Hole #5 - 478 yds. - Par 5
This is one of the narrowest holes on the course, but that's not saying much.
It appears there used to be a string of three bunkers up the right hand side of the fairway challenging golfers to avoid them. This green complex, along with the bunkering, is true Mackenzie. The bunkers are very reminescent of Pasatiempo and Valley Club.
The narrow drive on this short par 5.
Here you can see the green and bunkers set below the redwoods. These bunkers have the most character on the course and make me think that if all the bunkers were faithfully restored, what an unbelieveable look this course would have.
A closer look at these magnificent hazards.
Hole #6 - 274 yds. - Par 4
Originally, this holes probably had some of the best bunkering on the course. It appears as the though a line of five to six bunkers ran down the middle of the fairway towards the green. The hole is know bunkerless, but would have been something back in the day. It is a short dogleg right, forcing the player to avoid a leaning redwood off the tee. This holes runs alongside of #1, and proceeds back out into the open space of the first tee area.
Your teeshot must find its way around the leaning redwood on the right.
Looking towards the green, you can see where some bunkering used to be. This is about 160 yds. from the green.
The bunkering did continue across the fairway and ran into the left hand side of the green. I would also think there was an interesting shaped bunker on the right side of the green between the tree and the putting surface.
Hole #7 - 368 yds. - Par 4
This little dogleg right is another very tight hole, especially for the approach. The green is flank by to great bunkers making the low runner much more difficult then it is on #2. A tee shot must favor the left side of the fairway, to stay away from the overhanging redwoods on the right.
Looking back towards the teeing area on #7. It is right between those two stands of redwoods.
The green is at grade and is flanked by two perfectly shaped bunkers, making the run-up shot below the redwoods more difficult.
Hole #8 - 110 yds. - Par 3
This hole immediately reminded me on the 15th at Cypress. The green has certainly shrunk over the years as I believe it may have been an upside down L in its shape. There are four great bunkers around this green making a tough target, especially at its current size and width.
The great 8th. Try to picture the green being widened to the bunkers on each side and then imagine a back right tier. The undulations in the green would certainly make this possible as you would be able to putt from the back right to front and vice versa if needed.
This is from behind the green. Picture the green expanded to the bunker on the right and then follow the push cart lines around the slope on the bunker on the left on the picture. This would make for an awesome par 3.
Again, look at the separation between green and back bunker.
Hole #9 - 527 yds. - Par 5
The website says this is one of the toughest par 5s in the Bay Area, and to some extent I agree. I simply hit 3 iron, 3 iron, gap wedge. It's not that tough, you just have to use a little bit of course managment. I would like to think there was another very impressive bunker on the right hand side of this fairway. It appears as there is some interesting shaping where the cartpath now runs up the slope.
The teeshot. Take a look at the cartpath going up the fairway. It is going through, what I think, used to be one of the larger bunkers on the course, or one of the more impressive series of bunkers. There is some unique mounding there.
The approach to the green.
Again, the majesty of Northwood is unreal. I encourage all of you to stop by, as it is simply a stunning walk. Just enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness and the work of the Doctor. It is truly spectacular.
