Hole 14 Par 4 at The Mines Golf: Wetland Strategy Meets Nerve
- Mines Golf Management
- Jul 18
- 2 min read
Overview
Hole 14 is where the course’s open beauty meets the sharp edge of decision-making. This mid-to-long Par 4 flows alongside the wetland edge, curving gracefully toward a green framed by sand and trees. It may appear open and generous off the tee, but this is a hole that tests your discipline, punishes hesitation, and rewards a player bold enough to flirt with the right-hand side. The fairway is wide, but the consequences of poor positioning are even wider.
The Tee Shot
From the tee deck, the wetlands stretch invitingly to your right, while a broad fairway entices you left. It’s a tempting visual, but the smart line hugs the right edge close to danger, yet critical for a clean approach. Tee shots drifting too far left will bring a patch of palms into play and force a demanding aerial shot over greenside bunkers.
📝 Pro Tip: Aim down the right half of the fairway and play a soft draw. This opens up the green dramatically. Resist the urge to bail left; what seems safe off the tee often creates more trouble on your next shot.
The Approach
A well-placed drive on the right grants a clear, inviting line to the green. From the left side, however, the angle tightens and the bunkers loom larger. Distance control is vital, particularly if the pin is tucked behind sand. Any approach leaking short-left will find the bunkers; over-hit shots may run long into the downslope, leaving a tricky up-and-down.
📝 Pro Tip: A mid-iron with a slight draw shape works beautifully here. If you’re approaching from the left rough, loft up and focus on height over distance; carry is everything.
The Green
The green is moderately elevated and guarded, with a slight back-to-front slope and gentle undulations throughout. It’s receptive, but only if approached from the correct angle. Back pins offer more forgiveness than they appear, while front pins tempt risk, especially with bunkers short-left waiting for any hesitation.
📝 Pro Tip: Stay below the hole if you can. Uphill putts here offer a more confident roll. Anything above the hole, especially to a front pin, puts three-putt territory in play.
Visual Landmarks
This hole is quintessential Mines, wetland to the right, native trees framing the left, and mansions glinting in the distance. The cluster of palms mid-fairway serves as both visual cue and strategic marker, while water sparkles just beyond the tee, reminding players that beauty and risk live side by side.
Summary
Hole 14 is a thinker’s hole. It tempts you to play safe, but only bravery down the right side unlocks the best scoring chance. A tee shot hugging the wetlands, followed by a well-shaped approach, gives the player an opportunity to walk away with par, or better. This hole rewards those who plan forward from the green back to the tee. A true test of strategy wrapped in a picturesque setting, Hole 14 is a standout moment in the inward nine.
