Sixteen states, one Canadian province, eighteen new courses (including ten Top 100's), six resorts, 6600 miles in 16 days. That's a brief summary of my 2018 Western trip just completed.
I knew I'd eventually have to make a trip like this. The Quest is my project to play every course that has ever been on Golf Magazine's "Top 100 You Can Play" list. If the list was static, it would be much easier to plan and stay close to the goal. But the list changes every two years. In 2014, Wilderness Club on the Canadian border in Montana was added. In 2016, Gamble Sands in remote Washington state was added. Courses like these are not exactly "on the way" to someone who lives in the Midwest. It seems I always have a few orphans to pick up.
With this year's trip, I attempted to knock off all the western "orphans". I almost did it. Unfortunately, Shadow Creek in Las Vegas is closed for the month of July. I had intended to play it the day before Cascata, just south of Las Vegas. So it remains an orphan to be picked up in the future.
This year's trip began in Silvis, IL, turned northeast into Wisconsin for six rounds in three days, included stops in North Dakota and Montana before my first lifetime round in Canada. I then headed south to Washington state, California for three rounds and a visit with long-time friends and then to Nevada before turning northeast into Utah and Nebraska before heading back to Fort Wayne.
I experienced the extremes of weather with upper 90's heat and humidity early on in the Upper Midwest followed by chilling rain in Montana and Canada, more heat in Washington, coolness on California's Monterrey peninsula, dry 100+ temps in Nevada and Utah before normal summer heat in Nebraska.
All in all, a great trip executed according to plan. One of the resorts I experienced has taken its place as my personal favorite. See my write-up on Gamble Sands below.
In the paragraphs that follow, I'll attempt to describe some of the highlights of the trip.
I knew I'd eventually have to make a trip like this. The Quest is my project to play every course that has ever been on Golf Magazine's "Top 100 You Can Play" list. If the list was static, it would be much easier to plan and stay close to the goal. But the list changes every two years. In 2014, Wilderness Club on the Canadian border in Montana was added. In 2016, Gamble Sands in remote Washington state was added. Courses like these are not exactly "on the way" to someone who lives in the Midwest. It seems I always have a few orphans to pick up.
With this year's trip, I attempted to knock off all the western "orphans". I almost did it. Unfortunately, Shadow Creek in Las Vegas is closed for the month of July. I had intended to play it the day before Cascata, just south of Las Vegas. So it remains an orphan to be picked up in the future.
This year's trip began in Silvis, IL, turned northeast into Wisconsin for six rounds in three days, included stops in North Dakota and Montana before my first lifetime round in Canada. I then headed south to Washington state, California for three rounds and a visit with long-time friends and then to Nevada before turning northeast into Utah and Nebraska before heading back to Fort Wayne.
I experienced the extremes of weather with upper 90's heat and humidity early on in the Upper Midwest followed by chilling rain in Montana and Canada, more heat in Washington, coolness on California's Monterrey peninsula, dry 100+ temps in Nevada and Utah before normal summer heat in Nebraska.
All in all, a great trip executed according to plan. One of the resorts I experienced has taken its place as my personal favorite. See my write-up on Gamble Sands below.
In the paragraphs that follow, I'll attempt to describe some of the highlights of the trip.
TPC at Deere Run
I left the friendly confines of Fort Wayne, IN early on Thursday morning, June 28 for a 10:50 tee time at TPC at Deere Run in Silvis, IL, home of the John Deere Classic. I arrived well before my tee time on a sunny but muggy morning. The temperature was set to climb into the upper 80's.
With the 2018 John Deere Classic scheduled to begin the week of July 9th, there was a bevy of activity on and around the course. Crews were not only engaged in course maintenance but also the setup of spectator stands, air-conditioned boxes, TV towers, and concession areas.
Being a TPC course, there were many elevated grassy areas around the tees, fairways, and greens for spectator viewing.
Each tee station contains a little history of John Deere and the land on which the course was built. John Deere moved from Vermont to Illinois and settled 70 miles upstream from the site of the course. He soon learned farmers were having problems with the cast iron plows they had brought from New England where the soil was light and sandy. The plows got bogged down in the rich Midwestern soil forcing farmers to stop every few feet to scrape the thick soil from the plows. Deere became convinced that the sticky soil would fall off a highly polished and properly shaped plow. So he fashioned a plow in 1837 using the steel from a broken saw blade, providing the solution farmers needed to efficiently farm in the Midwest.
The TPC at Deere Run course is ranked 96th on Golf Magazine's "Top 100 You Can Play" list and is certainly a beautiful, well-maintained golf course. My most vivid memory of the course is the lush, long, emerald green Kentucky blue grass rough (not that I ever had to hit out of it) that was being lovingly attended to in anticipation of the 200 or so professional golfers that would be occupying the course in less than two weeks. The course is not a killer and certainly long rough would be one one of the course's major defenses against low scoring. It didn't work so well...Michael Kim shot a tournament record 27 under par and won by eight shots.
I had a good experience at this course and for the most part, it was easy to decipher from each tee what was in store. I am not a fan of uphill holes and the one hole I did not like was number three, an uphill par three with a crown running through the middle of the green. From the tee, it was impossible to see what was required of the golfer.
With the 2018 John Deere Classic scheduled to begin the week of July 9th, there was a bevy of activity on and around the course. Crews were not only engaged in course maintenance but also the setup of spectator stands, air-conditioned boxes, TV towers, and concession areas.
Being a TPC course, there were many elevated grassy areas around the tees, fairways, and greens for spectator viewing.
Each tee station contains a little history of John Deere and the land on which the course was built. John Deere moved from Vermont to Illinois and settled 70 miles upstream from the site of the course. He soon learned farmers were having problems with the cast iron plows they had brought from New England where the soil was light and sandy. The plows got bogged down in the rich Midwestern soil forcing farmers to stop every few feet to scrape the thick soil from the plows. Deere became convinced that the sticky soil would fall off a highly polished and properly shaped plow. So he fashioned a plow in 1837 using the steel from a broken saw blade, providing the solution farmers needed to efficiently farm in the Midwest.
The TPC at Deere Run course is ranked 96th on Golf Magazine's "Top 100 You Can Play" list and is certainly a beautiful, well-maintained golf course. My most vivid memory of the course is the lush, long, emerald green Kentucky blue grass rough (not that I ever had to hit out of it) that was being lovingly attended to in anticipation of the 200 or so professional golfers that would be occupying the course in less than two weeks. The course is not a killer and certainly long rough would be one one of the course's major defenses against low scoring. It didn't work so well...Michael Kim shot a tournament record 27 under par and won by eight shots.
I had a good experience at this course and for the most part, it was easy to decipher from each tee what was in store. I am not a fan of uphill holes and the one hole I did not like was number three, an uphill par three with a crown running through the middle of the green. From the tee, it was impossible to see what was required of the golfer.
The course was not crowded and I was able to play through two foursomes at the turn. I completed my round in just a little over three hours and began a three hour drive to Random Lake, WI where I would spend the night.
The Bull at Pinehurst Farms
The Bull is located at Pinehurst Farms in Sheboygan Falls, WI. It is ranked 85th on Golf Digest's 2017 "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list. It is the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in the state of Wisconsin.
