The Jackal's Run

According to the stroke index, the eighth is the most difficult hole on the golf course. Playing alongside the canal at 380 metres, it presents an intimidating tee shot, particularly for first-time visitors. The canal runs directly down the left-hand side, while the fairway slopes gently from left to right toward a line of trees waiting to catch any tee shot drifting too far offline. Longer hitters are often rewarded with a shorter approach after carrying much of the trouble from the tee, leaving approximately 120 metres into the green. Once the fairway is found, players are faced with a relatively small target protected by well-positioned greenside bunkers.

Pro Insight:

The eighth and seventeenth fully deserve their low stroke indexes, as both holes place a premium on finding the fairway from the tee. At 380 metres, a solid tee shot is essential to leave a manageable approach into the green. Longer hitters may be able to carry the canal and trees on the left, leaving themselves in the wider section of the fairway with only a short iron into the green. For first-time players, I suggest using whichever club gives you the most confidence off the tee. The priority here is position rather than distance. For your approach shot, favour the left half of the green and consider taking one extra club. The natural slope can help feed the ball onto the putting surface, while missing short leaves a far more difficult recovery.