tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55343568497989545802024-03-26T23:35:51.270-07:00Golfing With Shawn Enjoy the ExperienceGolfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.comBlogger430125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-72728443601859891472024-03-16T10:47:00.001-07:002024-03-20T15:38:00.474-07:00South Toledo Golf Club (Toledo, OH)From South Park to South Toledo, here is another example of a well respected greenskeeper designing a golf course. This time it’s William Rockefeller from Inverness. Before discussing the architecture, a quick history lesson. Originally, this was part of 36 hole Heather Downs Country Club. Rocky designed both courses in 1925. When the Great Depression hit, the membership couldn’t afford two courses so the South was auctioned off. <div><br></div><div>If we were to look at both courses, I think everyone would agree that Heather Downs possesses the best topography. The northern part of their property has a beautiful valley with good elevation change. South Toledo has none of that. It’s flat as a pancake! If it wasn’t for the beautiful specimen trees and a narrow little crick, it would be completely devoid of character. It also doesn’t help that the back nine is totally encased by the local community with houses lining the left side on every hole except the par threes. Thankfully, the greens are very well done. They’re pushed up with a strong back to front tilt with a rolling center that creates a variety of interesting and challenging pin positions. Putting across the middle, especially long putts, can be very difficult. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8429_6d59_1480_bc07" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1OuK1k4XNJJKQM19gidPNloBwtBkPBJYQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(Look how steep the bunker is and the slope of green pitching forward! Cool architecture like this adds intrigue to a flat site.) <br></div><div><br></div><div>The bunkering is very good too! You can tell Rocky took Donald Ross’ style, and flawlessly executed it here. Ross visited several times to prepare Inverness for a couple US Opens, and worked exclusively with Rockefeller who was the superintendent. The sweeping face bunkers guard the sides and really punishes the player who has missed his target left or right. Some of them have steep lips that require a shot get up quickly. Foreshortened bunkers are used too. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_1845_34a4_6f0d_a08d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UUzZ2_NGYXAfiCrRWMzS9PZmeDfNlegM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 414/406 yard par four third doglegs left around a pond before playing to a green fronted by a creek. Playing safe off the tee can unintentionally leave a much longer than approach. Note the winter flag only three feet tall.) <br></div><div><br></div><div>South Toledo tips out just over 6500 yards but don’t for a minute think it’s going to be a pushover. Seven of the par fours play over 400 yards. On the front, the dangerous third gets your attention with the creek crossing short of the green. Then the back nine finishes with four of the last six holes 420-453 yards. The flat terrain, especially when it hardens up from the summer sun, shortens the distance that they play, but the elevated greens tighten the mid to long iron shots needed for the approaches. Hitting to the front of the green will leave you below the hole but the aforementioned roll in the center is a vexing feature to putt or chip over. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_54e2_20f7_876d_9ddf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1L68OoEPQpbOuWk1tVFSsMLSE2FUfbrRb" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 140/133 yard par three seventh is the signature hole at South Toledo. The horseshoe shaped water hazard guards almost the entire green. It takes nerve to shoot at a flag anywhere in the edge.) </div><div><br></div><div>William Rockefeller only designed a few courses and his work here proves that he learned a lot from Donald Ross. I personally love the backstory to Inverness. It’s a solid course that serves the golfers in Toledo well. I give it a 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes to play). I give it a slight nod over its brethren across the street. </div><div><br></div><div>[Toledo received two inches of rain a couple days before I arrived so I was only able to play the front nine. I could not believe the amount of water that was still sitting on the back. It makes me wonder if the housing that surrounds the course prevents it from draining as quickly. Hmmm. I shot 39] </div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-45193012639777765112024-03-05T19:14:00.001-08:002024-03-07T04:44:43.785-08:00South Park Golf Course (Pittsburgh, PA)South Park was designed in 1929 by Emil Loeffler with advice from Oakmont founder William C Fownes. Allegheny County had a sprawling piece of land with rolling hills and desired to build one of the finest municipal golf courses in the country. Their ambition was recognized five years later when the course was awarded the 1934 USGA Amateur Public Championship. (David Mitchell 5&3 over Arthur Armstrong) <div><br></div><div><img id="id_2d4f_587f_2e59_8012" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1M8Qp65uWIq0F7-tKA8lXtmmWZrtqxlU_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The banked fairway on the 423/400 yard par four fourth plays downhill before climbing steeply uphill to a strong back to front sloped green. It is rated as the most difficult hole on the front nine.) </div><div><br></div><div>South Park is a dramatic golf course that plays across heavily sloped land. The holes angle across the ground, cambering left and right while tacking up and down the hills. The golfer is trying to access the proper line that will keep his ball in the fairway while gathering additional yardage. The ascending approach shots are none too easy, with a variety of lies and stances to play from. This doesn’t take into account the extra yardage the elevation adds. The greens are thankfully not too difficult. The round or oblong putting surfaces pitch forward with a simple strategy that allows keeping the ball below the hole an acceptable ask. More challenging are the subtle rises that can make chipping or putting formidable. All these characteristics give the course a distinct personality. </div><div><br></div><div>If one had to nitpick, the overwhelming use of the uphill approach shot, often playing two clubs longer, is used on multiple holes (3,4,5,9,11,12,14,18). Besides being tedious, this repetitive shot makes one wonder is the best routing was employed. Granted, Loeffler’s lay of the land philosophy culminates in such holes, but there was an opportunity to use the ridgelines differently. As is, the best holes are the ones that play along the ridge, like the par three sixth, par four seventh, and par five tenth. The one shotter across the valley at eight is probably it’s more recognizable hole. That leads to another quirk that is enjoyable. Both eight and twelve have dual greens that alter the holes playing characteristics significantly. Each one has its own strategy and there’s definitely a sense of wonder as you arrive at the tee box in anticipation for which green the flag is on. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_c467_c52c_b0e_7c1e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vIm-M0bgV7iAQh30O5izV6SZFQr3_Vd2" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(From the middle tee, the par three eighth plays either 135 yards or 198 yards. While the shorter green is below, the longer one is above. This can be two completely different holes.) </div><div><br></div><div>Loeffler’s love for the long par three is seen a few times. The 192 yard sixth and 240 yard thirteenth are two examples of this. Seeing how idolized Oakmont’s drive and pitch par three eighth is, this template is seen at every course Loeffler designed. Mercifully, there is plenty of fairway short of these greens, and the player with a good short game can layup and save par. On both eight and fifteen, the greens are benched on a hillside and are reasonable distance. (Reading the pamphlet for the hole descriptions in 1934, neither the upper green on eight nor the back tee on fifteen are original. Since I’m down this rabbit hole, I ll also note a few other things. The course started on what is today’s seventeenth hole. The first hole on the nine hole course was actually the third. The sixth was an astounding 245 yards, still a par three. And the ninth hole was 441 yards, playing to the practice putting green. The addition of the clubhouse in 1938 initiated the changes including the nine hole course across the street and the new first hole used today. The clubhouse was designed by Pittsburgh’s own Henry Hornbostel. The classic two story brick building has a geometric shape opening in the middle and is his homage to the pyramids he saw while visiting the Yucatán in Mexico.) </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_d5e6_f12e_924_485" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12gd4Nfz_4oPGfpAuIccZftP5E8xLk1cb" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 192/187 yard par three sixth is ringed left, right, and behind by traps. Note how the C shaped bunker in foreground is above the putting surface while the others are below it.) </div><div><br></div><div>South Park was a most worthy course to visit! It’s history fascinated me when I was researching it and it was an added bonus to find great material allowing me to look back on its beginnings. Presently, it is a very strong course, and the new superintendent has it in excellent condition. Even though I played in the late winter months (March) the course still played beautifully. The county keeps the price point very reasonable, and I would say value wise, it’s excellent. Tee times are difficult to get for good reason. I give South Park a solid 5 (good)(worth driving an hour to play). </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-72930560342388637412024-02-25T13:30:00.001-08:002024-02-27T08:55:12.215-08:00Wheeling Park Municipal (Wheeling, WV)Wheeling Park is an Emmet Devereux designed executive course. It’s on a quaint piece of property that occupies the very end of a hill. A creek cuts across at the bottom and the rugged landforms create several fun and engaging holes. The first few par fours have long par three length but they reverse camber across the tree line. You’ll be enticed to reach them in one blow but a wild shot will cost you. The third is 309 yards but the green is hidden, dropped below the ridgeline. A giant Sycamore rises from the creek bank, giving away its location. The long hitter who can carry it to the downslope can drive the green. Of course the creek will capture shots that roll too far. Its a very fine hole! <div><br><div><img id="id_fb2e_49_b0ea_9046" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19swpm5O2G2MS8COJyW-AMffLu7Gs97as" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>#3<br><br><div><br></div><div>The next one is a short four that curves slightly atop the bulbous hill. Getting the correct curve on your ball is key, but realistically, a mid iron followed by a little pitch is the correct play. The fifth is our first par three. It’s a cool hole that I’m surprised isn’t replicated more often. There’s a hill between the tee and the green, and only the back half of the putting surface is visible. Fly it or let it carom off the downslope. Nice hole! Then my favorite hole is tackled and it is a real charmer! It’s only 220 but the green is left of treeline from tee. Any golfer worth his salt will chomp at the bit to drive this in one shot. The creek crosses diagonally and will penalize a poor shot. I hit a beautiful three hybrid that finished pin high on the green. What a great hole! </div></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_3c4d_2b7f_bff0_bc53" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1246gOSPIxbDZRb2EFIMUOc8o_aTjCE6x" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_e032_8e41_a809_8d79" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1makyRasJyUnQEHwYTNbY6RJIjOA3XMEp" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>#6</div><div><br></div><div>The seventh is an average par three followed by the short par four eighth who’s sole purpose is to climb the hill so golfers can experience a gorgeous view and an exciting downhill tee shot on the ninth. The last hole also is the longest at 365 yards. Truthfully, if you can par both eight and nine then you’ve done a good job. </div><div><br></div><div>Wheeling Park is a fun little course that takes just over an hour to play. There’s a few amenities associated with the park including an ice skating rink next to the first tee! It’s the type of place that brings varying sports to a central spot. (The tennis dome is on site too). For those interested in Devereux’s architecture philosophy, know that there are three courses within forty five minutes of each other; Wheeling CC, Belmont CC (it went semi private last year), and this little beauty. Definitely worth stopping if you’re pressed for time. I give it a 3 (average)(worth driving 15-30 minutes to play). </div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-42723518014519746742024-01-19T22:07:00.001-08:002024-02-14T21:10:35.278-08:00Sailfish Sands (Stuart, FL)After writing about The Park, America’s newest super muni, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss what I believe municipal golf should really be; an opportunity for everyone to learn, enjoy, and play golf at an affordable price. Sailfish Sands does that but with a cool twist that every golf aficionado would love. John Sanford took an eighteen hole course, and trimmed it into a nine hole reversible course. Every other week, they change the direction of play, so the course consistently alters it’s characteristics. This concept allows the county to shrink the environmental footprint of the course, helping them maintain a smaller acreage of land while distributing the divot pattern to allow the grass to heal. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_a79d_cd4d_f2f9_a607" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1462Z69grdayl_YH6Mlzz3mQqoj5XdCas" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>As you look at the diagram, you will notice eleven greens. The two that finish the round are only approached from one direction. Every other green accepts play two different ways. The eighth hole plays as a par five both on the black and red routing. While there’s plenty of water, notice how both routings avoid carrying it into the green. One quirk I noticed is how much shorter the Red loop is (2868) compared to the Black (3368). Granted, the Red has three par 3s compared to the Black’s two, which coincidentally, are both over 220 yards. </div><div><br></div><div>I didn’t play Sailfish but did stop by during our annual Ryder Cup week. The novel concept had me chopping on the bit to see this unique course. Ever since Tom Doak designed The Loop up in Michigan, it seems more architects are looking at this possibility. Combined with their TopTracer driving range, a tip of the cap to TopGolf’s business model, Sailfish is positioning itself as a next generation golf course. Although it’s foreign to me and many in my generation, this may very well be the best way to grow the game, a catchphrase that seems to be on the tip of everyone’s tongue nowadays. (No rating since I didn’t play it, but felt it deserved to be spotlighted) </div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-59754160018924972362024-01-12T15:04:00.001-08:002024-02-17T12:28:12.366-08:00PGA National - Estates Course (Palm Beach Gardens,FL)PGA National has five 18 hole courses and the Estates Course is the only one off property. It was designed by Karl Litten in 1984. From my research, Litten was one of Gary Player’s design associates and had a hand in multiple golf courses. He was also instrumental in designing courses on the Arabian Peninsula, with a couple of them hosting the European Golf Tour. <div><br></div><div><img src="blob:null/8d4570c1-65af-4a5f-bfec-3ada9cb5678b" id="id_2303_d578_ad79_b2e0" style="width: 0px; height: auto;"></div><div><img id="id_b49b_f565_2372_da6b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1_VuFYiYo6qJ4o0G2Bd4OLdD3p86BrthJ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span>(The 478/440 yard par five fifth is my favorite hole on the course. The tiger golfer can take on the challenge and reach it two. The casual player will need to hit a solid shot to carry the pinch point and place it in the fairway before the water.) <br><br></div><div>Overall, the Estates course is relatively nondescript.</div><div>It’s your typical Florida course, a combination of water, sand, and OB stakes. The only thing of interest was the way Litten crowned the greens near the edges so the ball spun off and away from the hole. Of course the greens are well bunkered with shoulders poking into the putting surface. I found them to be difficult to read. I wish there was more to discuss, but the course possesses several things that I don’t like, mainly the soft soil under the fairway grass. The ball splatters as soon as it smashes into the ground. Definitely not a course to play in the rainy season. The greens did roll beautifully which is why I give it a higher rating than my review suggests. I give it a 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes to play). </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_e166_bf9a_4323_b911" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRq8Ns5e8mWQzDfX9ymZ_hltguIA0XR-WNIcmQd1H__ra8hj-vHRkRiNoh7jxEKb4deoGvvWEezTO48RQNNZH4wlD6F" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_cc50_1b5_7d19_35a8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTr8dN1kl43O0CMOkZCKQfCNdKXFndpObvtIjk3HGRhXZizcmIORdFamd5eKpp7V8MvRUHCFUTudUi9DnqTO2Zmcl03Jg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>(I didn’t seen any gators here but when we played the Champion Course, there were several 10-12! footers.) </div><div><br></div><div>[Weather always has an impact on my game, and when there’s no roll, and the course is playing 10-15% longer, I will struggle. I shot 83, my buddy Joby shot 83, and our host Ed drained a 12 footer on the last hole to shoot 82 and win the money.]</div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-80672810838735894962024-01-07T19:21:00.001-08:002024-02-17T19:02:42.213-08:00West Palm Golf Park (West Palm Beach, FL)I’m proud to have my 425th review open the 2024 golf season. It thrills me to write about West Palm Golf Park, also known as The Park, one of the most anticipated new courses to debut in the past year. This world class muni is being touted as an instant top ten course in Florida, and judging by the green fees, they think they belong in the same category as Bethpage and Torrey Pines. It’s walking only before noon and a caddy is a must to secure a time before 9am. I paid $230 for an 11:24 tee time, a staggering amount considering North Palm Beach Country Club is thirty minutes down the road and one of the top 20 municipal courses in America, is considerably less expensive. ($170 for the same time). <div><br></div><div><img id="id_eba_3d8b_b9cc_3de3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ZvO60s31Uod8Mo33qlybWm608qdOaY1d" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>As you approach the course, two sets of nets dominate the skyline. It looks like TopGolf but it’s actually the driving range and a lighted par three course. (How cool is that?!) There’s also an eighteen hole putting course complete with a cabana and a wonderful sitting area. If you’re an after the round soak it in kind of guy, like many of my buddies in the Cuyahoga North Coast Golf Association, then you are in for a treat. It also possesses a great short game area and every station at the driving range has a trackman to help hone in your game. All these things push The Park’s agenda to make golf cool, fun, and family oriented. Date night anyone? </div><div><br></div><img id="id_b041_3e4f_99ca_7327" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vE8S06LdsQO4jZWa42xr6u83_OrRVCCV" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The lighted par three course is located between the two nets. The holes are modest length but the sand traps and crazy green contours make it a blast to play. Note how there is an avenue to putt the ball all the way to each green. Beginners can enjoy it just as much as serious players. A+ for this addition!) <br><div><br></div><div>The Park is built on a sandy, scrubby piece of land. Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner designed it to be a links/sandbelt style course that plays firm and fast. The fairways intertwine between waste areas and play to greens that are surrounded by short grass. There are no water hazards, no out of bounds stakes, no rough, and more importantly, no homes. It is a pure golf experience. In fact, the caddy who was looping for my playing partner and his son, said it was very much like Streamsong. That is high praise indeed. Of course, insiders are comparing it to the world famous Seminole which is close by. The property has some elevation change on the western half and the superb routing uses this feature very well. The entire back nine plays on this side, and the 12-17 stretch is as good as it gets. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_3ded_c5fa_fd35_76d6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1jf6cT2Duqq9piV4T3rOtv0Q6hjKRnbrh" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 477/456/386 yard par four fourth plays straightaway before doglegging right with the waste area guarding the inside line. A waste area all down the left makes this a difficult driving hole. The green thankfully is wide open and tilts to the front left. If you can successfully navigate the drive, you should have a reasonable birdie putt.)