The Bull is not an easy course. From its five set of tees, the slope rating ranged from 130 from the forward tees to 147 from the very back tees. From a yardage standpoint, the range was 5087 from the forward tees to 7345 from the tips.
I had the first Friday morning tee time and encountered no issues (by that I mean locals jumping from hole to hole or groups being sent out on the tenth tee). I also did not have to play through the grounds crew.
Holes two and three had some houses at the border but generally, the front nine was tight, playing through mature trees. The eight hole was a devilish par 5 with a split fairway and a creek dissecting the hole up to the green. Definitely target golf. It reminded me of the 15th hole at Sycamore Hills in Fort Wayne.
The back nine is a bit more open. I'd say ten of the holes had either a pond or a creek with which to contend. Generally speaking, the course did not have a great deal of elevation change.
All in all, a beautiful course but quite difficult, especially for the unaccompanied first time golfer.
The Bull is not an easy course. From its five set of tees, the slope rating ranged from 130 from the forward tees to 147 from the very back tees. From a yardage standpoint, the range was 5087 from the forward tees to 7345 from the tips.
I had the first Friday morning tee time and encountered no issues (by that I mean locals jumping from hole to hole or groups being sent out on the tenth tee). I also did not have to play through the grounds crew.
Holes two and three had some houses at the border but generally, the front nine was tight, playing through mature trees. The eight hole was a devilish par 5 with a split fairway and a creek dissecting the hole up to the green. Definitely target golf. It reminded me of the 15th hole at Sycamore Hills in Fort Wayne.
The back nine is a bit more open. I'd say ten of the holes had either a pond or a creek with which to contend. Generally speaking, the course did not have a great deal of elevation change.
All in all, a beautiful course but quite difficult, especially for the unaccompanied first time golfer.
My second tee time of the day was in Green Lake, WI, a 90 minute drive west from Sheboygan Falls.
The Golf Courses at Lawsonia (Links Course)
The temperature had risen to the low 90's by the time I reached The Golf Courses at Lawsonia. There are two courses at Lawsonia and there is lodging onsite but I was there for one reason: to play the Links course.
The course is ranked 87th on Golf Magazine's "Top 100 You Can Play" list and 59th on Golf Digest's 2017 "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list.
The Links Course originally opened in 1930, a marvel of 1920's era steam shovels. The course has undergone renovation during the past decade and is now true to the "firm and fast" traditional playing surface of the early years.
The course is ranked 87th on Golf Magazine's "Top 100 You Can Play" list and 59th on Golf Digest's 2017 "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list.
The Links Course originally opened in 1930, a marvel of 1920's era steam shovels. The course has undergone renovation during the past decade and is now true to the "firm and fast" traditional playing surface of the early years.
I loved this course! I am a big fan of links golf and Lawsonia did not disappoint. The course is extremely playable. The slope rating from the three sets of tees ranges from 124 to 131.
There is heather separating the holes but it is not punishing. It does not swallow a golf ball and for the most part, you can get a club on the ball without much difficulty.
I can't recall any trees that are in play.
The greens are huge and undulating with tricky breaks. Most of the greens are open in front, accommodating running shots. The trouble is left and right of each green and almost without question, over any green is dead.
For the most part, you can see what you need to do from each tee. One exception is hole number 2 where the tee hot is as blind as it gets.
As it turns out, the second hole is a dogleg right and a tee shot over the hill on the right side is perfect.
There is heather separating the holes but it is not punishing. It does not swallow a golf ball and for the most part, you can get a club on the ball without much difficulty.
I can't recall any trees that are in play.
The greens are huge and undulating with tricky breaks. Most of the greens are open in front, accommodating running shots. The trouble is left and right of each green and almost without question, over any green is dead.
For the most part, you can see what you need to do from each tee. One exception is hole number 2 where the tee hot is as blind as it gets.
As it turns out, the second hole is a dogleg right and a tee shot over the hill on the right side is perfect.
SentryWorld in Stevens Point was my first round on Saturday so upon leaving Lawsonia, I drove 80 minutes to my lodging in Wisconsin Rapids. I had plenty of time to enjoy a meal at a local pub called Jennings and Co. With all the miles I had to cover on the trip, it was a rare evening when I could enjoy a sitdown meal.
SentryWorld
SentryWorld opened in 1982 and was the state of Wisconsin's first "destination" course. After 30 years of play, the course underwent a renovation and was rediscovered by the golf world.
The course is ranked 78th on Golf Magazine's 2016 "Top 100 You Can Play" list and 34th on Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list.
As usual, I had the first tee time but was asked by the starter if I minded being paired with a local threesome so I could avoid playing through the grounds crew. Since I had an afternoon tee time at Mammoth Dunes, he allowed me the option of playing as a single beginning on hole 10.
So I played the front nine with Jared, Caleb, and Ryan.
SentryWorld's greens are among the best I've ever putted...truly pristine. It's another course that is very playable as you can see what you need to do from each tee.
The par 3 16th hole is the signature hole and features over 33,000 flowers. It's known simply as "the Flower Hole" and is the hole that made SentryWorld famous. Truly beautiful!
The course is ranked 78th on Golf Magazine's 2016 "Top 100 You Can Play" list and 34th on Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list.
As usual, I had the first tee time but was asked by the starter if I minded being paired with a local threesome so I could avoid playing through the grounds crew. Since I had an afternoon tee time at Mammoth Dunes, he allowed me the option of playing as a single beginning on hole 10.
So I played the front nine with Jared, Caleb, and Ryan.
SentryWorld's greens are among the best I've ever putted...truly pristine. It's another course that is very playable as you can see what you need to do from each tee.
The par 3 16th hole is the signature hole and features over 33,000 flowers. It's known simply as "the Flower Hole" and is the hole that made SentryWorld famous. Truly beautiful!
By the time I left the course, the temperature was humid and in the low 90's. I had a short 45 minute drive to Sand Valley where I would play the first of the two courses at the resort, Mammoth Dunes. My original intent was to spend the night at the resort but alas, there were no rooms at the Inn and I would spend my second night in Wisconsin Rapids.
Sand Valley Resort
OK, listen up everyone in the Midwest. Make plans to visit Sand Valley Resort and play the Mammoth Dunes and Sand Valley courses. There is nothing in the Midwest like these two courses. These courses remind me of the courses at Bandon Dunes in Oregon, the course at Chambers Bay in Washington state, and even a bit like the courses at Streamsong in Florida. And also Gamble Sands that I write about below.
You will have to walk, either with a caddie or with your bag on a push cart or on your back. But it is well worth the effort! Sand Valley does have a limited number of golf carts for the permanently disabled golfer unable to walk the course.
You will have to walk, either with a caddie or with your bag on a push cart or on your back. But it is well worth the effort! Sand Valley does have a limited number of golf carts for the permanently disabled golfer unable to walk the course.
Mammoth Dunes has been in many golf magazines during the past two months. It is a David McLay Kidd design and I played the course on the last day of its preview period. Kidd also designed the first course at Bandon Dunes and later the course at Gamble Sands.
All I can say is "wow!" You will have a blast playing this course. Mammoth Dunes is already regarded as the nation's top new course of 2018. The fairways are huge and fast. You will get an unbelievable amount of roll. I played the Orange/Sand tees at 6307 yards and could easily have played the Orange tees at 6563 yards.
