Sleepy Hollow Country Club

6,630 yards, 136 from the Blues The life of a golf course. They are conceived, that idea then carried and spoken to others until developed into some kind of reality, at which point the business of building them is set in place. They grow, and those who play them grow fond or perhaps even resentful … Continue reading Sleepy Hollow Country Club →

Pinehurst No. 4

6,428 yards, 131 slope from the White tees Donald Ross designed the course in 1919, but went through several iterations over the years. Abandoned after World War II, then re-designed by Peter Tufts before a re-design by RTJ in 1973 and modifications by Rees in 1983. The course was then completely rebuilt by Tom Fazio … Continue reading Pinehurst No. 4 →

The Cradle

Nine holes, 789 yards One sitting idly in one of the clubhouse rocking chairs on the patio enjoys the marvelous spectacle of a lively golf community having fun. Families, friends and groups are scattered about the Thistle Dhu putting course, making their leisurely way through the slopes and hills. Golfers walk to and fro shouldering … Continue reading The Cradle →

Golden Gil

Traditional golf courses focus first and foremost on the player and his or her experiences on the course. - Gil Hanse One of the the most insanely difficult golf courses I ever played was designed by Gil Hanse. Inniscrone Golf Club was built as a private club intended for single digit handicaps. It opened in … Continue reading Golden Gil →

Applebrook Golf Club

6,534 yard, 132 slope from the Composite teesCourse: In Malvern PA, about 40 minutes northwest of Philadelphia downtown, is Applebrook Golf Club, a course designed by Gil Hanse which opened in 2001. Incidentally, Hanse is based out of Malvern, so Applebrook is literally in his backyard. The course's location and time of design have always … Continue reading Applebrook Golf Club →

French Creek Golf Club

6,249 yards, 135 slope from the Blues Course: In Chester County in the aptly named French Creek watershed, is French Creek Golf Club, a Gil Hanse design established in 2003. About an hour drive from Philadelphia proper, French Creek is a private course that meanders through wetland areas on rolling hill terrain, primarily relying on … Continue reading French Creek Golf Club →

Rustic Canyon

6,628 yards, 128 slope from the BluesCourse: Just about 30 minutes outside downtown Los Angeles in Moorpark, CA Ventura County, sits Rustic Canyon, a daily fee course designed by Gil Hanse. Hanse is currently designing the Rio course for the Olympics and among others, also designed Inniscrone, a course I recently came to love after a … Continue reading Rustic Canyon →

Inniscrone

6,561 yards, 143 Slope, 6,094 yards, 137 Slope, 5,790 yards, 131 SlopeCourse: Ah...Inniscrone. An enigma if I've ever played one. Before I get into my own personal issues with the place, a little background is in order. In Avondale, PA (just south of Kennett Square off Route 1), the 'Crone was designed by Malvern based … Continue reading Inniscrone →