, and at only 303m, it provides a comfortable start to the round. Its key strategic feature is the decision required for the first shot of the day. Whether to be short and safe or to fly as much sand as possible for the simpler approach. From the clubhouse at days end, enjoy the view of one of Melbourne's finest golfing landscapes, and contemplate on your earlier tee shot decision.

The view from the tee sets the scene for the typical Commonwealth tree-lined hole, with an inviting fairway and strategically placed hazards. After a good drive care must be taken to keep the second shot on the fairway, thus avoiding the intrusions of the rough on the left and the sand on the right. Although the third shot to the small multi-level green should be with a short iron, a cavernous bunker at the front right or the prospect of a very tricky chip for those who miss on the left, fills the mind with uncertainty. For the very long hitters, the second shot to the small opening of the green requires great accuracy.

At 390m it is the first of the long par 4 holes. Played to the north, it is generally influenced by the prevailing winds, while other hazards include the extensive left side fairway bunkers and the natural lake on the right. Thus the penalty for missing this fairway is severe. The second shot to the green can be played through a narrow opening with the right side bunker encroaching at the front. A bold approach shot is required to make the green. The bunkers on both sides of the sloping green provide no easy recovery prospect for an errant approach. It is a hole to enjoy and a par is good golf.

While not long it is a hole of decision. Drive safely down the left side of the fairway and play your second across a dangerous bunker to a green sloping left to right. Or, make a positive drive over the corner bunker and gain the reward of a more straightforward shot in. You stand up to your second shot knowing that any shot at the green can be caught by the dip just short directing the ball left, and an up-and-down from the greenside bunker to a green sloping sharply away from you is rare. Even so the bunker acts as if it were a magnet. While birdie 3 appears possible par is a good result.

Picturesque from the elevated tee this hole rewards those who can finish close to the right side fairway bunker providing a good view of the green for the second shot. Drive to the left side and the illusory bunker short of the green creates deception in distance and the left greenside bunkers seem to attract the second shot. The choice of club for the second shot needs to be precise. Those landing short pull up quickly leaving a long putt over the hump in the green, those hitting on the back half of the green often run down the slope and through the green leaving a delicate chip to secure par.

At 531m this genuine three-shot par 5 is considered one of Melbourne's best and hardest, particularly into a southerly wind. Driving on to the sloping fairway is vital and the second shot is best long and down the right side of the fairway. This position offers the best approach to the long narrow and sharply sloping green set at an angle to the fairway. Anywhere left with your second shot brings the greenside bunkers very much into play. Then if your approach is short or right, you risk falling back off the green. An up-and-down from the greenside bunkers requires great skill. Even avoiding the ball running off the other side of the green requires a good shot. Par is an excellent score and birdies are rare.

The longest of the par 3s has a generous green heavily bunkered left. This hole is a challenge to the player with lengthy carry who can put stop on the ball. A pin position in the front half of the green offers an easier tee shot, while the pin position anywhere in the back half of the green brings all the sand into play. Because of the hole's orientation the often south-westerly or north-westerly winds can make this hole very long. Par is a good result.

Many club members consider this hole one of their favourites. The walk to the tee, the tee outlook and the green landscape are all attractive features. The fairway bunker is located adjacent to the ideal position from the tee and the fairway narrows in this area. Right side play requires an approach to an elevated two-tiered green over an extensive array of sand. Not easy and prospects are poor for an-up-and down from any of the greenside bunkers. Again, the fairway is a must from the tee and club selection for your second merits extra consideration.

Despite its short length a testing hole with a green sloping sharply right to left and back to front. A tee shot on the green is very desirable, as an up-and-down from the right side bunkers generally requires a minor miracle and the danger is, hit too far left to avoid these bunkers and risk rolling off the left down the steep slope into rough leaving a tough chip. Prevailing winds make club selection important. An extra club is recommended to reach a pin placement in the back half of the green otherwise a long first putt uphill will be needed. Finish above the hole to a forward pin placement and be faced with a very slick downhill first putt.