I arrived at the course well before my tee time and was able to complete the obligatory shopping and also hydrate as the temperature was in the mid-90's with high humidity but very breezy.
You will use the shuttles to go to the driving range but the first tee of Mammoth Dunes is right behind the pro shop.
My caddie was Robbie Fanelli, originally from Philadelphia. Robbie and I spent a bit of time talking about the courses we've played in the Philly area. I do not think I would have enjoyed Mammoth Dunes the first time without Robbie's help. You absolutely need to know where to aim your tee balls and where to land your shots on the greens.
I played as a single until joined by a twosome on the 14th tee. The 14th is a drivable par 4 with a Redan green usually seen only on par 3 holes (see below). My only regret is that I didn't take more pictures but the ones I do have will give you a good feel for the property.
My favorite hole was the short par 4 6th. It has a boomerang green fashioned by Kidd after the 7th green at Crystal Downs in Michigan. It's a half moon shaped green that allows a creative golfer to putt from the front of the green to the back of the green using the green's creative contours. Kidd actually flew a small plane from Sand Valley across Lake Michigan to spend a weekend at Crystal Downs so he could see the creation of Alistair McKenzie. There is also a boomerang green at the McKenzie Course at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
My research showed Kidd's philosophy in designing Mammoth Dunes was to engender confidence and aggressiveness in the golfer by providing large landing areas and large greens. Aggressive golf is fun; defensive golf is not, according to Kidd. I sure agree with that.
Mammoth Dunes will definitely appear on all the Top 100 lists in the very near future.
All I can say is "wow!" You will have a blast playing this course. Mammoth Dunes is already regarded as the nation's top new course of 2018. The fairways are huge and fast. You will get an unbelievable amount of roll. I played the Orange/Sand tees at 6307 yards and could easily have played the Orange tees at 6563 yards.
I arrived at the course well before my tee time and was able to complete the obligatory shopping and also hydrate as the temperature was in the mid-90's with high humidity but very breezy.
You will use the shuttles to go to the driving range but the first tee of Mammoth Dunes is right behind the pro shop.
My caddie was Robbie Fanelli, originally from Philadelphia. Robbie and I spent a bit of time talking about the courses we've played in the Philly area. I do not think I would have enjoyed Mammoth Dunes the first time without Robbie's help. You absolutely need to know where to aim your tee balls and where to land your shots on the greens.
I played as a single until joined by a twosome on the 14th tee. The 14th is a drivable par 4 with a Redan green usually seen only on par 3 holes (see below). My only regret is that I didn't take more pictures but the ones I do have will give you a good feel for the property.
My favorite hole was the short par 4 6th. It has a boomerang green fashioned by Kidd after the 7th green at Crystal Downs in Michigan. It's a half moon shaped green that allows a creative golfer to putt from the front of the green to the back of the green using the green's creative contours. Kidd actually flew a small plane from Sand Valley across Lake Michigan to spend a weekend at Crystal Downs so he could see the creation of Alistair McKenzie. There is also a boomerang green at the McKenzie Course at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
My research showed Kidd's philosophy in designing Mammoth Dunes was to engender confidence and aggressiveness in the golfer by providing large landing areas and large greens. Aggressive golf is fun; defensive golf is not, according to Kidd. I sure agree with that.
Mammoth Dunes will definitely appear on all the Top 100 lists in the very near future.
I finished play just 30 minutes before they blew the horn because of severe weather in the area. My original plan was to play Sand Valley's 17 hole Par 3 course called The Sandbox after finishing Mammoth Dunes. But the weather did not cooperate.
With no room at the Inn, I traveled the 25 minutes back to Wisconsin Rapids to spend the night.
I had the first tee time at the Sand Valley course on Sunday morning and was quite concerned about the weather. It was sprinkling when I left the hotel but as it turned out, the weather this Sunday morning was perfect.
I took the shuttle to the range and my caddie Robbie met me at the Sand Valley starter shack. I enjoyed one of Sand Valley's breakfast sandwiches before heading to the tenth tee (the nines were switched this day). One of the things that distinguishes a Mike Keiser resort is not gouging the guests on the food and beverage prices and my breakfast sandwich and orange juice cost was less than $6.00 total.
Sand Valley had a tough winter and three of the greens on the Sand Valley front nine were temporary greens. I received a significant discount in the greens fee as a result. As it turned out, the temporary greens were not a nuisance.
The Sand Valley course was rated the top new course of 2017 by both Golf Magazine and Golf Digest. It too will eventually end up on all the Top 100 lists. The first course at Sand Valley is a Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw design. The caddies consider it to be the more challenging of the two although my score was better after birdies on two of the last three holes.
With no room at the Inn, I traveled the 25 minutes back to Wisconsin Rapids to spend the night.
I had the first tee time at the Sand Valley course on Sunday morning and was quite concerned about the weather. It was sprinkling when I left the hotel but as it turned out, the weather this Sunday morning was perfect.
I took the shuttle to the range and my caddie Robbie met me at the Sand Valley starter shack. I enjoyed one of Sand Valley's breakfast sandwiches before heading to the tenth tee (the nines were switched this day). One of the things that distinguishes a Mike Keiser resort is not gouging the guests on the food and beverage prices and my breakfast sandwich and orange juice cost was less than $6.00 total.
Sand Valley had a tough winter and three of the greens on the Sand Valley front nine were temporary greens. I received a significant discount in the greens fee as a result. As it turned out, the temporary greens were not a nuisance.
The Sand Valley course was rated the top new course of 2017 by both Golf Magazine and Golf Digest. It too will eventually end up on all the Top 100 lists. The first course at Sand Valley is a Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw design. The caddies consider it to be the more challenging of the two although my score was better after birdies on two of the last three holes.
My next destination was Troy Burne Golf Club in Hudson, WI, just outside St. Paul, MN. The trip was three hours and it rained throughout the drive.
Troy Burne Golf Club
When I reached the parking lot at Troy Burne, I waited in my vehicle for the tail end of the low pressure system to pass through. The wind was howling but the rain had stopped.
Troy Burne Golf Club opened in 1999. A Tom Lehman design, Troy Burne is ranked 69th on Golf Digest's 2017 "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list.
It's an upscale daily fee course sculpted out of 420 acres of rolling hills. There are 120 bunkers and water is in play on eight of the holes. One negative is the many homes that surround the course.
It is one of the more difficult courses I played on the trip as the slope varies from 134 to 142 on the three sets of tees.
I teed off on the back nine, waited on a few groups, played through a twosome on the third hole and was invited to join a man and his young son for the final four holes.
The par four 17th hole below provides a glimpse of a typical hole at Troy Burne.
Troy Burne Golf Club opened in 1999. A Tom Lehman design, Troy Burne is ranked 69th on Golf Digest's 2017 "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list.
It's an upscale daily fee course sculpted out of 420 acres of rolling hills. There are 120 bunkers and water is in play on eight of the holes. One negative is the many homes that surround the course.
It is one of the more difficult courses I played on the trip as the slope varies from 134 to 142 on the three sets of tees.
I teed off on the back nine, waited on a few groups, played through a twosome on the third hole and was invited to join a man and his young son for the final four holes.
The par four 17th hole below provides a glimpse of a typical hole at Troy Burne.
I left Troy Burne facing a drive of a little over two hours to Sauk Center, MN where I would spend the night. I had now completed the portion of the trip where the courses were relatively close together. My drives now would be substantial and I would play no more than one round of golf per day.
