Welcome to the Course Caddy, a look at each and every hole in Golden Tee 2014. Over the next few months, we will spend each day looking at a different design, starting with Hole 1 on the first course and ending with the final hole on the final design.

We want—no, NEED—your help in this process!

How do you play a particular design? Share your thoughts on strategy and YouTube uploads in the comment section. Your feedback is integral in the complete understanding of the design.

All holes will then be available for reference on the Course Caddy page—a bookmark must for the entire encyclopedia! Enjoy.

Highland Links Hole No. 9

Before you can officially make the turn at Highland, there’s one obstacle—and more specifically, a ginormous rock—standing in your way. Hole 9 is indeed drivable, although how you decide to drive it may vary.

The rock. Let’s start with the rock.

Smack-dab in the middle of this hole, this rigid structure stands directly between you and the cup. You can go over it, of course, and we’ll get to that, but you can also go around it, too. You have options.

Making this shot slightly more complex is a green that slopes hard—left-eight to be exact. Not only do you have to clear, but you have to land in a position where your ball won’t leak off the green.

The most popular way to attack this hole is by going over, sometimes with a high tee. This shot can be tackled with a 3-wood, 5-wood and driver, although the woods will provide more comfort when it comes to clearing the obstacle. While the driver can get over, often times it depends on what part of the rock you hit over.

The woods—along with the option of a high tee—give you options, however. This, more times than not, will be the shot you should attempt.

With certain setups, however, this won’t be an option. And there might be a rare occasion where going around the obstacle is your best bet. Typically this comes on longer shots and difficult winds, although it can work.

It will require a finer, more accurate effort, but it is on the table. And when this one comes together, it is a thing of beauty.

Ending up with an eagle putt should be the name of the game. It doesn’t matter how you do it.

Sinking a potentially difficult putt could also become a factor, although have faith in your short game. It’s never let you down, right?

RIGHT?

How do you play?