Par 73

7,403 Yards

Architect: Graham Marsh

Semi-Private – opened in 2010 – Please visit The Prairie Club website for information on Stay and Play packages.

The Prairie Club is an impressive new golf destination in the Sand Hills of western Nebraska. The land at the club is very diverse as the rolling open prairie meets the majestic Snake River Canyon. There are currently three courses at The Prairie Club with a fourth, which will be located on by far the most compelling land on the site, currently under design by Gil Hanse and his team. The Pines Course, The Dunes Course and The Horse Course (a really fun ten hole “dream” pitch and putt) have been completed and are currently open for play. Paul Shock, the founder of The Prairie Club, should be very proud of his creation and it will only get better with time.

The Pines Course is routed over an interesting piece of property that combines the open prairie and land adjacent to the Snake River Canyon that is populated with trees. The site is excellent for golf and Marsh did a good job of creating an interesting course that will be enjoyable to play again and again. The greens deserve mention as they tend to have a lot of subtle movement, larger undulations when appropriate and sizes that changed fit in well with the surrounding landscape.

Hole #1 – Par 4 (419 – 285 yards)

The straight-forward opener calls for a longish carry from the tips to a welcoming fairway – a nice handshake to start the round.

The opening drive calls for a straight shot over the prairie - welcome to the club

The mid to short iron approach is to a large green with some interesting movement

Hole #2 – Par 5 (548 to 384 yards)

A reachable three shotter with an epic tee shot followed by a heroic approach to a green set against a dune and fronted by a deep bunker. The best par 5 on the course.

The second tee shot is another big carry from the back with fairway bunkers left, right and down the middle

If you can navigate the fairway bunkers off the tee and into the green a big hit can get you there in two

The green is on a shelf behind the bunkers but there is room to run it in on the right

Hole #3 – Par 3 (168 to 121 yards)

A short walk around the dune puts you on the tee of this picturesque one shotter.

A short walk around the dune and you are greeted with this enjoyable short one shotter

Hole #4 – Par 4 (479 – 351 yards)

From the tips the semi-blind drive is a lot of fun. There is ample short grass so trust your line. Three bunkers that cross the fairway diagonally create some visual uncertainty but should not really come into play and there is plenty of room to run an approach onto the green.

The 4th tee shot is semi-blind from the tips, but there is plenty of fairway out there

Bunkers dot the fairway at a diagonal leading to the green, the final fore bunker about 38 yards short

Hole #5 – Par 4 (416 – 298 yards)

From the tips, the tee shot on the 5th is blind and over a waste area. The hole moves sharply from left to right so a long and high fade is ideal. There are a couple fairway bunkers that should not come into play and the approach to the green is open on the front.

The 5th is a blind tee shot from the tips - the hole moves left to right

The approach is open at the front and the pin can be attacked with a mid or short iron

Hole #6 – Par 3 (159/116 yards)

The sixth is a strong one shotter, the best on the property in my opinion. While not long on distance, the green is very tricky as it has a false front, a “Biarritz” like ridge running through it left to right and some subtle undulations elsewhere. There are bunkers lurking on the sides, but the green is plenty big so they should not really be in play. Par is a good score here – and don’t forget to take in the view of the Snake River Canyon from the green.

A great short one shot hole with a "Biarritz" style gully running seperating the front and back sections

The Snake River Canyon lurks just off the right edge of the 6th Green

Hole #7 – Par 5 (616 – 442 yards)

This is a really cool drive from the tips over a small chasm. The hole plays as a true three shotter unless there is a really strong tailwind. I like the downhill approach to the green, something that is not seen often enough in modern golf.

A fun tee shot over a chasm starts this long hole from the tips

Another good poke is necessary to get the golfer in position for the downhill approach to the green

There is ample room over the forebunker to run the ball onto the putting surface

Hole #8 – Par 4 (462 – 347 yards)

Into the wind, the 8th can play like a beast. On a calm day it calls for a solid drive to the left side of the fairway to leave a good view into the green. Anything pushed right will put the golfer behind a large bunker and the approach will be blind.  The green has quite a bit of movement so stay focused and accept a two putt happily.

The 8th tees are just steps from the 7th green - this two shotter is a tough uphill battle

The putting surface is large and undulating with plenty of room to land an approach safely

Hole #9 – Par 4 (314 – 214 yards)

After the long uphill 8th, the 9th is a welcome chance to drive the green on a short par four. The tee ball will run out nicely to the bottom of the hill, but it takes a well struck poke to run it up the false front to leave a putt for eagle. This is a really fun hole, just remember that trouble does come into play if you spray the ball too far left or right.

A drivable par four is always a welcome addition to the round

The green has a huge false front that deflects any drives that are not struck with vigor and accuracy

Hole #10 – Par 3 (173 – 125 yards)

The back starts with a one shotter that plays towards the canyon. Usually a short to mid-iron is required and there is plenty of room to run the ball up onto this large green.

The 10th plays directly towards the canyon which is hidden behind the stand of trees

Hole #11 – Par 5 (602 – 430 yards)

Similar to the 7th, this long three shotter plays through a corridor of pines towards the end of the property. Once again, the green is tucked away slightly on the right as you approach the green.

The 11th plays through a corridor of trees towards the far end of the property

At 602 from the tips the 11th plays as a real three shot hole

The deep tri-spoke green is tucked behind a bunker

Hole #12 – Par 4 (461 – 362 yards)

The 12th is a strong par four and a great driving hole. The approach is easier from the right side of the fairway as a bunker protects the green on the front and also back right. There is a little knob in the front of the green that can deflect well flighted shots away from the putting surface (don’t ask me how I know).

The 12th is one of the best driving holes on the course as the golfer works his way back towards the clubhouse

A mid to long iron drawn along the fairway past the bunkers is often the optimal approach

Hole #13 – Par 4 (422 – 313 yards)

The architect takes us back into the prairie for a couple of shortish two shotters. Take a deep breath and relax as there is plenty of room off the tee and into the punchbowl green on the 13th.

The 13th takes the golfer back to the wide open prairie

The large punchbowl green is quite welcoming but long putts can be tricky

Hole #14 – Par 4 (345 – 253 yards)

The 14th is a drivable par four that calls for a long and accurate poke to get there in one. Bunkers guard the left side of the green and there is a steep drop off to the right where another bunker lies in wait. The green is rather large though so you might as well have a rip at it.

A drivable par 4 with a tailwind, but a challenging green complex awaits a miss left or right

Hole #15 – Par 5 (581 – 445 yards)

The golfer transitions from prairie to pines again on this uphill three shot hole. Depending on the wind it might be reachable but it takes a big drive to get on top of the hill. The second is usually blind and should be played to wedge distance short of the green. From short yardage, the green is welcoming and birdie is definitely a possibility so play it as close to the pin as you can.

The 15th tee lies just beyond the 14th green - this three shotter plays uphill and left to right

The second may be blind over the top of the hill - it is tough to get there in two

The green is open on the front with bunkers fairly close on the left and right

Hole #16 – Par 4 (460 – 334 yards)

The final three holes play through the pines and along the canyon which is somewhat hidden on the left. The tee shot on the 16th is semi-blind, but the trees outline the corridor for the hole and the tufts of grass in the waste area are a good place to start your drive. A draw is ideal on the approach as the green is protected by bunkers left and a drop off on the right.

A blind drive right up the middle of the corridor over the tuft of grass in the waste area will be perfect

The safe play is to the middle or right side of the green as deep bunkers lurk left

Hole #17 – Par 3 (183 – 104 yards)

The 17th plays over a wee chasm to a very large and deep green. Short right is the obvious bailout, although it may leave a long up and down or birdie putt.

The penultimate hole is a longish one shotter with a lot of visual noise on the tee

Hole #18 – Par 5 (595 – 422 yards)

The final hole hugs the upper canyon as it sweeps to the right and back towards the clubhouse. Depending on where you place the drive there is an opportunity to go at the green in two. The two large trees on the left side of the fairway are in the way more than anything and make it more challenging than it should be to find a good line on the second, especially if you want to play conservatively. While the home hole was a bit of a let down, I really enjoyed the fact that it played back towards the clubhouse which is perched above the Snake River Canyon.

The home hole is a long three shotter that runs along the upper reaches of the canyon

The wise play on the second is up the fairway to leave a short iron to the green

The 18th green sits about 50 yards from the 19th hole - a great place to finish

The Pines Course at The Prairie Club is an enjoyable walk across the prairie and through the woods that line the Snake River Canyon. This is a solid course that will be enjoyable for members to play over and over again. The fairways are generous but not massive which adds some intimacy to the round while not jeopardizing playability if the winds are up. Marsh has created a variety of holes that call for different shots and strategies depending on the wind.

The Walking Golfer would rate the Pines Course a 3.25 out of 4.0 for Walkability. There is some movement to the terrain, a couple of longer green to tee walks past the “snack shack” on the 5th and 16th, from the 9th to 10th and 10th to 11th, and you will probably need a lift out to the 1st tee from the clubhouse, but overall the walk at the Pines Course is very enjoyable and manageable. The club has done a pretty good job of creating walking paths and a few more signs will make it even more walking friendly.

The land made available for The Pines Course is excellent and Marsh did a nice job of creating an interesting routing that keeps the golfer engaged. Some may not enjoy the blind or semi-blind tee shots from the tips or the long forced carries, but three other sets of tees are available. While I do wish there were more views of the canyon from the course, the journey in and out of the trees made for a fun golfing experience. The par fives, aside from the second, are quite long which takes some of the fun out of them, but there was good variety of holes and the architecture tied in well with the environment. I would give the Pines Course a 3.5 out of 4 for Architecture and Aesthetics.

From a Strategic standpoint The Pines Course is fairly straight-forward but it does present options or obfuscations made to challenge the golfer. The four sets of tees make the course very Playable for the higher handicapper while also delivering an interesting venue for the stick. The reachable par fours and short par threes provide some good birdie opportunities, while the longer par fours and par fives – especially if into the wind – are a stern test. The commendable balance at The Pines Course would lead me to rate it a 1.75 out of 2 for Strategy and Playability.

Overall, The Pines Course receives a very solid 8.5 out of 10 from The Walking Golfer. I was pleasantly surprised with the interesting routing that Marsh created on this fabulous piece of property.

TWG Rating for The Pines Course at The Prairie Club:

3.25 / 4 – Walkability

3.5 / 4 – Architecture and Aesthetics

1.75 / 2 – Strategy and Playability

8.5 / 10 – Total

All Photos by Rob Rigg (2010)
Review by Rob Rigg (2010)

Par 71

7,147 Yards

Architect: Tom Doak (Renaissance Golf Design)

Private – Opened in 2006

Few courses in North America can stir a walking golfer’s soul like Ballyneal, which boasts golf that is so pure and natural that Old Tom Morris would approve wholeheartedly.

Ballyneal is still somewhat of a hidden gem that is slowly being discovered as golfers venture into the chop hills of North Eastern Colorado, about 3 hours from Denver International Airport. The club is private, laid back and only reached after driving several miles along a dirt road located a few minutes south of Holyoke.  While you may be “in the middle of nowhere”, the passionate walking golfer will feel very much “at home”.

A simple sign and gate indicate where you turn off the dirt road to Ballyneal

Ballyneal was carefully routed over and around the chop hills by Tom Doak – and this could very well be his masterpiece. It is probably the most natural course I have ever played in North America because it melds seamlessly with the environment as the golfer journeys through a unique and beautiful landscape. Dave Hensley and his team keep Ballyneal playing firm, fast and fun by using very little water and only managing the fescue as necessary on fairways and greens. The experience at Ballyneal is heightened by an excellent staff that create a laid back and welcoming atmosphere at the club. It is, absolutely, inland dream golf on a course that changes day to day and hour to hour as wind and weather move through the property.

Looking across the 9th Green to the 10th Hole after a thunder-storm had quickly passed through

Ballyneal is so pure that there are no yardage or tee markers. It is a match play course with serious distance elasticity depending on the wind and where you happen to put your peg in the ground. Creativity abounds at every green and many approaches can be played along the ground or through the air. While Ballyneal is not a “true seaside links” it certainly plays like one.

For a walking golfer, there can be only be a handful of experiences that rival time spent at Ballyneal – especially if you are on the property with friends.

