When you approach the tee shot on Emerald Mountain Golf Club’s No. 12 hole, be prepared for Mother Nature to throw at you just about everything she has to offer: 10-foot alligators, a straight must-shot to avoid hazards, and again, 10-foot alligators.

The Ward Northrup course weaves through deep ravines, rolling hills and the untouched wetlands where the alligators like to watch golfers seize up on the 12th tee. Cozied in along the Tallapoosa River, the signature hole at this championship play is a 418-yard par 4 from the back tee, and it defines the unique identity of the rest of the course.