Risk VS Reward

By Simon Dubiel

For many, the 10th hole is one of the most iconic anywhere in Snohomish County. At under 500 yards in length, this beautiful par 5 is reachable in two for those that can navigate the challenging downhill tee shot. The hole doglegs left from there, wrapping around the trees and leaving you staring down the barrel of a mostly wide-open fairway all the way through the green. Only a bunker guards part of the right side with plenty of bail out room all around the green. The front left side is subtly protected by a mound that creates some very tricky chipping and putting spots.

The more you can favor the left side of the fairway the shorter the hole is, but many scores have been dashed for those that cut it too close. Although the approach shot from the fairway seems harmless, the bunker right of the green is no place to try to get up and down from and if it’s a front pin and you miss left, forget about making a four. What appears to be a tantalizing second shot can easily leave you in an almost impossible spot to try to get up and down with on your third.

Find a way to stay out of tree trouble off the tee and you may be looking at 200-240 clicks, equivalent to your 10 or 11 at the blackjack table. Doubling down and taking a swing at is the move to make. Anything that is short/front is a great leave. Bunker right, mound left? Eh. Not today. Hit your second between them and go dancing. If you get dealt that five, well, even a very poorly hit second should leave you with a chance to get on in regulation with your next.

I always have good vibes walking around the barn at Snohomish and turning the corner to the 10th tee. The view looking down at the fairway below is almost as good as the fresh sandwich I just got at the turn. Time to go eat. The first four holes on the back are tame and where you need to make your money. ‘Amen Corner’ waits at holes 14-16 and has taken stacks from many a bankroll. Get one in off the tee on 10 and then strike one low and pure up the gut. Circles on the scorecard look good. Just make sure you tip the dealer when you hit that jack.