County Drives

Here’s a look at the features making one golf hole in Orange County stand out:

Course: Imperial Golf Course, 2200 East Imperial Highway, Brea, (714) 524-0923

Hole: No. 9 (par 4)

Length: 417 yards (championship), 408 (regular)

Description: Most holes at Imperial are fairly straightforward, but this one--the No. 1-handicap hole--requires some careful decisions. Do you try to fly the bunkers guarding the dogleg right (a shot requiring about 230 yards of carry) or do you lay up to the left of the bunkers and leave yourself a long iron or fairway wood into a well-bunkered undulating green? Did we mention the approach shot is up a significant incline?

Pro’s advice: Lay up unless you are confident you can crush your drive. Trees to the right make the penalty severe for errant shots. Daring birdie seekers usually try a high fade to leave themselves about 130 yards. “I take it over the bunkers, you bet,” assistant professional Jay Sostarich said. “I take it over the trees but I’ve never been accused of being an extremely smart player.”