<br><div><br></div><img id="id_15b4_6d76_8b1b_2204" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Emzzbf9vUeefHrtrnr7cfLLma4DWrUI4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><div>(The short 395/359/324 par four sixth has a very cool lions mouth bunker that guards the center of this two tier green. The left is lower while upper is on the right. The fairway is incredibly wide but todays pin, in my opinion, was best attacked from the higher fairway on the right. One could hit it short and let it trundle on. Getting too far right made the green narrower, and brought the falloff to the lower half into play.) <br><br></div><div><br></div><div>The front nine plays on the flatter part of the property, and there are some good birdie opportunities to start the round. The first thing you’ll notice is the width of the fairways. In fact, you will not lose a ball the entire day. The second thing, and I appreciated this the most, was the putting surfaces are not overly contoured. Some of the newer courses tend to have crazy greens and I’ve come to have complete disdain for these type of putting surfaces. Here, Hanse and Wagner put one or two features in them, tilted them a certain direction, and let the golfer decide how best to attack the pin. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ace6_d130_59c6_a338" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vaNa4G-uVlZnxnS0l69GjI0kybLZ9-8O" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The punchbowl green on the 474/444/403 yard par four twelth is complete hidden from the fairway. The hole doglegs left while climbing up and over the hill. The key is getting it just over the ridge twenty yards short so it funnels down to the putting surface. The front pins will be difficult to get close. My playing companion nearly holed his second shot!) </div><div><br></div><div>The back nine is fantastic and a big part of that is the curve of the doglegs. They beg and ache for aggressive lines off the tee. The reward for daring play are shorter irons, better angles, and more options. There’s the punchbowl green twelth, the crowned green at thirteen, the boomerang par four fourteenth, and everyone’s favorite, the double dogleg uphill par five fifteenth where you take on the bunker complex to get a perfect view for your third shot, or you bail out straight and fidget with a semi blind pitch over a large mound. It’s a great collection of holes with varying yardages. Toss into the mix the driveable par four sixteenth with its fall-away green followed by the ridgeline to ridgeline par three seventeenth with a gnawing waste area eating into the putting surface, and you’ll be hard pressed to find cooler holes in south Florida. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_7be2_5c94_af2_19f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/18zHRmbQQVmG42A5VDTzjOGNY1aHE6lvy" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 174/164/144 yard par three seventeenth sets diagonally from the tee with the carry getting longer the further left you hit it. The green pitches to the front thus it’s hard to be underneath the hole. It’s very fast from above. It’s a beautiful penultimate hole.) <br><div><br></div><div>I love the line Golfpass’ Tim Gavrich used when he described The Park as America’s newest super-muni. By establishing $250 as the starting point for their winter rack rate for out of state golfers, $300 will be in play the next five years. When I wrote about North Palm Beach several years ago, I point out how it did 70k rounds before Jack Nicklaus redesigned it and questioned if it even needed redone. West Palm is a different story because the course was losing money every month. They raised 55M dollars to renovate this course through private and public donations. To think the best they could do was build a $250 per round municipal course is disappointing. I will say that Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner did a phenomenal job and The Park will easily make America’s Best Municipal Course list when the newest version comes out. If you come down in the summer, the price tag drops under $150. I give the The Park a solid 7 (great)(worth driving 3-4 hours to play). </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_30d_f9c6_52ac_3774" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/103QOr8FUXnJ6mqGfNVmp8ucJ_ZVCfkNW" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>[My playing partners were Class A teaching pro and his son. We all played different tee boxes. He played the black (6,640), I played the blue (6,111), and his son played the green (4,757). (The course tips out at 7,145)</div><div>It was cool seeing all the different variances from each tee. Listening to their caddy speak gave me insight into several holes that I’m not sure I would’ve picked up on. I hit 12 fairways and 11 greens, a recipe that generally produces a very good score, but I only managed a 78. My biggest concern was trying not to three putt, and trust me, you will three putt here. There are several misses around the green where making a bogey will be a good score. Price aside, I had a great time and would love to see it again. There are several pin positions I’d like to see in action.]</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8b02_f812_cea5_e4bc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fTDC2fSWos0Qdmi72D4tTziKUPTLScDz" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-54685175357111581902023-11-12T21:20:00.001-08:002024-02-14T14:15:46.359-08:00Avon Fields Golf Course (Cincinnati, OH)The historic Avon Fields is located minutes from downtown Cincinnati and is reportedly the oldest municipal course west of the Alleghenies. Nine holes was built in 1914 and expanded to eighteen the following year. Who designed it is a muddling question. Both Donald Ross’ and William Langford’s names are mentioned, however, it is William Diddel who ultimately gets credit for his renovation work in 1933. <div><br></div><img id="id_33fb_ab9b_a9b5_b724" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1rwyaFtQ1IBZXJ1xjKWVw-LubRGUSeq87" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Avon Fields is not going to make anyone’s list of places to play but it is a case study for what the future may hold for new courses built in urban settings. It’s a 4,963 yard par 66 comprised of twelve par fours and six par threes. There is not a single par five. The property is a mixture of ridges and valleys, and the course skillfully takes advantage of all these natural features. It’s a lovely round of golf and can be enjoyed in three hours or less by everyone who shows up. In a world where time is a factor that stymies the growth of the game, Avon Fields offers a practical solution. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_b1df_2d86_c3cb_ae13" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAvRux_pn8gkMWppIKrVfwpB6ndrbZq-B-vxaXowDi4qZYkaadpOyob8zSAcc-tSgMdUoHnLTXORim5YO4ZgFi4gpYUbA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 354 yard par four fifth plays atop the ridge before dropping down to this green in the valley. Note the homes in the background of this urban playground. Now take a look at the steps leading up to the sixth tee…<img id="id_7b42_9c94_244f_872" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAELE6Jd88ce-B5sodc9upjSgiwm1ixexr9RrBWaGnAAbpWwqPKUt_AbQ3gp5zKkBrcXEnX2OqOp8Dk3VMnIXaTMDq5eg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…this 142 yard par three has the unusual hazard of having that wooden railing being in play albeit a rancid shot…<img id="id_76dc_49fc_622f_2565" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaD92Hg0MjSKl5oLYI5t1oXSg3_jLXYInt1ZfxyhS39t8Fl8N-wH7y47i7UWK93_HQSCwyCOYRn_bDzJQFQHwIiky9_yig" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the hole itself is artfully placed in the corner of the property. Drop offs short and right with a hazard left makes this a well earned par.) </div><div><br></div><div>Another historical footnote pertains to the segregation of golf where African Americans struggled to find a place to play. Avon Fields was open to everyone and many black golfers called it home. Like Highland Park here in Cleveland, or Rackham in Detroit, Avon Fields is full of stories of men who never had the chance to prove themselves. </div><div><br></div><div>For those not familiar with William Diddel, Avon Fields will be a fine introduction to his natural routing philosophy. He felt that a good routing doesn’t need any bunkers. There are several here but they are not needed. The holes either stay on the ridgeline, play across the valleys, or climb up the hills. The putting surfaces are tilted either to the front left or front right. It’s difficult to have a straight uphill putt. For a sub 5,000 yard course, it’s a fine golfing examination. It is a solid 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes to play). </div><div><br></div><img id="id_3342_7f59_4d7d_463d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1FbJ1GA6qeHrzas3ZTXRljokhW0hXcAjw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The course record is -11 under 55 set by local pro Hank Wilms.) <br><div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><div><br><div><br></div><div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-47102700517337790722023-10-22T18:34:00.001-07:002024-01-28T09:26:13.064-08:00Maryland National Golf Club (Middletown, MD)My annual autumn getaway took me to Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, an underrated but super cool place that steps back in time to the Civil War era. After scouring the area for golf, I chose Maryland National, an Arthur Hills design built in 2002. It’s generally rated as one of Maryland’s best courses, and is heavily advertised in regional publications including Golfstyles Magazine. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_81b4_d160_3a3e_6658" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UWwoYdh3JEFNlaoeQzYke8ajHXDCvyHb" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Maryland National occupies a central valley with the Catoctin Mountains off in the distance. The spectacular long views are the defining feature and makes this one of Art Hills best sites. As an Ohioian, I am very familiar with Hills’ style. (He’s from Toledo after all) I’ve seen his work in many places, and his best sites are usually his most disappointing because the architecture is no different than his work at the local muni. In fact, I would say his municipal courses excel because they bring a pedigree of architecture not seen at that level. At Maryland National, Art Hills broke out of that mold, and produced a very good test of golf. </div><img id="id_7e4_841e_a9e9_5770" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1NOg2VyZTcpnjYBm5k7aVBHnsuAbqLd03" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(Being the first one on the course has it’s advantages including this beautiful, unhindered view of the 585/527 yard par five second hole. A tight draw off the tee will gain some extra yards and bring the green into reach.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_3c9d_cfa6_b91d_73b6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1-hyVYnK2jfFANO5iaQsS6kmxdLpMAOzq" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 209/158 yard par three sixth drops down to a green guarded in the front and left side by a creek. A grass area to the right offers a bailout but not an easy recovery. The putting surface extends in the rear almost beneath the limbs.) <br><div><br></div><div>The par threes are the highlight of the routing. Three of the five connect the higher topography to the wetland filled valley floor. To avoid any thoughts of monotony, the par three twelth is the longest one and tees off from the highest part of the property. I’ve always been a huge fan of his short holes and look forward to them on every new course I play of his. Play these five holes in even par and you’re on your way to a good round. </div><div><br></div><div>The par fives are a mixed bunch mainly because they punish those who are too aggressive and fail to hit the green. Conservative play usually results in easy pars. There’s little that challenges the layup shot and this reduces them to a pitching contest. The par five seventh is the exception as a flat upper fairway is the perfect spot to execute that pitch. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_a6d8_b152_b106_4cac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Tqjh1IJiQ31djxKBEiZRtXpp4644HJ5Y" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 542/513 yard par five seventh features the abdominal sand pit that must be avoided off the tee. Notice how the green left is below the upper right fairway. The falloff left of the green sees many shots.) <br><div><br></div><div>The par fours have a wide variety of distances and are solid. Three holes in particular stand out (9,10,16) mainly because the property is cramped in those areas and Hills made them short par fours that don’t require driver. These drive and pitch holes focus on the ability to hit a short iron or wedge to a narrow or small green. The par four sixteenth occupies a narrow valley with a creek cutting it in half. Since it’s driveable and the carry to reach the fairway is only 150 yards, it’s hard to call foul. Even short hitters have fairway to hit to before the creek. For long hitters going for it, there is little room to miss. I played these three in two under but they can easily mess up your card with three double bogeys. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_7831_e03a_f132_524e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/14H2qHX3m7_FCtp-SE_oW0xc7Fhr5IwMX" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(Would you try to drive this green?! The 336/268 yard par four plays twenty yards shorter on a direct line. The hillside can be used to kick the ball back into the fairway. It’s a bit controversial in my opinion but there’s no denying the late round theatrics found here.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_516_e453_b185_645f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16VruC02ljyXdj4gpZ-OceGUWZaylUgdz" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 203/159 yard par three seventeenth is downhill to kidney shaped green guarded by a low area short. The elevated tee helps add height to your shot. Club selection is vital to get close.) <br><div><div><br>I would put Maryland National in the same category as both Longaberger (now called Virtues) and Shepherd’s Hollow, Art Hills courses that are mentioned as best in their respective states. The property is so good that Hills really didn’t have to do much to make a memorable course. With Musket Ridge a couple miles away, golfers have a perfect combination for a 36 hole day. I give Maryland National a 6 (very good)(worth driving two hours to play). </div><div><br></div><img id="id_799c_dd67_b444_ff92" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1id7o53rHKImmX55uk3jjstOViOQ-k-0I" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 435/396 yard par four eighteenth doglegs right with wetlands on the right and crossing short of the green. The elevated putting surface places a premium on hitting one final good iron shot. Avoid the right otherwise you’ll finish with a round killer double bogey.) </div><div><br></div><div><br><br><div><br></div><div><br><br><img id="id_9da7_9c6a_c7b3_27c9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sNFxBZOFpYtztATbBUYJXqcb-B96LdxT" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>[I played the white tees at 6,069 yards par 71. As you can see, it’s still quite a force with a 131 slope rating. Note the back nine. I hit eight greens in regulation! That’s the only way to consistently shoot low scores. Much of that can be contributed to the back nine being 500 yards shorter than the front! Three birdies and one under overall gave me a 74.]</div><div><br></div><img id="id_5300_461b_44ba_3573" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1jleiQTEHHcQrBj13ORHpf8mhklmPJxaY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 186/159 yard par three fourteenth is a beautiful downhill shot over scrubland to a green set in the trees.)<br><div><br></div><div><br><br></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-12803831305269753672023-10-09T18:57:00.001-07:002024-01-12T18:27:13.120-08:00Washington Park (Newburg Heights, OH)Washington Park was the last course to be built in Northeast Ohio. Brit Stenson designed it in 2006 for the FirstTee program. It’s location off I-77 in Newburgh Heights makes it a convenient stop for those driving downtown or coming home from work. A grass driving range, a practice putting green, and a superb short game facility greets those looking to get some work in. <div><br></div><img id="id_b314_9c0d_3f0_ee85" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQlAKVz7Y3jf4-lxHt6X-0CyrnO0h-NIQAhbpE5wRiDw_ypJ9ggnTvjkZWKw1SEu8lEOTr6XCA7hnrDV-62Msr6zL9_9g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(30-50 yard pitches plus a sand trap makes this worth the $8 practice fee.)<br><div><br></div><div>Being the site of the FirstTee, one would think it would be player friendly yet every hole has a bunker guarding the green. Young kids learning to play the game, generally, have a nonexistent sand game. In my mind, it would’ve been better to have only a few. I learned to play the game at Little Met, and there’s not a single one to be found there. If the goal is to grow the game, then the difficulty of sand traps can be a deterrent. Of course the counterpoint is giving young players a full spectrum of golf shots. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_a9b9_55e0_ec2b_86a0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQiL3JSPftR_ca78_NNUbbFdhNLLx0blZi0f5J7oIe57F5mbL5HG-7E6rtaP8Cqu9vXjcJ5ahcxj0GAAGZHWqG9WFLg3g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The opening hole is a long par three but is realistically a par four for the kids. Note the shorter right bunker opens up the angle from that side. A lot of brush and middling trees.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_1a4e_a12c_e06c_bb43" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSo5pRg1btYNzCFocNGz8qq8AN5e1rvxI85OZknkSkbJ0PF5HyNnLQ0CrXAZsTnLapywC5jvIWsOHznCXsknrx6-crW" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The short par three ninth has two bunkers guarding the front of the small green. Missing right or long with result in a penalty stroke.) <br><div><br></div><div>I previously mentioned learning the game at Little Met. Mastick Woods is another executive course that caters to young people. Closer to home, the par three course at Shawnee Hills is a good place to learn the game. All three are run by the Metroparks. This tells me that Washington Park is more about being centrally located and easily accessible. It’s location also gives adult golfers a quick opportunity to get nine holes in. Of course, I would be inclined to say the practice range gets more use than anything. It’s only a couple miles from work, which is perfect for practicing before or after my shift. It is always full of golfers when I stop to practice. Mission accomplished! </div><div><br></div><img id="id_1cd_e29f_1dcd_c754" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYT2DyJh1HwzFJilMNzcdxfiXG00t58LV0oCi6yac1Wr_g9RmNwmG2hA-CDEZsIEMtTY4sRKDE--UL1auCUyFiqpMyVF_Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(Washington Park is surrounded by an older neighborhood.) <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_37a_b270_ff6c_b37f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTW_lU8xcAnwDdxwFGIbPFP9WyY62gHHbDV8sc5DVUg6nIlUG0-TbLMjEyCGTLiEqLAaZw0hu-I5X-U434pbdodpKMS6Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-65421910502098907322023-09-13T05:45:00.001-07:002024-01-09T20:28:34.147-08:00Treetops - Threetops (Gaylord, MI)<img id="id_3265_9f53_85e9_46cc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSzv9IMUNysSXOG2q7bwQWV8sLcd9IlJDbP45Me6WwQjQkLgng-bWIwZku5sLdj7KsroOlf9cKlZbK9k9jgx-XPwY8h" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Back in the 1990s, Treetops was the place to be. Teaching pro Rick Smith was the man in charge, and his students were some of the best players on tour. (Lee Janzen, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh etc) He added three courses to Treetops but his most famous one is his shortest. <div><br></div><div>Threetops is a nine hole par three course. From 1999-2006, it held the ESPN Par-3 Shootout. The very first one saw Lee Janzen ($260,000) edge out Phil Mickelson ($230,000). The following year Ray Floyd would win the most skins, and Phil once again came in second. In fact, Phil played in the first seven shootouts, never winning it, and coming in second five times. The best shot is undoubtedly Lee Trevino’s ace on the par three seventh in 2001 which won him a million dollars. The pin was in the rear and the ball carried past, spinning backward ten feet into the cup! </div><div><br></div><img id="id_b762_e617_a6eb_5115" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYS75Ig0D363izO2PWX_REdL0ke9OPvXn113lMR6tamwf7XrjqszRBY8KseOpIQYU4GXGgjxLXxcGb-4HxBuy-HS1VP_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 159/146 yard par three second has alternating greens with alternating tees. I love the big bunker cut into the hillside short of the left green. It’s a bit “out of the box” but the two greens perfectly employs the wide ridge they sit on.) <br><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><img id="id_7006_61b8_dfce_c5ee" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTPD5w4jEmRs54LK9CkH7wJS1KgHaCWd5R3FxZh1TqwmZi30sL1Iz2Ig82KrV0citmB1Ht3paiWwvfegCZ3QrU7Ft-AOQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(Lee Trevino’s ace came on the 150 yard downhill par three seventh. It drops 90’…<img id="id_af0_ed37_bf6b_af08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRmGl_IMiPCVME_VM0UREn0Rafgayx9UCrnwxUNjOIlEW7sR7zg-bCy_awzMYsGQl5kPJnNAL9m3hsEmXh7bEOhKAupjA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…look how high up the group on the tee is! Today’s pin position is only playing 116 yards!) <br><div><br></div><div>Links Magazine called Threetops “…one of the baddest par three courses in America.” I’ve had the privilege of playing both Bandon Preserve, a thirteen hole par three course, and Palm Beach Par-3, an eighteen holer that is one of the best in the world, and I would rank Threetops up there with both of them. The elevation change is so cool! How do you gauge 145’ drop?! It’s awesome!