Time to stop writing, and start playing.

So, here is The News Tribune's (code word for "yours truly") comprehensive guide to the best 18 PUBLIC holes in the South Sound.

Each hole on this list corresponds with what number hole it is on its respective course (we don't want to offend any of the architects).

A brief scouting report of the "TNT Links:"

1, Short par-4s are vital. They don't necessarily have to be drivable, but if they give a golfer something to think about on the tee, then they have served a purpose (Tacoma's own Michael Putnam said even professionals like having a different club in their hands now and then).

2, The par-5s here are mainly risk-reward holes, and not enormously long. Again, we are a thinking-man's publication for golfers.

3, We like memorable par-3 holes, and have selected, I think, the best in the area.

Overall, our course plays at a par-72, and at 7,315 yards from the championship tees. Fifteen different area courses are represented on our championship 18, and 21 courses have recommended holes overall.

Offer feedback on your own favorite holes. Enjoy.

[More:]

1, LAKELAND VILLAGE, 438 yards, par-4
Comment: Part of newly-built nine holes, this straightaway hole goes uphill in two phases, and gets your attention quickly.
• Alternate tees at: Trophy Lake (par-4, 416 yards).

2, DRUIDS GLEN, 483 yards, par-5
Comment: Two-thirds of holes have water in play, and this is ultimate risk-reward taker with pond cutting in front of right side of the green.
• Alternate tees at: Chambers Bay (par-4, 404 yards).

3, TAPPS ISLAND, 200 yards, par-3
Comment: Tee box is tucked away right on the shores of Lake Tapps, and you go over water twice to reach bowl-shaped green.
• Alternate tees at: McCormick Woods (par-4, 427 yards).

4, TROPHY LAKE, 473 yards, par-4
Comment: A little bit of everything here – elevation (goes down, then up), change of direction (slight dogleg left), and a split fairway. Long hole made longer by headwind.
• Alternate tees at: Port Ludlow Trail (par-4, 412 yards).

5, EAGLES PRIDE (FORT LEWIS), 465 yards, par-4
Comment: Small landing area, and surrounding trouble everywhere, only two superb shots, including uphill approach, have you pondering birdie.
• Alternate tees at: Allenmore (par-4, 437 yards).

6, THE CLASSIC, 448 yards, par-4
Comment: First, carry your tee shot 270 yards to the upper plateau. Then, high grass guards challenging two-tiered green. Grab and hold on.
• Alternate tees at: Gold Mountain Cascade (par-4, 434 yards).

7, WASHINGTON NATIONAL, 320 yards, par-4
Comment: Fun, and not difficult – get on the tee, and you're probably thinking about going for the green. Miss right, and splish-splash.
• Alternate tees at: Meadow Park (par-5, 560 yards).

8, PORT LUDLOW (TRAIL), 551 yards, par-5
Comment: It's a goat's climb much of the round, until reaching this scenic tee box, which requires a 240-yard carry to severe downhill hole.
• Alternate tees at: The Classic (par-3, 163 yards).

9, CHAMBERS BAY, 227 yards, par-3
Comment: Appropriately dubbed "Olympus," the tee box is at the highest point of the course, and the shot drops more than 100 feet. Joy ride.
• Alternate tees at: Gold Mountain Olympic (par-5, 621 yards).

Front nine: Par 36, 3,605 yards.

10, CHAMBERS BAY, 398 yards, par-4
Comment: One of the true postcard designs, it isn't long, but high dunes sandwich skinny fairway, which is pinched off at the top.
• Alternate tees at: Lake Spanaway (par-4, 458 yards).

11, TUMWATER VALLEY, 550 yards, par-5
Comment: Looks like a path for a sleigh ride, the hole carries in between groves of trees. On the way down, gives you thoughts of going for it in two shots.
• Alternate tees at: McCormick Woods (par-3, 217 yards).

12, GOLD MOUNTAIN (OLYMPIC), 251 yards, par-3
Comment: Severe drop from the tee requires precise club selection. Make sure you carry this one the whole distance to the green.
• Alternate tees at: North Shore (par-4, 480 yards).

13, THE HOME COURSE, 466 yards, par-4
Comment: The "Headwind" hole plays just that – against the wind. Furthermore, it goes uphill, and back toward the clubhouse. Fire away.
• Alternate tees at: Brookdale (par-5, 505 yards).

14, HAWKS PRAIRIE (LINKS), 418 yards, par-4
Comment: The view alone of Puget Sound easily makes this worth the round. You really have to be dialed in on distance control for second shot over water.
• Alternate tees at: Chambers Bay (par-4, 521 yards).

15, LAKE SPANAWAY, 471 yards, par-4
Comment: Blind shot to the fairway, which opens once you reach the corner of the dogleg. After that, it's a mid-iron approach to a slightly elevated green.
• Alternate tees at: Washington National (par-4, 342 yards).

16, McCORMICK WOODS, 431 yards, par-4
Comment: In a word – scary. Tee shot requires you be long and straight (more emphasis on the latter), and green is no cakewalk, either.
• Alternate tees at: Madrona Links (par-4, 386 yards).

17, THE HOME COURSE, 400 yards, par-4
Comment: One of the most challenging approach shots in the South Sound, if the pin is up and near the green's false front. Much of slope carries to back of green.
• Alternate tees at: Chambers Bay (par-3, 218 yards).

18, GOLD MOUNTAIN (OLYMPIC), 325 yards, par-4
Comment: Lay up, and hear it from your playing partners. Go for it, and a pond is on the right, and out-of-bounds is on the left. Your decision.
• Alternate tees at: Trophy Lake (par-5, 547 yards).

Back nine: Par 36, 3,710 yards.