Hole Profile - The 10th Hole at Marsh Ridge is a Challenge

By Ray Brewer, Contributor

GAYLORD, Mich. - "Escape the ordinary and discover the extraordinary," it states on the web-site for the Marsh Ridge Resort.

This theory holds true for the entire 18-hole golf course - especially hole No. 10.

Hole No. 10 offers a breathtaking glimpse of the course from its raised tee box. In addition to the scenery, there are marshlands that can jump out and bite you and plenty of hazards that add to the challenge.

Luckily for us, the resort's head professional Ken Anderson took some time to offer some pointers on attacking their signature hole.

THE HOLE: The 10th hole at Marsh Ridge is a par-3, 160-yards with an elevated tee over the marsh.

This hole allows the golfers to be creative in his/her plan of attack and club selection, with each golfer having the opportunity to succeed by using different methods.

THE LAYOUT: The hole is surrounded by trouble.

"There is a pond of the right and bunker on the left," Anderson said. "And there is marsh in the front and the back."

The good news is that there is nothing down the middle, so if you can keep your shots straight, then you'll be in good shape.

THE STRATEGY: This is where Anderson takes the controls.

"This hole takes some playing to get the feel," Anderson said. "You have to take into account the direction of the wind. If it's [the wind] in your face, then use an extra club. But if it's by your back go down a club."

Anderson uses his eight-iron from the tee box and goes for the green on his first shot. Once on the green, it's a shot for birdie.

THE AVERAGE GOLFER: Should analyze two things before teeing off.

First, the elevation drop and secondly the direction of the wind. Both factors will influence your tee shot.

And if that first tee shot isn't exactly on line, then a high score is sure to follow.

WANNA PLAY?
Classification: resort
Guest Policy: open
Dress Code: No tank tops, shorts or jeans. Non-metal spikes
Tee times: Can be made a year in advance
Earliest time to call: 7 a.m.
Pro shop number: 1-800-968-2633

June 3, 2002