Pheasant Country Golf Course
I left the hotel in Sauk Center at 6:00 A.M. Since my next Top 100 course was in Eureka, MT on the Canadian border, a mere 17.5 hour drive over 1126 miles, I needed to break the drive up. I would drive most of this day (Monday) and spend the night in Billings, MT. To break the monotony of the drive to Billings, I selected a little country golf course in South Heart, ND.
Pheasant Country Golf Course was no more than a mile off I-90 in North Dakota and had good ratings. It was a beautiful, sunny, comfortable day and I teed off at noon.
The course was not crowded and I completed my round before 3:00 P.M. Here's a bit of artwork I encountered at the second tee.
Pheasant Country Golf Course was no more than a mile off I-90 in North Dakota and had good ratings. It was a beautiful, sunny, comfortable day and I teed off at noon.
The course was not crowded and I completed my round before 3:00 P.M. Here's a bit of artwork I encountered at the second tee.
I was at my hotel in Billings by 7:00 P.M. just before another severe storm passed through. Even though I knew it was going to rain, I took the time to run through an economy car wash to get rid of all the bugs.
I hit the road at 6:00 A.M. Tuesday morning and after nine hours of driving, was at the front gate of The Wilderness Club in Eureka, MT.
I hit the road at 6:00 A.M. Tuesday morning and after nine hours of driving, was at the front gate of The Wilderness Club in Eureka, MT.
Wilderness Club
The Wilderness Club is one of the more remote golf courses I've played on The Quest. It is just south of the Canadian border and guarded 24x7 by a gatehouse with guard. I checked in just outside the gatehouse and had nearly two hours before my 5:06 tee time.
The Wilderness Club is ranked 73rd on Golf Magazine's 2016 "Top 100 You Can Play" list. It is rated the number one public course in the state of Montana. A stay at the resort is not required to play the course but there are not many other options for lodging in the area. I was able to check into a well-appointed room in a building with a central vaulted great room with eight other rooms, four to a side left and right.
Before I headed to the driving range, I had a bite to eat at the restaurant adjacent to the Pro Shop. While eating, significant showers began to blanket the area and would become a bit of an issue during the round.
I teed off with the mercury hovering around the high 50's, quite a change from the heat I had encountered to this point. The rain was on and off although I waited 15 minutes on the 10th tee for a significant shower to pass. Thereafter, I had a mix of clouds with even a hint of blue skies.
Eureka sits about 2600 feet above sea level so the ball traveled farther than the Midwest courses I normally play. As a result, I played the course at 6550 yards. The course did not seem ultra difficult although the slope ranged from 118 to 146 for the four sets of tees, 136 from the tees I played.
Nick Faldo designed the course. It reminded me of many of the northern Michigan courses I've played. Lots of pine trees and a good amount of elevation change. The uphill holes are subtle and there are several significantly downhill holes. A very good mix of holes.
The Wilderness Club is ranked 73rd on Golf Magazine's 2016 "Top 100 You Can Play" list. It is rated the number one public course in the state of Montana. A stay at the resort is not required to play the course but there are not many other options for lodging in the area. I was able to check into a well-appointed room in a building with a central vaulted great room with eight other rooms, four to a side left and right.
Before I headed to the driving range, I had a bite to eat at the restaurant adjacent to the Pro Shop. While eating, significant showers began to blanket the area and would become a bit of an issue during the round.
I teed off with the mercury hovering around the high 50's, quite a change from the heat I had encountered to this point. The rain was on and off although I waited 15 minutes on the 10th tee for a significant shower to pass. Thereafter, I had a mix of clouds with even a hint of blue skies.
Eureka sits about 2600 feet above sea level so the ball traveled farther than the Midwest courses I normally play. As a result, I played the course at 6550 yards. The course did not seem ultra difficult although the slope ranged from 118 to 146 for the four sets of tees, 136 from the tees I played.
Nick Faldo designed the course. It reminded me of many of the northern Michigan courses I've played. Lots of pine trees and a good amount of elevation change. The uphill holes are subtle and there are several significantly downhill holes. A very good mix of holes.
It's a shame this resort is so remote from much of the country. It's beautiful and the course is a pleasure to play.
I left the course, checked back into the room and began to prepare for my first foray into Canada. I'd be playing Wildstone Golf Course in Cranberry, British Columbia on the Fourth of July.
Not knowing what I might encounter at the border, I left the Wilderness Club at 6:30 A.M. for an 8:30 A.M. tee time. The crossing was uneventful and I made the 70 mile trek in 80 minutes. It's the first time I measured vehicle speed in kilometers. It rained nearly the entire way and when I reached the golf course, the temperature was a damp 54 degrees.
I left the course, checked back into the room and began to prepare for my first foray into Canada. I'd be playing Wildstone Golf Course in Cranberry, British Columbia on the Fourth of July.
Not knowing what I might encounter at the border, I left the Wilderness Club at 6:30 A.M. for an 8:30 A.M. tee time. The crossing was uneventful and I made the 70 mile trek in 80 minutes. It's the first time I measured vehicle speed in kilometers. It rained nearly the entire way and when I reached the golf course, the temperature was a damp 54 degrees.
Wildstone Golf Course
Wildstone Golf Course is a Gary Player design. It is set on rolling highlands above Cranbrook, BC. I teed off in a mist with low-lying clouds covering the Rocky Mountains in the distance. As I prepared to hit my second shot on the par 5 first hole, I was hailed from the first tee by a gentleman who wanted to join me. I waited for Frank, a retired attorney and then Methodist Church minister to join me.
Frank and I played as a twosome and then joined Kevin and Donna on the tenth tee, finishing the round as a foursome.
Wildstone is a very nice course and a joy to play.
Frank and I played as a twosome and then joined Kevin and Donna on the tenth tee, finishing the round as a foursome.
Wildstone is a very nice course and a joy to play.
Here's a lesson I learned as I first checked my phone on the 7th hole of Wildstone. I had received three texts from my cell phone carrier, Verizon, the last of which indicated that I had exceeded $500 of International data charges and my data service was now blocked. Well, nobody told me about that! Not to worry; when I was back on US soil after noon, I called Verizon and they backdated me to a new plan for less than $20 and all was well again. Lesson learned: turn off cell phone data when leaving the United States.
I crossed the border back to the US in Idaho and as I traveled south, the weather made a turn for the better. It was sunny and in the low 90's. My next stop would be Gamble Sands Resort in Brewster, WA, a six hour drive from Wildstone.
To understate it, Gamble Sands is in a remote location, set among the apple orchards of northeastern Washington state. The drive was incredibly picturesque as I drove along the canyon walls of the Columbia River, past Grand Coulee Dam and Electric City and then by Chief Joseph Dam. Once I neared Brewster, I followed several backroads as I ascended to the resort.
I crossed the border back to the US in Idaho and as I traveled south, the weather made a turn for the better. It was sunny and in the low 90's. My next stop would be Gamble Sands Resort in Brewster, WA, a six hour drive from Wildstone.
To understate it, Gamble Sands is in a remote location, set among the apple orchards of northeastern Washington state. The drive was incredibly picturesque as I drove along the canyon walls of the Columbia River, past Grand Coulee Dam and Electric City and then by Chief Joseph Dam. Once I neared Brewster, I followed several backroads as I ascended to the resort.