On this dog leg par 5 it is important to get the tee shot on the fairway. Too far left will mean the second shot is cut off from a direct line to the green while on the right, sand awaits. From the drive, the fairway slopes down to provide a good overview of the remainder of the hole. This features a lot of sand in the approach area and a playing decision is required whether to charge with a long shot or to lay up short. At 38m the green is the longest on the course so club choice for the third shot varies widely according to pin placement.

Arguably the toughest par 4 on the course. The bunkers on the right hand corner of the fairway tempt you and a very well hit drive will clear these and leave a short iron approach. A long drive hit left will end up in the rough and a chip out at best.

At almost the highest point of the course one can see down the full length of the 12th and 7th holes. Be wary when lining up the tee shot as the tee points slightly to the right to a fairway bunker over 50m long. The fairway bunker on the left is out of range for all but the longest hitters so it provides an ideal line to aim the tee shot for most players. Choose the second shot club carefully as there is a deceptive dip in front of the green likely to confuse one's judgment.

This is a birdie hole if you can get your drive away. At 444 metres it is often hit in two by the long hitters but the key issue to hit a straight drive. If you end up in the trees or bunkers then a bogey is more than likely the outcome.

This is a fairly straightforward hole of moderate length which shapes gently to the right. The only trouble is a few gum trees on the left side of the fairway which can block the second shot.

A grand display of sand at its front means the only option is to fly to the green on this picturesque 147m hole. While there are no bunkers at the rear this area is only slightly more agreeable than the front as the ground falls sharply away from the rear and both sides of the green. The sloping green allows for a variety of putts depending on the pin position. The prudent playing strategy is to club yourself to comfortably clear the front bunkers and make it to the centre of the green. Birdies await the accurate tee shot but par is a more likely result.

As you stand on this tee the thought which invariably goes through your mind is not to hit the ball in the water. The water in question is a large pond running down the whole left hand side of the fairway. Bite off more than you can chew and a double bogey will be your best result. The approach is easiest when played as close to the pond as possible but more often than not the drive is pushed right away from the pond.

This is a great short drive and pitch hole. The drive needs to be sufficiently long to see the green as a blind approach shot is very difficult. Treat the approach with respect because if the green is missed right or left a very difficult chip awaits.

A challenging finishing hole. Drive down the left side of the fairway and enjoy a safer more direct second shot into the well-bunkered green. But a little further left and a much more difficult shot from the rough is required while also having to contend with the Banksia tree on the corner. Drive down the right side, and the opening to the green for the longer iron second suddenly appears much narrower between the huge bunker complex on the right of the green, and the likelihood that a second shot left will feed into the left side bunkers. Recognize that any shots played from past the dogleg corner will be under watchful eyes from the bar or from diners on the enclosed balcony. Par here, no matter how the rest of the round has gone, is a very satisfying result.

A really crucial opening hole. Obviously you want to get off to a good start. Take a driver from the first tee and on a calm day this leaves me some 150 metres with a 7 iron second shot uphill. Keep to the right half of the green to avoid the bunkers on the left from which any shot is a difficult one.

A 2 iron or rescue club off the tee favouring the left half of the fairway because you can be sure of getting around the corner, followed by a full wedge or easy 9 iron to the green which is surrounded by rebuilt and effective greenside bunkers. The green has also been rebuilt with interesting slopes and undulations.

This two tier green is surrounded by deep bunkers, a straight shot is required with a mid to long iron from the tee.

The fairway bunkers on the left, and the trees on the right, call for an accurate tee shot. The wide green offers variation to pin placements. The right side of the green is well guarded by bunkers while the left side is open for golfers wishing to play safely.

This long par 3 slightly uphill demands accuracy with most good players using a long iron. The three tier green adds interest to putting and the greenside bunkers have this green well guarded.

Driver down the left side of the fairway is the correct strategy on this long sweeping par 5. Longer hitters looking for the green in 2 shots must be sure to stay out of the fairway bunker on the right side of the fairway as a mid to short iron will be required to safely clear the front lip of the trap.

