Hole 1: Par-3, 147 yards

Embark on your golfing journey at Red Maples, where the absence of a driving range is but a prelude to the thrill that awaits. Your first challenge is a downhill 147-yard par 3, setting the tone for an unforgettable round.

Anticipate and prepare for the nuances of Waymart’s weather, as the prior two weeks play a crucial role. A recent rainfall transforms the greens into a soft canvas, urging you to carry the ball all the way to the hole for a good look at birdie. In the absence of rain, brace yourself for the challenge – hit it short and rely on the whims of luck. A straightforward bounce may be your ally, while a wayward carom leaves you with a tricky chip from behind the green.

Many hail this as one of the golfing world’s greatest stadium holes. Within this amphitheater, countless McDonough Open players have encountered both triumph and tribulation. The pressures within this unique setting add a layer of drama and excitement to your golfing experience at Red Maples. Embrace the challenge, conquer the course, and become part of the storied legacy woven into the fabric of this captivating track.

Hole 2: Par-4, 247 yards

At Red Maples, golfers enjoy the freedom to tailor their experience on this enticing hole, with three tempting tee box options beckoning players of varied preferences. The classic McDonough Open arrangement sets the stage for a delightful challenge, featuring a gentle downhill tee shot that leads to a compact, level green.

Finesse is the key to mastering this hole—the savvy choice being a well-placed tee shot veering 30-40 yards to the right of the green. This shrewd maneuver sets the stage for a picturesque approach shot, presenting players with an opportunity to showcase their precision and skill.

For the daring souls seeking a more aggressive route, the allure of the big stick beckons. However, be wary, for the risk of a duck hook into the pond adds a thrilling element to this golfing adventure.

Hole 3: Par-4, 313 yards

Prepare for a captivating challenge on this dogleg left, a hole that may haunt the dreams of southpaws yearning for a flawless fade. Revered as the most formidable par-4 in Northeastern Pennsylvania, this hole demands precision from golfers who must carry their shots 165-185 yards to a narrow landing zone.

Should your ball gracefully dance within the confines of play, the adventure has just begun. Navigating the approach to the putting surface requires more than luck—it demands a delicate touch and strategic finesse. The whispering winds, weaving through the tunnel of trees lining the fairway, add a touch of unpredictability to this already thrilling journey.

Behold the green, a diminutive canvas that challenges even the most adept putters. Its size is no larger than a 50-cent coin, and its subtle slope away from the pin presents a formidable test, regardless of the pin placement. Achieving par on this masterpiece is a triumph worthy of celebration, and as you move to the next tee box, a special nod to the golfing spirits is in order—particularly the indomitable Everett Mitchell, whose benevolent presence awaits to witness and applaud your golfing prowess.

Hole 4: Par-4, 200 yards

Ever tried your hand at conquering a square green? If not, Red Maples beckons you to experience the unique allure of its signature hole—a refreshing departure from the devilish par-4 that precedes it. As you stand at the tee, the challenge unfolds with a 200-yard straight uphill approach, presenting a tantalizing birdie opportunity amidst its undulating landscape.

Yet, beware, for danger lurks in the form of more than just the elusive gator residing in the pond. A slight misstep to the left off the fairway may leave you contemplating a re-tee, while a miss short of the green thrusts you into the intricacies of an uphill chip that demands panache and precision. On the right, a massive tree stands guard, obstructing your view of the hole’s pièce de résistance—the square green.

This distinctive green has earned a reputation as one of the trickiest and most challenging in America, leaving players in awe of its complexities. Every putt becomes a dance with the subtle contours, and if you find yourself above the hole, relish the moment—an opportunity to savor the artistry of a well-executed putt on this unique canvas.

Hole 5: Par-5, 287 yards

The journey begins with a subtly challenging tee shot, veiled in a touch of mystery as the fairway unfolds before you.

