The 10th Hole at
Sedona Golf Resort

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

SEDONA, Az -- Few are the courses that boast par-3 worthy of the signature hole designation. Sure, it is easy to pull off some great scenery with golf's shortest walks, as par-3 lend themselves to elevated tee boxes, which lend themselves to incredible vistas in the southwest. The 10th Hole at the Sedona Golf Resort is worthy of such designation, and fits the scenic bill to a "T".

The Hole: The 10th Hole at the Sedona Golf Resort - a par-3 that plays 200 yards from the tips.

Architect:Gary Panks

The Layout: "From the tee box you look right into Cathedral Rock," says Director of Golf John Benzel. "The hole calls for a long iron for most players. The hole is basically in a bowl, and the left side is bowl shaped."

The 10th is well trapped, with a long bunker located on the right side of the green. The green itself is not large, weighing in at about 7000 square feet, but there are elephants buried underneath it.

The Strategy: According to Benzel is to favor the left side of the hole so if you miss hit, you'll still end up on the generous left side of green. But as it is prudent to do on any par-3, pay close attention to the hole location. Says Benzel, "If the pin is in the back you better get it there, or else you are looking at a very possible three putt.

The Average Golfer: Should employ the same strategy as the savvy veteran or highly skilled player - club selection is everything.

Don't Play: Your shot too far left you are going to find yourself in the desert. The bowl like terrain of the hole usually keeps most tee shots playable, but a real pull or a weak high fade can leave you bowl free and out of bounds.

Play the Hole: "Early morning when there are nice shadows and the sun is coming up from the east with the hole pointing straight north," says Benzel.

Inside the numbers: The 10th hole is the NO. 10 handicap hole. But anyone who has ever teed it up knows that long par-3's usually play much harder than billed.

Wanna Play?: CLASSIFICATION: Resort
GUEST POLICY: Open
DRESS CODE: Collared shirt, no cutoffs, denim OK
SEASON: Open all year
TEE TIMES: Accepted 14 days in advance.
EARLIEST TIME TO CALL: 7:00 AM
PRO SHOP PHONE: (928)284-9355
PRO SHOP OPENS: 7:00 AM