Position on this hole is everything. You feel like you've dropped a shot if you have to settle for a par. Take a driver from the tee, which usually leaves a 3 or 4 iron to the green.

Take on the hole with driver and leave yourself a small wedge in, or take the safe route and hit rescue or an iron from the tee. Either way, stick to the right half of the fairway and avoid the fairway bunker. Take careful note of the pin position so as not leave yourself an impossible putt on a very difficult green.

One of the toughest holes on the course. With no wind take a driver or 3 wood from the tee which leaves a 7 or 8 iron to the green. Once again the centre of the green is the target.

Like the 7th, I feel a 5 here is a bogey. A good drive, skirting the fairway bunker, leaves a 2 or 3 iron to the green where you tend to aim front right. There is less trouble in that right hand corner.

A drawn tee shot runs past the traps on the right leaving an 8 iron approach which must carry the left-hand traps. Also one of the most difficult greens to putt.Most players would cheerfully take 4 here every time.

Aim for the centre of the green on this deeply bunkered par 3 as the green is long and narrow. Club selection can vary from 4 iron to 8 iron depending on tee location and wind direction.

Play to a position in front of the first bunker on the right side of the fairway to eliminate the potential score blowouts that can arise from a encounter with the water hazard. From here use a mid iron to approach to a green that is angled away from the fairway and surrounded on both sides by very deep bunkers.

A challenging "600 + yard" par 5. A careful second shot is required to the undulating fairway which has trees and a carefully positioned fairway bunker on the right hand side and a new water hazard on the left. A large green awaits the approach with 4 or 5 difficult flag placements available to test the players.

A totally different hole with water very apparent on the left. The green is large with great variety in it's undulations. There are deep bunkers on the right and when the wind gets up it will play havoc with the shot to the green. Putting will be especially demanding on this green with several testing flag placements available.

A markedly different proposition off the tee. The bunker in the centre of the fairway will make the player on the tee think. A driver up the right half will usually be best. The prevailing wind will have a big influence on the strategy adopted as will the player's position in the event. A real "Risk and Reward" proposition. The greenside bunkers are wonderful.

A totally different feeling on the tee with the opening up of the fairway. A driver with a fade can be played with greater ease but the water will be easily reached down breeze. Another large rolling green awaits a mid iron approach to a difficult putting surface.

One of golf's toughest finishing holes. Excellent fairway bunkering left and deep scrub on the right make this a treacherous driving hole. Swales and hollows through the back will very much be in play and more demands will be placed on the accuracy of shots to the large undulating green.

A long, accurate drive is required on this straight par four. Heavy rough and fairway bunkers make the first shot most demanding. An excellent starting hole.

A well placed tee shot will leave only a short, uninterrupted pitch to the green. However, heavy timber on the left could spell trouble for any wayward shots or shortcut attempts. Accuracy, not distance, is the key.

This is the shortest par four on the course. Most players will be looking for birdies here, but the terraced green is very undulating and could turn a potential one-putt into three.

The fairway is wide open, but a drive to the left affords the best approach to the heavily bunkered green. Once again, the green has many undulations and slopes from back to front.

Although this is the longest par three on the course, it is a fairly straightforward hole. There are plenty of sand traps on both sides, but the size of the green provides reasonable margin for error off the tee.

A difficult par four requiring a long drive and a long second shot. A string of bunkers waits to snare any approach straying right, although the area around the green itself is fairly clear.

The par five seventh hole is a definite birdie or eagle chance. Drive down the left centre of the fairway, short of the cross bunker. I favour a fairway wood or long iron to pass the small swale at the entrance of the green. Any shot short of the swale is very difficult to judge.

Another long par four requiring placement off the tee. The drive must be kept left to open up the green and avoid fairway traps and rough on the corner of the dogleg. The green is severely bunkered on the left.

A relief, but accuracy is essential. Many will use an iron from the tee. The green slopes from left to right and is virtually surrounded by bunkers and thick bush.

There should be plenty of birdies on this short hole, but any misdirected shots will finish in either heavy rough or one of the numerous bunkers, which surround the green.

