Hole 8 – Meadow

410 yards

In early correspondence with the Club, Seth Raynor described this as a tee shot over a “meadow” to higher ground. The low, wet character of the hole predates the current ponds near the tee and along the right side of the entire hole. Despite the Club’s concerns about the marshy setting, Raynor insisted the left-side tree line and overall topography were ideal for his intended design. While drawing plans for this hole in October 1923, he was simultaneously building the 6th at The Creek Club on Long Island—another hole lined by trees on the left with a reverse redan green that rewards those who play boldly along that side.

Maintaining the hogsback ridge down the center of the fairway, Franz’s primary focus on this hole was reestablishing the reverse redan character of the green. He has also added a bunker along the left tree line, as indicated on Raynor’s original plans. Landing just short of that left bunker now provides the preferred angle into the green, allowing the contours to kick the ball deeper onto the putting surface. Bail out away from the trees and you’ll face a much tougher angle and shot into the green that is now surrounded by the pond on three sides.

Beyond the fairway and green, the old causeway between the 8th green and 9th tees has been removed. Golfers and carts now stay along the left side of the hole and cross to the back of the green via a bridge, cleaning up the view and restoring a more authentic corridor.