It’s hard to believe Nicklaus designed Barrington, especially after playing Harbor Shores this past summer, and even North Palm Beach CC a few years ago. The greens are beautifully tilted or sloped, with maybe a ridge or mound to disrupt one’s read, compared to multi tiered putting surfaces. Many even have an opening in the front or fairway on the side to allow a run up shot or bail out.
(The 427/392/362 par four fourth illustrates the playability of Barrington. There’s plenty of short grass for those looking to play safely.)
(The 492/458/390 yard par five fifth has one of the more scenic tee shots on the course. A pond short of the green will temper most people reaching this in two, but a good pitch should leave a makeable birdie putt.)
Barrington is a long hitters dream. The fairways are wide and there’s a lot of short grass beyond the fairway bunkers to play aggressive off the tee. Personally, I love the low-key look. There’s no mounding and the holes flow naturally through the trees.
(The 194/179/135 yard par three sixth plays over water to a green angled left. Nicklaus is often accused of favoring a fade, but Barrington has several shots over water where a draw is the preferred shape.)
(The reverse c water hazard on the 186/155/140 yard par three twelfth wraps around most of the green except left. Chasing a rear pin is most dangerous as the hazard is hidden from the players view. An overzealous approach can easily find it.)
I’ve been pretty brutal in my opinion on Nicklaus’ architectural style, but this time, I can only give kudos and accolades. The tournament I played here was a mix couple alternate shot, and the ladies were never over matched and had options to safely play the ball. I felt very comfortable playing to the greens, and knew the safe shot allowed a reasonable chance for par. It was the perfect venue for our tournament. It’s also why Barrington is a highly regarded invite.
(The 453/423/388 yard tenth is my favorite hole. The way it doglegs should take the water out of play, and the focus turns to the green and it’s beautiful bunkering...
...I love the flat bottom and the steep sides that give the bunkers their clean look. I also like how the grass between the bunkers is maintained. A couple times my playing partner and I benefited from the ball sitting in the grass.)
(This is another view of the bunkering but this time on the thirteenth. Note how well maintained the grass fingers between the bunkers are kept. The sand is excellent too and good recoveries can be played from them.)
Don’t be lulled by my praise into thinking this is an easy course. It plays close to 7100 yards from the tips and is well bunkered throughout. The last three holes will challenge you to keep any momentum you may have built on the first fifteen. A long par three followed by two monster par fours close out the round.
(The 445/431/395 yard par four eighteenth demands a confident well struck drive over the water. OB lines the left so picking a good line is key. Playing it like a three shot hole is also a viable strategy. A par here will win most matches and games.)
An opportunity to play Barrington should be accepted greedily. It is one of the better private courses I’ve seen in the past five years in the area. If I had to compare it to the courses in the ICPGA, it would challenge Silver Lake as the best course in that group. It’s good to see a playable Jack Nicklaus course. I give Barrington a 6 (very good)(worth driving two hours to play).
(The 449/432/405 yard ninth is a strong par four. This is the view from the parking lot over the water to the green. During the round, the water is left on the approach but is only in play for a truly rank shot. It’s open in the front and will accept a running shot easily.)
[Regarding the mix couple alternate shot stableford tournament, my partner and I came in a respectable third place, winning $100 for our effort. The first place team won by two points, but the second place team was in position for the win until they double bogeyed the last two holes to lose it.]
Harbor Shores
North Palm Beach Country Club
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