This hole has many pitfalls. Fairway bunkers just over 200 metres from the tee, heavy timber on either side, and an out of bounds behind the narrow green. There will be more bogeys than birdies on this tough hole.

A solid par 5, and a real birdie chance with three well executed shots. However, the players, who take the shortest line along the left, must contend with fairway traps, thick timber, and an out of bounds.

Another potential birdie opportunity, but again the tee shot should be well placed. Any shot hit to the right will leave a more difficult approach over bunkers to the small green.

The longest hole, where birdies will be scarce. Bunkers 45 metres short of the green leave little opening for long hitters attempt to get close in two. An out of bounds left and behind the green provides an additional mental hazard.

This hole is considered by many to be one of the best par three's in Australia. The very narrow green is protected by deep bunkers on both sides and slopes sharply from back to front.

The first of a trio of great finishing par four's. This hole doglegs right with a large number of bunkers perfectly placed to deter or challenge long hitters. The extremely fast, sloping green requires a delicate putting touch.

An extremely difficult par four, particularly if the wind is blowing from the north. Any shot hooked to the left is 'dead', and the huge, sloping putting surface will produce many three-putts.

An accurate long iron approach is required to set up a par on this hole. The green is guarded by traps on both sides and like the previous 17, has many rolls and borrows.

The tee shot should be played right of the fairway bunker on the left. The second shot to an open green requires a long iron or fairway wood.

One of the most picturesque holes on the course. The hole is heavily bunkered and the green moderately contoured. Anything not landing on the green will bring about a tough second shot.

A two-tiered green sloping from left to right requires a tee shot to be played into the right hand side of the fairway. Such positioning opens up the second shot to the green. However, the greenside bunkers on the left is one to stay away from.

A fairway bunker jutting out from the right side of the fairway requires a tee shot down the left. The second shot should be played short of the bunkers, allowing a pitch to a slightly elevated green. This hole favours the long hitters.

Another hole made more difficult by the addition of a new championship tee. Two deep fairway bunkers are right in play down the left side of the driving area, the right hand fairway bunker is of little concern. The green features a huge slope off the shoulder of the right hand greenside bunker and if the flag is in the right half of the green an approach from the left half of the fairway - usually with a short or mid iron - is ideal. Widely regarded as one of the classic holes on the course.

The 6th is the second of three front nine par fives and the player must drive to the far left side of the dogleg if an approach over the huge gum trees that block both the shot and view down to the green is to be avoided. Jack Nicklaus, famously, carried the fairway bunker that stretches across the left half of the fairway (270 metres) with a driver and a small ball in the 1967 Australian P.G.A Championship. The green and surrounds have been redesigned, the new cavernous bunkers and heavily contoured green require skilled shotmaking whether from a long second or short third shot.

The longest par three on the course is characterized by a generous green sloping from the top right to the bottom left from the tee. A long iron or wood is required.

A big fairway bunker has to be negotiated with the drive. The second shot should be placed on the right side of the fairway, which makes the approach considerably easier as the green slopes from left to right.

A perfect hole to drag out that tired old story of "when I was your age I could drive it across those trees". In 1968 Nicklaus flew it over the corner trees on this sharp dogleg right with a three wood and hit a wedge to the green for four straight days but "the trees were only so high when I was your age". They have grown up so tall now it's impossible to pull that shot off. Most play down to the corner with a long iron or a three wood and if the driver comes out it has to be perfectly faded around the corner or it runs through the fairway. The second shot can vary between a four iron down to an eight or nine. This is the most beautifully contoured and shaped green on the golf course - being on in two is no guarantee of a par.

A long dogleg left plays all of its length. The hole requires two good shots to reach the large green in two.

A testing par three. The green slopes diagonally as you look at it from the tee-box. The tee shot should be directed towards the left part of the green. Play conservatively.

Off the tee, the ideal position is the centre right part of the fairway to avoid sand traps on the left. The second shot should be played to the right side of the green, taking the front bunkers out of play.

Playing to a large, well bunkered green, a shot to the middle of the putting surface is desirable. if you miss the green, be prepared for a tough up and down.

