Blue 435 – White 419 – Green 405

The Hole Story

Hole 16 – Giant Sitka Spruce

Perched high atop the hill, the tee box on Hole 16 offers one of the most breathtaking views on the entire course. From here, golfers can see Tillamook Bay, the surrounding valley, and much of the town below—a view that embodies the natural beauty of Oregon’s coast. Beneath the tee, the hillside proudly displays The Mook’s signature wildflower logo, spelling out “MOOK” in vibrant seasonal color.

After taking in the view, let it fly. The drive plays dramatically downhill into a broad fairway guarded by three fairway bunkers in the landing zone, each ready to challenge aggressive tee shots. Strategic positioning is key to setting up a clean approach to the large, level green, which rewards a well-struck second shot with a good look at birdie.

Framing this stunning hole are towering Giant Sitka Spruce trees, sentinels of the Oregon Coast that lend scale, majesty, and a deep sense of place. Hole 16 perfectly combines scenic beauty and strategic play—an unforgettable experience for anyone who steps onto its elevated tee.

Naming the Hole

Giant Sitka Spruce

(Picea sitchensis)

The Giant Sitka Spruce stands as one of the true giants of the Pacific Northwest, a majestic evergreen that defines the region’s coastal rainforests. Its towering form and graceful symmetry make it a fitting namesake for one of The Mook’s most scenic and awe-inspiring holes.

Its needle-like leaves are flattened, blue-green, and sharply tipped, spiraling around each twig to give the branches a soft yet resilient texture. In spring, it produces pendulous, cylindrical cones measuring 2 to 4 inches long, each with thin, flexible scales and subtly wavy edges that add delicate character to this massive tree.

The Sitka Spruce is among the tallest conifers on Earth, capable of reaching heights over 300 feet and trunk diameters exceeding 15 feet. Its thin, grayish-brown bark becomes scaly and furrowed with age, reflecting centuries of endurance in the coastal climate.

Thriving in cool, moist environments—particularly near coastal forests, river valleys, and fog-laden hillsides—the Sitka Spruce prefers well-drained, acidic soils and flourishes within USDA zones 7–9. Beyond its sheer size, it plays a vital ecological role, providing habitat and shelter for countless birds and wildlife.

Commanding yet serene, the Giant Sitka Spruce represents both the strength and beauty of Oregon’s coastal wilderness—a natural monument watching over the panoramic heights of Hole 16.

Aerial Flyover

Photo Gallery