</div><div><br></div><img id="id_d898_82e8_6ff9_85f3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQ0BqAxEIzemo3Ak6p9zGTcVW4nJ2Vl7ANkxvF_Gistp-bUl9T3mlOYrzizPYpA0r8Voizyc1cHcLQKyEMBT8rQo3sQ8A" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>[I wanted to comment on our golf trip. We had eight guys, and stayed in the Jones Cottage, a four bedroom cabin with every bedroom having its own bathroom. The kitchen and living room shared a two-sided fireplace, televisions in every room. We got three nights, five rounds of golf, price tag of $750! That is a great value! When I was at Bandon, that was my daily price! Obviously we’re not on the ocean, but for an affordable guys trip, it’s hard to beat Treetops!]<div><br><div><br></div><div>I’m doing something a little different with my blog. I played all five courses at Treetops and instead of sending them out one at a time, I decided to sent them all out at once. Here are the links to the other courses. I personally have them ranked in the following order:<div><br></div><div>1) Signature </div><div>2)Masterpiece </div><div>3)Premier</div><div>4)Tradition</div><div> </div><div>Read them for yourself and enjoy! </div><div><br></div><div>Signature</div><div> <a href="http://golfingwithshawn.blogspot.com/2023/09/treetops-resort-signature-gaylordmi.html?m=1">http://golfingwithshawn.blogspot.com/2023/09/treetops-resort-signature-gaylordmi.html?m=1</a></div><div><br></div><div>Masterpiece </div><div><a href="http://golfingwithshawn.blogspot.com/2023/09/treetops-resort-masterpiece-gaylord-mi.html?m=1">http://golfingwithshawn.blogspot.com/2023/09/treetops-resort-masterpiece-gaylord-mi.html?m=1</a></div><div><br></div><div>Premier</div><div><a href="http://golfingwithshawn.blogspot.com/2023/09/treetops-resort-premier-gaylord-mi.html?m=1" id="id_fcfc_a7d0_5d91_4524">http://golfingwithshawn.blogspot.com/2023/09/treetops-resort-premier-gaylord-mi.html?m=1</a></div><div><br></div><div>Tradition</div><div><a href="http://golfingwithshawn.blogspot.com/2023/09/treetops-resort-tradition-gaylord-mi.html?m=1">http://golfingwithshawn.blogspot.com/2023/09/treetops-resort-tradition-gaylord-mi.html?m=1</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><img id="id_4009_b8d9_84c2_d504" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQ-P28sF9RsrZJ25iCtUnpxT4kVQN3X2cbL_KQ-5IYAKVinH5CzyCGUGYnhiQV63kl7Bfao9n17x5lH8vCd8acOfLO1uQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><div>(Pinehurst, Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, all premier golf destinations, have added par three courses to their rota. It’s safe to say Rick Smith’s creation here at Treetops was the catalyst for this trend! That, in my opinion, deserves major recognition!)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><br></div></div></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-68283752476993271492023-09-12T18:48:00.001-07:002023-12-13T20:21:53.588-08:00Treetops Resort - Tradition (Gaylord, MI)The Tradition is the course that Treetops needed. The Premier, Signature, and Masterpiece are all difficult courses that require strong golf skills to play adequately. This course is none of that. That is not a dig, and personally, I think it’s fantastic that the resort dedicated this piece of property to newer players and players with less skill. In fact, I believe resorts with these kind of courses do very well. There’s many opportunities for recreational golfers to enjoy themselves and it allows the resort to fill the tee times without it backing up. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_13ce_d2dc_aae4_f280" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRGp75hODJIDlSscIlApquBouf6QM-RyKpspG2zBX8DpCkmtxtT7bWXkOCMaaykpyUF0D5-JCzanILUhGgHreIhIaMMOw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>The property itself is very nice. It doesn’t have the elevation change the other courses have but it still moves up and down quite a bit. The course has less bunkers on it and the greens are muted with very little interior movement. In my opinion, that’s the biggest reason the course never attracted my attention. Truthfully, this is a great opportunity for renovation. I doubt they would ever go that route, but Mike Devries or Tom Doak, both Michigan boys, could instantly make this a top Midwest course. Until then, I don’t advocate a reason to play it with one of your packages. The par three course is much better. I give Traditions a 3 (average)(worth driving 15-30 minutes to play).<br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_5835_17a0_71ca_d48c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRuznZqDGMRMk-eCljSuGDtcfWw_qugWm_9IPj3vWUdtCdsF3YRXBQjVPQnlE5GGBDfAEBjOVzOwYEnElwVQKYRetmKPA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8b3_2283_654c_dc9d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRzQrwHtLJE2cuW1kwtdiHrUfF63aSUP5G_jhyzITrmro_PzG4VWlYCA6FCa0ZHvthXlJUKPnpk936hhbBjgsUbk1No-w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>[we played a two man best ball. It was the backend of 36 hole day. Wyatt, an eighteen handicapper, caught fire on the back and really helped their team catch us and take the lead. Joby reaching eleven in regulation was very impressive. It’s 458 yards played extremely long. The short par three seventeenth was the tipping point. Joby made a twelve footer for par and I missed an eight footer. It was a lot of fun and all our C players had a great time.]</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_21f2_aa90_900f_c0c9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQ6ordQQ6xlPZanFwfpZrkCJO7AiaRC22dROy-JkzHGMqwlp_ScLl2FWWb9MAaIWnUKx9LsgH9_N-AMI7zt5kH4kEw0Qw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br><br></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-5256033800272894222023-09-09T15:07:00.001-07:002023-11-12T17:10:43.898-08:00Treetops Resort - Masterpiece (Gaylord, MI)<div><b> #83 TOP 100 USA MODERN (GOLFWEEK)</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><img id="id_aa51_34ff_931c_292f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAHv8M8yCnlEqwALH_dqdf3ZgymPmyMvCbiljlfUOiwxXKT5vOfvIuFqLEhnMmX8aAqPJvY-CBHZm0JtSroi5rvKxztzA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Masterpiece was designed in 1987 by Robert Trent Jones Sr. It was selected by Golf Digest as the second best new resort course that year. The setting is stunningly beautiful, rolling through the hills and valleys of the northern Michigan backwoods. The elevation change drops over 100’ on a few holes! On the spot of par three sixth, Jones told Harry Melling, owner of Sylvan Resort, that all he could see were treetops, thus inspiring the name change that we associate the Masterpiece with today. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_5186_dfa3_8082_4a09" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDRz5gNI_vMVIg08I_YPB47TUOhjh82BppxgsLTd57iABbKJLkqmGdfZ3j3vqOBwOZWa0VDF8W-ECkDf0PVZJSasQrtOQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 539/510 yard par five fifth plays over and around a dropping valley, enticing players to cut off the yardage and give the second shot a go…<img id="id_2bd3_b514_5b83_d329" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaD5bxhyhVAhC4c1IDEItGlTfrAil1CdEKLcgGAVaoPEfyACoisGVxLf6DsK70TP0KLoQyqmf2V9ljQTrAtAl0pA3FRcGQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…laying up to the right reveals just how tiny the target is. Jones’ sprawling bunkers protect every part of the green. A par is a fine score.) <br><div><div><br></div><div>I’m a big fan of RTJ sr older courses. The small greens have good internal contours to them. They demand very precise shots, often times over deep cavernous bunkers. I love the look! I know it’s not en vogue right now, usually criticized as being too difficult and boring (aerial shots only) but as a single digit handicap, the thrill of seeing the ball land safely on the green after taking on a tucked pin position is addicting. Watching your buddies take on the same shot or bailing out is fun too. His “hard par, easy bogey” philosophy means weaker players can layup short of the sand and try their hand at saving par with a good short game.</div><div><br></div><img id="id_b919_7f9b_dd69_860f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC_kyNrTqOAgJNjapVRXRG_0KXjVajkJO4U2ZGpF2AVj81SExNwLIVU7hgYLRfb3y06ehquLsyf1C5_gU-sgnnwjgrYFA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 180/162 yard par three sixth drops 120’ down to a triangular green. The view from the tee is awesome, and only the changing of the seasons when the leaves are ablaze with color can the view be better. Club selection is a bit tricky. It was 175 ish when we played and I hit my 145 club to 5ft!) <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_d253_c260_7aff_940f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDzup07j2mUobZ_9fWuzbUklUwH-GeoSd4xwDb0WueIRFoMAD0_UNjXVSV7_uk8z7A86KJCcltf-yiE7yvkA8JztAyOdA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 431/389 yard par four ninth begins at the beautiful waters of the Pigeon River. It crawls uphill between thick treelines. Four will be a good score…</div><div><img id="id_a2d_f11e_4256_ddb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBBWsabagiDRtLPBTA6jLtHA-yPA6cH7MuoPI6GYURImkt-FrVoRkFLh0y1JGlrkLOmrxLKDApgj-2iRSaAapIjFWqq" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the island tee is particularly beautiful with this wooden bridge leading down to it. The water is crystal clear!) </div><div><br></div><div>The stretch from 5-15 is undoubtedly one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. Pure views at every vantage point is almost like hiking a trail through a national park. The routing through this area covers all the best parts, hitting the high points offering fantastic vistas, while transversing the low area next to the river headlands. Unfortunately, the beginning of the round is somewhat predictable (the par three fourth is an absolute dog) and the final three are on less dramatic land although they’re all solid holes. When I was reviewing my round, I had given 5,6,8,10,15 an exclamation point. They were all really cool holes with great features. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_c2e4_ccda_62d2_7d5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCplwz9W5fX6_2wSWRHBNqoO38bl2KYi5vf91PaYIxalq-soVIyHtjsdVReQhKkeDu-TAI6VzujNU1eK3h9wkMM6RJPVg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 605/589 yard par five tenth is a monster of a hole! It plays uphill, heaving and buckling all the way to the green. Bunkers guard the front, guaranteeing only an aerial assault. Five feels like a birdie!) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_23d3_81b1_2f65_aebb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBThXmc-Z6UOoW_b6QUINF2ffXeTlygfiyAfTh1pANCvYanD5NHXNefVT3Akvdnc4_dmslIEfQUnQgZrEOcU2mWsv0SUw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 431/387 yard par four eleventh plays downhill and a draw will take the speed slot into mid to short iron range territory. It’s another well bunkered green.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_3127_36a2_426c_d61a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBvCPLO64WJHs1J-9AA18agNew-SFv4-DPAtq_s74c43jwh-Osf-Z9h986S7Xi8R0eyfrbfaXfIXKp9WAAMIDYFIBqbnw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 208/176 yard par three thirteenth is nicely set in a grove of trees over wetlands. Today’s pin is on an upper tier although it’s difficult to find the green regardless what level it’s on.) <br><div><br></div><div>The Masterpiece is easily good enough to be a top 100 course in America and I’m pleased to see Golfweek comfortably place it on their modern list. I wish RTJ had done something different with the first four holes. (I was actually shaking my head after putting out on their new par three fourth hole.) It’s not often that I give a course five exclamation points much less that many in an eleven hole stretch. That said, I like a course to be consistently good throughout, with no poor runs. It’s enough of a letdown to dock it point. I give Masterpiece a 7 (great)(worth driving 3-4 hours to play). </div><div><br></div><img id="id_ca46_7889_218d_7cbb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAkPd8lwUAFqiXI7-5IID-sEf8Yb7OkdZviJSn7VWGWsDyLJ6dIlz6vHeM9UzEg76bBzUOEeD49SWDTKIBm40zLyU1NLQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 446/407 yard par four fourteenth has an awkward tee shot where one lays up to the edge of the ravine. If successful, this is the approach over the valley to a green atop the hill. I love the front left bunker melding into the woods. It’s a daunting shot!) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_db63_efde_cce3_d50" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCPszV84OiRiRKp1DiRwsMypr5mjUCIUXriGDYTOodPWpuiPI6Nv9hwxZCATs1rmq62STQegfrgnrN_840rqDGE24PCKw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 363/343 yard par four fifteenth drops over a 100’ to a skinny green edged into the hill. The long hitter can drive this green if he chooses to take on such a risky shot. Look at all the fairway short right. It’s very difficult not to let your eye get drawn to the left…</div><img id="id_a4b2_b3d4_49f9_5b0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDY3giD4FDsvkk7eeTcFnGcgW_3JcQZvm4guz1aniCvh4g3YkugULCfexcenbqG5oNB46rNvKtjsaeRs13OcG-vGxTG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the green lies on a narrow ledge with sand guarding every inch. When I saw the green from seven fairway, I actually thought the players putting were on a tee box. It is quite small in the rear. I love 2-7 type of holes!!) <br><div><div><br></div><img id="id_4ab2_e5a3_5af8_47e0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAEAXW-D6rEKDx2j1Onk0z1RpXH9YT0ml6ZZfuR8tqoG8rK-SdQBxNzzVqxzux3UBdgOmof19Ivd3bdRwwZ-K3C6mLQjA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><div>[we played the blue/white tees at 6100 yards. It was our last round (90 holes) in the three days we stayed at Treetops. The overall goal was to enjoy the round and hit good shots. My 81 was fine. I holed out a bunker shot on the par three sixteenth for my only birdie. My buddy birdied two of the hardest holes on the course at eight and fourteen. Note the back tees with a 74.8/147 course and slope rating. It’s a par 71.]</div><div><br><br><br></div><div><br><br><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br><br><b><br></b></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-64477206827563919362023-09-05T11:03:00.001-07:002023-11-26T18:21:16.250-08:00Treetops Resort - Signature (Gaylord,MI)The Signature debuted in 1993 a year after Fazio’s Premier, and was designed by teaching pro Rick Smith. It was his first foray into course design and to say he knocked it out of the park would be an understatement. The course uses the main ridgeline often, featuring eleven downhill tee shots with gorgeous views of the valley. <div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9220_beb1_54e4_ea48" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC3GwSJadfr_hSAZNsHyanXT6bkjINArvwA1iCGCR9Y_n7aO5cZe4-jBXaHELYEbA0KlbBh1rCqDcsHPmLh4tdljNUw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>This is my favorite course at Treetops and for several reasons. Besides the great vistas, it has a lot of width to it, allowing the player to open his shoulders and drive the ball as far as he can. The bunkering is up to scale with the property, stretched over various parts of the fairway, giving players pause before deciding which line to take. The greens have big contour in them, ridges that section off pinning areas. I was pleased to see all the short grass surrounding most of the putting surfaces, giving golfers options for their approach shots. There’s plenty of greenside bunkers too. I felt it was a strong examination of one’s game. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_f3c5_8dd_83bf_bcba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAROfpvJ4BxAtlCfA4DVOsUvyiSFKk77X1RNxVGR5fyMADowXjSuJW643WFuUyk6E1OyY-FmS-Qq8Cfrn8pTqtAlSC_hQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;">(The 176/160 yard par three second hole is downhill with a green divided in half by a ridge. Todays pin is just over the bunker, and only the best shots will get close. In my two rounds, I was in both the front left bunker and right bunker, saving par twice with a great shot.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_6526_f826_4077_3bfc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDmFMjxKKBi3kBuM1OWMGWvE9KaKqUWPxeKOL_lpvaVywvUIBjh_TKIMVPTRb5RVdtC9mOC1L_BV1EYXcUpdVpSVQL3uw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">(The 556/523 yard par five tenth has the hilltop directly in the background. Look at all the fairway which allows multiple shot shapes to be taken off the tee.)</span><br><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><img id="id_e182_c283_b2dd_d258" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaByzkC5IgB-cvtfibktG_L8NG1DHpCuU9_N2Zco5OxvuQIRXQd_gt4WjLZTbyk89etok2v5QAvUamB9rXDwnxQJZWlLuQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 175/164 yard par three eleventh is the most controversial hole at Treetops due to its claustrophobic setting. It was so much different than any other par three including the par three course. I absolutely loved it! Beautiful hole too!!) <br><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br>Golf Channel’s Matt Ginella listed Signature as one of his top 50 public courses in America. I wouldn’t go that far, but in a golf rich state like Michigan, I think it’s top ten public, challenging for a possible top five. Considering places like Arcadia Bluffs, Greywalls, the Loop, and Forest Dunes are perennially being tossed in the conversation for best courses in the country, being in that group is high praise indeed. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><img id="id_ee90_4b9f_ff8a_cf44" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaABg61-POLVDmXquEI4N30QzLfrMzH5UcYOicjZqtaMrcinJW0qQLfmEoY5qpz3vQmNIpBKfAN50cltuFZJf74v1t2P" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 485/461 yard par five fifteenth is one of the coolest, reachable holes I’ve seen. It has a wide fairway but challenging the bunker on the left leaves the best angle. Note the tight gap between the saddle of the trees. Don’t even think about hitting the traps short right…</div><img id="id_6cb7_26d0_9ac6_cf55" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBHjGwYonIIKLlX3_KQwXWtt_kHK55X6Fv6tsfjzaZpkHvM4ZAjWDTEkcVwxlyu8yJdkTOwQ9xXRzCfBqGyXsTgJeU2Ug" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the two tier green is very skinny and long. I love how you can work it off the steep banks on either side. It’s a really fun hole!) <br><div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_f8ff_bed0_aae0_e6df" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAgLf8dF_-WfxMjPhGB2EBNHY9VKQRCQ71PG-rfBwAL0gxz5NKaDHXAPugp1iD5BxlDw1h3d67HRkavfLyXtJs0JxcQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 368/361 yard par four sixteenth is a prime example of the scale of the bunkers matching the size of the property. The entire left side is strongly protected, convincing players to go up the right.) </div><div><br></div><img id="id_ff5c_f915_b369_9fd3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBD-28pNOKNHlf0sH80y4i0h9-8WbPqOp2VVbo1hTBFMb4iMnDUk4bZHb3MtoI3Q4j9gj9I6eHT5ZiLVX7nHiHJn_W8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 199/188 yard par three seventeenth sits on the spine of a ridge. The green is well protected, and divided into three pinning areas. It’s a very good penultimate hole.) <br><div><br></div><div>The only nit to Signature is it’s unwalkable. When you have eleven downhill tee shots, it’s obvious that the goal was to get to the top of the hill. I personally don’t have an issue with this, but purists frown upon it. Other than that, I think the course is fantastic! There’s five courses in Michigan that I have rated eight or higher, and Signature is at that level in my opinion. It’s a true experience that you’ll remember long after the round. I give it an 8 (excellent)(worth a weekend visit). </div><div><br></div><img id="id_ea11_6d6_75f1_88c8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDHNVXzAqEM_Q6ZYN4HHrKW9kmXRQReby2cHenVODkoxGNfl8EhPW7EN16ccRFMZl7L_d_L3jguadY048nu0JvW9qRjLQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 363/343 yard finishing hole has a diagonal fairway where the best position is just over the tree sticking out on the right…<img id="id_3dfd_b523_1d83_9970" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCHnuBZtYUfx8L9XxnB0elA1iyFJXyN0GBCSdpxj5y0BgA8vYa9nxYxNoi3vjrs4Wz8BgfrovlfQV6VgOX_7Z6lQNL5" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…if you can work the ball to that area then most pin positions are accessible with your approach. For those who hit it to the widest part, a sidehill lie will complicate your short iron shot. Enjoy the final view of the day!) