(Looking back from ten green, one can clearly see the ravine that fronts the tee along with the quaint clubhouse in the background. My cga friends would highly approve of the patio with action being seen on several holes.)
I really wasn’t surprised by how good the course was. Donald Ross, Tom Bendelow, and Albert Tillinghast all had a hand in designing it. Ross did the original nine with Bendelow adding a second nine, and Tillinghast remodeled.
(The 300 yard third is a classic short par four. It’s on the cusp of being driveable for the longer hitter...
...the treacherous green tho will make one think twice before nonchalantly reaching for the driver. Approach shots must stay below the hole to have a good chance at birdie and being out of position can lead to a quick bogey.)
With a piece of property such as this, in my opinion, the routing is of the utmost importance. Keeping the uphill holes to a minimum, or at least a manageable distance, is key and with this trio of architects, is one of the strengths of the course.
(This is the view from behind fifteen green. It doglegs left from the tee, and can play surprisingly long for its 320 yards, especially if one lays back and doesn’t challenge the turn.)
(The beautiful 538 yard par five seventh amazes with long range views of the countryside. Golfers will want to open the shoulders a little more and unleash their best drive of the day on this downhill hole.)
(The short par five ninth is only 480 yards but is elusive to hit in two thanks to it’s small angled green. Note the pin location in pic. The bunker behind it has a raised shoulder so balls that hit this slope are propelled off the back...
...this view from short right best illustrates the complexity of the front bunker. This is slso the optimum angle for the short hitter trying to gain an unhindered look for his third shot.)
Wanango is only 6,246 yards, but don’t be misled by that number. The course plays much longer than that. It also possesses a set of greens that will befuddle the player many times over. Add in the elevation change with the wind, and one can quickly see how this course defends par against even the best players.
(The 164 yard tenth is a wonderful par three played across the valley. It caught my eye the moment I walked down the path to the clubhouse. It’s definitely set the tone for the round.)
(The 400 yard par four fourteenth demands a well struck drive followed by an exacting approach shot. It’s parallel to the tenth hole, so it’s in view from the clubhouse too. That’s some good action for those drinking on the patio.)
Western Pennsylvania is a treasure trove for golden age architecture. A one time, this was a booming area with the lumber, oil, and steel industries, and there was a lot of money flowing through the hills, so Ross, Tillinghast, Park, Travis, all have courses throughout the area. The little towns that people today don’t give much attention towards can have a wonderful golf course, like Wanango. I love finding them! I give Wanango a 6 (very good)(worth driving two hours to play.)
(The 526 yard sixteenth plays uphill before cresting over the top and racing down to the two tiered green. It’s an exciting hole where eagle is a possibility if one can chase it down the slope.)
No comments:
Post a Comment