Gamble Sands Resort
What did I discover? I discovered what is now my favorite golf resort of the more than 50 I've visited. If only this resort was located in the Midwest! This place is perfect for a Buddy Trip and it would become an annual affair.
I was greeted by Diane at the main building and gave her a brief explanation of what brought me to the resort. She checked out my blog as we talked and even offered to buy me a logo ball! Of course, I refused.
Gamble Sands' onsite lodging consists of five buildings, each with four rooms on the lower level and larger rooms on the upper level. My room was on the lower level. Here's what I found inside the door.
I was greeted by Diane at the main building and gave her a brief explanation of what brought me to the resort. She checked out my blog as we talked and even offered to buy me a logo ball! Of course, I refused.
Gamble Sands' onsite lodging consists of five buildings, each with four rooms on the lower level and larger rooms on the upper level. My room was on the lower level. Here's what I found inside the door.
This is one of the most well-appointed golf resort rooms I've experienced. There's a walk-in shower, 55" flat screen TV with the complete DirecTV station complement including Golf Channel and MLB Channel, in room mini-fridge, Kuerig coffeemaker with Starbuck's coffee, fitness facility, and firepits. The firepit was lit as the Fourth of July fireworks were viewed in the distance.
And when you walk out the sliding glass door, here's what you find.
And when you walk out the sliding glass door, here's what you find.
It's a 100,000 suare foot putting course called The Cascades on a bluff high above the Columbia River Gorge. It is a pure fescue putting course inspired by the ancient Himalayas Putting Course at St. Andrews. The course was laid out by architect David McLay Kidd who also designed the Gamble Sands first course. I putted for 30 minutes as I spoke with other visitors, mostly from the state of Washington.
After settling into my room, I called for a shuttle up to the Danny Boy's Restaurant which is located astride the first tee. I enjoyed an appetizer and a local IPA followed by my first complete meal of the trip, a nice filet and glass of cabernet.
After settling into my room, I called for a shuttle up to the Danny Boy's Restaurant which is located astride the first tee. I enjoyed an appetizer and a local IPA followed by my first complete meal of the trip, a nice filet and glass of cabernet.
Sand Course at Gamble Sands
I was up early Thursday morning as (I thought) I had the first tee time. I would play the course and then I faced a nine hour, 520 mile trip to Klamath Falls, OR where I would spend the night.
I headed to the Pro Shop where I checked in and completed some shopping. Earlier in the week, one of the pros called me to ask if I would agree to move my tee time back from 7:00 A.M. to 7:30 A.M. so I would not play through the grounds crew. That seemed like a reasonable request to me as long as I had the first tee time and could play quickly given the trip I faced upon completion. I intended to carry my bag and was informed I'd be playing with Walter who would also be carrying. Since Walter had played the course several times before, I did not see any issues even though I knew I'd be delayed a bit leaving the property.
So I headed to Danny Boy's where I enjoyed a large complementary buffet breakfast. Then I was off to the driving range and then to the practice green. While on the practice green, I heard an announcement for the 7:20 group. They had placed a twosome in front of my first tee time. Of course, I spoke with the starter and explained the issue but when I found out the twosome was in a cart, I didn't think there would be an issue.
As it turned out, the only issue was the speed with which Walter played. An architect from Seattle, Walter was admittedly anal and a bit slow with his walk and play.
Gamble Sands is another David McLay Kidd design and is along the same lines as his Mammoth Dunes course at Sand Valley. It is ranked 48th on Golf Magazine's 2016 "Top 100 You Can Play" list. I can say definitely that this ranking is well-deserved. The greens are huge and the fairways fast. Given this, I chose to play the course at 6723 yards with a slope of 122. Walter chose the next set of tees up with a slope of 118 at 6207 yards. The course plays 7305 yards with a slope of 129 from the back tees.
The course was a joy to play. Like other Kidd courses, it is important to know where to land your ball both in the fairways and approach shots. Since I was new to the course, I relied on Walter who did provide some help. From the tees I played, there were some forced carries which were not a problem for me.
Again, I did not take enough pictures of the course but the ones I did take should provide a feel for the course. The fifth hole (the second picture in the slideshow below) is a dogleg right that requires a forced carry over the bunker in the center of the picture to a downhill fairway. The hole is 497 yards long and with the fairways as fast as some putting greens, I only had 155 yards left. My ball ended up on the extreme right of the fairway and it took me a while to locate as I assumed it would be on the left side of the fairway. That is a Kidd course!
I headed to the Pro Shop where I checked in and completed some shopping. Earlier in the week, one of the pros called me to ask if I would agree to move my tee time back from 7:00 A.M. to 7:30 A.M. so I would not play through the grounds crew. That seemed like a reasonable request to me as long as I had the first tee time and could play quickly given the trip I faced upon completion. I intended to carry my bag and was informed I'd be playing with Walter who would also be carrying. Since Walter had played the course several times before, I did not see any issues even though I knew I'd be delayed a bit leaving the property.
So I headed to Danny Boy's where I enjoyed a large complementary buffet breakfast. Then I was off to the driving range and then to the practice green. While on the practice green, I heard an announcement for the 7:20 group. They had placed a twosome in front of my first tee time. Of course, I spoke with the starter and explained the issue but when I found out the twosome was in a cart, I didn't think there would be an issue.
As it turned out, the only issue was the speed with which Walter played. An architect from Seattle, Walter was admittedly anal and a bit slow with his walk and play.
Gamble Sands is another David McLay Kidd design and is along the same lines as his Mammoth Dunes course at Sand Valley. It is ranked 48th on Golf Magazine's 2016 "Top 100 You Can Play" list. I can say definitely that this ranking is well-deserved. The greens are huge and the fairways fast. Given this, I chose to play the course at 6723 yards with a slope of 122. Walter chose the next set of tees up with a slope of 118 at 6207 yards. The course plays 7305 yards with a slope of 129 from the back tees.
The course was a joy to play. Like other Kidd courses, it is important to know where to land your ball both in the fairways and approach shots. Since I was new to the course, I relied on Walter who did provide some help. From the tees I played, there were some forced carries which were not a problem for me.
Again, I did not take enough pictures of the course but the ones I did take should provide a feel for the course. The fifth hole (the second picture in the slideshow below) is a dogleg right that requires a forced carry over the bunker in the center of the picture to a downhill fairway. The hole is 497 yards long and with the fairways as fast as some putting greens, I only had 155 yards left. My ball ended up on the extreme right of the fairway and it took me a while to locate as I assumed it would be on the left side of the fairway. That is a Kidd course!
So when all was said and done, we finished the 18th hole at 11:45 and I did not leave the property until almost noon. This turned out to be the only glitch of my whole trip (although a minor one).
The trip to Klamath Falls in southern Oregon was quite picturesque and I was tired by the time I made it to my lodging at 9:00 P.M. I prepared for a 6:00 A.M. departure the next morning and didn't even turn on the TV.
The trip to Klamath Falls in southern Oregon was quite picturesque and I was tired by the time I made it to my lodging at 9:00 P.M. I prepared for a 6:00 A.M. departure the next morning and didn't even turn on the TV.