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_9f9d_a0a7_ecc_bb97" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAChZ0Dlixd2nSZCGtIFXqr97pl4x7CWSbWrR3e32jdCcbOokP8vZN9C2_TlbWwn_ctdrJpF0tJneDGcJWh8Tnvlzin6w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><div>[we were playing a two man best ball with an odd number of players, so I had two eighteen handicappers who alternated between even and odd number holes. Ironically, the player who’s score did not count almost always played better than the guy who did. As a group, we ended up at 68 (-2) which won by five strokes. (I was getting seven strokes). Our 33 on the back nine was the key since it was three strokes better than the next group.]<br><br><br><br><br><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><br><br></div><div><br></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-83244232308763672222023-09-02T03:58:00.001-07:002024-02-02T06:42:12.927-08:00Treetops Resort - Premier (Gaylord, MI) Premier is the only Tom Fazio course in the great state of Michigan. That’s hard to believe considering all the the terrific properties developed in the past thirty years in the Wolverine State. It’s also a testament to Treetops for convincing him to sign on to their project. The property was perfect for his style over substance philosophy on golf architecture. <div><br></div><img id="id_2d4f_9af7_777b_aae3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1D3gqXvcT5reL3gD-Xe2eMl1l1J8XINtP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 195/168 yard par three eleventh features the only water hazard on the course. The left side looks very inviting. Why let this one hole torpedo your entire round?!) <br><div><br></div><div>The Premier was the first course to be built on the North property which is three miles from the main lodge. It starts on a high ridge before dropping down to the valley and hopscotching between the hillsides. It has a unique routing. The seventh and tenth tees are perpendicular to each other as Fazio designed a triangular loop at 7-9 in order to take advantage of the broad valley that ten continues to climb.</div><div><br></div><img id="id_7e5e_8269_34c7_ccf3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1HTmDfwovwGLl4L57lTtplJOl-zO311Ym" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 313/289 yard par four fifth seems like a reasonable birdie chance, and it is, but note the left side of the green. It drops ten feet down to a lower tier and requires absolute precision. I pity the golfer who has to putt up or down that slope.) <div><br></div><img id="id_5bfc_befc_a0cb_c5ed" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1rleoZ0niHyL4R2wrO4H2-iaAgToK82wq" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 373/333 yard par four seventh plays into a valley before hitting to an elevated green. The putting surface is tipped away from the fairway, adding to the pressure of selecting the correct club.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_1f8e_abab_27a4_f4a8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1TFgpseSqyXqtlP0Xqb-aCz-Nr-hJQer1" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 187/163 yard par three eighth is downhill to a perched green. It’s roughly fifty feet below the tee box, again adding pressure to grabbing the correct club. Anything short will spin twenty feet below the green.) <br><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">When Fazio designed this course, everything he touched was getting rave reviews. Premier was no exception. It works well with the northern Michigan landscape, and he used all the elevation change to dramatic effect. My main concern with the course is the playability. The buffer zone between the fairway and treeline was very tight. Some of the C players in our group were having a difficult time NOT losing balls. Two things stood out to me about Premier, and I’m intrigued to find out if they are a Fazio trait. Many of the greens were set an angle from the fairway with a trap between the player and putting surface, forcing a high shot to attack the rear portion. The other was the severity of the bilevel greens. Several of them had the lower tier in the back, and at the par four fifteenth, the tri-level green dropped at least fifteen feet from front to back. The middle section was narrow, the front wide, and the rear half even wider. It was an amazing green! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><br><div><br></div><img id="id_2504_35d8_da0b_4518" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13LA4lNH8mhjJJVY-lwNGIvKkQbEUChry" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 362/334 yard par four fifteenth has an incredible green that slides down the hillside in three levels. We dropped balls on the front left just to see if we could putt to the the back left. The trick was hitting it up to the collar where it will gradually trickle to the left. Super cool in my book!) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_3d01_af21_6dff_1e22" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1kNMg26j8UVrSfHhwaCyRI4XgySOmcIdP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 546/494 yard par five sixteen doglegs left with a high right side allowing golfers to play the ground game around the tree line. The green has an upper level left and lower level right.) <br><div><br></div><div>When I was looking for reviews on Premier, I noticed there seemed to be a love/hate relationship between the golfers. Some said it was their favorite course while others reiterated the difficulty that I mentioned earlier. Usually, in my experience, that means it’s going to be pretty good. The course tops out just over 6800 yards, so Fazio made sure to bring precision shotmaking to conquer it. In most states, this would be a top ten public course, but in golf rich Michigan, it’s not even top twenty. Still, in my view, it’s a strong golf course. I give it a 6 (very good)(worth driving 1-2 hours to play). </div><div><br></div><br><div><br></div><img id="id_bf8a_1130_b2e0_e210" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1DhlvGJ0HwQxGtJSvqFIdJQRAZvoaz5ly" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><div>[we played the blue tees at 6,274 yards. My playing partners dueled to the finish with Wyatt sneaking out the win over Patrick despite a triple bogey on the last hole. I played arguably my best round of the year. The course had a +2 PCC on the ghin, making my differential 3.8. Playing the par fives in -2 and not making a double bogey will make for a good day.]<br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br><br><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><br><br><br><br><div><br></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-42518627869853568672023-08-14T17:54:00.001-07:002023-10-22T18:43:59.797-07:00Columbia Hills Country Club (Columbia Station, OH)The West Branch Rocky River makes a series of curves through the lowlands at Columbia Hills. Usually a natural water feature would be a welcoming sight for a golf course, but here, it’s fickle nature makes it both a blessing and a curse. Besides the obvious flooding issues, the overgrowth of vegetation needed to prevent the banks from eroding means it’s not particularly in view from many areas of the golf course. This hinders the property from shining like it should. Thankfully there are a handful of bridges to help tie the course to the water. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_e555_b0b4_5d10_ce47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBksk_N_M8nD89GgZlOA0lhxxowC5kO_VDOw4J6RD3A4pw3qW503ExjBFhvP_Vhal9AqzaY_-k8VtPbS-AK5lQB2d3dRA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>For most golfers, the four uphill holes (6,9,14,18) will be what they remember the most. Each one sits high on the hill and are difficult to gauge. Both fourteen and eighteen are par fives so a short iron alleviates the problem of getting the ball elevated enough to hit the green. Nine is a short par four that can be handled without much hardship. The sixth however is a different animal. It’s a strong par four that often times requires a mid to long iron shot. Getting the ball airborne and having it hold the green will require a great amount of skill. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ff19_7a6f_b6e0_2317" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaA2c3JwpvbS5vI-QoQ9sxL9Qx0MObgFJLRDQoEFrfixhXnwJN4xZSUDkkRlhHjcdq9Gf6ojE1sRYcyyzYgFqHDiDsSoNQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 374/361 yard opening hole starts with downhill tee shot. Hopefully some good range time allows a full shoulder turn and a powerful drive down the middle.) </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8852_f8da_12a1_72c2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDWQl8ku64QkeV3EvZBzQ22yBS_z1tuKkcimqUlHOyfGUO2GgpBzol330QHi3eQCGIA5pP4iFqA1Ch4vsi3o-NbDQoGbg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 402/372 yard par four fourth offers another downhill tee shot to launch the ball…</div><img id="id_d6d7_e874_8e98_1508" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBjf1g-eCHcdhztFjeK3aMhHgeO6HxDTZIZXD02LZN0t20XNVSePVjV8VQcO24fDpAYABYDtmtyiWgf0qBqh329fQoF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the hole doglegs right and the long hitter must take care not to block it into the water. Usually a good drive leaves a short iron and good opportunity for birdie.) <br><div><br>What goes up must come down! And at Columbia Hills, the golfer enjoys several downhill tee shots! I find it interesting that a few of these are short par fours including the driveable sixteenth. Club selection from the tee can change drastically depending on course conditions. Even the tenth might be reachable for the long hitter. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_4017_ae18_8ba9_4eaa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDPtDs2W8OaedA6OoJQJCSDlIxaVYQXylUJXQ6QFwUQa79WeOku61t6pXMewg-yXwWnRlPxGvL6g2X1SsIKiHPJHBfA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 168/145 yard par three fifth is one of the few times you’re hitting over the river and it’s the only green pressed against it.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_1f06_2be6_3720_1899" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCiEb2DLI0YhecEPohc91U-xdf52LvDEUP9oWkGJp3ShKp0zqSbOoLmsJk7dEHYnr69-Cb-IVQJa1XpKUxKIuHfYqtCAQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 408/388 yard par four sixth is the toughest hole on the course. Look how abrupt the elevation change is! The wise player will have seen the pin placement while hitting his tee shot on the fourth. Note the grass circle on the left. A large tree once guarded this green! Four is a great score!) <br><div><br></div><div>On a personal note, I targeted Columbia Hills for a visit because it’s a Harold Paddock design. I have played all his northeast Ohio courses and this is the only one that is private. (He added nine holes to Oberlin which is also private) I’ve always felt his work at Sugarbush and Pine Hills were his best. They are both on rolling pieces of property. Columbia Hills has a touch of that, but overall, the course is flat. Even on the downhill holes, the fairways are dead flat. This leads to the greens which are somewhat bland. The second green is elevated (wonder if it was redone due to flooding) and the rest are at grade with the fairways. The par threes are surprisingly short. (Even Ironwood has a couple 200 yarders) Both three and eleven are short irons and the only one I feel is memorable is fifteen. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_2ad0_c223_f9e6_5202" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDDtPGdkbrCfo0Xh-nSNURoLkjrDAVO7VYRQo7Fhmcrn7euesWL_A1lrmh78UBDGzL430kGtSOl5PfDi7f5XFdHWQtX" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The drive on the 422/401 yard par four twelth is a butt pucker! While not technically a chute, the gap between the trees in the distance is narrow. A four is a good score.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_d790_7a5c_6efe_92d0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBvCXoi-JvxyX408LbI2C_6cZWaem8idit0NYysL9YYoaIwk5ByctRcVkWJnt-kP1gfUfKh4JMQlHPYzEbtocXbVzKK6w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 509/481 yard par five fourteenth is my favorite hole on the course. The tee shot plays alongside the river, often a layup since the hazard cuts across the fairway. I love the look of the green atop the hill. A well placed second shot will leave only a wedge for the third. I wonder if the long hitter can carry the river off the tee? A shot just short of it will leave 240 yards to the green.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_5eec_cd76_2fe4_cc0d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDbAwE0SLZPNWGAyRVhz2-A3rcvKLzzVyST04dkYwJZaPlO4-QsqKmg3T3evnpiTEZmZWk7En8O53WA3j6sDUVXWtYweA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 196/178 yard par three fifteenth is an intimidating shot over a valley to a well bunkered green. Long is death! The putting surface slopes strongly to the front. The tree midway on the right surely catches shots hit offline. Mercifully a drop zone up by the green keeps damages to a minimum otherwise you could see some very big numbers.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_4fb0_de80_d129_c6ff" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAP7HQks1lx8qddpxIYYk_hGvEJPQPO8nZnYjJEhouBQJhm0FrvxbioPn-ZZmAcBwFdVqk1iNpYAOf0yANvZLG6OnwT" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 324/300 yard par four sixteenth comes at the right time for some old fashion glory. The large tree just right of the bunker is the line to the green. It’s a fun hole that sees a variety of scores!) <br><div><br></div><div>Columbia Hills is one of the few private courses on the west side of Cleveland and it’s location in the southwestern suburbs makes it a convenient and popular choice. The membership must be really great because the course itself is player friendly and not very difficult except for a few tough holes. As much as I enjoyed it, and it was in great shape, I can only give it a 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes to play). </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9cc5_3653_e816_6d0d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCZWTBa5UKETbSb9FLS5JOYlGhQqcQVxfXM3zfjnH1hkNFZ-DDPZALeLZ8w1x8vWctL1oPPvY_qyftE8SOhc-RH9qEl6g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>[we played in an ICPGA event from the white tees playing just over 6,000 yards. It had rained hard a few days earlier and the course was very soft. The holes played longer as the ball pretty much stopped where it hit. Scott had a terrific day, holing out for birdie on the first hole and making several long putts on the back. I played solid golf, with only 3,4, or 5 on the scorecard. I chipped in on seven but my three quarter pitching wedge on sixteen to four feet was my favorite shot. My swing is slowly coming back.] </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_5a52_2274_141c_a088" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDJ561NXewvpFWZsXKvoxcgWII7YYn-3wWXGm0Vo7txFT-E-PhjuG5Z-DhsZUeb4knBqMYOtExiuZp90P8yBgMoLg9MoQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(I’m a big fan of courses that go the extra mile with their landscaping. Such features brighten up the atmosphere. Out of view is the concession house. Four holes (3,4,6,7) share this area.) <br><br><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-5723321037212741712023-07-19T04:23:00.001-07:002024-03-26T17:34:36.243-07:00Avalon Lakes Golf and Country Club (Warren, OH)I played the original Avalon Lakes in the ‘90s, and it was a laid back Pete Dye course very much like Fowler’s Mill. It was solid with classical golf architecture motifs. Then the decision to go to a more “dye-abolical” design. Everyone has an idea what a Dye course should look like, cue Sawgrass and PGA West, and the new owners felt that was the best way to get more attention and more play from area golfers. It’s very aggressive and completely manufactured. Dye dug out several lakes, created massive mounds, and blitzkrieg the course with 125 bunkers! <br><div><br></div><img id="id_5cba_990c_c4a_cad9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1J-k2WyQ2FUtbCADD7a1Fp7my1FnRNsCu" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 410/371 yard par four seventeenth has water all down the right side. A rise in the fairway distorts the view into the green, making the approach a bit uncomfortable. With the putting surface sloping towards the water, a fade can find itself rolling into the hazard.) <br><div><br></div><div>For most Ohioians and people from western Pennsylvania, Avalon Lakes is the only, or at least the closest, opportunity to see a Pete Dye golf course. It’s also very consistent with his approach to flat sites. The bunkering and mounding distort the desired driving lines off the tee, and with the overwhelming use of water, the golfer is generally forced to execute a shot he’s not completely comfortable hitting. </div><div><br></div><div>Whether or not the course needed a makeover is debatable. The original was plenty strong and hosted an LPGA event for eight years from 1993-2000. Nancy Lopez won the first tournament with 203 (-13) score. In ‘94, Tammie Green won with a 206 (-10). Then Michelle McGann 205 (-11) and 200 (-16) won back to back. In ‘97, Tammie Green 203 (-13) won again with an eagle on the fifth playoff hole to defeat Laura Davies. Se Ri Pak won in ‘98 with a 201 (-15). The following year Jackie Gallagher-Smith went super low with a 199 (-17). The final tournament was on the present day layout and Dorothy Delasin won with a 205 (-11) score. </div><div><br></div><div>I have to believe the biggest reason for the change was to make a big splash for the newly found resort at the time. Avalon Inn became The Grand Resort. (I play in a group that has a summer golf trip to the Warren-Youngstown area every year and The Grand Resort is loved by everyone! It has all the amenities and the pool/bar area is fantastic! It has grown to four courses including Squaw Creek, Buhl Park, and the Field Club fka Newcastle CC.) </div><div><br></div><img id="id_e39a_7164_3d8c_3785" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAPH5zaj5LqtudAAWPyaQWNdOCqeplS_EaqlbKuL0bGHAuP1PvvxF8oOesGkOlXIrM54z3DajwH4zKGklR5wE4wynN8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 244/186 yard par three eighth is the highlight of the round. The peninsula green is angled with mounds and bunkers on the right and water all down the left. The putting surface is a whooping 60 yards long! It’s an all carry shot unless you decide to bunt it down the fairway short. Great golf hole!) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_6f29_7bd5_fbb6_fbdc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBYo6D_H8gGEBlRL190y1b1mBs7l3PflESgc2Ey9hnNC7Sr_JNjN0rrL4iTetIzIdDW-mONJtI8WAU5X-hZtK6IYiQTKg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 395/344 yard par four ninth has an intimidating approach shot over water. While the left is all carry, it’s also the fat part of the green. A right pin position is well defended…<img id="id_2669_d15_9587_7477" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBWOLnzP_qZwip6EYMxlBEiCrHdIPChoA71JnsQyVpsy_yfCWoTW4FlfxjWN3SWirv_7CZdEOYd5bn-96zlf6CXwOnRuQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…a look from behind shows the drop off that guards conservative shots that go long. It’s a stunning view and plays in front of the guests having drinks on the patio.) <br><div><br></div><div>While eight and nine are the showstoppers, the par fives, in my opinion, are the stand out holes. Each one is reachable in two shots, but the player must risk going over a group of bunkers or a water hazard to be in position “A”. Those playing conservatively will be challenged to get the preferred angle to attack the pin. They’re all fun holes and birdie or eagle is possible. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_9a27_cd06_6e55_826d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAqBPzWqph4DuJMls3LBmwVBOlKxXug60rWvy9Ijo9i9zx4ZQDTjIdjmRhVYT9CF-kY44OZsJS4r3f8CVNqZi6gekADWg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 567/508 yard par five eleventh has a great cape style tee shot over the water. Bunkers line the left side and force you to hit the line that goes further over the hazard. An aggressive drive can cut off some yardage and bring the green into range.) <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8259_fee5_373c_ae9d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBhh0KTsEg-DsF7xqN3CHo15zq0o8Js9BUM5u_1SRFZtiPi_eOB8a5p55kN4p6XxVje3BcpDtFWJCiO53-bX0h2tRNeGQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 535/495 yard par five fourteenth is a Pete Dye classic switchback hole. A water hazard on the right asks for a fade off the tee then the long second shot demands a draw into the green. The bunkers guarding the left extend out 100 yards so any ball that doesn’t carry will find sand. A forgiving chipping area long and right should be the play for the long hitter.)</div><div><br></div><div>Avalon Lakes surprisingly flies under the radar. Most of that is due to its limited availability and high public golf rate ($160) that is easily the highest greens fees for a public course in Ohio. Most golfers playing here are either members or resort guests. What is not surprising is the full tee sheet! The course definitely has that wow factor and it’s on total display at the eighth ninth and eighteenth greens. It’s no coincidence that all three are visible from the patio or the ride to the driving range. If you gaze across the street at Old Avalon, you’ll notice just how flat the terrain really is here in Warren. This should give you an appreciation for how much dirt was moved around. I think the redesign did its job, and allowed the resort to upcharge its reputation. I give it a 6 (very good)(worth driving two hours to play).