A dogleg left as well as fairway bunkers on that side demand a shot to the right of the fairway off the tee. From there the second shot should be played to within pitching distance of the green with a chance for birdie. This hole favours the long hitters.

This is probably the most difficult of Metropolitan's par fours and again the strategy is simple and clear. A long bunker with a high lip sits into the left side of the fairway and a green that angles from its front left corner to the back right clearly favours an approach from close to the fairway bunker. A greenside bunker closes off the flag for those approaching from the right and only a big high fade will get the job done for those who fly their drives too far to the right.

This short par four doglegs sharply right around several deep fairway bunkers that have proved pivotal in deciding at least two Australian Opens. Bob Shearer in 1979 and Ian Baker-Finch in 1986 both drove into the bunkers and made killer bogeys that cost them their chance in those tournaments. Some can drive far enough to reach the green but it's almost impossible to keep such a long shot on the small sloping green. Often the pin placement dictates the best place to play to from the tee with the most difficult pin to get close to being behind the front right bunker, when the flag is there it's often easier to approach from 70 metres than it is from 30. A wonderful example of how great a well designed short par four can be.

A single deep bunker that is almost impossible to hit the green from, sits in the left side of the driving area. It's the one place not to go. Some curiously sited trees (but favorites of the members) 60 metres short of the green make for a blind second for those who have driven to the right, although that is the only effect they have in the play of the hole. The green is relatively large, not in truth that difficult to hit and only when the pin is tucked close to the bunkers do they have much influence on the approach.

The championship tee added for the 1997 Australian Open stretched this hole out to 433 metres and into a wind from the north it's a brutally difficult hole. The hole is actually dead straight and it is the blocked drive that is caught by the fairway bunkers down the right, but when the flag is on the left of the green it's clearly best to approach from close to the bunkers. In the 1979 Australian Open, Greg Norman hit two terrific shots, the second with a five iron, just under the tier of the two level green and then three putted to lose by one to Jack Newton. Eighteen years later in 1997, from almost exactly the same spot, Norman three putted in the playoff with Lee Westwood to lose the Open again.

A good open driving hole, this presents a wide area leading up to a big green with little danger. But it's a deceptive hole, with a hooked tee shot leading to danger in unplayable trees on the left. A deep trap on the right of the green, plus a grassy mound and deep rough on the left, makes it a little deceptive. A hard par four and not a lot of birdies.

A fast sloping green stands between a par and a possible eagle as this hole can be reached in two. There's plenty of room for the drive and a long iron can put big hitters on the green if they carry the bunkers guarding the entrance to the hole. Hitting too far left will find some thick ti-tree or maybe heavy rough - or the deep bunker.

This is a real birdie chance, with a good drive able to set up a comfortable approach pitch. But beware - the green slopes down over the back and it's easy to finish well past the pin. Bunkers on the left are dangerous, but it's an open approach.

A tough hole that is a good par if achieved. The drive goes over a hill, with fairway bunkers looming for the short shot. A wood or long iron approach must be straight, as bunkers on either side of the green are trouble.

Accuracy and the right choice of club makes this a superb par three hole. A middle iron is needed to cross a valley to the green, heavily fortified with bunkers. The fast green has a steep slope from front to back and is a tricky test.

Rated as the most difficult green on the course, the early shots are crucial. A sharp dog leg makes it vital that the tee shot carries a minimum of 200-metres across dense rough and fairway traps, in order to leave the ball in the right position. The elevated green slopes towards the front and produces many three putts.

A deceptively easy-looking hole where club selection is vital. The tee shot must be well-placed, with the narrow green and difficult undulations making long putts tough. It goes uphill from the tee, with plenty of bunkers, especially for those who over-shoot the green.

The 8th Hole is a deceptive Par 4 that requires a well judged second shot, to a flat green, that slopes towards the back bunkers.

The 9th Hole is a testing Par 4, uphill to the green, well bunkered on both sides.

A tempting hole for the big hitters, especially if they attack the pin by cutting the corner. But that's where the danger is, as the sand bunker is huge and a miss can be penalised. It's short, but suits the disciplined players who go the right way around. But watch the long drivers tackle that corner!

