Shadow Mountain Country Club: No. 14 a Water-ing Hole
SUNSITES, Ariz. - Ernest Hemingway once wrote a book about it.
As "The Old Man and the Sea" describes an elderly man's fight with a fish, and, more notably with the ocean.
Even for the experienced, the 14th hole at Shadow Mountain Country Club in Sunsites can be a bit unnerving. Not "Hemingway" unnerving, but a pain.
The 14th: a par 5, 535 yard doozy that includes an elevated tee, a dogleg, and (get this) a water-treatment plant to the left of the green.
I'll paraphrase: as Ernie put it, the water at the Shadow Mountain Golf Course is a pain. Now I see how he met with his end: he probably golfed at a lot of courses like Shadow Mountain.
Simply put, botch this hole and pay.
"Messing up this hole definitely can ruin a score," head professional Dick Sanders said. "Bogey is a pretty good score if you're playing this one straight up."
The hole goes like this: the 397-yarder opens up with a dogleg to the right. The lake starts roughly 160 yards from the trees and continues for another 60 yards. One the average golfer reaches the green, he/she will reach a curious obstacle: a water treatment plant.
"There's a treatment plant on the left of the green," Sanders said. "It's a definite pain for golfers. Some don't see that it's only 10 yards from the corner of the green. Hit the ball just a bit left and you end up at the plant."
The green itself is incredibly narrow, undulating back to front in a wavelike fashion.
All in all, Sanders recommends attacking the hole.
"I always try to hit the driver to the corner of the lake," he said. "Usually, I'll try to hit a 5, 6 iron the green."
For mortal golfers, it might be wiser to take the safe road: high irons all the way to the pin. Either way, the 14th hole will prove daunting for even the most experienced golfer.
The Shadow Mountain Country Club is located off Interstate 10 at Dragoon Road. From the exit, take Dragoon Road 16 miles to Route 191. From Route 191, go eight miles to the course.
Patty wrote on: Apr 18, 2014
I would like to talk with someone at Sunsights, who was around when the members took care of the golf course
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Paul Sampson wrote on: Nov 2, 2012
Ryan Finley is misleading his readers:
The Shadow Mountain 14th is a par 4 not 5, and is 397 yards (white tees)not 535.
Upon reaching the green there is no obstacle. The treatment "plant" is a lagoon.
Playing the 14th is fun.
The article is badly in need of correction.
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steven wrote on: Mar 26, 2016
Well, Paul Sampson, Nov 2, 2012..if the Shadow Mountain Golf Course article is in need of correction, why don't you correct it with an article of your own.?
And, while doing that, explain what the controversy was (is) re the golf course and why it is closed. I visited the area recently and was surprised to see the bank gone and the course closed. is the town closing up? Hope not. I love the area!
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