</div><div><br></div><img id="id_a4d0_534d_be11_189c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCVBklN2akaKjVWkr7uymAamy95lqgq9TRoX4G6OoYImJO6hqWfK9avaZdN6Qib18OF2KMT7eDo0AiEkAlQDlqQJZPmjQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The approach into the 502/446 yard par four eighteenth is backdropped by the energetic pool area. Don’t be lulled by the simple looking green entrance…<img id="id_5957_f914_d904_ba84" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDShm79kDR5jX27zNi5J5im04AJQoQXuDBTl7lzBF4yUlXcLh1bLN1GAJWvEH8bU-32WzYDRN7HxzCNwnAnsraeG1HATA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…it’s a Biarritz style green with a swale in the middle and back tier. A water hazard horseshoes the back tier. Par is a great way to end the day!) <div><br></div><img id="id_3d50_2823_a858_60e2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaB1HwoAktoYbYi15rb45sxfQZYgnZ812s2e1TKM38U3-7nU8sTlpBn-z2ckbJTcLQ57awipmv8DwHa6TGFPUTyEmMudxw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>[The summer of hard knocks continues as a rough start extends my streak of mid 80s score. I had four penalty strokes. I did see some improvements with my new setup and takeaway. A pin shot on eight was the only money I won. We had a great foursome! Kudos to my friend Mike who was the only golfer out of sixteen to break eighty. We played pin position 3 with a couple up tees thrown in. The overall yardage was 6,228 yards. Check out the tips! This course can test any level of golfer!]<br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8d79_d036_5a49_f05f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaClsg86H7U34U5wvp9s03b5fPEX8Wsw9fe7fRgTy5tGJzTCDlCT9lKFtu_gT3QCtuEfLt7ySEg3n5C5GdiNAUKwTD98" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The view of twelve green from seventeen tee) </div><div><br></div><img id="id_1159_cfc_bfad_a96c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCz1uSPixxyCOlb58xyW-gw7lMiFaS2ColuFIn8WIbMXQePqvNyPHImBEZxGtdV2KU4u35UFhubeMqL6pGDjhtLYKwI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(Another view of nine green. Railroad ties are out! Stacked rocks are in!)<br><div><br><br><br><div><br></div><div><br><div><div><br></div><div><br><br></div></div></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-27869571789917171212023-06-29T17:22:00.001-07:002023-10-08T07:56:27.638-07:00Alliance Country Club (Alliance, OH)Every year I play a golf course that exceeds my expectations and this year that place is Alliance Country Club. The course not only is in beautiful condition, but the creek is impeccably maintained with the option of playing recovery shots out of it. The overall look is really impressive especially after playing Mayfield the day before with its rugged and unkempt appearance. <div><br></div><img id="id_3be3_8378_3c14_df2f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaB_KWn0Sp_upt1sIplpbHUAvzzLb7QSCRUGv6mRjCeOsDlmY9tVnsWMIfueDlhlARiM-d2nZMgg2oQ_j7_bDx3666PW" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The uphill 364/350 yard par four fourth turns left exactly where this picture is taken. The second shot is then downhill to a green that slopes hard left. If you’re playing for the ball to bounce on from the right remember that short shots leave an incredibly fast chip or putt…<img id="id_341c_ff62_e263_3c8f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaB0S2S_ajlJyd2SRK2Swfo5pxbjNOIdvuQtOUzEYvBeIicluuzfrg_CwLLTrAU4r5X5mQ8nbl53ixuPs84-BH9gWg1s" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…looking back one can see the fairway does end before pitching forward to the creek. A par is a good score.) <br><div><div><br></div><div>Alliance originally opened as a nine hole course in 1911, and after the clubhouse was built in 1925, expanded to eighteen holes. Golf architect Calvin Black did the expansion. (I could not find any information on him. He may have been a superintendent or possibly a very good player. These seem to be the two qualifications that many obscured architects possessed during this time frame.) Black’s routing and design hosted an exhibition match between Gene Sarazen and John Farrell in 1929, and in 1959 it held the Machine International LPGA Tournament won by Mickey Wright. Fred Garbin redesigned the course in 1983. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6f9d_8f8a_3189_5123" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDb_Omu2Czvyxkb3h-14LmltYOKlHx8PBGt5ukZB-LdeWtYZKg31H96sv0AAPdQ-KetqNpAAVAIQKBikvNDWKa1O1_0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 191/150 par three third is over a valley to a back to front sloped green. Note the cement steps from the cart path to the green on the left. Yes it is in play!) </div><div><br></div><img id="id_3511_42ba_b5fd_f214" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaATACY_Pj8NKwt8OZguUk297_jleGPCe_crq2OtGkPta-tZNqguAUaXXQ-JUgUsIFxXdO6a8AKC1g0O6PvIO6SGf9O0Ow" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 391/369 yard par four sixth has a green set into the hillside above the creek. The front half is all alone with no place to miss…<img id="id_71b3_e4c6_e851_9c0b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDGNxGxl66HtvMyueEpj4W5m72fgS62dLvoLqVL5RxEmC-Cfli9nJ_poRJOXY6uv0plxT3neDFFTLzyGmrBz8qphiuxbw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the rear half has more forgiveness with playable chips from the fringe or rough. Look at the beautiful playing corridor with the huge trees lining both sides.) <br><br><br><div><br><br>Alliance is a traditional parkland course with trees on both sides of the fairway. It’s main defense are the greens. They have the most slope I’ve ever seen! Ridges or rolls that creep into the putting surface add to the difficulty, especially when you have to putt uphill to a spot before it tumbles on its side and rolls downhill to the hole. Local knowledge is a definitive advantage and being on the correct side of the hole will save you strokes. </div><div><br></div><div>Most of the design revolves around the southern most creek and its shallow valley. Eight holes use it to defend greens or have tee shots driven over it. There is also a large pond with a different creek flowing in and out. This water hazard protects the holes closest to the clubhouse. The routing makes good use of both features and jumps from one hill to the next. The rolling topography will challenged the player the whole round with engaging shots and exact driving lines. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_92d8_c514_661b_b5de" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDfxq3v2SUVpYO8VDS5EXZ4zlQEGI3qG88N-tiugmzLhpLxSLjXxNxb021Ry8I5gX7ywf_TNF2nixxz2XcvQ7d8KV7fHQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 512/490 yard par five ninth has a great downhill tee shot between the trees. The creek crosses the fairway at the bottom before climbing uphill to the green…<img id="id_f520_4410_e67c_ddb3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBVCW7JVU-mTF2iA8pN9B7Pn3VsnBCUwtR4YkdQNm7C3nBG8GX_96NpRFxHL2ZSHm5KjlgavBQ4Ghp8_jcfON5NY6bF0Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…there’s a flat area on the left that will hold a second shot for a full view of the green. Most golfers will let the contours feed the ball to the right. It is reachable in two for long hitters.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_d388_766_dcbf_2ea3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBvn3BmoOh-5A4fkRn44OuZhqjlJr8zSGjWZSh3QBIpZRES8gUvF4Ovo5m6gVZzjeET5MHg6i7QGdZsfYJLZOpAOxF_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 186/168 yard par three tenth is downhill to a small elevated green. The two bunkers on the sides are a solid ten feet below the putting surface. There’s plenty of fairway short of the green but saving par from there is not much better than being in the sand.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_a098_17aa_144a_6af3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDiw60kRLtHafZL7fj7nMXcIl8TkDIeUhVMZP3UpYuRGQlUVwS6Gf7SrJFQ0iH0e4XjBpYQLKGpW7W1-v5wth633Z3W" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 510/481 yard par five twelth has a pinch point that narrows the landing area. The creek crosses the fairway 120 yards from the green. Poor drives will need to take this hazard into consideration. The green is pitched severely so a short pitch or chip is often the best strategy to hit an aggressive third.)<div><br></div><img id="id_4f66_fd11_1de9_b7e2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBP9PBpNvrt2dqvd8ojETgvDUFX_H3WedYyB7qyAOCCcHoOp6Oo87BDaTgKLEZ_hsZ3FGuMflvgtQCjf501HXyYBBazlg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The thirteenth completes the second half of the back to back par fives, but this one is a tad longer playing 534/524 yards. The rolling terrain can leave some awkward lies and stances for the third shot. It’s another difficult green. Don’t knock a pair of pars on these two holes.) <br><div><div><br>Alliance tops out just over 6,400 yards from the tips but it only plays to par of 70. For most clubs, this is a great yardage. The tiger golfer will need to manage his game off the tee since there are a few tricky spots for the long hitter, but the rest of us can comfortably hit driver. As mentioned before, the real test will come at the greens. This really allows different skill sets an opportunity to win. The course doesn’t favor one group over another. I think it’s better than Seven Hills (NLE 2023) which is just fifteen minutes away. This allows me to comfortably give Alliance a 6 (very good)(worth driving 1-2 hours to play). My only criticism is the par three eighteenth. In my opinion, if a short hole is ending the round, then it better be a great one. The one here is a tough par but underwhelming. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_cf52_b321_7164_8989" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDG3zf92xRq8f0eB0Lbv0eLFxoLOohkJumqntxfMUy-WAl0HtU2Lvisb1ZBNyjwxflH-VCpwq7zR4FB2hx_WqV2EMxfyQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 411/403 yard par four fourteenth is a solid hole with a large green…</div><img id="id_c85e_a37f_44c2_1845" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAgauFMRWTixLuVu9mWqqs7b8PFutdRC0nnZtpiv_KoQ9dqqk1u0OqzMC4CqBkiK3YPRtw7kznUXNxZhgMWSvM9Gmm7sQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…hitting the fairway is a must if you want to reach this green in regulation. Long hitters will need to decide if going over the hill is a good leave.) <br><div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_43d6_6a7_baf_efd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDLHvDOuDdbPlztyweZ3gRMqFeuz9NoG6FVLn44WJyPrItAVMjBYDxoeqki0c2gIyK2nG33YFOKz8xwwiuI3hjZZJZPNg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(#15 367/358 par 4)<br><br><br><br><br><img id="id_77b9_3d07_c96d_5377" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaA_lOAX57iJnqsGNRJeMINjbHk8vp69_X1tDqpv12U9r3uMpXj0_L5y4YlTLXlT_ZRGZ7cB_Eozmtq2JBDVs7iIaKpBjA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>[I played a practice round with my friend and her partner who were competing in the Ohio Ladies Fourball Tournament. We were looking for the best places to approach the greens and for bail out locations. We hit several putts and chips to various possible hole locations. It was a good learning tool and great way to figure out the course. They didn’t play well the first day, but they rattled off five birdies in a row the second day for the low round, and won low net for the tournament!]</div><div><br><br><br><br><br><br></div><div><br><br><br></div></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-27875130968980470072023-06-22T19:15:00.001-07:002024-01-30T01:38:27.833-08:00Mayfield Country Club (South Euclid, OH)Mayfield was designed in 1911 by architects Bert Wey and Herbert Barker. Its merits were such that it was chosen to host the 1919 Western Open, then considered a major championship, and the 1920 US Women’s Amateur. In fact, the great Harry Vardon exclaimed during his exhibition tour that it was one of the top three courses on this side of the Atlantic. Fast forward to today and this hidden gem flies under the radar both nationally and locally, barely moving the needle while other northeast Ohio stalwarts gardner all the attention. <div><br></div><img id="id_7acc_6e88_3412_b29c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDpf6XU0RrCoHsJrkKlhQHno5EdoO5nwZy_SdXAD8Sn3NqqTuqJXlyW6KjwVXfnV41aid8R3yvrKJ7X7JRQ7VSn-aOV" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 202/185 yard par three thirteenth was featured in The American Golfer magazine. The green is tucked between two fescue strewn hills with bunkers ringing the sides. Club selection is vital to finding the putting surface.) <div><div><br></div><div>Unlike Shaker Heights Country Club which plays in full view of the neighborhood that it sits, Mayfield drops down into a valley away from the hustle and bustle of the city life above it. This valley has several ridges and it’s the way the course jumps onto them that makes it so unique. Three tee shots play up and over a two story wall of fairway. Today’s modern game abhors such tee shots since it’s blind nature creates uncertainty and doubt. It’s also very unforgiving if you don’t elevate it quick enough. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_b6fb_cfc1_2510_77f2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCHPiGHHDJ7J7k6RqkSA7GQ-1u3dwtmvIo5TXhtkvvkckrDkmC3gm-o0rEQzMkMvIENqhz6VRY5P7kkREwW9c0o5HTwLg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(Where do you aim at the 340/333 yard par four second?! There is no discernible landmark in the distance…<img id="id_e2b2_92fa_b4e3_16ba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAMESfEryT0ZiHt8YQ2yW7Hxms_I96_lL8-n0GlDXBQc4nnhWVXtpuqaxtGghoYnZLCf8ijkc7Ubr-OgnG5l3uPRDTO1w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the rollicking fairway has few level lies for the approach. The green is up on the hillside surrounded by bunkers. The long hitter might be tempted to carry the entire hill to the lower fairway but the downslope between the two is rough. This is my favorite hole on the course!) <div><br></div><img id="id_5d38_3791_a41f_8376" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaA99dH_nEcs2PCA69_2jF_G6V-TiM7wsp4hHxU4kKr1M2csxq5I92r8IUw5bLDvzXAjkrcePnzWQtdl7RA37DvRtGMttA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 196/178 yard par three fourth plays downhill to a back to front sloped green. I’ve seen an old picture of this hole where a bunker fronted the entire green…<img id="id_ef10_550c_fe50_d6ce" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaB9KS3UfLTQCS4JDPI0i0ZpDMalGB3OEyqK7o91JDhvKO7nCdyan9BIA5aYaKgcg0KCLW_Ap4OJ3L5myRW2HoM0hgpP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…looking back one can see how difficult a rear pin position is.) <br><img id="id_36c_d144_524f_c649" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCo_hRv1cghXcD20i0MqTAxHCSF3plno7oDRjEt2CNO4R1PfQNdFkhR6nvAnAEzi-mLJAs9gelHl7iPC03u-bLlMBYSgQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><div><div><br></div><img id="id_345d_d0b1_24df_7e67" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaALvFKw-OJ8Pber19lOR-O7xFy2rLyUc-wsHDLVdLZxzSxoiV-rGNj7R6UWUf0y3OSJU_je8YKWUfGlm7ujMA7sH1Q-ZQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 420/412 par four fifth is the number one handicap hole. The ideal tee shot is just over the inside bunker but note the creek just past it on the right. There’s plenty of room to the left but that leaves a long second shot in. The creek continues down the right and cuts behind the green. Much of the putting surface is hidden and it extends further back than imagined. The front left bunker sees a lot of action.) <br><br><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Back in the 1990s, my Uncle Tony was the godfather of the GM, and we played Mayfield every Monday. They would take a cart while my cousin Mark and I would walk. I remember playing til it was dusk, sometimes walking 54 holes in a day. I was really new to the game back then, maybe it was my second or third year of golf, and the course would just kick my butt. I rarely got to play with my uncle and his buddies. They had a big money game, often times $5 or $10 a hole. That’s a pretty penny nowadays so back then that was a significant amount of money. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_af8c_7c0_f71f_d346" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAFYdTbMzzCVjdENZvGMBuzTKJmB7JgMcX1YEzrUK9VBcJXLwdTrIVpQgUlthoHkYSQ7LLONAbz8sYMBvhkOaVNEqp72g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 369/350 yard par four seventh has a severely undulating green. The creek cuts across the fairway 280 yards from the tee and guards the left side of the putting surface.) <br><div><br></div><div>Mayfield is a continuous eighteen hole course and does not come back to the clubhouse. It has four par fives and five par threes including back to back one shotters at twelve and thirteen. Three of the five play downhill and connect the ridge line to the valley holes below. Unfortunately they all play in the same direction. Another tidbit that my playing companion pointed out was no approach shot was uphill. There are a few uphill drives but the greens are either level or below the fairway. Considering how unique the topography is at Mayfield, this is definitely a choice made by Barker and Wey. (It actually got me thinking about Bert Wey’s other courses. Goodpark, Black Brook, and Chardon Lakes. Only number 8 at Chardon does one hit uphill to a green.) <br><br><img id="id_6be3_d5b5_8aa2_860" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaACPz7NgAlAd_yJ0hLUvR7IQF1sPBlEWxh1Mf2BOtSSsYig8EygajvGHHOZ300J87kD5RQ_wl4gN3Cz-j6TRKT-k6QK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 454/424 yard par four ninth has a completely blind uphill tee shot. I remember an old iron staircase that one took from eight green to this tee box, but alas, it is no longer there…</div><img id="id_f0e6_a05a_cf0c_6507" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCVId357_Ex_MZX4rINfku3E_VurmGl9SV9t9vW2ScJMhw6VFjroT3Txi8XDI9QDzx2cdfYBkTCDoyWj9H8AeEnMjtQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the left side features a flat area to hit from while the half pipe right side will propel the ball further down the hill. The green actually slopes away from the golfer so it’s not uncommon to see balls go long. It’s a great hole!)<br><br><br><div><br></div><div><br></div><img id="id_4fd8_1259_80d5_5380" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDRTp-PyVzmCHLy3KbIqhHcTwAvLa0WiFNeYN6q-haQjeK01frSnrG9KRdURZpnOepxBpMJwVo2wbFMynCZzlLeoaTx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 542/527 yard par five eleventh is a most unusual hole that rises and falls before finishing at a green well below the fairway. One can land the ball fifty yards short and it will roll all the way to the putting surface.)<br><div><br></div><img id="id_ea99_e84b_9ee5_988b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCV9_uRf0E2IQKq8FpliwCAXa6S5wEBjGMSv4SA52g7DxfsbDyUtqS8XocLfBMv-BCiV0Gq_lMK_A7RovW8gW9fZkQ3Cw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 407/390 yard par four fourteenth plays straightaway but the creek comes back in, squeezing the approach shot just feet from the right.) <br><div><br></div><div>Mayfield occupies a rugged piece of property that stands alone in northeast Ohio. I’m a bit flabbergasted that it doesn’t get more recognition. Yes I would concur with anyone that points out the muted bunkering that I remember being visually more terrifying in the past but few courses are going to challenge the engagement Mayfield poses to the golfer throughout the round. The greens are demanding and one can putt off of them with a careless stroke. (It happened four times in our foursome) It’s lack of length (6687) has pushed it back into yesteryear’s class as it’s too short for the top tier men but the rest of us will undoubtedly be examined of our golfing abilities. What a joy it is for the members who get to solve all the nuances present here! I give Mayfield a 7 (great)(worth driving 3-4 hours to play). </div><div><br></div><img id="id_51e0_e08f_dd4e_e4a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAKkGwokKmT5otUS4Kh8VZg2BGwxb3OV6zeeNj4vNUrjQZe-Z4TuyaVur9VRyF-Yx89_KDHW1qlA2-9aUteJ8x0MJYK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 410/405 yard par four fifteenth doglegs right off the tee and left into the green. A drive that flirts with the fairway bunkers offers the best angle.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_aa3_6f4f_dcee_152c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDjLq1vNyy4tqZjzjpY3KiQRi-Ci6xdO6GYuNWBqoeQZVd--q1pcCf1XFQtBAE43OHmASQYp4gzMOKQ6dzUTALLKZftzA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 180/175 yard par three seventeenth plays downhill to another green ringed by bunkers. There’s a rise in the middle that makes indifferent shots difficult two putts. Note the huge hill in the background, the last blind uphill drive.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_ae31_bab0_f192_f1ca" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC_T5Q_BTJmhP2NO1en8d_rv6mGXANstEoLaj5_NS6TeQ3TW15j_pHqeCiTRwR-37YUDCFkReuMh5AFPPm-jsOazNhJwg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>[I played in my second NOGA event this year, a net two man best ball from the white tees at 6,387 yards. My partner and I got off to decent start but we weren’t able to take advantage of our stroke holes at 9&10. The back to back par threes ended any chance at placing in the money. Neither of us stroked and they are very easy holes to bogey. The winning team netted -9. We finished at +3. It was disappointing. I wish NOGA would flight these tournaments. The senior tees are a huge advantage and some of these guys still hit it long and get plenty of strokes.]