Cordevalle Resort
The drive to Cordevalle Resort in San Martin, CA would take me six hours and I was off on schedule. The first part of the trip driving south on US Highway 97 afforded stunning pictures of Mt. Shasta, a potentially active volcano at the southern end of the Cascade Mountain Range. At 14179 feet, it is the fifth tallest mountain in California. Here's a picture through all the bugs on my windshield.
I made good time and was at Cordevalle 90 minutes before my 2:00 tee time. I would not check into my room until completion of my round of golf.
Cordevalle is most definitely a high end resort. Playing the golf course requires a stay at the resort and I booked the Ultimate Golf Package which included one night of accommodation, one round of golf, and a continental breakfast. A caddie is also required to play the course.
I checked in at the Pro Shop, completed my shopping (of course) and headed to the driving range. It was hot in San Martin...mid 90's with a stiff wind. I then spent some time on the practice green before meeting my caddie, Kyle, at the starter shack.
Cordevalle is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design and is rated 50th on Golf Magazine's 2016 "Top 100 You Can Play" list and 56th on Golf Digest's 2017 "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list.
The Cordevalle resort is run by Rosewood Hotels & Resort but is owned by Hasso Plattner who co-founded software giant SAP. Plattner is also owner of the San Jose Sharks. It is said Plattner bought Cordevalle as a legacy investment for his family. He built a home high above the golf course.
Cordevalle has hosted the 2016 US Women's Open and also several Fry's Open tournaments.
The course is quite a test and wind made it more so. Not only that, I lost my driver swing, a malady that would last through this round and my next two on the Monterrey Peninsula. I think I just hit the dreaded "golf trip wall." I tried everything to find my driver swing with no luck.
The slope from the four sets of tees varies from 131 to 142. There is a good bit of elevation change throughout the property.
Cordevalle is most definitely a high end resort. Playing the golf course requires a stay at the resort and I booked the Ultimate Golf Package which included one night of accommodation, one round of golf, and a continental breakfast. A caddie is also required to play the course.
I checked in at the Pro Shop, completed my shopping (of course) and headed to the driving range. It was hot in San Martin...mid 90's with a stiff wind. I then spent some time on the practice green before meeting my caddie, Kyle, at the starter shack.
Cordevalle is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design and is rated 50th on Golf Magazine's 2016 "Top 100 You Can Play" list and 56th on Golf Digest's 2017 "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list.
The Cordevalle resort is run by Rosewood Hotels & Resort but is owned by Hasso Plattner who co-founded software giant SAP. Plattner is also owner of the San Jose Sharks. It is said Plattner bought Cordevalle as a legacy investment for his family. He built a home high above the golf course.
Cordevalle has hosted the 2016 US Women's Open and also several Fry's Open tournaments.
The course is quite a test and wind made it more so. Not only that, I lost my driver swing, a malady that would last through this round and my next two on the Monterrey Peninsula. I think I just hit the dreaded "golf trip wall." I tried everything to find my driver swing with no luck.
The slope from the four sets of tees varies from 131 to 142. There is a good bit of elevation change throughout the property.
Upon finishing the round, I went to the main lobby and checked in. I was in a Fairway Home Guest Room along the first fairway and within walking distance of the restaurants. This 550 square foot room had a California king bed, gas fireplace, original artwork, flat-screen TV, refreshment area and a private patio with lounge area. Additionally, an oversized bathroom with separate shower, jetted tub, and walk-in closet.
I complementary bottle of 2015 Clos LaChance Cordevalle Cuvee along with cheese, herb spread, and crackers were waiting when I walked into the room. Cordevalle is certainly one of the more high end golf resorts in the United States.
I complementary bottle of 2015 Clos LaChance Cordevalle Cuvee along with cheese, herb spread, and crackers were waiting when I walked into the room. Cordevalle is certainly one of the more high end golf resorts in the United States.
After settling into the room and changing, I drove into town to wash my vehicle for a second time. When I returned to Cordevalle, I walked over to the One Iron Bar for a local IPA and a pork chop dinner. Since my next round of golf on the trip was less than an hour south on the Monterrey peninsula, early to bed was not a big priority and I had time in the morning to eat a nice breakfast and make a leisurely drive to the course.
Del Monte Golf Course
I worked with Rich McCormick back in my IBM days from 2004 to 2008. We supported a contract for Aetna Insurance in the Hartford, CT area. When that contract ended and we moved on to our next assignments, Rich and I kept in contact by exchanging cards at Christmas. In one note, Rich communicated he would be moving all the way from the east coast to the west coast, settling in Pacific Grove, CA. His daughter Lisa, a part-time caddie at Cypress Point, had headed west several years earlier and Rich and wife Maryann loved what she discovered on trips to visit her.
I promised Rich I'd visit him during one of my golf excursions.
Today was the day we would meet. Rich is a member of the Northern California Golf Association and a member at Pacific Grove Golf Links. Today, we would play at Del Monte Golf Course, one of the Pebble Beach Properties courses.
Del Monte was originally designed as a nine hole course in 1897 and expanded to 18 holes in 1902. It is the oldest course in continuous operation west of the Mississippi. Out of bounds is in play on more than half its holes. The greens are smallish, well-bunkered and often highly pitched from back to front.
Since Del Monte has no driving range, I spent time on the large practice green outside the Pro Shop as I waited for Rich to arrive. I played as Rich's guest and he even used a coupon to get me on the course at a reduced rate.
We were paired with Dennis and David and enjoyed a leisurely round on a cool (low 60's) and sunny day normal for the Monterrey Peninsula in July.
Once again, golf got in the way of picture taking but I did snap a couple of pictures to provide a view of the landscape.
I promised Rich I'd visit him during one of my golf excursions.
Today was the day we would meet. Rich is a member of the Northern California Golf Association and a member at Pacific Grove Golf Links. Today, we would play at Del Monte Golf Course, one of the Pebble Beach Properties courses.
Del Monte was originally designed as a nine hole course in 1897 and expanded to 18 holes in 1902. It is the oldest course in continuous operation west of the Mississippi. Out of bounds is in play on more than half its holes. The greens are smallish, well-bunkered and often highly pitched from back to front.
Since Del Monte has no driving range, I spent time on the large practice green outside the Pro Shop as I waited for Rich to arrive. I played as Rich's guest and he even used a coupon to get me on the course at a reduced rate.
We were paired with Dennis and David and enjoyed a leisurely round on a cool (low 60's) and sunny day normal for the Monterrey Peninsula in July.
Once again, golf got in the way of picture taking but I did snap a couple of pictures to provide a view of the landscape.
After we completed the round, I followed Rich to his new home in Pacific Grove where we cleaned up and watched the Indians blow a 3-0 eight inning lead to the A's. Rich then took me on a tour of Pacific Grove. He has hit the jackpot and is quite content to enjoy his retirement years in this little piece of heaven.
The evening couldn't have been more enjoyable. After ten days of serious driving, rushing in and out of hotels, and 12 rounds of golf, I needed an evening to kick back and that's just what we did. Rich, wife Maryann and I sat on their deck as the sun set and the jackets came out. We enjoyed meats on the grill, a few beers, and finally a bottle of red wine to go along with our reminiscing.
As I faced an early tee time at Pacific Grove Golf Links and then an eight and a half hour drive to the Las Vegas area, we turned in early.
