With a tee moved to the left of the 9th green, a challenging tee shot carries downhill through a forested ridge and across a deep ravine. This is one of the most dramatically improved views from the tees found on the course. The new landing area was widened significantly, and is protected by three well-positioned bunkers. According to John Fought, “We were able to increase the landing zones in the fairways by thirty percent, which now gives the course a more open, bigger feel.” The ninth’s new green was moved left and reshaped to fall slightly away in the back. Two front bunkers keep players from bouncing their approach shots onto the new green. Both aesthetically beautiful and strategically challenging, this hole is a worthy test for all level of play.

The par five eleventh features a tee shot which demands accuracy to avoid three challenging bunkers. The second shot must be played uphill through a gentled swale to an elevated green. Several bunkers protect the approach, forcing a player to thread their shot to reach a rather narrow green. These strategically placed bunkers reward premium shot making, and the deep classic design challenges the best bunker players. With the changes made to this hole, #11 has become much more challenging and fun to play.

As the longest par four on the course, #12 provides a spacious tee shot landing area. A single directional bunker on the right edge of the fairway makes the ideal line of play for those brave enough to carry across this hazard. After successful negotiation of the first drive, this hole turns right and downhill to a large green with no surrounding bunkers. This unique design is surrounded by a wide tightly-mown collar that provides a challenging pitch for any missed approach shots. While strategic tree removal assisted with the distinctive new sight lines and vistas on the course, over 250 native trees were added during the renovation, adding strategy, beauty and interest. The North Course is one of only 913 Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary golf courses in the United States, a tribute to Carmel’s environmental stewardship.

This short par four presents multiple options off the tee. For the bold long drivers it may be possible to drive very near the green, provided the fore-bunker right and deep greenside bunker left can be avoided. Most players will position their tee shot for a short wedge or sand wedge approach. The second shot must be deadly accurate to find the small angled green. The large oak tree behind the center of the green provides a stunning backdrop to the putting surface. This wonderful short four plays uphill, offering the opportunity for a birdie if the player can navigate the obstacles around the fairway and green. For course architect John Fought, “there will not be an automatic way to play this short but diabolical hole.”

Players familiar with the ‘old’ North Course recognize this location as the former #5. However the fairway has been widened and the tee shot is played slightly uphill from tees that have been moved forward. The drive must be played carefully to avoid the two fairway bunkers on the right and trees left. The short approach provides plenty of green on the right, but the greenside bunker on the left must be avoided. The green, which is surrounded by a wide, tightly-mown collar, has a shallow plateau located in the left half of the putting surface, making the hole locations in the back very challenging.

Expanded to include previously unused land, a new green was constructed with an elongated shape on this wonderful par three. Playing slightly downhill from the new tee location, #15 provides a full view of the greens complex. Sandwiched between two bunkers that penalize errant approach shots, the green has a slope from left to right in the back half of the putting surface where it also falls slightly away. All golfers can expect to have both their accuracy and thought process challenged by the tricky and great-looking #15.

This long par four is one of the most beautiful and difficult par fours on the new North Course. Throughout the course forward tees have been strategically positioned, as is the case here where all tees were elevated. The fairway was widened and the left fairway bunker moved back to provide an improved tee shot landing area. With the green location also repositioned, the hole now provides a clear view from the tee shot landing zone and brings McAlpine Creek behind into play. One intimidating bunker flanks the right side of the green, making the approach very demanding.

From a strictly aesthetic standpoint, the renovated #17 is one of the most interesting on the North Course. The striking mature oak tree located behind the left side of the green provides a spectacular backdrop and the five tee locations allows this hole to be played from nearly 200 yards to just under 10 yards. The two bunkers were positioned to balance the approach shot and provide definition. The green is long and angles from left to right, creating multiple hole locations that will encourage players to be precise with their tee shot. This wonderful uphill par three is quite possibly one of the best in North Carolina.

The finishing hole has been lengthened from the back tee while also creating a more angled tee shot. Additional options from the tees and more landing area are provided by a widened driving zone, but golfers must contend with four menacing fairway bunkers. The approach is visually striking with the Clubhouse in the background and several deep bunkers surrounding the green. The spacious green has movement to provide interesting hole locations on all sides of the putting surface. Golfers will agree with architect John Fought that, “This wonderful medium-length par four features all of the classic elements that make the new North Course an exceptional venue for a fun and challenging round of golf.”