<br><div><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br><br><br><div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-42632917735378546682023-06-09T22:03:00.001-07:002023-10-29T00:55:04.613-07:00Bethpage Red (Farmingdale, NY)The Red is overshadowed and often overlooked by enthusiasts eager to play the Black, but to get a local flavor, one should incorporate it into their Bethpage itinerary. It’s more playable and more forgiving yet still packs a punch with a stable of long par fours. Locals gravitate towards it as opposed to its famous brother and one gets the New York experience when paired with those who call the area home. <div><br></div><img id="id_e396_f67_8a4f_337b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAalkTXruIXD2UKsgXPHd3di1CNwZBhVzfStrU-cmhfeEsNFHR8HzBByEtmavY1jWkGgEwFI_YM7zKTA1-H0ZlN2BXZKQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 419/401 yard par four eighteenth is a wonderful finishing hole that plays across the slope while climbing to a green in a natural amphitheater…<img id="id_e5e7_8d93_cf45_a072" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAHlGkTC-Kzde9a-VYUz0Ur6BgnzL4aaQy6bl_o4g8352h4u-pCJEh4SgpsQ1UO1errLBl1E4QRUGcNcHlnx30Wcgx-" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…a large bunker fronts the green forcing a high shot to find the putting surface…<img id="id_6ad_fe8_9f70_13a6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAPQZpglLiKiPAQLS3P7WkikzY4KVWiZyhQO-U7_JEgQJa2jBS-v_opw662aBGey0gd-DWN4d46BZiBQUKZvF6F6UTBZg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>…officials mulled over its inclusion as the final hole when the Black hosted major championships. The logistics have prevented this so far. A championship tee has been added pushing its total length to 463 yards. At some point they will find a way to work it in.) <div><br></div><div>The Red puts the golfer on high alert with its opening hole. The starter shed and tee box are adjacent to the clubhouse in a spot where everyone has a full view of your swing. On any other course it would be a short par five, but here it’s a bruising par four. This is a common theme on the Red. From the tips, seven of the par fours play over 450 yards. Many of them dogleg with a set of bunkers and hillocks guarding the turn. Very few play straightaway. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_53cb_e572_a93e_3c3e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAOofZrOEWVXpqjnb2bdoRTykQL9nzNfUU8b6ziAAN-XitM-rNWlUtSDDMIq1eFvmPvug3pWJ-jLvKc4yvEkOrWEAhRxA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 471/459 yard par four first is a total beast. The green sits way up on the hill and plays longer than it’s listed yardage…<img id="id_6805_6dbe_746e_d4a3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDnN7gpHUzDDP-8UoAzOyeH5q4Bt0RSmJKiv6cVTHyUj4jqTNFUYLr4DSuDfYVALwgiov8485DJpLl1W5qEkZbBqkCCXQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…thankfully there is room to run it up the hill so one can be as close as possible…<img id="id_d8ce_cdec_c93c_2f69" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaD5gyss_CUlf-ZCJ0xsGwxZUopg2a1Wzr8R2OOUTRezFYClrbuF24sPATxQnurqsuTfGGJPMW9I6_6fbYpr2MpTA6xkbw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…looking back you can see the clubhouse plus the eighteenth hole on both Red and Black. A four here is a good start.) <br><div><div><br></div><img id="id_5996_1729_ff52_3777" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAS-cN8e6snmlNFZMGMlPdP3s9nuLx5G0jDmmIysAyv5w62GHpBgisLe8au05yAOSZ1uFGF5AQ8URWypW5K9kbLb-T5xg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 181/171 yard par three fourth is all carry to a green fronted by a bunker short left. The view from the green is fantastic as you tower over the seventeenth green on the Black. Several other holes are visible too including those on the Green course.) <div><br></div><div>The Red comes alive at the eighth hole when the golfer reaches the scrubby flatland. This stretch (8-15) is filled with strong powerful par fours. Gone are the mature hardwoods that defined the playing corridors and in its place are wide open tracts of land dotted with stands of pines and high grasses. It is a different look but one that allows the player to open his shoulders and let it fly! I personally love the change of scenery. The holes glide effortlessly over it! Two of the best holes are found in this area. The giant centerline bunker at the thirteenth is a unique feature. The golfer must trust his line if he wants to take it down the left fairway and have an open view to the green. The fifteenth is as natural a hole as you’ll find as it follows the contour of the land. If you can play this eight hole sequence close to even, then you’ll gain strokes on the field. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_abfa_7152_524f_b25e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBrTk3VjEwei4hLh2gH1O0Kr8hR1qm3JL8Q8DRGua7xBfENFZFdk7AhqPKbRAjxrbg7v2alHxyPFYcxv7Ii-LexqPHm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 466/459 yard par four ninth doglegs left around this group of bunkers. Note the shaggy look and the low profile…</div><img id="id_5e36_7e00_c51_efae" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaD9xmoE7obhuOeGYedU7X9syUxwdd8FfmS7upcQUTtE0NYvDTjxhhKCp_0D_YuHdBW2j8muROSuK309h4hIv3LixX9k" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the ability to run the ball on is a welcome sight. It also allows the shorter hitter to position his second shot and leave a simple chip or pitch.)<br><br><br><div><br><div><br><img id="id_47dd_a4d3_e222_8557" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCH0K4Daz06LVaz721zBUYpBABidyu1b-Wtkq6T4cxL1VdbNFWWfmXoqANlurPmnNKvU6vuSQbKnTnHAx5xARrR7Va3fw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 400/385 yard par four thirteenth is dominated by this large hazard that extends within forty yards of the green. The dual fairway is open on the right but blind on the left…</div><img id="id_2ebd_844f_94f8_1e61" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaB8hTD9wh1dzvO_y3MyettNayVlvgAummxpPCngSeg0vtqfosxXK4E3XrzqKjmOMOPB_Nv1dFANowPfT6VxrRRZtX4BHw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the left fairway leaves a clear view into the green while the right fairway must carry the green side bunker. It’s a great hole and one that shows the ingenuity of Tillinghast.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_47_2f08_669a_b4dc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCOYZ5ybsyVmlPPzRaMmpTxDDauZQ858sULEYtUpy3pzWdT_D0UNrgLI6a1NQIcUhrawnnwoX5H5uqSiZI3uj-mYXChWg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 450/438 yard par four fifteenth is one of my personal favorites on the course. Look how it doglegs right to shallow valley where the players in cart are…</div><img id="id_5411_8a17_3045_38e0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCfZnQr9zqrK0qcPj_SUlU6H1glqv0wthbGUFzfy3UZyl0kFw3EaTuiwfiwkY6v9NJV6M_M_j-Vn1QsMU2tRlKYHSN_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…from a good drive, it’s a long iron or fairway metal up a rise with sand guarding the left side and a tree well back hedging the approach to fade into the green. Just a beautiful golf hole!) <br><div><div><br></div><div>It’s understandable why the locals love this course. It’s big and brawny like the Black but it also has moments of finesse like the short par four sixth. The par threes are all solid and a couple can be had. The only drawbacks are some of the trees need trimmed when the course is playing through the hardwoods, and the conditions are very municipal-esque with thin spots and hard pan in the rough areas. The Red reminds me of combination of two local courses, Mill Creek in Youngstown and Goodpark in Akron. Both are good courses and I feel the Red Course fits in that category. Golf Magazine actually rated it in their top 100 public which I feel is an overreach. I like the Red very much and you have to play it if you’re headed to Bethpage. I give Bethpage Red a 5 (good)(worth driving an hour to play).</div><div><br></div><br><img id="id_c390_3105_27e_2b53" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaB7SzoafuvIUacEz3HI_Mgw5X2LiC5aTNqyPuKKi1LZmcryLG2tNA2JSPdRaNegBBrq02zO4KbtQPiaGpkJGmPCFrpMtQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>[we played the middle tees at 6570 yards. It seems manageable until you realize it’s a par 70! Check out the course rating from the middle and back tees. It’s 2 and 4 over par! This was our second eighteen after playing Black in the morning. I think we played the front nine pretty well, especially me with a 39. I had birdie putts inside 15 feet from 5-7. The back nine, where the meat of the course is, was where both of us started to struggle, me especially. I had a chance to push my match on the last hole but tried to get too cute on the third shot and left it in the front trap.]</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_22f1_9578_8001_477f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCwdCl_dFb2Z-LpzJFBx7thenzN3S7bN0IVogesufGNlnaPrce-jAFZ7mBHUwygk_c8XnoHDV7Fb84dy4HWrhKHSIsm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-69382431840757554452023-05-31T02:48:00.001-07:002023-11-05T20:51:52.712-08:00Bethpage Black (Farmingdale, NY)<b>#52 WORLD TOP 100 (GOLF MAGAZINE)</b><div><b>#74 WORLD TOP 100 (GOLF DIGEST)</b></div><div><b>#46 WORLD TOP 100 (ARCHITECTS)</b></div><div><b>#55 WORLD TOP 100 (GOLF WORLD)</b></div><div><b>#39 TOP 100 USA (GOLF DIGEST)</b></div><div><b>#30 TOP 100 USA (GOLF MAGAZINE)</b></div><div><b>#27 TOP 100 USA CLASSIC (GOLFWEEK)</b></div><div><b>#8 TOP 100 PUBLIC (GOLF DIGEST)</b></div><div><b>#5 TOP 100 PUBIC (GOLF MAGAZINE)</b></div><div><b>#10 TOP 100 PUBLIC (GOLFWEEK)</b></div><div><br></div><img id="id_5ba1_8ef3_69d4_672e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDVJntVkvdPUdZLH4sUOu-7T_yehC-gLb0bq5cfKhOWY1B6t-udcsz_HhA0VBc2de6g_lPqO86MAsRDwsI8QKfoBVUZ3Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Some golf courses make you want to run to the first tee immediately after putting out on eighteen…Bethpage Black is not one of them. You will be well tired after the last putt falls. It is a grueling, punishing, relentless golf course. In fairness, a sign warns you before your first swing:<br><div><br></div><div><b> Warning </b></div><div><b>The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><img id="id_3fd7_e5a8_b9f_d833" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAwtp9K39imepPu-zHzWxos0IKG2MXQq3OSPo_J06T-EGFtJ7_Cu75t6HTzRl0yW0pjyRAKZju5ygdk-xUuVK_E2E8_Hw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div>After playing Torrey Pines this past February, I made it my number one priority to get out to Long Island and see Bethpage Black. Both courses have held US Opens and are regarded as two of the best municipal golf courses in the country. The Black was designed in 1936 by A.W. Tillinghast and Joe Burbeck. (Ron Whitten wrote an expose before the 2002 US Open stating Burbeck routed and designed the course while Tillinghast was hired to be a consultant. The whole Bethpage facility was a WPA project with a lot of moving parts. Tillinghast supporters strongly disagree with Whitten’s opinion. Burbeck was the longtime superintendent of Bethpage.) </div><div><br></div><img id="id_39c8_8e9f_b835_1736" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBnRCPM5z40aJXvIMDISUUybvWSQECs9eCLBree3CJM-HgBwTCDsgngVzhmnhqHX0NF6pTScC3Cjzjl8hZg1pGDOYOteA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 517/461 yard fourth is one of the best par fives in the world. It climbs uphill with immense bunkering separating the three levels one must scale to reach the green…<img id="id_ad72_3117_51e8_6523" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAqjGGriWeMyZfWSj8eVbWqeH9PXOPHoYJk_loTFAWcsQjLz9xbAg2MBBgizoLrfU_u79wInbpPCWo90H-BxiPNtnZxmw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…from the fairway this giant bunker is easy to carry but if one should find the sand off the tee, or worse the rough, then a decision has to be made to challenge it…<img id="id_216c_ef6e_9b0c_b499" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaD1tAqt0ETOhaxYb2emrq-4XAi52NCx5AZA8Z3TISl7S9m2s4CNWWrOVzwXtHBVuhSJ55EvkdVDsrHW7sHrXscdMmPnvw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…once on the upper fairway, the green is perched like Mount Olympus on a higher plateau. Bold, intimidating bunkers make the third shot blind with just the top of the flagstick visible. It is reachable in two shots by the long hitter. For us mere mortals, it is a hole of epic proportions!) <br><div><div><br></div><div>The Black is incredibly difficult! It has monster length, impenetrable rough, and blockaded greens. The narrow fairways are only 22-28 yards wide and several of the holes have sahara bunkers that demand both length and accuracy to find the short grass. The bunkering is magnificent! The complexes are enormous with capes and bays eating into the fairways with wispy strewn rough growing in between. It is filled with heroic tee shots! The greens are tightly defended with large bunkers that trap your ball and scuttle it to middle. This leaves twenty, thirty, or forty yard bunker shots. </div><div>The only saving grace is the greens are mostly flat. A good putter and good short game can save a lot of strokes. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_2c62_a7bb_e6c4_8c48" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAt1z9zVE5aZUT-Fdxg3lqtA9vGSM80C8SFVxvWdd1pwBymDootfA3BobW4fuFub3Napi2Nk-JqXuBwlgq8e8lwz9W9uA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 478/423 yard par four fifth demands a fade off the tee and draw into the green. The Sahara bunker really forces the issue as one honestly determines his line off the tee. If not hit far enough, or if one chooses a conservative line, the second shot is a layup short of the hill. This uphill beast is a bogey hole for all but the longest hitters.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_9b01_a949_65b9_3d3d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAbw8hv6RIePVZXzMKhjPNVI1NCI-ZPlCJtVfxarHmkhc1LFTAgAQuh89wn9P8ZFM3F54ggJ55vwj1W-vFKHO7QiAu3AQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 408/386 yard par four sixth has a blind tee shot with just the fairway bunkering visible as an aiming point…</div><img id="id_bf8b_d7da_2a5f_4188" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCSA5on7rWYzKMBrxn2fWZQ7R0cjVMszkMSWUAf9LQPs2Mo0Z6lhJIe6y8IAovAX8eCPbAh71bblum09tMKJoj7Eb7EUw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…long hitters can carry the inside trap and have the ball run down to flip wedge range. The majority will be on top hitting 150-180 yard approaches. The ball must be struck high in the air to hold the green. There is no room to run the ball on.) <br><div><div><br></div><img id="id_c63c_5cf1_a512_4b0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAHwuVBvPTFMKA8Di9aY33YScvGUTM9E5YF2yf0gzwnQUP7OL3QJszjSP3DmnQuPZt7j08g1nDuOEBs_t5moCa2yl43HQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 210/191 yard par three eighth has a false front that will repel balls into the hazard short. Taking an extra club will take the big number out of play…</div><img id="id_c76c_91e4_89c8_77e6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAWa7RouK0reh4ubjyPZQAL3f_a01wZbPbupI4UIAtig1QBxrJwQWNqU-s56bq5o6z5CdBMtwqIE-MkSjfgC_NNxmBa2A" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the rear is significantly raised making a back pin difficult to access. The middle pins can be attacked aggressively. It’s a beautiful hole.) <br><br><div><div><br></div><div>The Black only has three tee boxes. They are back, middle, and forward. It is walking only. This caveat forces players to be in good shape. It is a terrific hike, climbing up and down the hills, across ridges, making several treks to the highest points of the property. It’s a strenuous round of golf and one’s physical strength along with endurance will be tested as much as one’s golfing skill. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_9424_5690_769e_4b45" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBPMgcPQZpQHX5g-sCzpxqp1XMoIAxIdOVRO9SAh4CL4BuzScgz2Z9oopM4dl903B6s4xopzAd07xhA8akdu796Jb2G2w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 460/385 yard par four ninth has my favorite drive. I love how the entire right side of the fairway bounds everything to the left and hopefully past the trap that long hitters can carry. Just a beautifully natural hole!)<br><div><br></div><img id="id_8d3f_bde6_cb62_5266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCYP2QQZWsA-_LYjSRjc0JTg9hheoV5f9NVhGjGXsYSs6jRkz4CtwsMoU5k8w0hQgqnvkqKrgJ8cts_Eqtltd4yJyaY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 502/434 yard par four tenth has a green atop a slight knoll. Note how the fairway stops well short of the green. Like the fifth, laying up is a fine way to secure a decent score. During the US Open, this was the hole that players raged against because they couldn’t reach the fairway from the tee when the wind switched.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_898c_f9df_5155_b0df" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCihDkac2or2ZlLGLMvXTJWGjAjTHOe6ny5ZPacW0hoBBJaT3DIQI6rOkmYenGwgkM76dNRbC40IRLLNv81RqQjKGWnvQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The view from eleven green to twelve tee reveals another Sahara bunker that needs carried. The back and middle tees are left and behind the forward tees in the picture. The 516/432 yard par four plays very much like a par five unless one can carry the full length of the hazard. Note how the fairway is well right and works it’s way around the back of the trap. One can completely avoid the trap and play away from it albeit at the cost of an extra stroke.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_7fb_c5cb_30a_bd25" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCbplLFBVFeKopg7iGnl4Yn8Wzwo2sbRcHFTW64_bwbnm4mKo4e9ViqnQoiCC46UkuI0_-0VhpluAEZ_OsaXuFvCt49Kw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 158/149 par three fourteenth is the easiest hole on the course. The large green allows players to conservatively hit the middle and two putt for par. A back right pin is the only exception.) <br><div><br></div><div>I read that Bethpage is America’s version of the Old Course in St Andrews. It has become a Mecca for single digit handicappers. That is a very interesting comparison. On my first night there, the conversation at the bar was about spin rates and ball flight. I kept thinking how I was finally with my people! This place is pure golf! Any type of golf topic can be discussed ad nauseam. It is a brotherhood here. How else would you describe grown men who are willing to sleep in their vehicle just to secure a tee time? </div><div><br></div><img id="id_7b1a_e7dc_66c0_e683" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaB_NdujtMX5uqR36CnobUU5C9YO99W9KP0rOAP2wYzCZVwFIJy49tMCF3wjN3jpVXSFrgXUryOZJbcPFixNkkz9tpuf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 207/195 yard par three seventeenth is over a sea of sand to an angled green. It’s uphill just enough that gauging the carry distance can be deceiving. The shot must be hit very high to hold the putting surface. A three is a good score.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_94e8_f908_edbc_42b2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDz-bpZcEacUEtHhYN1ivGVosbuJqvQKh6jtFfLQYdi8X4QTDWhLSM78MoTWeauXkazSqRN6V_n_YMhpWwxju3xs2uf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 411/368 yard par four eighteenth has a downhill tee shot to a fairway lined with bunkers on both sides. The approach is then uphill to a green well protected by sand. In the 2009 US Open, Lucas Glover hit a 6i off the tee to seal his two stroke victory.) <br><div><br></div><div>The Black is setup in US Open conditions year round. This makes it, for better or worse, an experience you will remember for a long time. It is challenge after challenge after challenge. You’ll learn how to cherish par, fight for a bogey, and accept a double. Birdies are few and far between although I would classify a handful as birdie opportunities. It is not a course you’d want to play everyday, just on special occasions. Since Rees Jones renovation, it has hosted two US Opens, a PGA Championship, a couple FedEx Cup tournaments, and in 2025, will be the site of the Ryder Cup. I give Bethpage Black a 9 (incredible)(worth planning a vacation around it). </div><div><br></div><br><img id="id_a23a_7dfe_ccb0_c559" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDmecZV8dwhCelAOtp-p3ZOFaliJtvKAUbx7fP9V0XsHtf-86uE0lDlvINbpTs-9rhSO-Ca7OGIx8UUd4CDC4enYr5uyw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>[we spent two days at Bethpage and played the Black twice. Both times we played the middle tees at 6757 yards (I didn’t see a single male in those two days play the forward tees.) It was way too much golf course! I didn’t have an iron approach shot on any par four, and there were five of them that I simply couldn’t reach. For me, the course essentially was a par 76. I wouldn’t mind the length so much except the rough is insanely thick. You’re simply hacking it out. This places a tremendous amount of pressure on your driving. I was in a lot of bunkers, sometimes off the tee and around the green on the same hole. I eked out seven pars and had the chance to make a few others. The green fees at $140 is a great value!]