The CNCGA will make its first ever appearance at Sable Creek in 2026. It’s a couple miles east of Seven Hills CC, a league favorite that was considered one of our best courses but unfortunately is NLE. I would’ve thought Tannenhauf, a James Harrison/ Fred Garbin design five miles further would’ve been the option to fill the void in the Hartville area but instead it’s Sable Creek that many believe is the better alternative.
Sable Creek has 27 holes, all designed by Dave Cavalier (I assume he’s the owner) and they were built in three different phases starting in 1994, then 1997, and 2002. It reminds me of Mallard Creek, a 36 hole facility that caters to the recreational golfer. The course is wide open with little chance to lose a ball. In the past I used to be critical of these types but I’ve come to realize their popularity with the golfing public, and how sustainable the business model is. In fact, there’s a handful of holes that are quite challenging, and coupled with the lengthy par threes, will keep par relevant. The course is well kept which adds to its wide spread appeal.
(The 395/373 yard par four second on the Black nine is the most difficult hole on the course. You can see the dyke that keeps the creek back on the left…
…the approach is then hit to a large green protected by the creek front and a tree left. Short drives change the positioning of these hazards, and make the approach even more dangerous…
…a small tongue extends short of the tree with little room to land the ball. Expect many second shots to bail out far left.)
(The 362/328 yard par four fourth on the Black nine features a pond left of the green. The water hazard extends over 100 yards down to the landing area, and make the drive and approach both demanding shots.)
(The 186/177 yard par three ninth finishes the Black nine off with a long shot to an elevated green. A back tier extends across the entire length of the putting surface and makes those the hardest pins to access.)
Sable Creek will be a welcomed addition to the association. The first four holes (the Black and Maroon nines are the designated eighteen hole loops) are a tough beginning to the round. With the dangerous second and fourth holes, where water is in play on both the drive and approach, coupled with the lengthy first and third, one can squander their entire inventory of handicap strokes. Distance is definitely the course’s main defense. Three of the four par fives are well over 500 yards, and the par threes are solid mid to long iron shots. Adding up the total yardage for the white tees, it’s 6,353 yards might make it the longest course we play all year.
(The 507/482 yard sixth hole on the Maroon nine is the shortest par five. If one can fly the ball to the top of the hill then it becomes a reachable in two shots..
…however a pond short makes giving it a go a dicey decision. I still expect plenty of birdies as players hit little wedges in for their third shot.)
(Sable Creek stretches across the entire property and these concrete bridges are on several holes. This is the 184/166 yard par three Maroon seventh. Note the lack of bunkering. Traps are present on only a handful of holes.)
I know it’s not Seven Hills, but Sable Creek will be a fine substitute. The greens have good movement to them and are noticeably on the high points of the property. The real drawback is the lack of excitement. The course is pretty plain. I can see our lower handicap players carding a mid to low 70s round. I give it a 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes to play).
(I played the white tees on a blustery day with 20 mph winds and gusts up to 40 mph. Notice how I played the first four holes in +3. Not blowing up allowed me to shoot a decent score. I paid $30 to walk. I hope the price is similar in the summer because we need some affordable Saturdays.)
(My favorite hole is the 328/316 yard par four Maroon eighth. After playing in the openness of farmland the first sixteen holes, the psychological affront of this little hole is daunting. Club selection off the tee is so important and the battle between driver or iron will have you second guessing your choice. The green is audacious! The front left third is even with the fairway before it drops away to the back right. It’s a very precise second shot. Birdie will be well earned.)
Blog 498
No comments:
Post a Comment