Please enjoy the photo tour below.

Hole #1 – Par4 (382 – 320 yards)

A straight-forward opener with a long carry from the back tees that can be avoided from the front tees located adjacent to the Turtle Bar (off photo on the right). The left side of the fairway leaves a better angle but you have to take on the trouble.

First Tee at Ballyneal.

Approach to First Green at Ballyneal - Don't run it off the left side!

First Green at Ballyneal.

Hole #2 – Par 4 (490 – 360 yards)

The second plays very long into the wind and much shorter downwind as the drive can get quite a bit of roll out.  There is plenty of room to run the ball on to the front of the deep green.

Second Tee at Ballyneal.

Approach to the 2nd at Ballyneal

View of the right to left sloping 2nd Green at Ballyneal.

Hole #3 – Par 3 (145 – 90 yards)

A thoroughly enjoyable short one shotter into a green that sits in a natural bowl.

Tee shot on the 3rd at Ballyneal

The bunkers on the 3rd are rugged and beautiful

There are no flat spots on this green - it is pure fun

Hole #4 – Par 5 (573 – 360 yards)

An all-world tee shot to a strip of fairway running off into the distance below. With a kind wind the green is reachable in two for the long hitter. Otherwise lay up to the left and give yourself a full wedge to the elevated green.

The most captivating tee shot on the property at the 4th.

I do not believe a golfer could ever tire of watching their tee shot float out over the yuccas towards the fairway below

The three shotter is reachable with a strong second that runs up to the green

A lay up will leave an uphill approach to the plateau green with a false front

Looking back to the 4th tee from the green

Hole #5 – Par 3 (165 – 100 yards)

The pot bunker dominates play into a green that has a steep bank on the front left and back right.

The 5th calls for a precise tee shot to the undulating green

Hole #6 – Par 4 (480 – 370 yards)

A challenging two shotter, especially into the wind from the back tees. The green is on a plateau that falls off to the right side but there is room to miss on the left. An up and down for par is no easy task.

The many teeing options make Ballyneal special - this is the tips on the 6th

From the teeing ground above the 6th unfolds before you.

From the left side of the green it is apparent how subtle yet challenging the undulations at Ballyneal can be

Hole #7 – Par 4 (352 – 285 yards)

Perhaps one of the most “fun” holes in golf – the 7th at Ballyneal is an absolute gem. The reachable two shotter has one of the most interesting greens I have ever seen. One could spend hours hitting different shots in and around the green complex.

Even on the tee there is a hint that this is a very special golf hole

As you turn the corner - the E green greets you

Saying this is one of the most "fun" greens in golf is an understatement

Hole #8 – Par 5 (515 – 340 yards)

The fairway funnels about 300 yards off the tee with safety on the left and daunting bunkers on the right. The terraced green is reachable with two well struck shots, and that is where the real fun begins.

The 8th is another all world hole - the tee box selection dictates the challenge

A drive short and right of the cross bunkers can leave a long and blind second

A drive long and left makes the three shotter very reachable in two

On any other course, the 8th would be the most fascinating green complex, but such is the quality at Ballyneal that it is not

Looking back along the 8th from the 9th Tee - Brilliant!

Hole #9 – Par 4 (362 – 315 yards)

The 9th is driveable with the “right” wind but two large dunes pinch the landing area about 285 yards off the tee so a precise strike is necessary to run the gauntlet. A hybrid or fairway wood is usually a good play, leaving a short iron into another challenging green.

Tee shot on the 9th at Ballyneal

Looking back on the 9th - note how the dunes pinch the drive and force accuracy off the tee from the ambitious golfer

Hole #10 – Par 4 (509 – 380 yards)

A hollow on the left collects all but the longest and straightest drives that successfully challenge the huge bunker on the right side of the fairway. Note that the green cants sharply from left to right.

Tee shot on the 10th at Ballyneal

A running approach is preferred and the bank on the left side can be used by the skillful golfer

Looking back over the rumpled terrain it is obvious how important the ground game must be at Ballyneal

Hole #11 – Par 3 (200 – 125 yards)

A very elastic one shotter than can play slightly uphill from the back tees or severely uphill from the front tees. Missing left is a huge mistake, as is going in the bunkers on the right. Thump, thump – thump, thump.

The 11th calls for an aerial approach to a firm plateau green

And another angle from the lower teeing area - even more daunting

The view across the green to the chop hills is quite captivating

Hole #12 – Par 4 (375 – 240 yards)

The hole may be drivable with a tailwind if you can hug the left side and run it onto the green. Anything leaking right will find a hollow and a blind approach over bunkers to a very undulating green. This is a great match play hole.

The 12th may be driveable with an accurate strike down the left with a tailwind

A drive that kicks right will leave a blind approach

The green moves from right to left and a bunker lies in wait for anything that runs across the putting surface with pace

Hole #13 – Par 4 (510 – 330 yards)

Another all world tee shot, especially from the tips where only a sliver of fairway is visible.

The play is usually down the left even if its means accepting a blind approach. The front right bunker and a huge swale effectively prohibit a shot into that side of the green from anywhere but the left side of the fairway.

An all world driving hole awaits the golfer at the 13th

The centerline bunker is unforgiving and leaves a long approach

A big drive leaves a manageable distance to the pin, but it might be blind

A large swales divides the green at the front - how fun is this putt?!?!?

From behind, the size and movement of the 13th green is more evident

Hole #14 – Par 4 (362 – 300 yards)

A real thinker’s hole that is short on distance but puts a premium on accuracy and strategy.

The 14th tee shot presents a conundrum - short left, take on the center-line bunker or go long and wide right

Short left leaves a longer approach, but it is more direct with safety left of the pin

The angle from the right side is very challenging and demands the utmost accuracy to get it close

Hole #15 – Par 3 (237 – 135 yards)

Another super elastic one shotter that is a joy to play. If you get it in the bowl you will, in theory, have a chance at birdie, but three putts are also very common on this wildly undulating green.

The 15th is a wonderful one shotter to a huge punchbowl green

There are severe undulations within the front, side and backboards that surround the green

Hole #16 – Par 5 (546 – 410 yards)

The finishing stretch starts with a three shotter that can be reached in two from the mid and forward tees with a helping wind. The hole doglegs sharply to the left between two fabulous dunes – and the green is no pushover.

The 16th is a shortish three shotter with a sharp dog leg left

After a long and accurate drive the green is reachable but surrounded by trouble

A drive too far can bring this nasty bunker into play and force a lay up

The fronting bunker is deep and ominous

Looking back it is more obvious how the gap in the huge dunes dominates strategy for the hole

Hole #17 – Par 4 (481 – 365 yards)

The penultimate hole is probably one of the best on course, which is a high compliment. A big drive can split the upper and lower terraces of the fairway and leave a short to mid-iron approach. Anything that kicks to the right will be blind and/or in the fairway bunker visible off the tee. The best play is often to the left side of the green on the approach.

Ballyneal concludes with two strong finishing holes

The approach is quite open if you can keep your drive on the left side of the fairway

Looking back you can see how the fairway falls away, leaving a difficult and blind approach over bunkers

Hole #18 – Par 4 (463 – 375 yards)

Perhaps Doak’s finest finishing hole? The 18th is a fantastic finale for a close match. The drive has some “cape” qualities as the golfer is rewarded for biting off more of the waste area to get a shorter iron into the green. However, the right side of the fairway leaves a better angle, especially to a front pin, provided you do not push the drive too far. Two deep bunkers front the green which slopes quite steeply from the back. Depending on pin position, the approach shot can be an all or nothing last gasp to halve the match.

The home hole sweeps from right to left in a "cape" like movement

A wonderful final hole in a match - Do you take on the pot bunker fronting the green?

Looking back on 18 - it is evident that a drive to the far side of the fairway can leave a longer but easier approach

Both Society member David Mihm and I agree that Ballyneal is as pure a golf experience as you will find on this side of the pond. David is happier than me because he DOUBLE EAGLED the par 5 8th!

Having finished a round at Ballyneal there is nothing a walking golfer would rather do than walk right back to the first and tee it immediately. Ballyneal receives a 3.5 out of 4 for walkability, because the routing is so strong that elevation changes are barely noticed. Most of the green to tee transfers are very short – in fact – you can often tee it a few club lengths from the hole. 54 holes a day at Ballyneal should not be a problem for the fit walking golfer.

The Architecture and Aesthetics at Ballyneal are world class. While there are no ocean holes, the chop hills provide a spectacular setting for the game. As mentioned, the course is routed seamlessly over the terrain and paced wonderfully. A more fun or interesting set of green complexes may not exist anywhere else in the country. Ballyneal is an easy 4.0 out of 4 for Architecture and Aesthetics.

In terms of Strategy and Playability, Ballyneal receives full marks. The fairways are wide enough to handle strong winds, but strategy is always important off the tee as ball placement provides a significant advantage on most holes. Ballyneal is the type of course where the stick will have to work to score well, because it is tough to get the ball close to the hole on approaches, but the bogey golfer, if he plays smart, can navigate the course while playing to his handicap.

Ballyneal is The Walking Golfer’s Top Modern Golf Course in the United States. It is a walk that should not be missed if you ever have the chance to play there.

TWG Rating for Ballyneal:

3.5 / 4 – Walkability

4.0 / 4 – Architecture and Aesthetics

2.0 / 2 – Strategy and Playability

9.5 / 10 – Total

All Photos by Rob Rigg (2010)
Review by Rob Rigg (2010)

Par 72

7,331 Yards

Architect: David McLay Kidd

Cost: Stay and Play Packages are available – please contact the club for more information at – info@huntsmansprings.com or (877) 354-9660

The Walking Golfer was invited to Huntsman Springs for a “media day”. I had the pleasure of playing the course three times – walking twice and riding once with other media members and Jimmy Kidd.

Huntsman Springs is a master planned community in Driggs, Idaho that has been financed by Jon Huntsman, former CEO of the Huntsman Corporation and founder of the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. All proceeds from Huntsman Springs will be donated to the cancer institute. The community is located in the shadow of the Teton Mountains in a valley between the watershed and wetland edge. The location is absolutely beautiful and it is the type of place that families will enjoy visiting for generations because of all the activities, such as golf, hiking, fishing, biking, etc., that are available.

Water and views abound at Huntsman Springs

DMK Golf Design created both a golf course and an engineering marvel at Huntsman Springs. When David McLay Kidd arrived on the site it was admittedly a “1 or 2 out of 10″ because the land was extremely flat and very wet with run off from the mountains and natural wetlands bordering the property.

The Huntsman’s thoroughly supported DMK’s vision for the land and admired his passion for the complex project. David McLay Kidd and Lead Associate Nick Schaan worked with Jim Haley of Highland Golf to move about 4 million cubic yards of earth to facilitate the construction of the course. Essentially, they moved tons of dirt from the “slightly higher” points on the site to the “lower” points to create playing corridors that worked with the evolving community master plan. By artificially dragging the wetlands through the golf course it enabled a huge amount of natural run off from the mountains to flow through the property. The availability of almost limitless sand and gravel also allowed DMK and his team to plait the course with 9 inches of sand. Similar to their efforts at The Castle Course in St. Andrews, the team’s first priority was creating a site suitable for golf and then shaping it to create something that would be enjoyable for members to play again and again.

Enough water flows through the course in a day to irrigate it for a year.

Huntsman Springs Golf Club now sits on 320 acres as it winds in a figure eight away from the town and through the wetlands before returning home on each nine. The incredibly cold winters led renowned agronomist Jimmy Kidd to select a blend of bluegrass and creeping bents for the fairway and rough, creeping bents for the greens and a fescue blend for the outer rough. The thick sand base allows the bluegrass and bent to play very firm and faster than one might expect. Superintendent Guy Johnson and his team have done a wonderful job of preparing the course for play after a long winter and wet spring. The fairways and greens are both very pure and will provide excellent playing surfaces when they can be cut just a bit lower.

Walkability was not a priority at Huntsman Springs and while that does show, the course is walkable for those golfers who are in shape and inclined to do so. With the addition of a few more footbridges and walking paths the course would be a much easier walk. I do agree with Jimmy Kidd, for the walker, a round at Huntsman Springs should be treated as an “experience in nature.” Some of the green to tee transfers are longer than one would like, but many of them cross boardwalks above the wetlands with the mountains in the distance, raptors circling overhead and trout swimming nearby.

