Golf courses and holes featured in this edition include:
≈ The 10th on the Gold Course
The 18-hole Gold Course at the Wailea Golf Club in Wailea, Maui, Hawaii was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones II. In addition to rewarding great golf shots, the course provides players with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, just be mindful of the lava rock.
≈ Pebble Beach Golf Links
This aerial view of the 8th, 9th and 10th holes at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California explains why the course is often considered among the most beautiful in the world. The 18-hole, 6,828-yard course opened in 1919 and was designed in a figure eight layout to locate as many holes as possible along the Monterey coastline overlooking Carmel Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
≈ The 15th on the Creek Course
The Creek Course at Moose Run Golf Course in Eagle River, Alaska was designed by Robin Nelson and opened in 2000. At 7,324 yards it is the longest links in Alaska. The 11th hole, a par 5, is also the longest in the state at 640 yards. The course takes its name from the Ship Creek that runs past several holes. At the base of the Chugach Mountains, Moose Run is frequently rated as the best track in Alaska.
≈ The 8th at Prairie Dunes
This private Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kansas lays claim to Scottish seaside challenges in the land of Oz. The original course was designed by Perry Maxwell in 1935 and brought to life by workers using hand tools, wheelbarrows, and 18 horses and mules. The nine-hole links measures 3,438 yards. The 8th is a par 4 challenge the measures 468 yards from the back tees.
≈ The 5th on the Bandon Dunes Course
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon includes six courses, many with fairways along the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The first among them was Bandon Dunes opened in 1999 and ranked 7th among the top 100 American links. The 18-hole course was designed by David McLay Kidd. In tournament play, the course measures 7,212 yards overall. Number 5 plays 445 yards from the back tees.
≈ Number 2 at Port Ludlow
The 18-hole course at the Port Ludlow Golf Course in Port Ludlow Washington was designed by Robert Muir Graves. The links is noted for the dramatic views of Ludlow Bay and the Olympic Mountains it offers. Pro Jim Mancill suggests that the ideal tee shot at number 2 is at the large tree on the right side of the fairway.
≈ The Jack Nicklaus 7th at Pronghorn
The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at the Pronghorn Golf Club in Bend, Oregon opened in 2004 for members only. The Nicklaus links measures 7,379 yards and is now available for public play on a course Golf Digest ranks among the top 100 in America. One of the most scenic of Nicklaus-designed tracks, it offers expansive vistas of the Cascade Mountains.
≈ The 15th at Kingsbarns
Golf at Kingsbarns Golf Links in Fife, Scotland dates to about 1793, according to historian Bobby Burnet. Closed during World War II as an invasion risk, the course was planted with landmines. Kingsbarns was reimagined by American architect Kyle Phillips and reopened in 2000. The 18-hole course measures 7,224 yards and play, as at number 15, can bring challenges from winds off the North Sea.
≈ The 5th at Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Ridgedale, Missouri enjoys a scenic position overlooking Table Rock Lake. This is the view as you tee off at number 5, a rather short par 3 where crossing the water may only deliver you into one of many deep bunkers. Arnold Palmer’s barn was relocated here and is filled with his memorabilia.
≈ The 4th at Sunday River
Sunday River Golf Club in Newry, Maine is frequently rated the state’s foremost course. The 18-hole, 7,051-yard track poses challenges along with rewarding mountain views. At 206 yards, number 4 calls for a thoughtful downhill tee shot. A sand wedge may help realize par, but landing anywhere else off the green will be costly.
≈ Number 14 at Mount Washington
The original 18-hole, 7,004-yard course at the Mount Washington Resort Golf Club in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire was designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1915. Architect Brian Silva restored the course to its original design, and it reopened in 2008. Flanked by the Presidential Mountain Range, the course has consistently ranked as the best links in New Hampshire.
≈ The 15th on the Palmer Course at PGA West
A short par 3 at only 156 yards, the only hope to make par at 15 is to deliver an accurate shot to the center or the right of the green. This 18-hole, 6,950-yard Arnold Palmer Private Course at PGA West in LaQuinta, California is one of nine links that are part of the PGA West complex which includes five resort courses and four private courses.
Published by Tide-mark Press © 2023
