I played the North about 25 years ago when one of my clients treated me to a round because I made sure we had a spot for him to park every time he came to a Cleveland Indians game. (The Indians went to the World Series in 1995 and 1997) I got to play it again this past weekend on the same day I played the Fazio Course. We asked about the replay rate and was told we could play the North since they had an afternoon outing on the Fazio. It became an even better deal when we were charged only the cart fee, a meager $35!
(Unfortunately We played the back twice because they were setting up to blow off fireworks from nine fairway for a wedding later that evening)
(The 364/334 yard par four tenth is a lovely hole that offers a chance at birdie. The player can be aggressive off the tee and try to get a short iron in for his approach…
…look how perfect that green is situated. It’s raised slightly with bunkers guarding the sides. When the wind is blowing, it can be a nervy shot.)
Famed architect Tom Doak listed the North as one of his favorite RTJ sr golf courses. Each nine begins on the water, climbs the ridge to play on the hill, and returns to the water to finish up. It’s a terrific routing! No less than ten holes play on the reservoir including three of the four par threes. The golfer is consistently gauging the amount of risk he’s willing to take. This results in compelling and engaging shots, and unlike the South, the desire to give it a second go as you putt out on the eighteenth.
(The 201/162 yard par three eleventh features a wide but shallow green with two distinct sections left and right. The middle is the narrowest and also the longest carry from the tee. The golfer will do well to control his nerves and make a smooth swing. A par is a very good score.)
(The 452/415 yard par four twelth is a beast. Driving over a couple rumpled valleys, the fairway is narrow with trees on both sides. The green sits at the end of a spine with drop offs left, right, and behind. It’s a long iron approach. Playing short and letting your short game do the work is a legitimate strategy.)
In 1976, Firestone was the center of the golfing world for two consecutive weeks, hosting the American Golf Classic on the North Course and the World Series of Golf on the South. It was the first time the North was used in professional competition. David Graham emerged victorious with a 274 (-14) score. The North was used again in 1994, but this time for the World Series of Golf, when the club was redoing the greens on the South. It was the Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal who would be champion with a 269 (-11) score. Note the difference between the aggregates. The PGA turned two of the par fives into fours.
(The 441/405 yard par four fourteenth is arguably the best hole between all the courses at Firestone. It doglegs around a valley with bunkers guarding the direct line to the garden spot. The hole then drops down to a green tucked in a natural amphitheater…
…depending on how aggressive the player is off the tee, the approach can be up to four club difference. It’s much easier coming mid iron than it is a long one. The green is well bunkered. A par is a terrific score!)
I’m a big fan of RTJ Sr. His courses have a beautiful flow to them, and his holes move in multiple directions around the property. The North has this characteristic and the player is consistently gauging the wind, visualizing a shot, and executing it. The way Jones attacks the water, challenging the player on his tee shots, other times on their approach, shows the variety he incorporate into his work.
(The 560/524 yard par five sixteenth doglegs left off the tee and plays down to this green sitting on the waters edge. The smart play would be to layup to a favorite yardage and attack from there, but the long hitter who cuts the corner has a chance to it. It’s a birdie opportunity that can turn into a double real quick.)
(This is a close up view of the 218/146 yard par three seventeenth. The peninsula green is unlike any hole that I’ve seen. During the World Series of Golf, the pros never played the back tees. The reason is simply the hole is too difficult especially if the weather conspires against you. Take three and move along!)
The North is highly regarded by golf aficionados, and the forecaddy from the morning round told me that it receives the most play from the members. The golfing public I’m sure would do anything to play where Tiger and Phil have teed it up, but don’t make the mistake of missing out on this treasure. I’m of the opinion that it’s the best course at Firestone. I give the North a 7 (great)(worth driving 3-4 hours to play).
(The 545/491 yard par five eighteenth hole is dominated by the presence of water. The golfer must honestly assess his driving abilities and take an appropriate line off the tee. Anything too aggressive or blocked to the right will need reloaded for another drive…
…if you hit a solid tee shot then the next decision is whether to hit over the water or layup to it. Remember that right is still wet. Getting a good yardage for the third is the play in my opinion unless one’s drive makes the carry stress free. This is a fantastic ending hole!)
Firestone South review:
Firestone Fazio review:
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