So here are my picks for the top front nine holes on Cape Cod . See more of an explanation of holes picked on www.golfcapecod.com.  Next issue will have my favorite back 9 and favorite 19th holes on Cape Cod .

1^st Hole: Falmouth CC #1 – This is a great starting hole because there is hardly any trouble off the tee, it is straightforward, has wide fairways, and no out of bounds. It isn’t the prettiest hole but it starts your game off positively.

2^nd Hole: Hyannis Golf Club #2 – What a great par 4. It is Hyannis Club’s signature hole.  There are no spectacular views but it is a true tough hole.  The green is very difficult to get the ball close to the pin. It slants from back to front. The green is long but not wide.

3^rd Hole: Sandwich Hollows #3 – Believe it or not, this hole always gives me trouble. I could be even par or one under and this little hole kills me. It is one of the shortest par 3’s on the course, but the green is very difficult to land a ball safely and putt. The green slants left to right and gives you the illusion that it is a lot closer. I have hit a 60-degree wedge, pitching wedge, nine iron, and even a 7/6 iron to keep it out of the wind. It also has a very nice view of Cape Cod Bay from the tee…you can also see the bend of the arm and P-town on a nice clear day.

4^th Hole: Bayberry Hills’ #4 - On either the Red Course or Blue Course (the Links).  It is the number 1 handicap hole on both courses. Red course #4 – You have to keep left off the tee to avoid water on the right.  Your approach shot must be hit high and over water to hold the green.  It is a very nice looking hole with a blind tee shot.  The golfer must know the course to avoid water and going through the fairway on the left side. This is the only water hole on Red Course.
Blue Course #4 – This is not a long par 4 but all shots are placement shots. You must place your tee shot right of center. However, if too far right, you will be in jail. The golfer must know the grain of the grass on the green to make a great putt.  It is very deceiving. 

5^th Hole: Highland Golf Links #5 – This is a very hard hole because the view is so distracting.  On the cliffs of Truro overlooking the Atlantic Ocean , I once saw a whale piloting while playing this hole. This is a true Scottish links with Cape Cod ’s best views, a must play. It is also the number one handicap hole the first time around (9 hole course).

6^th Hole: Bass River #6 – This is probably the best par 3 on Cape Cod . This signature hole is right on Bass River , with breathtaking views from the blue tees.  The golfer must have confidence to hit the right shot. Depending on the wind, it could be a long iron, a fairway wood, or even your driver. It is very difficult to judge the wind from the white/red tees because of a wall of trees blocking the wind off of the water. The green slants back to front, it is a must to be below the hole. It is a typical Donald Ross green, very small. If you are able to get a par, you are very lucky.  I will take bogey here any time of the day. Note: This is now the 9th hole at Bass River. Why? I do not know. I believe it is a big mistake having two par 3's starting and finishing the front nine at Bass River.

7^th Hole: Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds #7 – This one is long and straight. It is also the number one handicap hole. It is a par 4 - 457 yards from the tips and 430 from the whites.  The golfer must be a long hitter to birdie or par this hole. There is nothing really spectacular about this hole when it comes to views, but it is a great Par 4.  Watch out for the bunkers!

Note: Honorable mention: Quashnet Valley CC #7 Par 5

8^th Hole: The Brookside Club #8 Par 4 – Be sure you pick up the cheat sheet at the clubhouse for this hole. There is water on this hole that you can’t see off tee but it should not come in play unless you hit a monster tee shot.  The best shot is right center, over the mound. You might get lucky and get a big bounce down the hill, which will put you in front of pond with only a pitching wedge to the green. This is the number 1 handicap hole. The green is uphill with bunkers short. Miss it long and you might get lucky off backboard hill.  You must know where the pin is positioned; it is a two tier green.

9^th Hole: Ballymeade CC #9 - This hole presents one of the most difficult tee shots on the course. You must hit long and right of center to be able to see the green, which is guarded by water. It is a great looking hole when you reach the approach shot, the green looks small but there is plenty of room, especially on the left.

comments: e-mail Tee at tee@teeballgolf.com.