Hole #1 – Par 4 (434/350 yards)

The round opens with the first of many drives over water to a wide fairway that presents options depending on how much risk the golfer is willing to take on. Usually, a wood aimed at the bunker in the middle of the fairway in the distance is a good play.

Remember that Huntsman Springs is located at about 6k feet so the ball will fly an additional 10% or so farther than at sea level.

First Tee at Hunstman Springs

The 1st green, like many, is protected by a bunker that lies at the mid-front.

The putting surface is 42 yards deep so there is plenty of room to fly the bunker and let your approach roll out to the pin.

Approach to First Green at Huntsman Springs

Someone brought their lovely Argyle MacKenzie Sunday Bag out to play

Hole #2 – Par 4 (404/312 yards)

The 2nd tee shot is easier than it looks but still no pushover.

It is 240 yards to carry the water to the second fairway from the “I” tees and 157 yards from the “IV” tees. A drive must be long and accurate to avoid the water short and left. The short hitter must lay up which turns the hole into a three shotter as the burn runs in an “S” from the tee up the fairways and in front of the green.

2nd Tee at Huntsman Springs

The view back from the second green is breathtaking with the Tetons in the distance.

The up and back mowing pattern on the fairway fits in nicely with the environment and I much prefer it to the usual cross-hatch pattern.

Looking back on the 2nd at Huntsman Springs

Hole #3 – Par 4 (347/280 yards)

There are a few tee shots at Huntsman Springs that make the golfer scratch their head in wonderment as to where to hit the ball. After a round or two, members will be accustomed to the visual confusion that Kidd presents at Huntsman which can also be found at many of his other courses.

Multiple options exist off the tee on almost every hole and there are quite a few on the 3rd. The fairway is probably about 100 yards wide with bunkers strategically dotting the landscape. There is water beyond the fairway 261 yards off the “I” tees which should keep driver in the bag and put a fairway wood or long iron into play.

3rd Tee at Huntsman Springs

An accurate tee shot will leave a wedge to the green.

Approach to the 3rd at Huntsman Springs

Hole #4 – Par 5 (596/492 yards)

At 596 yards from the “I” tees the 4th is the shortest three shotter on the course but it plays like a beast as the hole doglegs from left to right around the wetlands.

4th Tee Shot at Huntsman Springs

A three wood may suffice for a tee shot that places more focus on accuracy than distance. After a safe drive, a mid to long iron second is necessary to thread the needle up a fairway that continues to narrow as it gets closer to the green.

A challenging lay up awaits a well executed tee shot

The final approach will probably only call for a wedge or short iron so birdie is certainly possible.

The 4th is a tricky par 5 that will see a wide range of scores.

Then a final approach over the wetlands to the large green

Hole #5 – Par 3 (200/97 yards)

The 5th is the only one shot hole that traverses mostly wetlands instead of water, although a hazard is a hazard.

There is plenty of room to run the ball up onto the green and it is wise to play short if there is a tailwind.

The walking golfer is faced with a long hike around the wetlands and across a boardwalk to reach the green, unless he can find a route through the wetlands (which I was able to) that can cut the walk in half. Be careful, it is pretty soggy most of the year and you do not want to lose your shoes in the muck.

Tee shot on the 5th followed by a long walk to the green

Hole #6 – Par 4 (426/237 yards)

Two fairways await the golfer off the tee. The left is much closer but forces an approach over a pot bunker. The right side leaves a great line into the green but a big hit is needed to cross the pond.

6th tee shot at Huntsman Springs with a dual fairway option

The wetland, creek and pond will gobble up a lot of golf balls, although the left side fairway is quite wide.

The creek and pond will see a lot of traffic from the tee box

A big drive down the right leaves a pretty easy pitch or bump and run.

The approach from the right fairway is ideal

Hole #7 – Par 4 (466/351 yards)

Club selection is important again on the 7th because a big drive can run over the edge of the fairway into a creek. A 3 wood or long iron will probably leave a short to mid-iron approach to an elevated green.

Tee shot on the 7th at Huntsman Springs

The green is open on the front and there is a bail out area to the right side while bunkers await on the left.

Uphill approach to the large green

Hole #8 – Par 3 (200/100)

The 8th is the toughest par three on the course because the green is challenging to hold, especially with a longer iron.

There are a couple of big swales on the green that provide distinct pin positions.

The 8th is the toughest one shotter on the course

Hole #9 – Par 5 (643/518 yards)

While the 9th plays really long, it may be reached in two with a couple of flushed and accurate strikes.

Off the tee, the bunkers in the distance seem to ring the green, even though they are about 150 yards in front of it.

Kidd and team did a good job of creating depth perception issues for the golfer which I believe adds interest to the routing at Huntsman Springs.

9th Tee at Huntsman Springs

A layup over the bunkers will leave a short pitch to the green which slopes from back to front.

The interesting bunkering makes this hole a fun one

Once again, a single fronting bunker dominates play into the green and makes reaching in two a challenge.

It opens up past the fairway bunkers leaving a pitch to the green

Hole #10 – Par 5 (625/486 yards)

The 9th and 10th present back to back par fives over 600 yards.

The 10th is quite a bit more difficult because water is in play on every shot.

A brave tee ball flighted to the right of the forward fairway bunker will leave an easy layup to the second fairway island or long bomb to the green.

10th Tee Shot at Huntsman Springs

The water and the sand make every shot on the hole appear scary but there is plenty of room to work your way towards the green.

A long second awaits with water crossing and lurking right.

A par on the 10th means you have shown excellent ball control from tee to green.

Looking back across the "burn" fronting the 10th Green at Huntsman

Hole #11 – Par 3 (164/78 yards)

The 11th calls for a short to mid-iron over a pond to a green with a great backboard so don’t be afraid to play it a bit long.

11th Tee at Huntsman Springs

The green is big so if you are on the wrong side a three putt is certainly a possibility.

Looking back on the one shot 11th

Hole #12 – Par 4 (494/379 yards)

The 12th is a really fun driving hole because the golfer can hit to the right, left or over the bunkers that look so daunting from the tee.

The 12th provides a really fun tee shot

The bunkers appear much closer to one another on the tee but from the fairway you can see that the two fronting the green are 200 yards away.

The bunkers looked much closer together on the tee - a cool effect

The green is very wide so approach shots can have a 50 yard variance in distance depending on pin position and angle.

There is a lot of room to run the ball up on the right side and the green slopes left

Hole #13 – Par 4 (379/261 yards)

Despite the ominous look of the bunkers and wetlands there is plenty of room to play safely to the right side of the pot bunker in the middle of the fairway.

Take in the view before teeing it – a more beautiful backdrop would be tough to find.

Tee shot on the 13th at Huntsman Springs

Once again, the green’s main defense is a pot bunker on the front.

The green is protected from a short iron in the front by a single daunting bunker

The putting surface is a fun one with a biarritz inspired ridge running north/south through the green which creates several distinct levels.

The flow and pure surface of the green is evident looking back on the 13th

Hole #14 – Par 4 (423/331 yards)

The golfer plays back towards the 13th tee and across the valley with a fairway wood or driver on 14.

Tee shot on the 14th at Huntsman Springs

The mid to short iron approach comes into an elevated green that slopes from right to left and front to back.

The green is very deep at 57 yards but “flat’ish” compared to others on the course.

Looking back at the Tetons from the 14th Green

Hole #15 – Par 5 (603/483 yards)

The 15th is a reachable par five if you hit a long ball over the bunkers.

There are three distinct plays with your drive – safe left, long and straight, or long and right, which can bring a fairway pot bunker into play.

15th Tee at Huntsman Springs

The green is protected by wetlands on both sides but there is some room to run the approach on the front if you are approaching from the right angle.

15th Approach at Huntsman Springs

Hole #16 – Par 4 (396/332 yards)

The 16th is a fun short two shotter with a left or right fairway decision off the tee.

The large fairway is split down the middle by a stream which will gobble up indecisive shots.

Between the fairways on the 16th at Huntsman Springs

The ideal side to approach the green from is dictated by pin position with the right fairway being a good bail out because it is easier to hit.

Approach from the right side on the 16th

Hole #17 – Par 3 (124/95 yards)

The final one shotter comes on the penultimate hole and it is a pretty one.

Usually no more than a tricky half wedge, the pond in front of the green probably sees a lot of action.

There is a great backboard, similar to the 11th, which will help a long tee shot roll back onto the green.

The top right pin position, behind the bunker, is a local favorite and a lot of fun to try and hit at, or putt up to.

17th Tee at Huntsman Springs

Hole #18 – Par 4 (407/281 yards)

Finishing up with a driveable 400 yard par four is a blast.

If the wind is against then a drive to the left side of the fairway is ideal because the shot from the right is blind.

To drive the green, a long and straight hit over the edge of the large right side waste bunker is required.

18th Tee at Huntsman Springs

Anything that comes up short will find the nasty bunker pictured below.

The bunkering at Huntsman tends to suit the land quite well.

A drive short and right will leave a blind approach past two fairway bunkers and a green side bunker to reach the putting surface.

A blind approach from the right side punishes a drive pushed and short.

There is plenty of room to run the ball on from the right side but the left is guarded by a deep greenside bunker.

Plenty of room for a running approach - just avoid the bunker.

A round at Huntsman Springs is enjoyable but the walk is admittedly challenging.

DMK Golf Design have done a solid job of creating a fun course on a site that was a flat wetland before they started. While it is completely manufactured, the rolls and undulations do have a natural feel to them and I believe the course will only improve over time as it matures. The empty spaces available for housing tend to detract from some of the views and this is one of few courses that will play just as well with homes because the lots are inside the routing in most places with the course looking out towards the mountains.

In terms of Walkability, I would rate Huntsman Springs 2 out of 4. While a walkable course was very low on the list of priorities, the architect did a pretty good job of making it possible despite all the water. As mentioned, a few more footbridges and paths would make the walker feel more welcome. If you want to walk at Huntsman Springs, make sure you are in good shape, and enjoy the journey through nature as you gaze out at the Tetons and take in the fresh air.

The surrounding aesthetics at Huntsman Springs are beautiful while the internal aesthetics are quite nice as well. Although, at times, the course is battling a manufactured element as mentioned, the team have done a solid job of integrating the course with the environment. I thought the architecture was good, but not great, because repetitive bunkering and water hazards come into play again and again. The natural sand in the bunkers was a nice touch as bright white sand would not have fit in at Huntsman Springs. The grass selection really makes sense for the climate and the turf plays very well making bump and run shots a possibility. The greens are quite firm right now, which is just fine, but they will soften up over time. The most compelling element of the architecture is the big greens that have movement but are very fair and puttable for golfers of all levels. I would rate Huntsman Springs 3 out of 4 for Architecture and Aesthetics.

With the amount of water that comes into play, Huntsman Springs is quite playable and there are a ton of strategic options which, in many ways, is David McLay Kidd’s calling card. There are at least two routes to take off the tee on almost every hole, often more, and various ways to approach the green as well. A good stick can go low at Huntsman with solid ball control and a higher handicapper should be able to get around just fine if they play the appropriate tees. The course was designed with the 18 handicapper in mind which led to the wide fairways and large greens. I would encourage most golfers to bring a “ball retriever” because the water is usually pretty shallow and it will help you save on ammo. I would rate Huntsman Springs 1.5 out of 2 for Strategy and Playability.

Overall Hunstman Springs is a 6.5 out of 10 for The Walking Golfer. The course loses points for Walkability and then rates 4.5 out of 6, or 7.5 out of 10, for Architecture, Aesthetics, Strategy and Playability which is very respectable, especially given the site that Kidd and team had to work with.

If you are near Jackson Hole, WY or in Driggs, ID then stop by for an enjoyable round at Huntsman Springs. Tony Snoey and the staff are wonderful and Guy Johnson and his team keep the course in immaculate shape.