<br><div><br></div><img id="id_7eb2_cf34_45d4_a78a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC0b1K9NN-iVze8ekmP7joYs-nMzmRBGFQJQdqjyfYSfX6LWuXalMX4cUhlqJg3KNI2LjUQjBc6zteTBH00CbWXidck8A" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>[Bethpage is a 90 hole golf facility that has five courses named after different colors. The clubhouse serves as the starting point for all five which emphasizes the massive size of the property. It will surprise many to learn that the “Bethpage Inn” where players sleep in their car to get a tee time is mostly for the other courses as opposed to the Black. Locals who have a long standing weekly game will rotate parking lot duty so they can obtain a tee time on the other courses. Out of towners, like myself, are usually the ones camping out for the Black. It’s a simple system where the spots are numbered, and one parks in the first available. The ranger arrives first thing in the morning, 4:30am for my trip, and gives a ticket to each person present for each spot. (If I spend the night for a foursome, my three friends need to arrive before the ranger so we can get a tee time for four people) I reckon many do this before work and get an afternoon time for later. Once you get your ticket, you head to the clubhouse where they call out the ticket number, and you step inside to the ticket window and choose your course and time. All five courses have their own screen with tee times and availability.]</div><div><div><br></div><div><br><br><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br><br><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-70959908259546288182023-05-16T05:23:00.001-07:002024-01-07T17:46:24.687-08:00Shaker Heights Country Club (Shaker Heights, OH)Shaker Heights was designed on a meager 110 acres and is a testament to Donald Ross’ skill in routing a golf course on a small piece of property. Doan Brook and it’s subsequent valley were the natural features at Ross’ disposal and the thin valley that makes its way out to Green Lake is beautifully used to house the back nine. The brook is both scenery and hazard, and its presence is felt on all but three holes. <br><div><br></div><img id="id_efe6_8b4_24f4_9edf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSZBXXinPTQfAxvlZtnF41g2gk0UNqQkRz3PBsgT5p-TKIZTr37ecYlyC5p1-lmvJQFzoYcHZNqpuuUdUQOaxeLwDsk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br>Shaker is just a block away from Canterbury, and for public golfers, Highland Park. I was quite surprised by its location especially since the front nine literally abuts against the apartments on Van Aken Blvd. It’s a compact fit in the middle of the neighborhood. The second and third holes eat up this boundary and afterwards the golfer is free to swing away. <br><div><div><div><br></div><img id="id_4634_3ad8_5104_f505" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQ9X2TLnf-4UftXVgXTMV7Hylk6_JAH0PfY0_Ytt9QXqZbO97Av5RgP2CnUmIZ07EDnPvSp9-56MvM8LK5RirQJSRu0KA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The opening 383/379 yard par four has a tee box tucked next to the pro shop. It’s busy with the putting green also close by.)</div><div><div><br></div><img id="id_b573_91f1_e9fc_1c8b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQbf_dRPIfvRnkXOI3V9W-2rCKHIdVmp3ImyU3CrKUniunXlea6Ad_liHBKrKUh_UauDPePNMZsvCg5tLXTA--GuTgV" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 551/501 par five third hole is reachable for the long hitters while the shorter players decide to challenge the brook or not. The hole doglegs left from the tee and you can see the proximity of the apartments in both photos. The green is pitched forward and two of the players in my foursome three putted from above.) </div><div><div><br></div><div>The greens are the star at Shaker. They are very quick with a good deal of slope in them, however, six greens actually slope from front to back. This is the first time I can recall a Donald Ross course having this feature. On the twelth, it’s so pitched to the left that my playing partner putted off the green. There’s other putting surfaces where degreening is a legitimate threat. When I played Springfield last year, there were certain greens where you had to be careful of this, but there seemed to be more opportunities at Shaker for this to happen. Even if it doesn’t actually come off the green, there are spots where it’ll creep away to three putt territory. It definitely gave me a different appreciation for Ross. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_5ae3_60e2_de7_33bb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQ7aSquGZKjY71NiGthnKBw2a-GiTFmG7CHT3GP7OfDYxBNe0Moud2pGfVQQaqEYK4FDbNZsjzPKKN6dOgNLtyog5dvLA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 422/406 yard par four fifth has a bilevel fairway that is separated by rough. Note the golfers ball in the rough. His lie and stance left him no shot to this elevated green. The creek at the bottom usually forces long hitters to layup further back than they’d like.) <div><br></div><div>Shaker Heights hosted the World Championship of Women’s Golf from 1981-1984. Beth Daniel won the first tournament here with an even par score of 284. In 1982-1983, JoAnne Carner won back to back with 284 and 282. Nancy Lopez won the final event at Shaker Heights with a three under par score of 281. All three of these of women are in the LPGA Hall of Fame.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><img id="id_6bf5_2904_ac7b_acb5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYR3ZQGQOjEDI2ckztGUED8mwu4Lx1sfsXso3SF1Ull3_KVwiBVJ7N7bynUhnKj0ENY2RePAU5-eu54Z-kTp0S4eilKO_g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 154/150 yard par three eleventh is terrific. Notice how the front left corner is tipped down towards the creek while the bunker on the front right pushes shots long and left. It’s a difficult shot to get close and the creek will gobble up anything mishit on that side.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_bd89_1697_bb8b_3a43" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRYQssOdT-NQ3hielxuDBfhbo1C4hJVOptAkf53uNpSYxoD1qQShB6UvPMO12WYOiWCuP_DQoPconJGDfnnpjmWvIanuA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 372/358 yard par four twelth has the most difficult green on the course. It slopes hard from right to back left. It’s another bilevel fairway and the creek forces your hand where to layup from the tee. This was where the lowest handicap in our group putted off the green. As a foursome, we had three double bogeys. The only par was out of the front left bunker.) <br><div><br></div><div>As a Donald Ross enthusiast, I love to nitpick courses and compare them. Besides the two holes that cross the street, 14 & 15, Shaker has a nice roll to it. The valley gives it enough topographical change that it gives the holes different looks and shot values. Springfield, as an example, has a half dozen holes that play on flat ground and look very similar to each other. (A few rankings have it rated higher than Shaker) If a strong set of greens is your definition of greatness, then Shaker can match that standard too. The only drawback is the lack of professional distance. The surrounding neighborhood has it landlocked at its present distance. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_d3bf_a817_4b3d_df5e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYS3QJe8LVNUrp0wQaMohNHIdRkwd2iQ0KfFWVFA4cWVPNdfd02HazdOGbKgDsL8gw9oP12oHknsslV_PhK9zApQTpBiZA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 116/107 yard par three sixteenth is one of the finest pitch shot short holes in the country. The tiny green is completely blind with only the flagstick showing. Anything left is an instant double bogey. The front right bunker has a huge shoulder that shrinks the putting surface. Three of our four shots kicked hard towards this pin with only one staying on the green. There are several devilish pin locations with the back right possibly being the toughest to find. I wonder if it would even be visible.) </div><div><div><br></div><div>The greater Cleveland area is loaded with great private courses. While it may not be one of the big three, Kirtland, Canterbury, or The Country Club, it can hold its own against everything else in the area. It definitely is one of the top three Donald Ross courses in Ohio, and that is a pretty strong list. If the opportunity arises to play, then by all means make the appropriate steps. I give Shaker Heights a 7 (great)(worth driving 3-4 hours to play).</div><div><br></div><img id="id_75eb_aef_ab0a_5a1a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSq9w3H-KLWm5UAs8HLcYqegBv7rJlx7V1UIWUnC6qHjcGKjViw45v4z6QxhBK5El2ZxbXV0WIpseF96s1H4qXqUgIN" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></div><div>[I played in a Northern Ohio Golf Association (NOGA) net stroke play event. One of my goals this year is to play more tournament golf. Unfortunately at 51, I’m not old enough to play with the seniors so I must compete in the open division. I was paired with three young guys who were 3,4,and 5 handicaps. (I’m a 5 too) We played off the blue tees at 6,325 yards 71/136. I was being out driven by 50-100 yards! It was very impressive! It’s also humbling. I kept to my game and played to the outside corner of the doglegs to have shots into the greens. My short game was on point. I made some terrific chips to save par. The two double bogeys on the back were from strategic mistakes. On both holes I laid up too far back and had 180-190 yard approaches. I failed to hit a quality shot both times. On twelve I plugged in the front right bunker but the eighteenth was simply me choking. I wanted to break 80 so bad! After a well played pitch from the slope short of the green, I three putted from ten feet. It was disappointing but overall a great experience!]<div><div><br>[On a local connection, Shaker Heights is where Sandy Alves and Donald Ross first worked together. (Alves is also credited with Shaker’s design) Alves lived in Lil Italy off Mayfield road. He has several solo efforts in the area including both courses at Highland, Ridgewood, and Madison. He also is credited with Acacia (NLE) and French Lick]</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br><br><br></div><div><br><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><div> <br><br><br></div></div></div></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-48354875677670559102023-05-07T21:17:00.001-07:002024-03-02T16:18:51.619-08:00Olde Stonewall Golf Club (Ellwood City, PA)<div><b> Golf Digest 2007/2008</b></div><div><b>America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses</b></div><div><b> </b><b>#50 Olde Stonewall </b></div><div><b><br></b></div><img id="id_f833_645e_177b_c0d2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zhzvoqDeio0AEdNwifZa6HMnwxJ3UmkI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br>Arriving at Olde Stonewall, one is greeted by an imposing castle and massive quarried limestone rocks. It is quite the scene to say the least, and the lush green fairways beyond instantly quickens the pulse. One can be forgiven if a visceral feeling overcomes them. It is a surreal preface for the upcoming round. <br><div><br></div><img id="id_7da6_9594_9587_67ae" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1v9Gqv7cyanEUEk3DK0M_Hnjo45X1vuXJ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The par four second drops downhill to a green that slopes away. A single ledge on the front left houses today’s pin. Behind it is a bowl that really tests the short game should one go long. The right side also gathers balls into a bowl. It is a treacherous short par four. 426/365/332) [yardages are tips/white/gold]<br><div><br></div><img id="id_bdd_2ad5_76c5_c631" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AVI8KF1oaFxfwKdrVySeHFc8JsK7lK0Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The par four third sweeps uphill with two colossal bunkers pinching the fairway. The giant tree on the right entices one to carry the left trap but it is much longer than it looks. The fairway bunkers are very deep and reaching the green from them is unlikely. A par is a good score. 399/344/307) <br><div><br></div><div>Olde Stonewall was designed by Hurdzan and Fry in 1999. The course is a tale of two nines. The front goes down the hill and plays mostly in the valley next to the river. The back side climbs and climbs and climbs terrace style until one reaches the pinnacle of the sixteenth tee. In an unusual twist, there are no par fives on this side and the back to back par threes are absolute stunners. The course is kept in impeccable shape and greens routinely roll 10+ on the stimpmeter.</div><div>(Possibly 12 in the summer) It is on the short list of most difficult golf courses you can play.</div><div><div><div><br></div><img id="id_eae3_9b64_2be5_5437" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13NR4ruxWa4zMpkug6TvkM9vER0_KPu-x" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The par three eighth is a solid hole but the view glancing upward of the stonewall tee boxes and the clubhouse atop the hill is cool…</div><img id="id_68c9_f19a_24ea_a4cf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ZloJKfonn7oYmViA2FbT8CUONQYfR7cb" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…this view from the ninth fairway shows a ridge that separates the left from the right. Note the castle maintenance shed in the background. 174/150/123)<br><br><div><br><div><br></div><div>The 12-16 is a perfect example of modern golf course architecture. The way Hurdzan and Fry attacked the hill is amazing! It’s dramatic, bold, and exciting! The reward for heavy earthmoving is beautiful views, expanded playability, and exacting shot values. The downside unfortunately is a missed shot will result in a lost ball and big number. This style of architecture has a specific following and if you read the golf publications, Olde Stonewall flip flops between #2 and #3 as best public course in Pennsylvania depending on who is rating it. Just sixteen years ago, it was easily a top fifty course, and nowadays it’s outside the top 100. It’s all a preference. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_70e6_8b63_e36b_b363" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1jFFSO29suMSdKxsbFnu1taHMalkdf5-W" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The par four twelth plays straightaway to a fairway interrupted by a ravine. The player will layup to a good yardage…</div><img id="id_b870_cd5c_ebdb_273e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QEY-Uwi27hIrzO-c6PJ2XpYJTH5gqVs4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the green is tucked into a little notch in the hillside. The middle of the putting surface is raised so it slopes towards the golfer but also away from him in the rear. Back pin positions are very difficult to get close. Try to avoid putting over the ridge. It can easily get away from you quickly. 436/387/336)<br><div><div><br></div><img id="id_d07b_578b_3c0b_a595" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1q647SzUfgnhGFJoMINaoUw7pFNrfmUM4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The short par four thirteenth is lined in bunkers all down the right side. It’s a downhill tee shot to a fairway that’s climbing the hill. The green has a ridge that makes the right half a treacherous section to attack. 400/334/311)</div><div><div><br></div><img id="id_f7e2_a13c_ae79_a3bb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1VVDeHg87NSaWlDqPp53gJKqh5X-2ltd7" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The fourteenth is the first of back to back par threes. It’s downhill to a green nestled between water, sand, and rock. Club selection is the biggest challenge 202/164/137…</div><img id="id_1ff_a04c_baf5_d703" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1hSVd7kSIzF3Vtb8WNZnrnCiOBYkaFcEW" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the fifteenth offers no such graces. It’s an all out carry to a green that hangs off the hill. Mercifully there’s a smidgen of fairway. It’s a long iron or hybrid shot that demands nerves of steel. Try playing this dual in six strokes! 241/190/170) <br><div><div><br></div><img id="id_a16b_fa8e_598d_139c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1n5SGWDGb9ZyDbqamrQYEGoVxpEpMhYMo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The golf course climaxes with the stunning downhill par four sixteenth. The view is spectacular especially from the tips. The drive must carry a deep valley before hitting a mid or short iron approach. It plays much shorter than it’s listed yardage. 474/387/379) <br><div><br></div><div>Olde Stonewall is one of a handful of best courses within a couple hours of Cleveland. It’s hard to believe that such an experience is only ninety minutes away. In the fall, few can top its kaleidoscope of colors. Of course the reason why I love this place is the same reason why I hate it. It’s a very difficult golf course that dishes out double bogeys as quick as one can three putt from five feet. The greens can be incredibly fast! A few years ago;the fastest I’ve ever played. I give Olde Stonewall a 7 (great)(worth driving 3-4 hours to play). </div><div><br></div><img id="id_759b_bd3e_74af_73c9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Lob6086IXmaYeFOijagqQ-6T512hcqAa" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The finishing hole plays to a well bunkered green with the clubhouse overlooking the action. From this view, you can make out the Hurdzan/Fry template where a ridge in the middle slopes away for the rear pins. It is no slouch; par is a good score. 481/429/411) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_aab_5c15_4262_6291" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JtwQgzvUUf8V8XiFJmLRe9XFl14NVg0V" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The eleventh offers no respite for the approach shot. Anything not on target can find the hazard. Most golfers are better off laying up and chipping. 436/384/343) <br><div><br></div>[I played the white tees at 6200 and my friend played the gold at 5708. The slope rating for both tees is 143 and 132 respectively. In full disclosure, I’ve never broken 80 in the half dozen times I’ve played here. That said, I made a big mistake thinking that the $125 twilight rate would be too expensive for the average recreational golfer. We had two foursomes and a threesome in front of us. I can remember when Olde Stonewall advertised Steeler Sunday for $75 on Pittsburgh home games. It was still easy to get a tee time. Those days are over! Golf is back and popular than ever!!</div><br><div><div><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br><br><br><br></div><div><div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b><br></b></div></div></div></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-71194528031613708762023-04-18T05:53:00.001-07:002023-05-20T17:36:30.236-07:00Double Black Diamond Course (Ellicottville, NY) I’m a bit hesitant to review Double Black Diamond (DBD) because the back nine was closed due to the snow still on the hill. I’ve skied these hills multiple times and I was very surprised to see the holes climbing and descending the very slopes that I enjoy in the winter. The valley holes on the front play between the base of the hill and Rt219. 1-9 are on the resort side before a trip around the inn takes you to the 2-8 holes. <div><br></div><img id="id_d1c2_5493_9f10_706" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81phYt2sVxUUt_XuEOYzmuV3GG6198xGZH3aubwqxP6UKkFSHP1Y3L8cvVwaHKMWLiPAMKaCz4-DxtVLm7tyOvV4ngH81Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 150/140 yard par three ninth is set against a stream. The front is plenty wide but the green narrows and cuddles up to the hazard the further left it goes. Note all the snow still on the hill in the background.) <br><div><br></div><div>DBD was originally designed by Fred Garbin in 1964 and renovated by Paul Albanese in 2007. The front nine has several ponds that collect the water as it drains off the hill. These water hazards protect a few of the greens, giving the course a little bite. The hazards don’t necessarily stand out but the slopes around the putting surfaces repell the ball into them. Garbin is not an in your face architect, so the water hazards are low key and subtle. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_75a_486c_ce41_f004" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81rwzDFQjTvYsUQvwxiiWe8cB7V0TFPz7WLSYY0Id13W4gIa5jPs2iOKaCZpG4_C_qx4ir8P2fth10OjK2MraijPBItg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 351/342 yard par four second doglegs right to a narrow fairway guarded by a sand trap. The approach is to an elevated green with water left and behind. As simple as the hole looks, a miscue off the tee will bring a big number into play.) <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_3fb5_93f2_84b9_b447" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81pahonp330RvochPB0SQme3PwbLq3lRaMT7-vwTnerMBtWp2X11VN3Ne4lLyjcjsgJOsyFGPN6WlhApt1Tq9_ZbW3Pn4w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 491/474 yard par five sixth doglegs left with a creek crossing diagonally in the layup zone. The green is interesting with tilt and a bowl area in the left middle…<img id="id_44f6_d4de_eb_d436" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81o9p5Fs2S82stSbMTn72_CZsEZlDPBkIh-2u4afoZOlbM6zAoNL0WGZYkMYy9FeHfN5lgh1_FhpvJFkVBHgUCw_hP38Yg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…players going for it in two have plenty of room left of the green. Right leaves a more difficult recovery. It’s a good birdie opportunity.)</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_4ed5_60c9_d6dd_a681" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81pgNLQ2EnDhxQ3pPRXmhtIhd_gcYdrLy_Zo5Rg5BJ1mn3k27sBFVPyRIH6_La99c6TqiLp995ztwRoR45FwO3Rhz4F2" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 374/363 yard par four seventh plays from an elevated tee box to a fairway guarded by water left and right. It’s a very demanding tee shot and the water on the left extends to the green.) </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_1715_2c52_8e7d_6689" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81o601NnzBx7RvjeLVmvrtyHa8imQjPQHkZFtTUbcHjAgi9fp7tNs549DGVqxNFT9FmGY23ynNaF3eJXdK7Ld6EBKZ7HPQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 404/378 yard par four eighth doglegs left to a green guarded by a lone bunker in a mound. Any drive down the right side opens up the approach.) </div><div><br></div><div>Paul Albanese stated on his website that he took a two star course and turned it into a four. From all that I’ve read, several reviews wholeheartedly agreed with him. I guess the back nine was very quirky to say the least, and even today, there’s three par threes in a four hole stretch (9-12). Unfortunately, I was only able to walk a few holes, but my overall feeling was the topography was too severe for any kind of great quality. Both seventeen and eighteen experience massive elevation change. As I stated before, I ski here during the winter so banging a ball uphill like the par five seventeenth and then launching it downhill on the eighteenth all seems a bit too much. The downhill, two tiered fairway par four thirteenth graces the scorecard and exhibits the best part of these kind of courses which is the exhilarating views.