After the relative ease of hole 8 comes one of the hardest challenges on the course. The right hand part of the fairway offers the best line into the green but this area is guarded by a large bunker and is lined with almost impenetrable woodland.
The less adventurous will seek to make use of the space down the left hand sided but the distance here can be deceptive and long hitters should beware that they do not simply run out of fairway. High handicappers are probably advised to lay up short and to the right of the green with their second shot, but must be careful (particularly in good weather) that the left to right slope does not carry the ball down into the water hazard. Any approach played in over the left hand green bunker should be wary of the steep down slope behind this trap, which catapults many balls through the green.
If you have the skill - or good fortune- to stay on the putting surface, you will be confronted with some of the most subtle contours that the Palingbeek has to offer. All in all, a real tester.