TWG Rating for Huntsman Springs Golf Club:

2.0 / 4 – Walkability

3.0 / 4 – Architecture and Aesthetics

1.5 / 2 – Strategy and Playability

6.5 / 10 – Total

All Photos by Rob Rigg, 2010
Review by Rob Rigg, 2010 

The Walking Golfer Course Rating System

Total is out of 10 Points

0 – 4 points – Walkability

0 – 4 points – Architecture and Aesthetics

0 - 2 points – Playability and Strategy

Par 71

6,944 Yards

Architects: Tom Doak and Jim Urbina, with Karl Olson, Bradley Klein and George Bahto consulting.

Cost: $220 for 1st round of Day at Resort, $110 for 2nd, $0 for 3rd (rates lower in off season). Caddies are available for $55 plus tip.

Old Macdonald, the fourth course at Bandon Dunes, opened for play on June 1st, 2010.

I had the pleasure of teeing it at Old Mac on opening day, playing a total of 39 holes, and it was easily the most fun I have ever had on a golf course. I had thoroughly enjoyed the preview round and the full eighteen was, umm, eight holes better.

There are a mix of photos from the preview round and opening day below.

"Sahara" Bunker and "Eden" Green

Old Macdonald is a tribute to C.B. Macdonald, who many consider the father of modern golf in the United States. In order to bring the “highest caliber” of golf to the shores of America, Macdonald traveled across Great Britain and played many of its renowned links courses. On his own course designs, such as The National Golf Links of America on Long Island which opened in 1910, Macdonald used “hole templates” such as the Redan, Short and Alps that he found on courses in England and Scotland.

The course that Tom Doak and Jim Urbina have designed at Bandon Dunes, at the direction of Mike Keiser, has incorporated the spirit of many of Macdonald’s template holes into a spectacular routing which borders Pacific Dunes towards the northern end of the property.

Karl Olson, former super at NGLA, Bradley Klein, long-time architecture focused writer for Golfweek, and George Bahto, author of the C.B. Macdonald biography “The Evangelist of Golf”, have also worked with the Renaissance Team to ensure that Old Macdonald adheres to the spirit and passion of the man it is built to honor.

Old Macdonald is a wonderful golfing experience and very reminiscent of links golf on the coast of Scotland as the course is quite open, has wide playing corridors, is subject to wind, and calls upon the golfer for creativity in shot making.

The course is walkable, with several ascents but mostly flat to rolling terrain. The scenery, which includes blow out bunkers, ocean views and some amazing tree specimens, contributes even further to what is already an “all world” round of golf. I would not be surprised if Old Macdonald becomes a favorite of many golfers who travel to Bandon Dunes.

Sahara Bunker with Snare Tree in the background

Hole #1 – “Double Plateau” – Par 4 (341/213 yards)

The opening hole at Old Mac is a nice introduction to the round as the golfer is greeted with a wide fairway and rather accepting green.

As you gaze across the landscape from the first tee it feels like you are playing a course that has been around for many years, with edges roughed by nature over time.

Hole #2 – “Eden” – Par 3 (181/102 yards)

Eden is a short to medium length one shotter depending on the wind and pin position. The revetted bunker front right is probably the most challenging to play from on the course, but rather fun to go in (especially if you make an up and down).  The green is about 38 yards deep and runs front to back in three tiers.

Tee shot at "Eden"

Hole #3 – “Sahara” – Par 4 (375/217 yards)

As you can see in the photos at the top of the post, the Sahara bunker is a beauty.

The third tee lies just off the back of the Eden green and the golfer is tasked to strike his ball up over a 40 ft ridge to the left of the bunker. The ideal ball flight is just right of the snare tree and down to the sloping fairway.

The dune that this hole runs across is spectacular, with long grass, sand, gorse and old trees creating a fascinating landscape.

Dunescape on the "Sahara" Hole

The large green is sunk into a little bowl with side and back boards to help keep the ball on the putting surface. The tees for “Hogback” are just behind the green in the short grass, a very linksy touch.

Approach to the "Sahara" Green

Hole #4 – “Hogsback” – Par 4 (504/283 yards)

“Hogsback” is a long two shotter that can easily turn into a three shotter if the drive is not pured and appropriately placed on the left side of the large spine that runs along the length of the hole. This a fun tee shot and the reward for crushing one is a long walk between drive and approach.

I played this hole with the wind during the summer and recall going driver, 9 iron. On opening day we played against the winter wind, although it was June, and I went driver, driver off the deck, and then putter from 50 yards.

"Hogsback" Tee at Old Macdonald

The natural beauty of the site at Old Macdonald is staggering as is evident in the photo below.

Blow Out bunkers on "Hogsback"

Both of these drives took advantage of the slope and were over three hundred yards. The approach is challenging as a deep swale runs across the front of the green which means any shot that lands short, which is a necessity with a tailwind, needs to land in the trough or upslope to kick onto the green without running over.

Approach to "Hogsback" Green

The wind is just ripping at the flag below, links golf at its best. The swale will catch any approach that lands too short and an uphill chip creates a difficult up and down.

Swale guarding the Green on "Hogsback"

While the green may look large and flat, there is a mix of undulations that must be taken into consideration while putting. Once again, the greenside bunkering looks like it has been there for years.

"Hogsback" Green

Hole #5 – “Short” – Par 3 (160/100)

The round continues with an entertaining one shotter across a little valley to a mammoth double green that slopes severely, in levels, from back to front. The green is surrounded on the sides by huge bunkers that should be avoided at all costs. While the green is massive , it can be difficult to find the proper level, especially in strong winds.

View from Tee to Green on "Short"

The two tee shots below are safe as they found the correct tier, while another drive long and left will face a massively sloping downhill putt that could easily run down past the pin to the front level, or off the green.

Severely sloping Green on "Short" with ninja Caddie in background

"Short" and "Bottle" combine to form a huge double green

The “Short” green is actually a massive double which links up with the putting surface on the “Bottle” hole. The grand undulating contours that can be found on many Old Macdonald greens are obvious in the picture below. The scale of Old Macdonald is overwhelming, in a very good way, for any golfer who is used to playing tree lined courses at home.

Hole #6 – “Long” – Par 5 – (555/354 yards)

The view from the tee on “Long” will make any links golf junkie excited – a wide open vista with clumps of gorse, fescue, bunkers, ridges, mounds, and the ocean somewhere in the distance.

View from Tees on "Long"

A well placed drive on the left side of the fairway leaves a view to the pin in the distance, but the right side is the safest option although it forces the golfer to face down Doak and Urbina’s rendition of the “Hell Bunker”, which is spectacular.

The "Long" Fairway with the Hell Bunker in the distance.

The “Hell Bunker” crosses the fairway about 120 yards from the center of the green. It is probably the most intimidating man made feature I have ever seen on a golf course. After a big drive, the golfer has a big decision to make on the second, as the bunker confuses lay up strategy because of its size.

Downwind, the green is very reachable and the bunker should not come into play, but against the summer headwind it can bare its teeth.

"Hell Bunker" from the Fairway on "Long"

Railroad ties have been implemented to keep the earth in place.

View into "Hell"

Once past the bunker, a green awaits that is a lot more undulating than meets the eye.

Green on "Long"

Hole #7 – Ocean – Par 4 – (393/195 yards)

From the tee, this looks like a short but challenging uphill slog to a green located up on a plateau. Into a 30 mph wind, the second hole plays a lot longer than its yardage, while it can play quite short with a helping wind from the south – making 3 wood and then putter from the fairway a decent play.

Tee shot on "Ocean"

The approach is blind from the bottom of the hill.

View up from the "Ocean" Fairway

At the top, an incredible view awaits, especially on a clear day.

A rewarding view from the "Ocean" Green

There is not a lot of room to miss long although there are bunkers that may catch an errant shot that rolls off the back. The green is expansive with sideboards on the left and right. The vista is one of the best on the entire property.

View across the "Ocean" Green down the Coast

The “Snack Shack” at Old Macdonald has a panoramic view of the Pacific and provides a great angle to check out the Sheep Ranch to the north.

The best placed "Snack Shack" in the World

Hole #8 – “Biarritz” – Par 3 (181/121 yards)

With a cross-wind whipping, the golfer is happy that the putting surface looks so big. Little do they know that a large swale located in the middle of the green will make a putt from the wrong section extremely difficult. In true “Biarritz” fashion, the deep swale is complemented by bunkers that guard the green on the side and the back.

"Biarritz" Tee at Old Macdonald

The trough in the middle of the green is amazing to behold for any golfer who has never seen a “Biarritz” before. Doak and Urbina have done a fabulous job of integrating this template into the rugged environment along the Oregon coast by tweaking the shape of a “typical” Biarritz green to ensure that the swale looks quite natural.

"Biarritz" Green

The tee shot caught in the valley has a big climb to get to the hole. Clearly, this is not an undulation but a deep scar in the green that is several feet below the other sections of the putting surface.

"Biarritz" Swale at Old Mac

Hole #9 – “Cape” – Par 4 (416/231 yards)

The “Cape” is a heroic hole that challenges the golfer to bite off as much land as he can on the drive. This inland version is much tamer than its predecessor at the Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda, but it is still a decent hole. A safe play to the left will leave a mid to long iron approach, while a long drive that skips past the bunkers can leave a gap wedge into the green if you have a tailwind.

"Cape" Tee at Old Macdonald

An errant drive may find one of these timeless fairway bunkers. You will not find a lot of fluffy sand on Old Macdonald.

Fairway Bunker on "Cape"

These large greenside bunkers wait patiently for an offline approach, although the contoured green can defend itself well enough on its own.

Approach to "Cape" over right rough

Hole #10 – “Bottle” – Par 4 (365/323 yards)

Off the tee, the golfer encounters a series of bunkers that cross the fairway at longer intervals, beginning short-left and ending far-right. So you must be realistic about distance in order to choose the safe and appropriate line, always factoring in the wind.

"Bottle" Tee at Old Macdonald

The approach is to a raised green that is protected on the front with a bunker. The shot below from wide right shows that the “Long” fairway is not such a bad line to come in on.

"Bottle" Green from "Long" Fairway at Old Macdonald

Anything short will lead to the classic links conundrum of wedge versus putter . . . it is never easy to clip it off the short grass to a raised green.

Short of Green on "Bottle"

Hole #11 – “Road” – Par 4 (445/313)

Designed in the spirit of the most famous hole in golf, the “Road Hole” at Old Macdonald is a lot of fun.

Into the wind, this hole plays pretty long so a drive too far left can turn it into a three shotter. The optimal line is over the edge of the long grass and safely onto the fairway.

"Road" Tee at Old Macdonald

While the famous “Road Bunker” is visible from the tee, its presence is much more daunting on the approach as the size and depth become apparent. Try not to be distracted by the gorgeous natural blow out bunkers and dunes in the background.

Approach to "Road" Hole Green

The softest sand on the course awaits the golfer in the bunker. Note how the strong wind has pushed the sand half way up the right side, while the flag whips in the background.

"Road" Bunker at Old Mac

There is no road or path along the back of the green, just a tightly mown collection area that leads to longer grass.

There is no "Road" behind this Green

Hole #12 – “Redan” – Par 3 (237/91 yards)

The “Redan” on Old Mac is a devilish original.

Into the wind it takes a low hooking iron or well struck fade. With the wind it seems to call for a low running shot that manages to run up the right side and stop on the putting surface.

Tee on the "Redan"

Hole #13 – “Leven” – Par 4 (346/220 yards

“Leven” is a really fun short par four with a tailwind that probably plays rather stout into a headwind.

Tee on "Leven"

The fairway and green are made for the “putter approach” which is my favorite. The bunkers on the right are trouble but there is plenty of room on the left to run a shot in and down to the pin, even if it is tucked behind the bunkers.

Fairway on "Leven"

The ball below was played in across the undulations, up around the left side of the green and back down to the right. It was about 15 seconds of links golf nirvana watching the shot from start to finish.

"Leven" Green with Snare Tree

Hole #14 – Maiden – Par 4 (370/230 yards)

The seventh is a drivable uphill par four when the wind is helping, but probably not in a cross-wind. The hole has some “Cape” like qualities in that an attack on the green will require a long a precise carry over hazards. The right side of the fairway actually provides the best line into the green for a wedge approach.

Tee shot on "Maiden"

The fairway has a strong camber that starts high on the right side. Although the lie may not be flat, it is possible to get a wedge or putter close from here.

Approach on "Maiden"

The green is large with sweeping undulations. A large bunker will gobble up anything long and leave a challenging “out” to a green that is running away with a sharp drop off the front.

