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SALISH CLIFFS
Golf Club
PAR 4 437 YARDS
Shelton, WA
360.462.3673
www.salish-cliffs.com
Owned and operated by the Squaxin Island Tribe, Salish Cliffs
Golf Club is a stunning mountain layout with 600 feet of elevation
change. It offers 360-degree views of the Kamilche Valley,
immaculate conditioning, and the go-for-it-or-don't excitement of
the 14th hole. The hole stretches to 437 yards—383 yards from
the regular tees—and is often played into the wind, ending the
temptation for most to try to reach the green in two shots. The
peninsula green is surrounded by a wetlands area that offers no
hope of escape.
Off the tee, Gene Bates has designed a shot that is reminiscent
of a Herbert Strong hole, allowing you to see the fairway and
observe much of the ball's flight until it disappears over a small
crest. When you arrive at your tee shot, the grandeur of the hole
is revealed as well as the decisions that must be made to deal
with it. Balls in the fairway present the player with a mid- to long-
iron or hybrid approach to the green. It is all carry from 175 to
200 yards. Those missing the fairway or deciding not to attempt
to reach the green can choose to lay up short of the green,
but even the layup must be thought through and should take
into account the hole location. If the pin is right, stay left, and
vice versa.
Trying to knock the ball on the green in regulation gives a great
thrill and a chance at a birdie. But many of the bold efforts lead
to a quick double bogey, and in match play this hole is often won
with a bogey made through safe, conservative play.
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Photograph by Brian Oar