A deceptive hole that tempts the big hitters who challenge the fairway trap and rough on the left as they go direct. A second shot to a sloping green is a long haul and must be accurate, with bunkers guarding the entrance. A drive and a four iron can still produce many bogies.

A lengthy fairway which requires a couple of long shots, especially off the tee where some early bunkers await the strong hitters. This modified par four becomes difficult into the northerly wind.

The 13th Hole is a challenging short Par 3, with a pitched green making it difficult to get close to the pin.

The 14th Hole is a very good Par 4 with the green sloping right to left, making it hard to get close to the pin.

The 15th Hole is a short but tricky Par 5 which can be reached with an iron. The green slopes sharply to the front.

An extremely tough Par 3 noted for its extensive bunkers and small green. Woods are often required from the tee, however don't overplay, lay up short to find an easier approach.

Again two long shots are required, with the drive passing some bunkers on the left-hand side of the fairway. It's a tight driving hole and the second shot to a modified green needs a mid to short iron depending on the wind. Dangerous traps on the right make for a straight approach.

This is a pleasant-looking hole, but full of danger. A dog-leg to the right means the drive must carry upwards and over 200-metres to present an approach shot from a downhill lie. The green looks awesome, well-protected by bunkers, but a good eight iron lobbed nicely will pay dividends.

A well-hit tee shot could skip between bunkers and roll to a stop very close to the flagstick. Any tee shot landing short will either bounce into sand or require a deft high pitch to an undulating putting surface.

Aiming left of the 3 fairway bunkers makes sense on this hole; however, long tee shots often run through the fairway into trouble. When the tee markers are forward a three wood is a good selection.

A difficult par four, with bunkers on the both sides of the fairway which will snare any shot that strays from the tees. About 160 metres from the back of the right fairway bunker to a green with a narrow opening.

A tightly bunkered one-shotter to a heavily sloping green, protected by gaping bunkers. Most balls finish short on this hole in the front bunker.

Playing this hole at its full length means the fairway bunker is out of reach for most players. A left to right second shot is the best option if the green is within range.

A difficult par four which needs a long and straight tee shot to avoid thick trees on the right and sand on the left. From the start of the first bunker on the left there are about 190 metres to the centre of a heavily trapped green.

A challenging par three. Usually a shot hit to the left of the green will bounce and swing to the centre of the putting surface. A deep bunker guards the right-hand side of the green.

Long hitters find a very narrow landing area on the 8th, however the temptation is always there as the green is reachable in two shots.

Players capable of carrying the hill with their second shots enjoy a huge advantage on this hole. For many players four shots are needed. Fairway bunkers are severe on both sides.

Bend your tee shot to the left on this par four to avoid deep bunkers at the corner of this slight dog-leg. From here the second shot is about 125 metres from a bushy tree at the right of the fairway to an elevated and well bunkered green.

A difficult two-shotter, through an avenue of trees slightly to the right, with lots of trouble along that side of the fairway. The second shot is slightly uphill to a heavily trapped and tricky green.

At its full length this hole is best played as a par 5 by most golfers. From the forward markers in favourable conditions the fairway bunkers can be carried reducing the hole to a wedge second.

This par four requires a tee shot hit over a crest, with a second shot from a downhill lie. The bunker at the right of the fairway is some 185 metres to a ridge on the green.

This par three is the easiest hole on the course (in theory) and should bring some breathing space. However, it requires difficult uphill play to a heavily trapped green that contains many vicious rolls. A difficult short hole.

A very short par four that can be reached in one with a tee shot aimed right of centre. The ball will kick left from there towards the green. There are trees on the right and a stray shot will also be snared by bunkers along the left.

A par three which is usually affected by the wind. The conditions will determine a long iron or a wood which must be struck uphill boldly to avoid trouble all around the green.

A dog-leg par five which curves to the right and requires three good hits to a very fast putting surface with a tricky borrow. Avoid the fairway bunkers on both sides, the closest of which is some 140 metres to the left-hand side of the green.

