The first hole at Mad River presents a perfect way of moving into the rhythm of the round. While the large pond beside the tee is not in play, the fairway slopes away sharply on the right to a grove of trees. The second shot presents a strategic choice. Most golfers will clear the rolls in the fairway but chance reaching two unseen bunkers on the left, short of the green. The clever player wanting to lay back to full wedge distance will have to navigate uneven terrain in the landing area.

The green is completely open on the left, but is divided by a ‘nose’ flowing from the large landform right of the green. The nose disappears at the centre of the green, forming three distinct pin locations and challenging the player’s putting skills if he or she is on the wrong level.