The 13th hole at Mad River, a relatively short par 5, nevertheless presents the golfer with a variety of interesting strategic options. Played from the back tee, the shot requires a drive of more than 200 yards over wetlands. Getting home in two demands a carry of 230 yards to 250 yards to a plateau green that sits nearly 50 feet above the lower fairway. Too short and the ball will find one of the deep bunkers that lie a dozen feet below the putting surface. Too long and the player will face an unnerving bunker shot or pitch to a narrow green that slopes away from the shot.

More conservative still is a well-placed mid-iron second. The shorter shot to the left demands a well-executed wedge approach that must take into account the tight lie, exact distance, elevated green and swirling winds. The longer uphill shot to the right opens the full length of the green for the third. Once reached, the newly enlarged putting surface is straightforward.