Green and back bunker on "Maiden"

Hole #15 – “Westward Ho” – Par 5 (535/340 yards)

The 15th is a stout three shotter that will usually play with a cross-wind. It plays from dune to dune across a valley.

"Westward Ho" from the Fairway

After negotiating the ball past a deep fore bunker, the golfer encounters a front to back sloping green with a gorgeous blow out bunker in the background. It is a good idea to say out of that one.

"Westward Ho" Green and Blow Out behind

Hole #16 – “Alps” – Par 4 (455/270 yards)

Possibly the most fun hole on the course, Alps plays downhill back along Westward Ho. The green is hidden behind the “Alps” which is the huge mound in the distance pictured below.

Tee shot on "Alps"

A drive on the left side of the fairway will leave a blind approach. There is a cavernous bunker behind the Alps on the right and a long slope on the left that will kick a ball down onto the green.

"Alps" from the Fairway

A well struck drive down the right will provide a big advantage in a clear view to the green. A low running shot between the bunkers would be a great play from here.

"Alps" Green view after ideal drive

Looking back from the green it becomes evident that a left fairway drive off the tee actually leaves a fairly straightforward approach over the Alps which will run down to the green, provided it lands on the short grass and not in the bunkers on either side of the ramp.

Looking back from green to "Alps"

The “all clear” bell behind the Alps green – a nice touch that lawyers will approve.

The all clear bell behind the "Alps" Green

Hole #17 – “Littlestone” – Par 5 (546/343 yards)

The most fun three shotter on the course is reachable with a big drive up the right side over the “swamp” or waste area which is 250ish out. The left side is fairly open off the tee and a safe play.

Tee shot on "Littlestone"

From behind the waste area the superior angle from the right side to the green is more evident.

View from behind the "Littlestone Swamp"

The green is protected by a deep bunker on the front left while the right is open. At 64 yards long, club selection to the putting surface plays very differently day to day.

Fairway Bunker view to the "Littlestone" Green

Hole #18 – “Punchbowl” – Par 4 (469/312 yards)

“Punchbowl” has one of the most FUN greens I have ever seen.

A rather inviting fairway welcomes the final drive of the day.

Tee shot on "Punchbowl"

The huge bowl shaped green is protected on the front by several large mounds that block access. The green has four separate shelves and plays 46 yards deep. A running approach is always the play if possible – if only to watch the ball react to the contours.

“Punchbowl” provides a fabulous end to the round.

Fortunately, the first tee beckons loudly only about 50 yards away.

The passionate walking golfer will want to re-tee it immediately as there are few golfing journeys as enjoyable as Old Macdonald.

Fairway bunker view to "Punchbowl" Green

Old Macdonald will probably become a favorite of many visitors to the resort, which says a great deal about the course because it only touches the ocean a couple of times, unlike Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes which have several epic stretches along the bluffs.

The scale of Old Macdonald is much bigger than any of the other courses because of the open vistas and elevation changes around the edges. Pacific Dunes is an incredible course with exquisite attention to detail and a superior routing, but Old Macdonald MAY have something that it is missing in its obvious and powerful tie to the links courses of Scotland that C.B. Macdonald used as a foundation for NGLA, his masterpiece. OM and PD are very different, each compelling in its own way.

Old Macdonald is very walkable, a 3.25 out of 4 IMO. The climb over the dune on “Sahara” is a little steep, the “Ocean” hole has another steep climb,  and there are other steady climbs on Maiden and Westward Ho. The 4th through the 6th and 9th through 13th play across a rather flat valley and then 17 and 18 are on the same fairly level stretch as 1 and 2. I would consider Old Macdonald a pretty “easy walk”.

In terms of Architecture, the team at Renaissance have once again done an incredible job with a compelling piece of land. Macdonald’s templates have not been copied, but used for inspiration and taken to another level by Doak, Urbina and team. Old Macdonald appears as if it has been there for many, many, years which is a testament to its creators and the skills of the Super Ken Nice and his staff. Aesthetically, Old Macdonald competes with the tree lined landscape of Trails on 1,2, 17 and 18, along with both of the Dunes courses which boast a series of ocean holes. The blowouts on and around Old Macdonald are like nothing on the property aside from the 13th at Pacific. The rugged and beautiful nature of the property is spectacular and the old world links golf flavor of the course must be seen to be believed. Old Macdonald receives 3.75 out of 4 for Architecture and Aesthetics.

Strategy is important for scoring at Old Macdonald, but like St.Andrews, the course is incredibly playable for all levels of golfer due to the wide fairways, a 2 out of 2. The greens are very big and tricky at first because of a mix of large and subtle undulations, but they are definitely a fair challenge. Smart play and a good strategy can result in excellent scoring, so stay focused and enjoy this “all world” golfing experience.

TWG Rating for Old Macdonald Golf Links:

3.25 / 4 – Walkability

3.75 / 4 – Architecture and Aesthetics

2.0 / 2 – Strategy and Playability

9.0 / 10 – Total

All Photos by Rob Rigg, 2009 and 2010
Review by Rob Rigg, 2010 (updated)

The Walking Golfer Course Rating System

Total is out of 10 Points

0 – 4 points – Walkability

0 – 4 points – Architecture and Aesthetics

0 - 2 points – Playability and Strategy

Green Fees: 60 Pounds ($87 at May ’10 spot rate)

Architect: HS Colt

Designed in 1913, fairly early in Colt’s career, Camberley Heath GC is perhaps the most unbridled of all Colt’s English courses.  Colt routed the course to take advantage of the plentiful and often steep hills to great effect in creating all manner of holes; valley, double valley, up n’ overs, flat, side hill, downhill and uphill.  The varied green complexes are also a testament to the designer’s creativity.  To off-set the many high, flat areas used for greens sites, Colt utilized mounding as a way to create individuality among the holes.  Over the years there have been many changes to the course, some of which were not terribly sympathetic with the original design.  There are many newly created bunkers and the odd tree which raise questions, but the most obvious aberration is the Koi pond on the 16^th.  However, the quality of Camberley Heath wonderfully shines brighter than the odd feature or two which rankle.

Holes to Note

The elevated tee shot of #1 affords a promising start.  The tee used to stand in what is now the parking lot, some 40 yards to the rear and left of the current tee.  The approach is slightly elevated and well guarded by sand.

True to Colt’s standards, all the short holes are a delight.  The 2nd is particularly good because the green has two tiers and a ridge bisecting the green into a left and right half as well.

It is often said that good things come in threes and this is most certainly the case for the opening trio of holes at Camberley.  The third is three-shotter and is often cited as the favourite of many.

We now cross under the Chobham Road for what are the next ten holes.  The walk pays off for the 4th is a gem of a hole which is drivable par 4, but not without its risks.

The 6^th is another drivable two-shot hole.

In appearance only #8 is a Redan-like par 3 benched into the side of a hill.  The hole requires a long carry unless one is adept at hitting the flat long iron utilized so often by enthusiasts of links golf.

The outward nine finishes with a shortish par 5 cutting up the head of a little valley.

Much like a traditional links, the golfer is now at the furthest point away from the clubhouse.  The property, which looks like an arched ballerina’s foot, is not suitable for two loops of nine.  However, Colt creatively designed a routing whereby one can play a perfectly flowing nine holes by jumping to the adjacent tee 13th after playing #3.   Additionally, there are a few other opportunities to easily cut short a full round if so desired.

The remarkable 10th is a double valley hole over heather and canting severely to the right.

The 11th is a somewhat long par 3 with a flat landing area short of the green.  Often times for the British architects of Colt’s era this sort of characteristic signals a front to back green.

After playing the rather modest 12^th we cross once again under the Chobham Road to play the final three-shotter.  As on the tenth, heather cuts the fairway in two and thus thwarts the flat belly from opening his shoulders.

#14 takes us back to the house.  There are a handful of sloping front to back greens at Camberley, but this short hole’s green is the most severe of this type and thus explains the placement of the forward bunker.

The home hole is a lulu.  It reminds the author of a shortened version of St Enodoc’s 10^th.  Is the play right or down the skinny strip of fairway to the left?  In the summer this isn’t a difficult decision for most, but one can imagine the golfer leaning into a cold winter puff and not coming up with the correct choice, if there is one.

When visiting Camberley Heath, be sure to take a look at the trophy case behind the pro shop.  There is a touching display of Molly Gourlay memorabilia.  Several medals, paper clippings, posters etc. are the mainstay of the collection.  Sadly, no mention is made of Mrs. Gourlay’s architectural contributions at Ballybunion or County Louth, but one can’t help but be impressed by her career as a golfer.

To some degree, the flotsam and jetsam of various owners and time have tarnished the design, but Camberley Heath remains a striking example of Colt’s abilities.  Hopefully the new owners will relish their role as guardians and take the cardinal steps to preserve and enhance what is surely one of the most unsung courses in the heathlands of Surrey and Berkshire.

RATING FOR CAMBERLEY HEATH GC

Walkability – 3 / 4: The course is designed with walkers in mind, but it is somewhat hilly.

Architecture and Aesthetics – 3 / 4: Camberley Heath has been compromised by design changes over the years, but remains a delight to play.

Strategy and Playability – 2 / 2: Colt rarely puts a foot wrong.  His routing solutions always create a bond of intimacy between the golfer and designer.

Overall – 8 / 10

Review by Sean Arble (May, 2010)
All Photos by Sean Arble

The North Wales Golf Club was founded in 1894 by a prominent Manchester Businessman Tancred D. Cummins.  Mr. Cummins invited Mr. John Ball, first Englishman to win the  Open and winner of numerous Amateur Championships, and Mr. Harold Hilton, twice Open Champion, to assist in the course layout. North Wales sits on pristine links land with many large dunes.  Llandudno is a fabulous Victorian Resort town, second only to Southport England as the prime seaside resort for vacationing English families.  The course plays 6,253 yards from the Championship tees and 5,893 from the member tees with a par of 71.

Hole 1 – 334 yards – The First

The first shot in any round is always a nervy one and here you open with a blind dogleg  requiring a tee shot of 200 yards to clear the houses that make up the inside of the dogleg aiming at the marker post in the distance.  The second shot is blind to a small green with several traps.

Hole 2 – 352 yards – The Furze

A slight dogleg left with the hole demanding a tee shot to land just short of the fairway cross bunker.  The green is guarded by several bunkers.

Hole 3 – 365 yards – The Collins

This down hill, down wind hole has a ditch crossing the fairway 250 yards from the tee that creates a risk/reward decision.  The flat, large green is protected by several bunkers.

Hole 4 – 192 yards – The Railway

This long Par 3 is played next to the commuter rail line so out of bounds runs along the left side of the hole with a prevailing right to left wind adding to the excitement.  Two bunkers protect the right side of the green.

Hole 5 – 537 yards – The Hill

At first glance this is a straightforward dogleg left par 5 hole as it stretches out in front of you. The hole climbs uphill at the corner of the dogleg all the way to the green, with the approach playing into the prevailing wind.  The large green is protected on three sides by dunes and bunkers.

Hole 6 – 382 yards – Bryn Lupus

This hole plays down wind and slightly downhill back towards the rail line.   A straight forward hole that is a birdie opportunity.

Hole 7 – 501 yards – The Dyke

This is another genuine birdie possibility. The drive needs to be left side of the fairway, avoiding the fairway bunker and dunes on the right. The second shot needs to avoid the out of bounds down the left side along the rail line. The green is large and protected by several bunkers.

Hole 8 – 384 yards – Vardre

This par 4 also plays along the rail line so out of bounds runs the length of the left side of the hole.  The tee shot is blind, requiring a drive over dunes aimed at a directional marker in the distance.  The fairway slopes severely from right to left and narrows as you approach the green as the sea and rail line almost meet.  The green is elevated into the dunes.  From here on in , the course plays in the larger dunes making it a true links pleasure.

Hole 9 – 345 yards – The Chasm

A short par four that plays along the beach with the crosswind blowing from left to right.  The green is well bunkered.

Hole 10 – 393 yards – The Ruins

Playing in same direction along the beach as the ninth, this par 4  has a row of cross bunkers 75 yards short of the green.  Avoid the bunkers, the cross wind, and the blind approach to the green and it could be a birdie hole.

