A review of the sat-map indicates that the main teeing area on this hole is pretty large but there's a much smaller tee on a small rocky headland. In overall terms the width of both tees combined is maybe 45 ys, in two separate pieces. When on the course I took the opportunity to walk out onto the rocky headland and this tee alters the angle of the hole considerably from the principle tee, where my 1st photo was taken from.
As to the left rear, there are a couple of paths at the rear that are somewhat on the wide side. Mower paths to the next tees more than player paths I believe, as there's a steep drop-off at the front of the 10th tee that prevents ride-on mower access from all but the rear. In addition, the best line into the green on the previous hole, the rather nice and pretty tricky par-4 8th, is from the left side, not too far from the 9th green. Perhaps this is a factor in the arrangements left of the 9th green (or perhaps not!?
Mark, your point 1, "It's a left-handers hole, the horizon line is higher on the left than right." is most fascinating. I don't think I've ever heard a hole analysed in this manner before. A most interesting observation.
Sean, spot on IMO, the area to the left side is certainly one that visually "suggests to me "safe area" from which it looks like getting up n down is very difficult". This is also a 'trick' that is used once again later on in the round at the splendid although longer par-3 17th hole.
atb