Embrace the thrill of playing aggressively on this wide fairway, where strategic choices open doors to triumph. However, for those who relish living on the edge, a hint of trouble awaits. A slightly excessive drive to the right or an overenthusiastic distance may lead you on a woodland expedition in search of your golf ball—a venture best avoided.

Wisdom whispers to the discerning golfer, advising a strategic dance with the course. Optimal success lies in the art of restraint, with the wise player choosing to lay their tee shot 60-70 yards shy of the green. A calculated move that positions you perfectly to orchestrate a flawless approach, utilizing the greenside hill on the left as a masterful ally in your quest for a makeable birdie look.

Hole 6: Par-3, 170 yards

The scorecard’s modest 170-yard declaration belies the challenge that awaits—a true test of your golfing prowess, playing more like a formidable 180 yards. As you stand at the tee, prepare for a moderate ascent, with the allure of conquering the uphill terrain adding an extra layer of excitement to your round.

Once crowned the most challenging opening hole in a McDonough Open shotgun format, invites you to embrace the difficulty with gusto. The green, an undulating canvas, presents a slope that gracefully descends from the back to the front, adding a touch of strategic intrigue to your approach.

Achieving a three here is no small feat—it’s a testament to skill and precision worthy of celebration. Should you conquer this challenge, let the exhilaration propel you to the seventh tee.

Hole 7: Par-4, 269 yards

Discover the sheer delight of the seventh hole, a gem within Red Maples that stands as a golfer’s oasis. Deceptively labeled the easiest on the course, this straightaway par-4 unveils itself as an exquisite birdie opportunity, inviting players to craft their own moments of triumph.

A flawless tee shot becomes a work of art as it soars over the ridge, gracefully kissing the fairway and playfully ricocheting off the eighth tee-box (a friendly reminder to shout “FORE!”). The green awaits, promising the possibility of a birdie dance that will linger in your golfing memories.

For McDonough Open enthusiasts, this hole transcends mere golfing; it becomes a sanctuary for rejuvenation. The clubhouse, only 50 yards away, beckons players to recharge and refuel with a cold beer and tasty sausage or burger.

Hole 8: Par-3, 124 yards

The eighth hole weaves tales of triumph, especially with Warren Rozelle’s historic 2022 hole-in-one etched into McDonough Open history. This charming little hole beckons golfers to embrace its nuances, offering a test of precision and finesse that captivates both novices and seasoned players alike.

Unlock the secrets of this enchanting hole by crafting a smart play towards the middle-right part of the green. Here, strategic choices unfold as you navigate the terrain, aiming for a position that promises a delightful look at a potential birdie. With a skillful touch and the perfect amount of spin, your journey through the eighth hole becomes a dance of mastery, setting the stage for a golfing experience that resonates with every swing.

Yet, a word of caution lingers in the air—trouble lurks in the form of challenges long and left. As you navigate the eighth, let the spirit of Warren’s unforgettable ace inspire your play, and forge your own memorable chapter in the rich narrative of Red Maples Golf Course.

Hole 9: Par-4, 322 yards

Feel the exhilaration as you step up to the challenge of Red Maples’ closing hole—an experience that elevates the game with a touch of adrenaline. Picture this: the left side guarded by out-of-bounds, a scenario that adds a thrilling edge to your tee-shot. Now, heighten the drama with the unexpected presence of an overzealous PT Cruiser, honking mid-swing. Welcome to the unique excitement of the ninth hole.

Beyond being the stage for The McDonough Open’s long drive challenge, the ninth unfolds as a captivating test as you approach the green. The pressure is palpable, and every swing requires precision. Navigate the course wisely, as missing the green short and right can lead to a formidable challenge—a massive hill guarding the right side becomes your next conquest.

Red Maples invites you to embrace the adventure, conquer the challenges, and relish the thrill of the closing hole. As you navigate the course, let the echoes of past tournaments and the allure of the unique obstacles fuel your journey through this golfing haven.