Hole 11 – 415 yards – Castell

This third par 4 running parallel to the beach is the longest and most difficult of the three.  The hole plays slightly up hill and the green is protected by several bunkers.

Hole 12 – 353 yards – The Warren

The hole plays down wind, slightly down hill, and is a slight left to right dogleg.   A ditch crosses the fairway about 270 yards off the tee and the green is heavily bunkered.

Hole 13 – 177 yards – Hades

Not for the faint of heart as this hole requires the perfect tee shot, normally playing into the  prevailing wind.  The green is surrounded by large dunes making a chip shot from off the green very awkward.

Hole 14 – 528 yards – The Long

Even with a blind tee shot, this down wind hole playing back to the clubhouse is a birdie opportunity.  The fairway is pretty wide so avoid the ditch that crosses it about 225  yards off the tee.  The green has several bunkers but most do not come into play with a straight approach shot.

Hole 15 – 330 yards – The Valley

This short par 4 plays up hill and into the prevailing wind.  It requires a very accurate tee shot towards the opening in the dunes which is the only approach to the protected green.  The green is surrounded by dunes, gorse, and bracken.

Hole 16 – 144 yards – O Hell

This short par 3 is the most photographed hole on the course.  It plays directly into the prevailing wind and is located in the highest dunes on the course.  Hit the green and the hole is simple, miss it and pay the price.

Hole 17 – 132 yards – Hell O

The sister hole to the 16^th, this par 3 plays down wind to an elevated green on top of a dune and situated in an amphitheater.  The club selection between 16 and 17 can vary as much as 6 clubs depending on the wind.

Hole 18 – 385 yards Paradise

This down wind, downhill hole with a wide fairway offers a good chance to finish with birdie.  The green is well bunkered so keep it on the short grass.

(Hole descriptions and photos by Chuck Howington)

Walkability:                                      4 out of 4

Design and Architecture:               3 out of 4

Strategy/Playability:                       1.5 out of 2

Cost: Winter Rate of approximately $30

North Wales is a true links course and has the larger dunes, beach front holes, and even railway holes just like many of the more famous courses in Scotland.  The course displays the rugged beauty of classics links golf.

Par 73 (7,411 yards)

Green Fees: $268 Standard/$218 Resort Guest includes cart- cheaper twilight and afternoon. $10 additional per person for caddie plus $60+ recommended tip

Architects: Coore and Crenshaw

The Plantation Course at Kapalua was one of C&Cs early projects and it really put them on the map as an up and coming design team of significant merit. One word comes to mind while playing The Plantation – FUN! 400 yard drives, strong trade winds, downhill approach shots, bump and runs, incredible views, and so on and so forth. This is a really enjoyable golf course, but it is not easy so bring some ammo.

The greens are somewhat unique as the grain, which runs towards the Pacific, often impacts the line and speed of the putt. The large greens have quite a bit of undulation and they are a blast to play.

The Plantation is routed over hundreds of acres of old pineapple and agriculture land – up and down the side of the West Maui Mountains at Kapalua.

The course is essentially unwalkable due to several long green to tee transfers on the front side. However, caddies and “cart transfers” are available and while the walk is certainly challenging, it is manageable if you are in shape. You will have to hop in a cart between the 5th green and 6th tee, the 8th tee and 8th green and the 9th green to 10th tee. The caddie calls the pro shop and they send someone out to ferry you on these transfers, a nice gesture by the resort for those who REALLY want to walk. On the other holes, the tee boxes range from very close to not to far from the previous green. The course does not encourage walkers and if you want to walk then it would be wise to play when the course is not t0o busy so you are not accused of causing pace of play issues with all of the elevation.

At up to $268 for a round, plus caddie fee plus $60 or so for a tip, it is an expensive day at The Plantation. However, if you want to golf while visiting Maui – this is a treat worth taking advantage of whenever you are on the island – at least in my opinion. If you take a cart then it is a lot more affordable, unfortunately.

The 11th Tee at The Plantation - surfers, whales and Molokai in the distance.

I will let the pictures do the talking . . . for the most part.

Hole #1 – Par 4 (520/381 yards)

The view from the first tee at The Plantation is captivating.

This is a downhill two shotter that plays much shorter than its yardage, especially with a tail wind.

1st Tee at The Plantation.

If you drive it too far you will be at the bottom of the ravine with a blind chip up to the green.

There is room to work the ball off the bank below the left-side bunkers.

The first is a great intro to various playing characteristics that are revisited throughout the round – elevation change, slope around the greens, firm conditions and a need for ball control to score well.

The approach across a chasm on the 1st at The Plantation.

Looking back from the 1st Green to the Clubhouse at The Plantation.

Hole #2 – Par 3 (218/132 yards)

The second is a flat one shotter that calls for a mid to long iron over several bunkers.

When the wind is up it whips across The Plantation Course - a photo of the 2nd Green.

Hole #3 – Par 4 (380/260 yards)

The third hole plays away from the ocean in the opposite direction of the first. It looks short on the card but plays long against a prevailing wind.

The fairway is well bunkered on the right side and junk lurks on the left.

The 3rd Tee at The Plantation Course.

The approach must be accurately flighted to avoid deep bunkers on either side of the built up green.

Approach to the 3rd Green at The Plantation.

Take in the gorgeous view before turning towards the uphill fourth.

Looking back from the 3rd Green at The Plantation.

Hole #4 – Par 4 (382/218 yards)

The Plantation has a bunch of fun tee shots – both uphill and downhill – if you keep it left of the bunkers you should be in a good position for the approach.

Uphill view at The Plantation's 4th Tee

The ground works right to left across the front of an open green. Bump and run may be a good option.

Approach to The Plantation's 4th Green

Hole #5 – Par 5 (532/445 yards)

The fifth has a gorgeous view from the tee back towards the ocean and across the adjacent valley to the sixth green.

The tee shot is rather daunting because of the steep fall-off to the right and the slope of the land towards said fall-off.

A drive towards the left side of the fairway is a good play – the ball will probably work its way back to right.

View along the right side off the 5th Tee at The Plantation.

The approach must cross a deep chasm and/or deep bunkers that surround the green – that makes two thrilling shots on one hole.

The well protected 5th Green at The Plantation.

Hole #6 – Par 4 (398/315)

The sixth tee lies, literally, across the valley from the fifth green. Even if you have a looper, this is the first “cart transfer” that is unavoidable.

The drive on this two shotter can reach the green if it lands just to the right of the central fairway bunker and takes a nice hop down the hill.

The driveable 6th Green is just over the hill in the distance.

The green sits in an amphitheater with a sharp drop off on the right side and junk beyond.

Downhilll approach to the 6th Green.

Hole #7 – Par 4 (516/450 yards)

We continue downhill on the long two shot seventh that has, believe it, a potentially driveable green if you crush a perfect tee shot with a tailwind. I ended up about forty yards short getting some huge roll on a solid drive.

A huge slope awaits just beyond the tree on the 7th at The Plantation.

The view as you crest the rise is incredible – while the downhill approach can be daunting. Bunkers left and right, along with a steep fall off over the back, must be negotiated carefully.

Don't get distracted by the view behind the 7th Green.

Hole #8 – Par 3 (203/146 yards)

A do or die one shotter with very little room to bail out.

When the wind is up – this is a challenging long iron to a two tiered green with the grain running towards the ocean.

Three is a great score.

A cart is sent out to transport you and your caddie from tee to green.

View from the 8th Tee at The Plantation Course.

Hole #9 – Par 5 (521/401 yards)

Into the wind, the ninth is a beast. It plays back up the hill towards the clubhouse adjacent to the first.

The 9th is definitely a three shot hole.

If you go over the green, and need to chip back, it is likely that your ball will end up 50 yards down the fairway, no matter how deftly you play it.

Don’t ask me how I know . . .

The second must cross the ravine and avoid fairway bunkers on either side.

Hole #10 – Par 4 (354/251 yards)

The tenth tee is a long drive from the ninth green – this is the final “cart transfer” that the walking golfer has to deal with.

Like the fourth, the tenth calls for a blind uphill drive that tracks towards the right side of the fairway.

10th Tee shot at The Plantation.

The short to mid iron approach can be worked from right to left on to the green.

Looking back from the 10th Green at The Plantation.

Hole #11 – Par 3 (164/120 yards)

A beautiful but challenging short one shotter.

The picturesque 10th at The Plantation.

Hole #12 – Par 4 (420/303 yards)

Another potentially reachable two shotter with a perfect drive.

Tournament tees on the 12th at The Plantation.

A good drive will leave a short pitch to the green which is well guarded – unless you drove it in the bunker, in which case you need to blast it out.

Approach to the 12th at The Plantation.

Hole #13 – Par 4 (407/300 yards)

Thirteen plays back into the prevailing wind to an elevated green canted from right to left.

13th Hole at The Plantation.

Hole #14 – Par 4 (305/232 yards)

The uphill fourteenth poses a tough question on the tee – go for power or go for placement. A hybrid or fairway wood off the tee can leave a wedge to the green while a crushed drive can almost get there. A couple of Tour pros drove the green during the SBS Championship.

14th Tee at The Plantation.

This is the smallest green on the course.

14th Green looking back to the Pacific.

Hole #15 – Par 5 (555/474 yards)

After a short walk across Honokahau Street the golfer reaches a formidable par five.

The hi-lite of the 2010 SBS Championship, at least for me, was watching Geoff Ogilvy reach the green in two off a downhill/sidehill lie on Sunday.

15th tee shot at The Plantation.

As you walk around the corner of the right hand dog leg, a very challenging second awaits.

15th Fairway at The Plantation.

Hole #16 – Par 4 (365/282 yards)

A fairly easy two shotter before the crescendo that is 17 and 18.

There are two fairways – the obvious one on the right and another on the far side of the fairway bunkers.

16th tee shot at The Plantation.

Hole #17 – Par 4 (508/428 yards)

The 17th is jaw-dropping – a 500 yard downhill par four that will produce 300+ yard drives if you keep the ball in play.

A drive from the top of the property to the Pacific on the 17th.

Similar to the 18th, the second will traverse a ravine and move right to left towards the green.

Approach to the 17th at The Plantation.

Looking back towards the tee.

Looking back from the 17th Green at The Plantation.

Hole #18 – Par 5 (663/489 yards)

The eighteenth must be one of the most recognized holes that the PGA Tour visits on an annual basis.

A 400+ yard driver is possible and the green is reachable in two despite the distance.

18th Tee at The Plantation.

How much should the golfer bite off on the second?

You might as well take a rip if you do not play here often.

18th Fairway at The Plantation.

A nicely drawn fairway wood can catch the slope, run onto the green and give you a look at eagle.

Eagle putt on the 18th.

Remember that on these greens, no putt is a gimme.

Looking back from the 18th green at The Plantation.

Kapalua Plantation, as you can see from the photo tour, is not an easy walk – but it is certainly manageable if you are in shape.

Aside from the three “cart transfers” which are less than ideal, I have definitely walked more challenging courses, although I have never paid so much to do so.

The Plantation is essentially unwalkable, it is pretty much a cart golf course, however the architects have created a routing that can be walked “with help”. So if you are determined to walk it then you will have to pay for a caddie, but the experience will be superior – in my opinion. The course receives a 0 out of 4 for Walkability because of the necessary “cart transfers”, but that does not mean it cannot, or should not, be done.

The Architecture at The Plantation is fantastic – I have heard many walkers say that this is their “favorite cart golf course in the world.” C&C did a masterful job with fairly extreme terrain and created a fun yet challenging track that should be experienced at least once. Aesthetically, The Plantation is incredible with views of the Pacific, Molokai, whales, surfers, and the West Maui Mountains. The course flows naturally over the landscape although it must have been a daunting challenge to construct. 1.5 out of 2.0 for Architecture and 2.0 out of 2 for Aesthetics.

Precise tee shots and accurate irons are vital to score well at The Plantation. Most holes present multiple options to the golfer and the wind makes the course play differently everyday.  The course is playable for golfers of all levels if you do not bit off more than you can chew. My wife had one of the most enjoyable rounds of her life and she only gets out to play from time to time. Expect to score higher than your handicap and just have fun. The Plantation gets 1.5 out of 2.0 for Strategy and Playability from The Walking Golfer.

