All about Cypress Point Four holes to watch

8th hole
(355yd Par 4)
It's not a flight of fancy if this hole seems carved from a gigantic sand dune. The ribbon of fairway visible from the tee is dwarfed by the mountain of sand you must carry.

Sand dunes skirt the left and right approaches to the green. As if that's not enough to worry about, huge gaping bunkers guard the left and another lurks at the rear of the green.

14th hole
(383yd Par 4)
This is a very precise hole where the weather and the direction of any winter storms make a big difference to its toughness. Pros usually hit a 1 iron off the tee, giving a view of the landing area but no hint of the green.

The length of the hole is not a factor, but the absence of a backdrop behind the green and a camouflaged bunker to the right make it very deceptive.

16th hole
(233yd Par 3)
As well as being one of the most intimidating shots in the world, this is a spellbinding hole where many matches are decided. You can't avoid hitting across an enormous expanse of crashing surf and granite rocks that separate tee from green.
Whether choosing the safe route to the left with a mid iron or going for the green with a wood, concentration on this hole is extremely difficult. The wind plays a vital role, so hope for a calm day when you arrive at one of the most hallowed spots in golf.

17th hole
(376yd Par 4)
The 17th can be the proverbial last straw. At the tip of Cypress Point, you seem to be surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and its spectacular coastline. Don't let the natural scenery entice you though.

Blocking the landing zone in the middle of the fairway is a small grove of cypress trees, which must be played over rather than through if the tee shot is errant.

Even the successful player however must deal with a green that is nestled on a precipice above the sea. Good mental and physical conditioning always help you survive this hole.