The BWD Tournament Hole of the Week: October 5 – 8, 2017. The 10th at Silverado Resort (North), Home of Safeway Open.

Tournament: Safeway Open – Silverado Resort & Spa (North), Napa, CA
Hole: 10th – Par 4, 422 Yards
Architect(s): Robert Trent Jones Jr. – 1966
Johnny Miller (Renovation) – 2011

Architectural Summary:

The tenth hole at Silverado’s North Course is the longest par four measuring 459 yards. From the elevated tee, competitors must navigate through the two large oaks and stand of mature trees that line the rather straightaway hole. Johnny Miller’s 2011 renovation added an additional back tee to further lengthen the hole to challenge competitors. Club selection and shot shape, from the tee, will likely vary based on competitors’ preferences, but a single bunker located to the right of the fairway from 273 to 296 yards should be avoided. Players successfully finding the fairway will face a mid-iron into the large green. The slightly elevated green is generously sized, but well-protected by three bunkers located front-right, front-left, and to the rear. Sloping from back-to-front, the green measures 33 yards deep by 31 yards wide at the broadest point. Finding the correct quadrant on the green will be necessary to scoring well at the beginning of the back nine. Competitors will find the most challenging pin placement on the rear-left portion of the putting surface where there is a small shelf.

Statistical Analysis:

During the 2016 tournament, Silverado’s 10th hole played as the 4th most difficult hole with a scoring average of 4.05 (1 Eagle, 58 Birdies, 296 Pars, 66 Bogeys, and 7 Doubles).

Fun Facts:

  • The Safeway Open marks the beginning of the 2017-2018 PGA Tour season. The season will span over 49 events where $350 million in prize winnings will be at stake.
  • U.S. Senator and Civil War veteran Major General John Miller purchased 1,200 acres in 1881 to build the Napa Valley property. The resort was originally known as Vergne Estate.
  • In addition to completing the 2011 course renovation, Johnny Miller is a part owner of Silverado Resort. Miller’s storied history with the Napa property dates back to the 1970s when he won consecutive titles at the Kaiser International Open Invitational in 1974 and 1975 at the Silverado course.