TWG Rating for Kapalua Plantation:

0.0 / 4 – Walkability – (But a 2 out of 4 with caddie and “cart transfers” – it can be walked)

3.5 / 4 – Architecture and Aesthetics

1.5 / 2 – Strategy and Playability

4.5 / 10 – Total

Review by Rob Rigg, 2010

The opening three holes have a parkland feel, but afterward the course becomes a true links.

Hole 1 – 307 yards SI 15 – Water’s Edge The first shot in any round is always a nervy one and for this reason the first hole is a fairly straightforward. A long iron or three wood will put you on the fairway, having avoided the dampness of the gutter in front of the tee and the out of bounds on the left. A wedge will get you onto the flat putting surface and if you’re close enough you might get a birdie.

Hole 2 – 382 yards SI 7 – Ditch A slight dogleg right with the hole demanding your tee shot to land just between the two bunkers on either side of the fairway. A mid-iron will get you on to the large green, although two large deep bunkers await any shot that is not quite true. The size of the green requires you to be near the flag to ensure that two putts are all that is required to complete the hole.

Hole 3 – 516 yards SI 5 – Round the Bend The last of the opening holes played into the prevailing wind and its stroke index indicates the difficulty. A long drive will ensure that you can clear the corner with your second as the hole doglegs left. If your drive is short you may be advised to lay up with your second before going for the green. A good drive and a three wood second should leave you with just a short iron to a mounded green with deceptive borrows.

Hole 4 – 468 yards SI 2 – Ridge Although the wind may now be on your back it is not the time to give the ball a leathering. On this long straight hole a good drive is essential, avoiding the deep bunker on your left. An accurate long iron or a wood is needed to avoid the two bunkers on the right and the small pot bunker on the left. The green is large and you may find the flag situated behind one of the guarding bunkers just to make you think. The large flat green always offers the opportunity to three putt.

Hole 5 – 404 yards – SI 10 – Beach At first sight this is a direct hole as it stretches out in front of you. A straight drive will put you in the fairway, having avoided the bank on the right. A wide fairway bunker lies in wait for any topped second shots and two bunkers guard the green, the left one being the deepest. A mid-iron will put you on the green which slopes from left to right and has a ridge on the back portion just to complicate matters.

Hole 6 – 176 yards – SI 14 – First Chance The only par three hole on the first nine usually requires a five or six iron. The ball must be well struck to carry the front bunker and avoid the bunker on the right hand side. A ball drawn too much will catch the bunker on the left but the green is large enough to accept most shots.

Hole 7 – 490 yards – SI 12 – Dunes this hole may offer a genuine birdie possibility. The drive needs to be left side of the fairway, avoiding the three bunkers on the right. The undulations at the front of the green need to be avoided or carried, so use plenty of club for this blind second shot. The line is the marker or just to the right of it. A chip to the green, which slopes from back to front, could set up a birdie opportunity.

Hole 8 – 412 yards – SI 6 – Saltings this is a hole that can be deceptively simple. The drive is made from an elevated tee and the fairway is not visible so aim for the marker post in the distance. A mid-iron to the green must avoid the small bunker on the right side of the green that catches more than its fair share of slightly mis-hit shots. A bunker left and short of the green can be carried and a bank at the back stops any ball running through. The green is smaller than most but once hit offers a birdie chance.

Hole 9 – 311 yards – SI 13 – Moat A short par four that often only needs a small wood or long iron as accuracy is important off the tee. The well-hit tee shot requires only a short iron to the small reverse-Mackenzie green, trapped by the moat on two sides and the mound of the ladies’ tenth tee on another. The out of bounds at the back of the green sets the nerves on edge but a par is often achievable.

Hole 10 – 450 yards – SI 1 – Cardinal Played directly into the prevailing wind, this is the most difficult holes on the course. It demands a long straight drive, just left of the two bunkers on the right, followed by another wood or long iron to reach the distant green. The green, sloping from front to back is guarded by two small deep bunkers and has a surrounding collar which is difficult to chop over accurately. Most players will be satisfied to escape with a bogey here.

Hole 11 – 139 yards SI 18 – Crossing The easiest hole on the course only requires a short iron shot over the gutter to a bowl shaped green with four protecting bunkers at the front. The green is domed in the middle and there is always the promise of three putts to disturb the faint-hearted.

Hole 12 – 507 yards SI 9 – Eastbound The first hole built on the old dunes and with a hard running fairway the ball will go for miles. Avoiding the bunker on the right semi-rough, there may be a chance to get up in two. There are bunkers all down the right side and the green slopes from right to left to a chip to the flag needs to be on the right side at all times. A left side bunker waits to catch any that misjudge their approach shot. A big green with some deceptive borrows keeps the concentration at its peak.

Hole 13 – 175 yards SI 8 – The Warren This hole requires a perfect tee shot, normally with the same club used on the 6th. Six bunkers lie in wait on the left and at the front and a pot bunker front right has more visitors than you thought possible. Further right than this and you will require a chip of delicacy to get near the pin for your par. The well-hit tee shot to the long narrow green will reward you with a par.

Hole 14 – 434 yards – SI 3 – Railway Out of bounds flanks the left and a string of large deep bunkers focus the vision down the undulating fairway. A tee shot may offer you a sloping lie and it will need a long iron or wood to the green. the green is bowl shaped and gathers the ball in, particularly if fired at the bank on the right. This hole is at its most difficult when the pin is positioned on the top level of the MacKenzie style green.

Hole 15 – 335 yards – SI 16 – Copse The signature hole for Prestatyn with its low rambling dunes adjoining the flat fairway. The tee shot has you facing the out of bounds of the railway but the courageous fade or cultivated draw will put you well down the fairway. A wedge over the Eyes bunkers to the reverse MacKenzie green will give you a sure chance of a par. The green slopes right to left so aim your second shot to the right of the flag.

Hole 16 – 414 yards – SI 16 – Plateau From the tee, look straight down the ridge and you will see the elevated green in the distance. Your tee shot should be long and left, down onto the fairway from where a long second is often required to reach the green. Three bunkers lie in wait, invisible in the dunes and a pot bunker at the right front of the green is often frequented. The green is flat but contains some deceptive borrows so spend some time lining up your putt.

Hole 17 – 150 yards SI 17 – Road Sheltered by the trees, the elevated tee can give the idea that the wind has died but look at the flag. All the trouble is at the front with three bunkers to trap the short tee shot, so think big and the receptive green will take the well hit shot. Sloping from back to front, there are a number of tricky borrows on this large green.

Hole 18 – 494 yards SI 11 – Home (At Last) A dogleg left par five, with out of bounds down the left hand side, the line for the drive is the right edge of the clubhouse. You will need to draw the ball to avoid the three bunkers in echelon and the base shot needs nerves of steel to steer past the bunkers down the right and keep the ball on the undulating fairway. A small hollow can slow the approach shot and the chip to the green needs to be firm and accurate to avoid rolling off. The final putts of the round can be anxious ones when subject to the opinion of the experts on the balcony but you do have the satisfaction of having completed a round of golf at the foremost Championship Golf Course in North Wales.

(Hole descriptions courtesy of Prestatyn Golf Club, photos by Chuck Howington)

Walkability:                                           4 out of 4

Design and Architecture:                        2 out of 4

Strategy/Playability:                              1 out of 2

Cost: Winter Rate of approximately $30

Prestatyn is a true links course but lacks the larger dunes of its neighbors in North Wales.  The strategy is more wind related than the holes even though the course is well manicured (for a Links course).

Par 71 (7,466 yards)

Review and Photos by Jeff Doerr

Architect: Tom Doak – Renaissance Design

http://www.rockcreekcattlecompany.com/Tom_Doak_Golf

A rare occurrence has come to pass at Rock Creek Cattle Company. An owner with means and a keen vision – Bill Foley, has engaged an architect – Tom Doak, who is one of the recognized leaders of the new golden age of golf course architecture. This course is arguably the best new private built in the last few years. While it is confusing how years and ratings are compiled, Golfweek says it is #1, Golf Digest #2, and Golf Magazine #4.

Getting there is a challenge. Take 90 East from Missoula a long way until you come to Deer Lodge, pop. 3,500ish and the just keep following the signs…

When you finally arrive you understand that RCCC is a special place. There is an attention to detail and an easy confidence here that spills over from Foley and through his staff. While this is a new project, it has an old sense of place. RCCC is truly massive, totaling 80,000 acres of Montana “Big Sky” country.

In the photos below it will become evident how challenging the topography must have been for Doak to route across. Many architects would probably have created a “cart ball” course but Doak’s commitment to creating walkable courses, and the support of Foley, has resulted in a wonderful hike through nature at RCCC. While many members will probably take carts, it is fantastic that the golfer is given the option to walk if he or she chooses.

Driving Range at RCCC.

Hole #1 – Par 4 (435/362 yards)

The first hole takes you out into the plain and over a small creek on the approach. There is plenty of room off the tee, but the center bunker gives the big hitter pause on the first shot of the day.

First Tee at RCCC.

Hole #2 – Par 4 (471/349 yards)

The hole beings with a great tee shot over a big natural rise to a blind fairway. The drive is followed by an approach to a little “Dell” type green. Some work was being done on this green to expand the front right portion and some of the slopes.

Second Tee at RCCC.

Second Green at RCCC.

Hole #3 – Par 5 (577/448 yards)

The 3rd is the only par 5 on the front and the last hole on the plain. The walking paths from tee to fairway and from green to tee are ever present. My son did a lot of cart driving as I walked with the caddie down the paths on almost every hole. The 3^rd green nicely illustrates the beautiful internal contours found on putting surfaces at RCCC.

Third Tee at RCCC.

Third Green at RCCC.

Hole #4 – Par 4 (457/294 yards)

The 4^th deserves mention as one of the best uphill par 4 holes I have ever seen. It has great width and challenge if you play from the correct tees. The natural amphitheater by the green is tremendous.

Fourth Tee at RCCC.

Fourth Fairway at RCCC.

Fourth Green at RCCC.

Hole #5 – Par 4 (354/284 yards)

The 5^th is another brilliant uphill par 4 that will be reachable by some in the right conditions. The green provides all the protection the hole needs, which means the golfer faces a myriad of decisions off the tee to determine where the drive should be place to provide an optimal second.

Fifth Tee at RCCC.

Approach to Fifth Green at RCCC.

Hole #6 – Par 4 (443/332 yards)

A big rolling fairway gives great character to the Sixth where it is very easy to find a lie that provides a blind shot into the crowned green.

Sixth Fairway at RCCC.

Sixth Green at RCCC.

Hole #7 – Par 4 (486/364 yards)

The Seventh must be one of the best “no water and no bunker” two shotters on the planet. The tee shot crosses a swath of native grass before reaching the wide fairway where a buried boulder is your aiming point. When you reach the top of the ridge a phenomenal green site awaits and just behind you can see another one of those delightful walking paths.

Seventh Tee at RCCC.

Approach to Seventh Green at RCCC.

Seventh Green at RCCC.

Walking path behind Seventh Green at RCCC.

Hole #8 – Par 3 (193/151 yards)

The first par 3 is a beauty that calls for a tee shot over the namesake Rock Creek. This is the first of cornerstone holes that anchor the routing. The story is that Doak saw this hole and the par 3 17^th on his surveys of the land and the master plan was built around the inclusion of these two holes.  An unmanned, but well stocked halfway house can be seen just left of the 8^th green.

Eighth Tee at RCCC.

Hole #9 – Par 4 (403/271 yards)

While shorter than the second hole, the ninth does have some similarity in the uphill drive off the tee and the “Dell” inspired styling of the green. So, while certainly not the same, this “type” of hole has been used effectively twice on the front side.

Ninth Tee at RCCC.

Ninth Fairway at RCCC.

Ninth Green at RCCC.

Hole #10 – Par 5 (632/458 yards)

The Tenth is another magnificent hole which is located at the highest point on the course. There is a speed slot that the golfer can use on this really unique BIG downhill par 5.

Tenth Tee at RCCC.

Tenth Fairway at RCCC.

Tenth Green at RCCC.

Hole #11 – Par 4 (439/353 yards)

The Eleventh fairway has been very naturally routed across the land, with a steep drop long and right that can leave a blind approach to the wonderfully crowned green.