The evening couldn't have been more enjoyable. After ten days of serious driving, rushing in and out of hotels, and 12 rounds of golf, I needed an evening to kick back and that's just what we did. Rich, wife Maryann and I sat on their deck as the sun set and the jackets came out. We enjoyed meats on the grill, a few beers, and finally a bottle of red wine to go along with our reminiscing.
As I faced an early tee time at Pacific Grove Golf Links and then an eight and a half hour drive to the Las Vegas area, we turned in early.
Pacific Grove Golf Links
We had a 6:30 tee time At Pacific Grove Golf Links. Opened in 1932 and adjacent to the famous 17 Mile Drive, it plays like two different courses. The front nine provides views of Monterrey Bay as it winds through holes lined by Cypress trees while the back nine is cut through dunes along the Pacific Ocean.
Pacific Grove is not a long course, only 5727 yards from the back tees and is easily walkable.
We were paired with youngsters Cooper and Ashton and teed off in sunny, mid-50's weather.
Pacific Grove is not a long course, only 5727 yards from the back tees and is easily walkable.
We were paired with youngsters Cooper and Ashton and teed off in sunny, mid-50's weather.
Rich McCormick on the 7th Tee Rich is quite attuned to nature and pointed out the many varieties of trees and birds as we snaked our way through the course. You will see many whale watching boats in the bay from the course and if you're fortunate, may even see a gray, blue or humpback whale feeding with the dolphins, sea lions and birds.
At the turn, just off the 10th tee is the Point Pinos Lighthouse. Its image is incorporated into Pacific Grove Golf Links' logo. It is the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast and has been guiding mariners since 1855.
I was still struggling with my driver swing as we started out the round, found it as we moved to the back nine when, of course, my putting stroke left me.
But it didn't matter. It was a perfect day for golf and the views were stunning. I tried to capture as many views as I could but as usual, playing golf got in the way.
At the turn, just off the 10th tee is the Point Pinos Lighthouse. Its image is incorporated into Pacific Grove Golf Links' logo. It is the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast and has been guiding mariners since 1855.
I was still struggling with my driver swing as we started out the round, found it as we moved to the back nine when, of course, my putting stroke left me.
But it didn't matter. It was a perfect day for golf and the views were stunning. I tried to capture as many views as I could but as usual, playing golf got in the way.
Anxious to get on the road for my long drive to Las Vegas, I thanked Rich for his hospitality and headed south. The mercury climbed as high as 106 as I headed across the California desert. It was still in the low 100's when I made it to my lodging in Henderson, NV.
Cascata
As I walked out the door of my hotel in Henderson the next morning, I had to push hard to get the door open. I first thought it was locked. No; the wind was howling and was preventing me from opening it. There was a storm in the area. My first thought was "uh-oh, this is going to be a fun round" as Cascata is just 10 miles or so south of Henderson.
My tee time was an hour away at 7:06 so maybe I would luck out.
Cascata is guarded by a gate and I called up to the clubhouse to announce my arrival. I was instructed to drive to the top of the hill where my clubs were removed from my vehicle, I was introduced to Lee, my caddie for the day, and the vehicle valeted. I was met at the door of the 37,000 square foot Tuscan-style clubhouse by one of the club's pros and was given a tour of the facilities. He informed me they had just turned on the pump that feeds a stream that runs from the top of the golf course, through the golf course and through the middle of the clubhouse to the bottom of the property where it is pumped back to the top. He said it takes a good amount of time to get the stream running in the morning.
The place is gorgeous. I was shown to a locker room with every amenity possible including flat screen TV's by each sink and a locker with my name on it. I put my golf shoes on, completed my shopping, and was led down the stairs to an indoor, air-conditioned cart staging area where I was met by Lee.
Lee and I headed out to the driving range, then to the practice green and finally to the first hole. Lee explained to me we would not be looking for balls in the desert as the place is known for rattle snakes. He also apologized for areas of brown grass on the course (there really weren't many) and explained they had lost their main irrigation system pump a week earlier and it took a couple of tries and parts to fix it. In an area where the temperature in the low 100's is expected every day, the course suffered.
Cascata is ranked 60th on the 2016 Golf Magazine "Top 100 You Can Play" list and 56th on the 2017 Golf Digest "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list. Rees Jones designed the course which opened in 2000. I found it to be very playable although the slope is 150 from the back tees. I played at 6168 yards with a slope of 133. My only criticism of the course is a lack of sand in two of the three bunkers from which I played.
My driver was spot on all day and it seemed like I was able to start almost every drive exactly where Lee instructed. I had only three hiccups, birdied the last hole, and left with one of my best scores of the entire trip. Lee was a fantastic caddie and I wish I had taken his picture. It just happened to be his 40th birthday.
And of course, I love the course! There are not many courses where I score well that I do not like. I think that's typical for a golfer. But the course is really awesome. Each hole sits as a single entity; generally you can see no other hole from the one you are playing. The course plays up the mountain away from the clubhouse and turns down the mountain back towards the clubhouse.
My tee time was an hour away at 7:06 so maybe I would luck out.
Cascata is guarded by a gate and I called up to the clubhouse to announce my arrival. I was instructed to drive to the top of the hill where my clubs were removed from my vehicle, I was introduced to Lee, my caddie for the day, and the vehicle valeted. I was met at the door of the 37,000 square foot Tuscan-style clubhouse by one of the club's pros and was given a tour of the facilities. He informed me they had just turned on the pump that feeds a stream that runs from the top of the golf course, through the golf course and through the middle of the clubhouse to the bottom of the property where it is pumped back to the top. He said it takes a good amount of time to get the stream running in the morning.
The place is gorgeous. I was shown to a locker room with every amenity possible including flat screen TV's by each sink and a locker with my name on it. I put my golf shoes on, completed my shopping, and was led down the stairs to an indoor, air-conditioned cart staging area where I was met by Lee.
Lee and I headed out to the driving range, then to the practice green and finally to the first hole. Lee explained to me we would not be looking for balls in the desert as the place is known for rattle snakes. He also apologized for areas of brown grass on the course (there really weren't many) and explained they had lost their main irrigation system pump a week earlier and it took a couple of tries and parts to fix it. In an area where the temperature in the low 100's is expected every day, the course suffered.
Cascata is ranked 60th on the 2016 Golf Magazine "Top 100 You Can Play" list and 56th on the 2017 Golf Digest "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list. Rees Jones designed the course which opened in 2000. I found it to be very playable although the slope is 150 from the back tees. I played at 6168 yards with a slope of 133. My only criticism of the course is a lack of sand in two of the three bunkers from which I played.
My driver was spot on all day and it seemed like I was able to start almost every drive exactly where Lee instructed. I had only three hiccups, birdied the last hole, and left with one of my best scores of the entire trip. Lee was a fantastic caddie and I wish I had taken his picture. It just happened to be his 40th birthday.
And of course, I love the course! There are not many courses where I score well that I do not like. I think that's typical for a golfer. But the course is really awesome. Each hole sits as a single entity; generally you can see no other hole from the one you are playing. The course plays up the mountain away from the clubhouse and turns down the mountain back towards the clubhouse.
It was a cloudy 102 degrees when I left the course. I faced a six and a half hour drive to Green River, UT where I would play a little 9-hole golf course and spend the night. For the first time on the trip, I became a little drowsy and made a stop for gas and a big cup of coffee which snapped me out of my sleepy funk.