This par five offers the golfer the chance to finish with a birdie four. However, strategically placed bunkers catch many tee and second shots. The green falls sharply from right to left and may require several putts.

A testing dog leg to start the round. When playing this hole down breeze take an iron or 3-wood to leave a mid to short iron into a receptive green. Bigger hitters can take on the trees, or shape a right to left shot around the corner to create a genuine birdie opportunity.

A good drive left of centre to avoid the fairway bunkering and out of bounds fence along the right hand side will give longer hitters an opportunity to go for the green in two. A player of average length can play an iron or 3-wood for the second shot to leave a short iron into a small narrow green.

Players of average length need to avoid a cluster of fairway bunkers on the right to leave a short iron to a small and well-bunkered green. Longer hitters can take on the corner to leave a short pitch and another birdie opportunity. Any shots that run through this green can leave a very difficult chip to a back to front sloping green.

Position from the tee is paramount to allow any chance of attacking this narrow green. The green is easily reachable, but any shots left or right of pin high leaves a near impossible up and down. Ideal position from the tee is short right to leave a short pitch into a green protected by steep banking on either side.

The 5th hole is the first of the four par threes. A medium length hole at 166 metres, the green is set amid a desert of sand. From the tee it is a daunting tee shot and the club to use varies from a 2-iron into a strong northerly to a 6-iron on a calm day.

A well placed tee shot is just the beginning of successfully negotiating this strategically designed par 5. The left to right sloping fairway requires a drive down the left side to avoid running down toward the waiting bushland. The second shot can be placed down the left side to avoid the hummocks and thick rough, or longer hitters can attempt to carry the trouble and leave a short pitch into a left to right sloping green. Better to miss this green on the right to avoid difficult green side bunkering on the left.

A par on this hole is a good result with most long hitters using a long iron for accuracy followed by an 8 or 9 iron to a very small green. Beware the green as it slopes away to the right quite severely.

The 8th hole is a tough, long par 3 where par is always a good score. It is heavily trapped on both sides and requires a long iron to hit the green. If you do miss the green then it is better to do so short where a deft chip should secure your par.

A slightly dog legged par 4 generally played into a northerly headwind. The tee shot must be down the left hand side to open the green for anything from a fairway wood to medium length iron. The large bunkers 20 metres short of the green catch anything short, and anything right of the green runs away leaving a difficult up and down. Par is a good result here.

This tough par 4 presents a challenging start to the back nine. A good straight drive can reach the top of the crest some 200 metres away. The approach must be accurate as there is thick woodland on both sides of the fairway, and heavy bunkering protecting this small green which slopes away from left to right. Cross bunkers 40 metres in front of this green catch anything short. The stretch of holes through the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th at Woodlands presents an excellent test of golf.

The shortest of all par 3's at Woodlands. This small green is bordered on three sides by large bunkers and thick wiry rough at the back. A good opportunity to catch your breath after the previous stretch of demanding holes.

A shortish par 4 of classic design, which rewards an accurate tee shot. The narrow fairway slopes away on the right hand side catching any loose drives so anything down the left of centre is premium here. Anything too long and left can be caught by the fairway bunkering, so a 3 wood from the tee is a sensible option depending on the wind. The narrow green is well protected by deep bunkers either side, and a steep slope behind catches anything through the green.

The 13th is a short par 4 where the best option is to play safe with a long iron or 3 wood. The large fairway bunker on the left is not the place to be and anything laid up only requires a 9-iron or wedge to hit the green.

A straight tee shot is needed down a very narrow fairway, bordered on either side by heavy scrub and trees. The approach must then thread its way past extensive and deep bunkering on either side of the entrance to a green considered generous in size by Woodlands' standards.

A monster from the back tees, a par is a great result even from the members tees on a par 5 fraught with danger from tee to green. A fearsome set of cross bunkers stretch across the fairway some 80 metres from the green, after negotiating these an elevated green protected by a deep greenside bunker on the left and steep slope on the right and behind awaits.

