OBX’s Dream 18: Hole 8
OBX’s Dream 18, Hole No. 8
Duck Woods Country Club, Southern Shores
Although not on the mainline of public-access golf courses along the OBX, Duck Woods does provide play to guests of members and some limited package play when tee times become available. This makes it worthy of at least one hole in our Dream 18 (although several could qualify).
As the oldest course on the Outer Banks, it was designed in 1969 by famed architect Ellis Maples. The course weaves its way through more than 250 acres of maritime forest and is characterized by country club conditioning with challenging holes routed around an intricate system of lakes, ponds and canals. Fairways can be narrow and water comes into play on no less than 14 holes, making shot placement a big deal especially on windy days.
8. Duck Woods’ Hole No. 18, 516-yard par 5
The real meat of the Duck Woods course are holes Nos. 14-16 (pars of 5-4-4) known locally as the “Duck Trap.” The design’s No. 6 hole, a sweeping dogleg left par 4 requiring a drawing shot between a pair of ominous fairway bunkers, also stands out. However, these are just lead-ups to the layout’s strong closing hole at No. 18.
There are two large fairway bunkers to avoid down the left side on this picturesque challenge though things start to become even more interesting as you get nearer to the green. There’s hidden water to avoid left as a stylish green slopes right to left towards a bulk-headed water feature that wraps around a good portion of the green’s left quadrant and rear. A nice finishing touch is a wooden exit bridge from which you can depart the putting surface as you head back to Duck Woods’ lavish clubhouse amenities.
Rest of the Dream 18:
Hole 8