The drive from Boulder City up I-15 to I-70 scales mountains and at times, the elevation is over 8000 feet. The last stretch of 100+ miles to Green River has no services (gas/food) and as a result, the town of Green River bustles with activity. It was bright and sunny with a temperature of 103 degrees when I reach my lodging. I checked in and quickly headed for the golf course which was less than a mile away.
The drive from Boulder City up I-15 to I-70 scales mountains and at times, the elevation is over 8000 feet. The last stretch of 100+ miles to Green River has no services (gas/food) and as a result, the town of Green River bustles with activity. It was bright and sunny with a temperature of 103 degrees when I reach my lodging. I checked in and quickly headed for the golf course which was less than a mile away.
Green River State Park Golf Course
Not only does Green River State Park Golf Course not have logo balls, it doesn't even have its logo on the scorecard. You have to go to its hole markers to see the logo. So the course makes the Logo Ball Traveler's Hall of Shame.
The Pro Shop closes at 6:00 P.M. but I was there just after 5:30 P.M. When I tried to pay with a credit card, I was informed the computer had already been shut down for the day. So my round was complimentary. What a deal!
This golf course is a nine holer and the only golf course for miles. I was surprised at how nice it is. I was the only golfer on the course which plays along the Green River. Irrigation is no problem in this desert area with such a large water source nearby. It has four sets of tees ranging from 2459 to 3368 and is not difficult with a slope at 121 from the back tees. And with an elevation of 4078 feet, the ball travels at least a half club longer than at sea level.
The Pro Shop closes at 6:00 P.M. but I was there just after 5:30 P.M. When I tried to pay with a credit card, I was informed the computer had already been shut down for the day. So my round was complimentary. What a deal!
This golf course is a nine holer and the only golf course for miles. I was surprised at how nice it is. I was the only golfer on the course which plays along the Green River. Irrigation is no problem in this desert area with such a large water source nearby. It has four sets of tees ranging from 2459 to 3368 and is not difficult with a slope at 121 from the back tees. And with an elevation of 4078 feet, the ball travels at least a half club longer than at sea level.
I played quickly and set out to find a place to eat. I walked in to a recommended restaurant but it was too crowded and I didn't feel like waiting. So I hit my only fast food restaurant of the trip for a fish sandwich and headed back to the hotel. I faced a seven hour drive in the morning.
My next stop was Colorado Springs, CO, where I would spend the next three days with my wife and her family. My wife had a few projects on which we would work during my time there but I did squeeze in a quick round of golf.
My next stop was Colorado Springs, CO, where I would spend the next three days with my wife and her family. My wife had a few projects on which we would work during my time there but I did squeeze in a quick round of golf.
Springs Ranch Golf Club
While shopping for construction materials for one of my projects, I noticed a golf course behind a big box store. It's one I had not played in the Colorado Springs area. Knowing I couldn't be making noise early in the morning on my project (not wanting to wake up the neighborhood), I obtained the first tee time at Springs Ranch Golf Club near the Colorado Sky Sox baseball field.
Springs Ranch is a links style golf course that spans some 200 acres. It's not the best course in the area and it had rained the previous day leaving the course a bit wet and the traps just about unplayable. But it was golf. Colorado Springs sits at over 6000 feet above sea level and the ball travels very well. It was quite windy but I played the maroon tees at almost 6500 yards.
After contending with a member who jumped in front of me on the first tee (one of my pet peeves), I was off the course in just over two hours and soon working to complete my project.
Springs Ranch is a links style golf course that spans some 200 acres. It's not the best course in the area and it had rained the previous day leaving the course a bit wet and the traps just about unplayable. But it was golf. Colorado Springs sits at over 6000 feet above sea level and the ball travels very well. It was quite windy but I played the maroon tees at almost 6500 yards.
After contending with a member who jumped in front of me on the first tee (one of my pet peeves), I was off the course in just over two hours and soon working to complete my project.
We were still 1200 miles from home with one more round scheduled in Valentine, NE. I would be playing the Pines course at The Prairie Club accompanied by my wife.
The Prairie Club (Pines Course)
We said our goodbye's the previous evening and were on the road before 5:00 A.M. for 2:00 P.M. tee time. It's a seven hour drive and much of it is through the lonely but pretty sandhills of Nebraska. Getting low on gas, we finally passed through Mullen, NE, a tiny little town which had gas at a reasonable price.
We lost an hour just about at The Prairie Club and arrived right around 1:00 P.M. Luckily, I was able to get on the course at 1:20, just before three foursomes and we never encountered any golfers in front of us.
The Pines Course at The Prairie Club is ranked 90th on the 2017 Golf Digest "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list. Designed by Graham Marsh, the Pines Course is the sister course to the Dunes and opened in 2010. There is a great deal of elevation change and the landing areas from the tee are ample with very large greens. It's a comfortable course to play with a slope from the back tees of 129. I played a set of combo tees at 6386 yards while the yardage from the back tees is 7385. The temperature was in the low 80's and we enjoyed out trek in and out of the pines.
The pictures below will give you a feel for the property which meanders through the pines on the edge of a canyon rim.
We lost an hour just about at The Prairie Club and arrived right around 1:00 P.M. Luckily, I was able to get on the course at 1:20, just before three foursomes and we never encountered any golfers in front of us.
The Pines Course at The Prairie Club is ranked 90th on the 2017 Golf Digest "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list. Designed by Graham Marsh, the Pines Course is the sister course to the Dunes and opened in 2010. There is a great deal of elevation change and the landing areas from the tee are ample with very large greens. It's a comfortable course to play with a slope from the back tees of 129. I played a set of combo tees at 6386 yards while the yardage from the back tees is 7385. The temperature was in the low 80's and we enjoyed out trek in and out of the pines.
The pictures below will give you a feel for the property which meanders through the pines on the edge of a canyon rim.
We left the property at 4:00 P.M. and began a three and a half hour drive to Norfolk, NE, boyhood home of Johnny Carson where we spent the night. Interestingly, I listened to the radiocast of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run where this long trip began.
We were on the road the next morning at 6:00 A.M. with a destination of Camanche, IA where we would visit briefly with my wife's aunt and cousins. Four and a half hours later, we made it home.
All in all, I put a good dent in The Quest. With the trip's completion, I've now played 92 courses on Golf Magazine's 2016 "Top 100 You Can Play" list, 196 of the 213 courses that have ever been on one of the 11 biennial lists, and 86 of the courses on Golf Digest's 2017 "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list.
Golf Magazine's 12th biennial list will be published in the September issue and we'll see what kind of ground I need to make up on my Quest before designing next year's trip. Let's hope for some new Midwest courses!
We were on the road the next morning at 6:00 A.M. with a destination of Camanche, IA where we would visit briefly with my wife's aunt and cousins. Four and a half hours later, we made it home.
All in all, I put a good dent in The Quest. With the trip's completion, I've now played 92 courses on Golf Magazine's 2016 "Top 100 You Can Play" list, 196 of the 213 courses that have ever been on one of the 11 biennial lists, and 86 of the courses on Golf Digest's 2017 "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list.
Golf Magazine's 12th biennial list will be published in the September issue and we'll see what kind of ground I need to make up on my Quest before designing next year's trip. Let's hope for some new Midwest courses!
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