Hole #17 - Pine Ridge's last par 3 is a slightly downhill challenge. Steer clear of bunkers on the front left and right. As with #8, miss right rather than left, as the Loch Raven Reservoir may claim another victim!

Tips: This hole plays true to the distance. You can ignore the downhill slope. Even though it is downhill, the slope does not effect the club selection. Check the distance from the tee markers to the pin and play that club with a good full swing. You will like the results. Don't get sucked in on a left or right pin placement, stay in the middle of the green and you still have a good shot at a birdie. Shoot at the left pin, and any mistakes will send your ball into Loch Raven. Shoot at a right pin, and the 2 bunkers will have a field day for any pushed shots.

Hole #18 - The closing hole is a long par 5 measuring 520 yards. A slight draw off the tee and a second shot down the left side of the fairway will make the approach easier. The green is elevated and protected by several bunkers, including two of the deepest bunkers on the course in the front.

Tips: You typically cannot drive the tree bank on your left and the smart money says don't even try. Yet, I see high handicappers trying to defy all logic and go for it. I have not seen one make it yet. If you can hit a big drive here, then draw the ball around the trees and you may be left with 200 to the pin due the sloping fairway at around 250 from the tee.. For the shorter hitters, play the ball in the middle and avoid the big tree on your left off the tee. It seems to eat at least one ball for each foursome. If you cannot reach the green on your second shot, play your second shot to land at your pitching wedge range (100 yards or so). The green is elevated and is guarded by 2 bunkers in front, one left, and one right. If you get too close on your 2nd shot, you will be trying to hit a half shot that only Phil Mickelson has mastered. These shots usually end up in the bunkers or the operator chili dips the shot and has to try it again. You definitely want to take a full swing at this green for your approach shot. Check the pin position of 18 while you are waiting to tee off on number 1. A back pin, could mean as much as an extra club. The uphill elevated green that slopes from front to back will require an extra ½ club without wind.