Eleventh Tee at RCCC.

Looking back on the Eleventh at RCCC.

Hole #12 – Par 3 (155/105 yards)

Twelve and Thirteen are back to back par 3s – one short and one long.

Twelfth Tee at RCCC.

Hole #13 – Par 3 (265/170 yards)

There is actually a tee box behind the 12th green that can make 13 even longer. The long par three has plenty of fairway and room to work with around the green. The suspension bridge is a great testament to RCCCs commitment to walking.

Thirteenth Tee at RCCC.

Thirteenth Green at RCCC.

Hole #14 – Par 4 (548/351 yards)

After several holes of climbing, the golfer is rewarded with a huge downhill par 4. The 14^th is a great driving hole that tumbles downwards from tee to green.

Fourteenth Tee at RCCC.

Fourteenth Fairway at RCCC.

Looking back on the Fourteenth at RCCC.

Hole #15 – Par 4 (352/234 yards)

Fifteen is a very pretty short two shotter that presents a quandry on the tee and then challenges you on a green that has plenty of internal movement.

Fifteenth Tee at RCCC.

Fifteenth Green surrounds at RCCC.

Hole #16 – Par 4 (467/337 yards)

The Sixteenth is another wow hole with a big undulating fairway and some great contours on the green. The back of the putting surface is a work of art.

Sixteenth Tee at RCCC.

Sixteenth Fairway at RCCC.

Looking back on the Sixteenth at RCCC.

Hole #17 – Par 3 (191/115)

The golfer hits back across the creek on the penultimate hole. Can I just say that it is priceless to have you and your son make birdie on this beautiful hole. A true lifetime memory!

Seventeenth Tee at RCCC.

View from Creek towards Seventeenth Green at RCCC.

Vista of Seventeenth from Eighteenth Tee at RCCC.

Hole #18 – Par 5 (598/467 yards)

What a way to finish. Some have complained that the 18^th at Rock Creek, like the final hole at Cypress Point, is not in the same class as the previous seventeen but I disagree. The short climb to the tee box provides a tremendous vantage point to view the property while also allowing the golfer to reflect on the incredible experience that has just occurred. There is a demand to the tee shot and the green has great movement. It is a very nice home hole to end a round that will be one of the very best you have ever experienced.

Eighteenth Tee at RCCC.

18th Fairway at RCCC

TWG Rating for Rock Creek Cattle Company:

3.0 / 4 – Walkability

4.0 / 4 – Architecture and Aesthetics

2.0 / 2 – Strategy and Playability

9.0 / 10 – Total

Review by Jeff Doerr, 2009

The Walking Golfer Course Rating System

Total is out of 10 Points

0 – 4 points – Walkability

0 – 4 points – Architecture and Aesthetics

0 - 2 points – Playability and Strategy

Par 70 (6,521 yards)

Green Fees: $220 for out of state, $125 for NCGA Members. Call pro shop to confirm.

Architect: Dr. Alister MacKenzie

Pasatiempo was founded by U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion Marion Hollins and was designed by Alister Mackenzie, one of the great golden age golf course architects. The course opened on September 8th, 1929. Originally there were only a few homes around the course, but now Pasatiempo is at the heart of a real estate community. However the “core” course design makes Pasatiempo very walkable despite some fairly dramatic elevation changes and natural hazards. Tom Doak was hired in 1996 to begin restoring Pasatiempo to its “original design” and the renovation was successfully completed in Fall 2007, with a great deal of assistance from his lead associate Jim Urbina, club historian Bob Beck and superintendent Dean Gump.

Needless to say, the course is an absolute gem from both a historical and architectural perspective, and to see it as MacKenzie had intended, even with the addition of many homes along the course, is literally awe inspiring.

The 1st hole is a long opener with a downhill tee shot followed by an uphill approach. The tee sits just outside the clubhouse and is quite close to the practice green. It is a brilliantly intimate setting from which to start the round, especially on a clear day when you can see the ocean in the distance.

The bunkers at Pasatiempo are breathtaking and MacKenzie made great strategic use of them throughout the routing.

I could not help wondering, when walking off Pasatiempo, why more golf course architects were not inspired enough by MacKenzie’s bunkering to implement something similar as opposed to the shallow saucer shaped pseudo hazards that litter many modern courses.

1st Hole at Pasatiempo Golf Club. Photo by Rob Babcock - Pasatiempo Golf Club.

A closer photo of the fairway bunker shows that it is about fifty yards from the green and creates more of a visual distraction than anything else. MacKenzie was a master of camouflage and visual trickery and it abounds at Pasa.

Fairway bunker on 1st Hole at Pasatiempo. Photo by Rob Rigg.

The 2nd is a 437 yard par four that plays down towards a wide fairway. The bunker on the front left side of the green dictates that a long fade to the right side of the fairway is ideal off the tee for the “easiest” approach.

The par three 3rd presents a very challenging uphill tee shot that plays 235 yards from the tips. There is a stunning cross hazard that bisects the fairway well short of the green and a bevy of beautifully shaped bunkers surrounding the putting surface, which slopes from front to back with some wonderfully subtle undulations that make putting both difficult and a lot of fun.

View from the Third tee at Pasatiempo. Photo by Rob Babcock - Pasatiempo Golf Club.

The 4th is a medium length two shotter that pays to the southern tip of the property. The drive is a fun one as it carries two large fairway bunkers on the right side before leaving an approach to a well bunkered and undulating green.

The 5th starts the uphill trek back towards the clubhouse. At 190 yards it is not quite as daunting as the 3rd but still provides a great deal of challenge for the golfer as he tries to fly his ball onto the green while avoiding four bunkers protecting the front.

The 6th and 7th are probably the least interesting holes on the front side. The par five 6th is reachable in two if you can avoid the homes very tight on the left side while playing uphill over a rolling fairway to a green with a large bank on the right side. The 7th is a 348 yard two shotter that plays uphill to a well protected green with some of the deepest bunkers on the course.

In contrast to the long and challenging uphill 3rd, the 8th is a downhill one shotter from 175 yards.

As the photo below illustrates, the front to back sloping green has three rear sections that funnel to the middle and then rather steeply off the front.

The 9th and Clubhouse feature prominently in the background on what is a reachable but challenging uphill par five with three very deep bunkers fronting the putting surface.

Eight and Nine provide a great finish to an interesting and challenging front side.

8th Hole at Pasatiempo with the 9th in the background. Photo by Rob Babcock - Pasatiempo Golf Club.

While the front plays south away from the clubhouse and then north back to the clubhouse, the back nine plays in an area to the northwest that has some wonderful barancas and undulations.

The 10th begins with a wonderful tee shot across a baranca, which is followed by a mid iron approach to a wide green with a frightening array of bunkers waiting front left to gobble up anything hit short.

Approach to 10th Green at Pasatiempo. Photo by Rob Babcock - Pasatiempo Golf Club.

The long par four 10th is followed by an absolutely wonderful two shotter in the 11th that plays uphill with a baranca running up the left side off the tee which must be crossed on the approach to a well bunkered green. The view from the green on a clear day is all world.

11th Green at Pasatiempo looking back

The 12th is a shorter par four that plays downhill back along the 11th, with the baranca again on the left and cutting even tighter across the front of the green.

The three par fours are followed by the par five 13th which doglegs to the left from tee to green. There are some well placed hazards on the left side of the fairway to gobble up any drives that try to cut the corner too much. The undulating fairway makes for some interesting lies and the approach is to a green set amongst a sea of sand which quickly raises the golfer’s heart rate.

As seen in the photo below, the Y shaped green slopes towards the middle and then down a fairly steep false front to the fairway. Anything off line will lead to a challenging up and down as the bunkers are set back from the green unlike most other holes where they are tighter to the putting surface.

Approach to the 13th Green at Pasatiempo. Photo by Rob Babcock - Pasatiempo Golf Club.

The 14th is one of my favorite par fours on a course that has many great two shotters. The hole is about 430 yards and the fairway is very wide, but severely undulating.

As seen below, there is a gully that runs up the left side of the fairway that meets another gully running across the fairway about 275 yards off the tee.

On many modern courses, these fairways would have been flattened to produce consistent lies which is a shame. MacKenzie has done a masterful job of using these undulations to make the hole incredibly interesting and fun to play.

The green is open slightly on the front but protected by a large bunker as it moves back and to the right. A well placed drive on the left side of the fairway, but out of the gully, will leave an ideal approach up the length of the green, while a tee shot to the right will force the golfer to come in over a fore bunker and the larger greenside bunker. Top notch strategy created by a genius.

14th fairway at Pasatiempo. Photo by Rob Babcock - Pasatiempo Golf Club.

The 15th, pictured below, is the first one shotter on the back side and it plays across a baranca at 140 yards from the tips. This is a fun hole with steep bunkers fronting the green and a long single bunker behind. Although the tee shot is straightforward, accuracy is paramount.

15th hole at Pasatiempo. Photo by Rob Babcock - Pasatiempo Golf Club.

The 16th is one of my favorite holes on the course, another fantastic par four.

The tee shot is blind to the landing area and played at an angle that encourages the golfer to hit the ball to the right side of the fairway.

When you reach the top of the rise and look towards the green you will be awed by a daunting approach, that will probably be downhill or sidehill, over the biggest bunker on the course, which lurks below an elevated green that slopes steeply from back to front. And, to make the challenge even more difficult, you have to hit back over a gully that runs across the hole short of the green.

Approach to the 16th at Pasatiempo. Photo by Rob Babcock - Pasatiempo Golf Club.

The 17th is an uphill two shotter that plays to a bunkerless green that features a sharp drop off if you miss to the right. The penultimate hole is the weakest on the exceptional back nine and provides a breather before taking on the gorgeous par three 18th.

The round finishes with a tee shot of 170 yards across a gapping chasm to a wonderfully undulating green protected by bunkers front left and across the back.

18th tee shot at Pasatiempo. Photo by Rob Babcock - Pasatiempo Golf Club.

As seen in the photo below, the 18th green has a lot of great movement and short grass on the front right that creates a difficult up and down for the golfer who misses short but avoids the bunkers and the baranca. A par on the final hole is well earned and a great way to finish a round on what must be one of the best inland courses in the country.

18th Green at Pasatiempo. Photo by Rob Rigg.

While Pasatiempo has been routed over undulating terrain, the short green to tee walks and 6,600 yard distance from the tips make it a very manageable walk which is why it has been rated 3.0 out of 4 for walkability. This rating coincides with what walking walking golfers have submitted to our Walkability Ratings initiative.

The Architecture and Aesthetics are world class, 4.0 out of 4, especially considering Pasa is an inland course surrounded by housing. I have never walked a course where the great architecture has so heavily outweighed the residences that line the fairways on many of the holes. Every golfer should visit Pasa if they are in the area to experience MacKenzie’s masterpiece, it is certainly worth the rather heavy price of admission.

MacKenzie’s 13 General Principles of Golf Course Architecture include call outs for providing the scratch golfer with constant stimulation while also allowing higher handicappers to enjoy the round even if they pile up high scores. This is where Pasatiempo shines and it certainly receives a 2.0 out of 2 for Strategy and Playability. The fairways at Pasa are wide, there is a lot of short grass and the carries over the barancas are all fair and of reasonable distance, but still mentally challenging. This is a course that every golfer can and will enjoy.

Pasatiempo is a gorgeous and challenging course that is an absolute joy to play. It certainly meets the “when I walked off eighteen, I wanted to walk right back up to the first tee” criteria that reflects greatness.

After your round, the MacKenzie Bar & Grill in the clubhouse and The Tap Room on a hill above it are great places for a pint and some grub. Both locations have photos of Ms. Hollins, Dr. MacKenzie, Bobby Jones and others, information on the history of Pasatiempo, along with fantastic views of the course and the ocean in the distance, at least on a clear day.

TWG Rating for Pasatiempo:

3.0 / 4 – Walkability

4.0 / 4 – Architecture and Aesthetics

2.0 / 2 – Strategy and Playability

9.0 / 10 – Total

Review by Rob Rigg, 2009

The Walking Golfer Course Rating System

Total is out of 10 Points

0 – 4 points – Walkability

0 – 4 points – Architecture and Aesthetics

0 - 2 points – Playability and Strategy