With the prevailing winds out of the south, the par-4 sixth hole can be a menace. Players must stop a mid-iron approach shot into a flat green that has a severe slope to a lake behind it. The par-3 15th hole is similar and wide open, meaning the winds can be kind or distracting. I think until there is some real growth of trees, that course is going to play to the winds, Bates says. Many who play Heron Ridge and yes, the occasional heron can be seen talk about the 11th hole, a par-5 that is guarded along the left side of the fairway by posted wetlands.
Signs actually warn players that it is against the law to enter the hazard in search of their ball.
Temptation resides at many turns on this course but never more than at the par-4 12th. The hole is 312 yards from the back tees and just 280 from the regular tee. Big hitters will want to reach it. But be forewarned that there is a bunker the size of a tennis court guarding the right side of the green. It s just difficult to see the bunker from the tee boxes.