A difficult par 4 generally played into a prevailing wind. The ideal position for the tee shot is right of centre to create a better angle for approaching this green protected by a cluster of bunkers along the left hand side.

A receptive green but well protected on the right and in the front by a set of deep bunkers. Anything left finds a steep slope that runs into a deep gully or thick rough beyond this. Players who fail to find this green from the tee can struggle to make par.

A realistic birdie opportunity to close out the round. A good drive can clear the crest of the hill and run down the slope, beware of the out of bounds fence along the right hand side. Cross bunkers 100 metres from the green can be carried by longer hitters, otherwise leave yourself a short iron to a receptive green protected by relatively shallow bunkers on the left side.

A very tight par four requiring an accurate tee shot then an accurate approach shot can set up a birdie opportunity. Bunkers left and right call for an on target shot into the green.

This hole is a slight dog leg to the right and requires a well struck tee shot to the left centre of the fairway. A collection of bunkers, force you to a decide if you will lay up short, or go for the green, which is protected to the right and left by bunkers.

This hole approaches a narrow green and calls for a long iron or wood approach. There are bunkers left and right, so being either short or long should not be a problem.

This hole is a dog leg to the right. Long hitters elect to use a long iron or 3 wood to avoid the fairway bunker on the right hand side of the fairway. The best line is at the white sign in the distance. The green is protected on the right by a large bunker and there are bunkers lurking at the back of the green. So, it is best to aim for the left hand side of the green.

An accurate tee shot is a must. There are bunkers situated left and right of the fairway guarding a small landing area. A short iron can set you up for a birdie chance. Best to be below the hole. Bunkers situated front and back.

A short uphill hole with a long green. Club selection and accuracy are vital. Bunkers right and deep bunkers left catch any stray shot.

Long hitters attempt to carry the fairway bunker on the right opening up the green for a second shot with a long to medium iron.The front left hand side of the green is protected by a well positioned bunker. The green slopes slightly from the front to the back and drops away to the right making approach shots and putting rather difficult.

Position the drive left of centre fairway to leave the second shot clear. A good drive and fairway wood for the second shot sets up a short pitch into the green.

The ninth requires a drive to the right of centre avoiding the fairway bunkers on the left. The second shot is played to a right to left sloping fairway and needs to be kept right of centre avoiding the fairway bunker on the left. The ninth green contains many slopes and bumps, making approach shots and putting tough.

All the trouble here is right. An accurate long iron should be positioned down the left side of the fairway. The second shot is a short iron approach. If you miss the green here its best to be short. The back, left and right sides of the green slope away.

This is a tough hole. Bunkers guard the front of this elevated green and club selection is vital. A three tiered green makes putting difficult.

The twelfth hole requires a tee shot in the left centre of the fairway avoiding the bunker on the right. The second shot is played to an elevated green sloping from the back to the front and dropping away considerably at the front of the green. It is a good idea to hit one more club than you think. Bunkers guard the left and right sides of the green.

Rated number one on the course the thirteenth requires a long tee shot to carry the fairway bunkers and open up the green for your second shot. The green is long and has a large slope from back to front, which makes putting extremely difficult.

This is a straight par four. Position the drive down the left centre of the fairway. The trouble here is the ride side of the green, which is guarded by a bunker.

The trick on this hole is to be on the same level as the pin. Depending on the wind and the pin position, this hole can play short or very long. Bunkers guard the front, left and right sides of the green.

The sixteenth hole offers long hitters the prospect of an eagle putt and most golfers a good chance at a birdie. The drive needs to be in the right centre of the fairway giving you the best line to attack the green with your second shot, which is the left centre of the green. Shorter hitters may elect to lay up short of the bunkers leaving you a pitch and a chance at a birdie.

Trees tightly line the left and right sides of this fairway. Aim the drive down the middle of the fairway to set up a short iron approach. The approach shot is played slightly down hill to a large green.

This is a great short par 5 hole giving you an excellent chance of finishing your round on a good note. The drive needs to be threaded between fairway bunkers left and right. Your second shot should be placed to the left, which opens up the green for a pitch shot. Long hitters can reach the green in two.