Hole No. 5 at Crystal Mountain's Mountain Ridge Course: Similar to Pinehurst?

By Ray Brewer, Contributor

THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. - Let's be honest, not everyone is fortunate enough to golf a world famous course like Pinehurst in North Carolina.

Pictures are one thing, but actually getting to step foot on the course and swing your sticks is an entirely different story.

If you live close to northern Michigan, there might be a suitable replacement.

Brad Dean, head PGA professional at Crystal Mountain Resort, believes hole No.5 on the resort's Mountain Ridge course is similar to a hole you'd find golfing at Pinehurst.

"This hole is very reminiscent of a Pinehurst North Carolina course with a lot of big sandy waste areas with the pine trees," Dean says on the resort's web page. "It is especially beautiful from the back tee with the backdrop of pine trees behind the green and the sand surrounding the green."

With the help of Dean, here's a look at how to conquer the fifth hole.

THE HOLE: It's a par-three, 203 yards out from the back blue tees. This 14 handicap hole includes a 20-foot elevation drop from tee to green.

THE LAYOUT: According to Dean, this hole is a challenge.

But it is also a sight that can't be overlooked.

"There is a lot of contrasting color from the green, fairway and tee," Dean said. "The green is also surrounded by pine trees."

On the left side of the hole, there are four bunkers that guard the green.

THE STRATEGY: "One thing you have to do is to beware of the elevation change," Dean said. "Typically the winds blow from west to the east so you always have to take into consideration that the winds will be there."

Dean says to play the right side of the green to avoid the bunkers on the left. If you miss to the right, you will leave yourself an easy chip to the green.

"Almost two-thirds of the green you can run up on," Dean said. "So being short is not that bad. I would say to use one club less and head to the right with a normal swing. It's a large green, so there is a lot of room to work with."

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