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_aadd_5042_bf85_a3f8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81r-MOAJHo8G8olIGV8SemhMIgr-x-ahEkSLYBvENwJ4KdeWyg0iC8chnO5mJqnFCZOMtWIP0ALTe8ziV6tLdDXvvbgh" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(This view of the par three ninth points out the addition of the lodging Holiday Valley invested in…<img id="id_338c_a400_a98c_707b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81pJM_TMjPJwRYzPCPyX7HNzLD70MYXNM1ihjQCIIEGhWXM8qnvwCTT_DIlwVGD3eKWf1KoZFnmuvTMjwZafb49rxlgn" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…what looks like a practice green behind the hotel for guests can actually be a little prop bet complete with a tee box that plays about seventy yards.) </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b594_b6cd_e19d_f6f5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81oEnhLjwg3w5b24Z7jxw1ENm1e4s0_DU9CXWlGmzT1WEg6wU1gR2-inR8oLMtGqYya0lqwSQg_4PJQ9XbX8VoS-s1Xllg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 429/407 yard par four eighteenth hole plays straight downhill to a green fronted by a boulder strewn creek bed. The uneven lie is the biggest challenge. The hotel is just yards behind the green so thin shots bring more than just double bogey into play.) </div><div><br></div><div>DBD was in excellent condition when I was there. The experience was pretty high end. While the golf course can’t match Peak n Peek’s championship layout, the town of Ellicottville more than makes up for it with microbreweries, galleries, and events. It makes it easier to plan a family trip. I give DBD a solid 5 (good)(worth driving an hour to play). </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_58da_b8f4_7a09_7a84" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81ooI8OIwuCF35igpu90UOuzEgXT9fidS7Ud9EheoG2Y1YeX48OdUab8hyiWKmyHQb0hcMTKKWRDUbxUHYJ3MXmAT6DR" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_63e7_cb86_f2d1_8fb7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81qlWmUQzs-Kx7vqLGPguSM1p4foyaULohdZQvICcsSV4jssiArVpU_I0Oh6ojm60jE8PjI-nl-rC9U0CcFgxiZ2U5Mh" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>[If you’re looking for a great side trip while at Holiday Valley, then I’d like to recommend Letchworth State Park. It’s an hour away and full of great hiking. If you’re a waterfall enthusiast, it also has three gorgeous falls that drop the Genesee River over 400 feet. It is voted as one of the best state parks in America.] </div><div><br></div><img id="id_3e7d_5ec7_5e3e_8197" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81rOgAiDLKBQmfup2Gb-BlYCnDWNfxyrsGpJnaPdo3EitMkjlVbjH0zUj_Zbaq4dHEWcsi8Q8Ii9VKJmj1KkUta2kVRZRQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ba19_773e_f79d_5625" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81riuozcqUAgu5MPgGJXrUfMPxZ-cJwf7Gv_x-5zFqtliAocXsjL-kO3QUtZL6fjhjmEWOjcHc8Yspon4RhJcferHQHG8Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><div> </div><div><br><br><br></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-51838363546361509462023-04-11T14:11:00.001-07:002024-01-04T02:44:05.298-08:00Spring Hills Golf and Swim Club (Clinton, OH)I saw one of those old Cleveland golf road maps and couldn’t believe the amount of courses I never knew existed. Spring Hills is only a few miles east of Chippewa off Cleveland Massillon road. and much to my surprise when I googled it, it is a Harold Paddock design. Paddock is my favorite local architect who designed both Pine Hills and Sugarbush, two terrific courses that find themselves on every top course in northeast Ohio list. With my appetite whetted, I knew I had to see this place for myself. <div><br></div><img id="id_e30c_2436_8445_f83b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQJ7qBgGt8uINYaEa-fdjAVGoZJM0vcCa2ziC7U-7IqpTgCH504u9kfy173xL3nJ6Xbi3L2Xucx0iR37P4t22NhmapA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 234/180 yard par three seventeenth is a heck of a penultimate hole. From the blue tees, just carrying the creek to the fairway short left is a good shot. Thankfully it is much more playable from the white tees. Length alone makes three a good score.) <br><div><br></div><div>Paddock is really good at routing golf courses and his par threes have always been the lynchpin. At Ironwood, the par threes connect the lower holes to the higher ones while at Pine Hills, three of the four play over the same valley, connecting the two ridge lines. Spring Hills is similar with two hills separated by a creek filled valley. Three of the four here play over that valley. The difference here however is the sheer length of them. I haven’t seen yardage like this since Maplecrest. They are all terrific holes! </div><div><br></div><img id="id_6fd4_641e_e3d8_e040" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYS5KzemJL4FQY1mywZTR9uf54hi6mGYZTVD7KGMAbFrlchziL6wUw5M6Bar6XxMelG_P0yDzHp992lmO8vY7OcKTJzN2Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 219/188 yard uphill par three fourth is a semi blind shot. There’s fairway short for those trying to bounce it in. This is a tricky green with central high point and runoffs on the side.) <br><div><br></div><img id="id_6d27_d1e9_37c0_c97f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSIrNnR4VrXfyk-hVwHOGSswTGbphDDxprBInDTxVpQH2GuZ45VpuqvFfCGX7nIUX4OwG1BgTkTT5P35Miq1fvIS-TC" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 211/187 yard par three twelth is similar to Sugarbush’ par three tenth. It’s uphill over a pond and plays longer than it’s listed yardage. Like the other two long par threes, there is plenty of fairway short.) <br><div><br></div><div>My biggest concern with courses like this is the conditioning. Spring Hills had nice greens. They had a good thick texture, and nice roll to them. They weren’t fast although I feel they could be since they were pretty healthy. (The back of #1 green was the only one chewed up) The fairways were just okay. It looked like they were putting drainage in. Some were thin in spots and some were good. The starter was telling me that they were putting money into it so I expect in a year or two that there will be more consistency throughout. You’ll notice in many pictures that there are no bunkers. A couple holes have them and honestly they could be filled in. Spring Hills has good topography and the routing hits on multiple levels. It stays away from the creek but there’s several drives over it. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_cd60_7ed8_ee34_3763" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTqYA6170-WH_-qumH4aP0MV1_imNlulVBLfa8pUictPCmXyeFnkSvw_iDx8_l60ZVPDNF61dLiF1Bwzg1hVITwckKd" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 397/375 opening hole goes out before climbing up the hill. The green actually slopes away which makes the semi blind approach a difficult one to judge.) <div><br><div><div>From the blue tees, the course is anything but easy. Besides the par threes being incredibly long, there’s four par fours that play 418 yards or longer. There are several shorter holes that offer birdie chances that one can hopefully take advantage. I’ve always had a soft spot for courses that play much harder than their listed yardage. Now the white tees are more playable but still pack a solid challenge even though the yardage is just over 5700 yards. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_2516_d181_eccb_4cee" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQi91ehxDrM_yY-7reKr1njGnvL46k8fJw0DN52-0UrpnNh9xqk6GvLk7qqGxkwERmA_quL7C8mIb_JSFzlKgfBPMhf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div><br></div>Spring Hills was a good start to the unknown courses I’d like to check out this year. There are five bridges to take you over the creek six times during your round. It has a pleasant feel to it and gives you the sense of place. The course solidified my opinion on Paddock as it showed off his ability to route the course in a cohesive, energetic way. I hope they keep making improvements because Spring Hills has a lot of potential. I give it a 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes to play). [I think a five rating is definitely in reach.]</div><div><div><br></div><img id="id_f3b5_7351_7251_87" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSYZ3_JgZl5lySWpwWyjekG5SFLcFaT7tIFpyJri-We4HNSXLnjTkwBcVd6c6T2TBj7Cr1oYFs6NZ-ywqNulQ6GGpbhgA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 276 yard par four third features a drive over this patriotically colored boulder. It looks like the Pepsi logo to me. It’s driveable and a good birdie opportunity.)<br><div><br></div><img id="id_2d7a_6cde_a15d_c29a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaA5TRVy19CmLAO8NavpFbAgE3z9hZe36O92F_jcfSm2a8HpvY74EfE6-mXPQ4cbj2t8t_lShEjrhknftgeixOBJJbpk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(This is the greenside view of the 429/389 yard par four fourteenth. One of the few bunkers guards the front left side of it. Note how that front left side pitches balls to the rear. I thought I pulled my approach but it carried the sand a finished pin high.)<br><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>[we played the white tees at 5,739 yards. I personally wanted no part of those par threes from the blues. Obviously a 71 with three birdies is a great score but you’d be surprised to find that my differential when I entered it into my ghin was 5.4. This is why a golfer playing from the senior tees can shoot a low round but never see their handicap go down. It should be noted that from the whites, Spring Hills sports a 65.9 course rating and a 105 slope rating.]</div><div><br></div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br><br><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><div><div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534356849798954580.post-56871976676832557972023-03-25T20:26:00.001-07:002023-03-31T02:15:24.273-07:00Greenbrier Old White Course (White Sulphur Springs, WV)<b>#38 WORLD TOP 100 RESORT (GOLF WORLD)</b><div><b>#37 TOP 100 PUBLIC USA (GOLF DIGEST)</b></div><div><b>#51 TOP 100 PUBLIC (GOLF MAGAZINE)</b></div><div><b>#40 TOP 100 RESORT COURSE (GOLFWEEK)</b></div><div><b>#54 TOP 100 PUBLIC COURSE (GOLFWEEK)</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><img id="id_202_4327_e1df_24ca" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/HDLK9J9_P0SvrkKHafnV_Vwl6WxnSSHUreWelJUVBbzNTO6qOz1nWLKDc9atiW5ROpo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Old White is the only public C.B. Macdonald golf course in America. His template holes reside at every course he’s designed and each one is studied intensely by architecture aficionados. It is safe to say that Old White’s Biarritz and Redan may be the best of their kind which makes this a must play for anyone who truly loves old style architecture. <b><br></b></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_2588_ce07_5ba5_2770" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vHdNsf46H4hBEdhnmCVunGde4Cl2DNkDz4oGM9azRMJ51jcs7Bwb3zJYxTW0LP7yDqA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 449/428 yard opening hole boasts an elevated tee box just outside the clubhouse doors…</div><img id="id_9b3a_3d8_54e6_7f9d" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/FBtuccZn3kbOLqrGWwsQb0ZufB9aCueFL2O2dLrRlzGjOVKQ_PU_Orw9fNkdvhQMrY4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…a fully stocked trophy trout stream meanders below. A trained guide is ready to take one fly fishing before or after a round of golf…<img id="id_f96_8ac6_c78d_547b" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/KmvbYKoWMaFRpuIpJN1sutFlKqSuAhteLinrDIaoIGfF0ChTdlNbLmJ_PXh5jJLdqn4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the view back to the tee reveals this breathtaking vista.) <div><br></div><div>The Greenbrier is a spectacular resort where only one word can be used to describe it…massive! It almost requires a map to get through the place. It’s collection of Sam Snead memorabilia is impressive and it’s connection to the silky swinger is reiterated with every step inside. It hosted the PGA Tour for nine years and has seen 59 shot by Kevin Chappell and Stuart Appleby. (Appleby shot it in the final round to beat Jeff Overton by one shot) It has hosted many famous people including President Eisenhower and it’s secret bunker as part of a relocation facility makes it one of the most interesting places in the country. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_2f43_5ba8_5a40_6e2e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/29owzfxN5YIfis4beWSRGAVTbrK0BBdXknRlSG6ChGe-Rsvw5RpGQ0LeQ3ORwqQpwoo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 208/197 yard par three Biarritz hole is one of the best templates you’ll see. The green is a full 63 yards long and the swale in the middle is a solid 6’ deep. The pin was disappointingly in the front when we played it. The hole takes on an entirely different personality when the pin is in the rear. Putting from the middle up to either tier is mythical stuff.) </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_f6c0_4f7c_71f7_28f9" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yO4PicyoRiTGttmVSa_3pXHlr_Q1WbxShLhZ7I_T4haaZnj1WzLKIaRcDk7f5djzUG4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 388/330 yard par four fifth is called Mounds and the left half of the green is hidden behind it. A lot of interior movement allows for some nice pin placements.) </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_87fa_3aa9_aaa5_c787" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/80kHayJYu-BO5z4HEAhbm3rEjbyNzbUvJ-ng2qQjPa5Ao0BhG9QA1mjixwX4259WVws" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 390/380 yard par four seventh is called Plateau and the green is slightly elevated with some good greenside bunkering.) </div><div><br></div><div>Old White is a classic mountain course with all the holes residing in the valley. Howard’s Creek rambles through the middle but rarely does it come into play. The routing gives it a wide berth making it part of the scenery along with the rolling mountain tops. Macdonald’s design is all about the greens and the templates found throughout. The course is very playable off the tee. For most golfers, it’ll be a chance to get acquainted with features like Biarritz, Redan, Eden, Short, Punchbowl, Principal’s Nose and Alps. All of these concepts are taken from linksland courses over in the British Isles. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6b39_61bd_41a1_79c9" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/J5iwe6xDGwVsz_f2DPp2NRSxSqRv7dvt4VbRulsRSiMXEox7s42UJBCkNcBsMZ4Y1F0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 236/180 yard par three Redan eighth is one of the best of its kind. Look at the high right side where a draw is favorably funneled towards the pin. The left side bunker stretches the length of the hole and obscures any view of the green. Note the front right bunker that protects the kickplate. There’s also a bunker long to catch those who fly it. I’ve played a few Redan holes, and I’ve found that a high cut is held nicely by the left sloping green. This particular Redan maybe the best…<img id="id_11a3_b3fb_4c37_5a7e" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/WxZmlfsmBWlGepcRYJvbQxi_VvgBAVmFN0LmfvTWRQ75g2TZmP6f9hxfsELW-qE91hQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…this view from the kickplate displays just how big the green really is. Amazing how one can only see 10% of it from the tee!) </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_c413_a8b_c465_3039" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/348zNGa-ik-esQhWmzgTr0BBIHhu5jUZNsZGtWyxZNi-PepEjPBalIDK8TH04g5P6Pw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The 382/344 yard par four Principal Nose is much different than ones I’ve seen elsewhere. This one is 100 yards short of the green and blocks the view from those in the middle of the fairway. Players who hit the ball down the left or right sides of the fairway have an unobstructed view.) </div><div><br></div><div>Many people were surprised that Old White was chosen to host a PGA Tour event. At heart, it’s a resort course but Lester George’s renovation in 2005 added a lot of length and restored the template features into world class holes. In 2010, Stuart Appleby won the inaugural Greenbrier Classic with a -22 score which included his stunning 59 in the final round. That winning score change drastically in 2011 when Scott Stallings won in a playoff at -10. 2012 saw Ted Potter Jr win at -16, followed by Jonas Blixt the following year at -13. Angel Cabrera won in 2014 at -16, and Danny Lee took home the title in 2015 with -13. Xander Schauffele won it in 2017 at -14. The next two years saw the return of low scores with -19 and -21 by Kevin Na and Joaquin Neimam. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b26e_6eb7_df9_8872" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/OhvFyNF3MwCj3dJHcY_ob2sBhOTUiN3brykwo0iKdgY6m8FpsNbWYWdHfoWIyjoF1Rs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 570/536 yard par five twelth called Long is the only hole where water comes into play. It cuts in diagonally from the right between 120-100 from the green…<img id="id_eaeb_ddc6_4a7c_92a2" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_uaIx0BbcvddECkOjMpD_qmcty0HhtdwnMho_PSKB58XyUtyGUkPaZk1YX67EmGJjgM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>…the slope just short of the green will kick balls towards the hazard especially for those going for it in two. The hole is beautifully tied in to the hillside next to it.) </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_e785_56e4_1b19_a2ae" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/I-mYaTiecxoXdrATOlYfaHsH6krDm7DSnLviUcg-MP0WJfkPSe03W5SrxRhQswQYD6Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 395/344 yard par four fourteenth is called Narrows. I love this approach shot with the mountain in the background. A spine in the rear makes the back left pin placement a very tiny target to attack. The hole doglegs left so the bunkers seen in the foreground can be reached off the tee if one carries it over the tiger line.) </div><div><br></div><div>During my round, I kept commenting how Old White reminded me of Bedford Springs in Pennsylvania. At Bedford, the course plays up into the hillside and gives you grand vistas and juiced up downhill tee shots. Old White never does that and keeps the golfer in the valley. This means the tee shots look similar as the round progresses and allows the golfer to be comfortable all the way to the end. The lack of diversity off the tee hurts the course in my opinion. I give Old White a 7 (great)(worth driving 3-4 hours to play).</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_f809_80ef_76d4_9f9d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/QW9_h499ZgztKE9DI5Uu7qx-_eVLEp4aZYxyTAyNbok9DqK27xSns_tVZwlYK5oMoQU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(The 179/144 yard par three eighteenth is a wonderful Short hole. The entire concept of this revolves around the sunken thumbprint in the front of the green. Today’s pin is quite simple yet move that pin on the other side of the horseshoe and it becomes an exacting shot. There are numerous hole locations where this is the case. When the PGA played here, Jim Justice, the owner, would pass out $100 bills to those in the stands whenever someone had a hole in one!) </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_7731_d4bd_6f5c_da37" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/93CHX2r8VbnJvklEKbcF6riCsCxfmjSDC4P1OnyvCsfjGbde_rQLJumNbd-KZA_J58k" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>[Two of us played the blue tees at 6426 yards while the other played the whites. Have you ever went to a great course and played horrible? Unfortunately that was me. I was making mid round adjustments but could never get comfortable over my approach shots. I only missed two fairways too so it was very disappointing. Thankfully I was able to watch my friend who had a great round capped off by birdies on the final two holes! He was really striping it off the tee and had some good yardages for his approaches. My other friend, a streaky 15 handicap, finished strong too for his 87. Note the course rating from the blues. It’s almost two strokes over par!]</div><div><br></div><div>[If you’re looking for value just remember that the Greenbrier is a five star resort and everything is priced accordingly. The shoulder season, which we played on the last day, is $170. It goes to $365 before rising to a staggering $525 during the summer!]</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_51bb_a0d0_1824_2d7d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/XAmjwysl5pYX4iqyguVLY0j1xbf1BhDtXYepbzrhVifuwZ6JA_fml7S16hlpsMKT4s0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_86f2_29d_1454_eadd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LUZf5Qg4amf3JMSzYjpJviQQ1rF_RlcOcXBTOZc0UR3a2s9rXY9cLTO9nxf__POlka4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br><br><br></div><div><br><br></div>Golfingwithshawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734575760257943960noreply@blogger.com0