The Blue Monster Course at Doral Golf Resort - Miami

After years of watching the PGA big boys play the Blue Monster on TV, you'll hit the tee thinking those big-boy thoughts, ready to swing like there's no tomorrow. Don't. Taming the pride of Miami golf is more about playing smart than playing long.

Forget flexing your biceps off the tee; save them for muscling long irons out of the thick rough that'll swallow shots that go only a few feet wayward. If you miss the green, you're facing a tricky chip out of the nasty stuff. Your ball settles in and sinks to the bottom like quicksand. Then there's the wind, which comes swirling in off the Atlantic and can make for a three- or even four-club difference.

Doral Golf Resort & Spa recently gave the Blue Monster a $1.5 million renovation, redoing all the bunkers and regrassing the greens. As of late 2006 they were in excellent condition, though still very firm, which will play a big part in the March 2007 WGC-CA Championship here.

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

No. 1 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

No. 2 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

The Blue Monster recently underwent a $1.5 million renovation.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Thick rough, squeezed landing areas and Atlantic winds can play havoc with your score at Miami's famed Blue Monster.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

No. 6 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

No. 7 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort &Spa.

No. 8 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

No. 9 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

No. 10 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa

Palm-lined fairways lend a classic Miami feel to Doral's Blue Monster.

Tim McDonald/WorldGolf.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

No. 11 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

The Blue Monster has excellent strategic bunkering.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

No. 12 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

No. 13 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

No. 14 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

TV towers somewhat mar the view on the Blue Monster's final four holes.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort and Spa.

No. 16 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

No. 17 at The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

No. 18 at the Blue Monster was once rated the roughest on the PGA Tour.

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com