Maple Nine (Fowler's Mill)

Last May, I wrote Fowler's Mill was one of the top three courses in the state. Well, Golfweek just released their 2016-17 best courses list, and Fowler's was the new #1!! 

(By switching the hole to the left the last seventy yards,  Pete Dye makes a relatively easy hole into one that demands thought from the tee. The elevated green with a false front and sloping left terrain puts pressure on the approach.) 

The Lake and River nines compose the championship eighteen, and get nearly all the accolades bestowed on Fowler's Mill. However, across the street is the lesser known Maple, and it's perfect for those trying to get in a quick nine holes, or for those who are adequate beginning golfers. It's also offers great insight into Pete Dye's architectural philosophy. 

(The par four second's green is offset from the fairway, and has two bunkers guarding the front.) 

(Pete Dye elevated the greens and surrounded them with rough. The aerial attack is the only way to get close.) 

(The eighth is only 320 yard but the green is behind a group of trees. The longer the drive, the better the angle.) 

Sitting in the managers office are the original diagrams for the golf course. It was suppose to be 54 holes! Not sure why TRW didn't go ahead all the holes. The Maple nine isn't the exact way Pete had intended it. TRW sold much of the property to the rookery. 

(The short par four seventh)

(The par three ninth is a solid 175 yards.)

(It's a tranquil setting on the Maple. To me, the atmosphere is everything I want in golf.)

(The best caddy ever!) lol