The eighth is a classic Biarritz. This template is based on the lost Chasm hole at Golf de Biarritz Le Phare, however since that hole was lost, and since it was arguably based on the Valley of Sin from the 18th at St Andrews, most Biarritz templates are likely design to be like the 9th at Piping Rock Club, which was Macdonald’s first iteration of the template.

This version features a large, square green, with a deep swale just short of it. It usually plays downwind. The hole is designed to be a long par three in which player must hit a running shot (typically a driver or brassie) to reach the green, with an exciting moment when the ball dips below the swale before reappearing as a successful approach. Unfortunately, the high launch angles of modern equipment have changed the way this hole plays, but from modern distances of up to 250 yards, it can still play that way.

For players who want to play this hole as it was designed, consider inquiring about hickory club rentals, which are available at the course.

Note: The hole was only in this configuration until about 1925. It was damaged by a hurricane, and replaced by a smaller par three further inland.