JeffArenson

The Black Horse course is supposed to be the easier of the two. I think that this was a challenging course and low handicaps will really love it. I enjoyed the day and round. The course has some contoured greens so hitting the correct part is essential to scoring. It is also in excellent condition. Nothing unique here-just solid golf. Went out in my own for nine holes and then caught people on the back nine. Still finished in under 4 hours.
Off the course, the staff was very nice and accommodating. They just set me out with no hassle. They have a practice range, chipping area and putting greens. There is also a restaurant and pro shop with all you need.
If in Monterey, this is another good value. Golfnow has some great deals for here. Good place to spend a day.

This is the value course in the Monterey Peninsula that you have heard of. For me, there are two golf courses. This was once a nine hole course and if it was the back nine, then I wonder why they built the front. If it was the front nine first then they should be commended for building the back.
The back nine is pure fun. There is the usual eye candy, but the holes move in all directions so when there is a wind, you get the joy of seaside golf. This nine is worth the greens fee.
Sometimes you get what you pay for and considering the neighborhood you get more here. Walk if you can. The staff is nice, the food is even 1/2 the price of other courses. The restaurant is scenic and good.
If you are in the area, this is a great place to start. In fact, come early or stay late to enjoy the beaches. As beautiful as 17 mile drive and they are free. Great value all around.

When people ask me my favorite course or place, I mention here but with a caveat. This is not a course, it is an experience. I have experienced the Sheep Ranch 3 times and hope to get a fourth in before it is turned into a course. The "course" is 13 greens. You choose the route, the teeing area and the destination. The scorecard, which you should only use as a reference your first time, has a routing (which you should ignore immediately). The idea is to go where you want to from wherever you came from. Make up "holes" on your own. If you are a golfer who prioritizes conditioning, using your range finder, etc. then don't come here. You will not enjoy it at all. Stay at the resort and enjoy those great courses.
If you are a golfer who has always wanted to drop a dozen balls to try different approaches to a shot, wonder what it would be like to approach a green from a different angle, create your own routing, etc. then this place is a dream. Take a day away from the resort and spend one here. Some days at Bandon Dunes Resort and one here is perfect.
The land is great, a variety of greensites-on a bluff, up on a hill, on a peninsula, etc. and plenty of green sites are oceanside. There is one that is on a peninsula like Cypress Point or Cabot Cliffs. The difference is that you can approach it from many places.
The greens are the key to this place. They are large and contoured to be approached from multiple directions. The fairways are in decent muni-shape, but kept firm and fast like a links.
This is not a resort, so no restaurants, range, putting green, etc. However, you can just use the first green you are at to practice. Hit as many balls on your first drive as you want to warm up. You are there all day, so maybe no warm up; just go out a see what is there.
The deal is that you send a check for each player. You get the course all day. Bring your own food and beverage. Some people bring a portable grill. Make a day out of it. I have played from 9:00 until it was dark (5:00); you, like me, might not want to leave. With nobody else out there, that is a lot of golf-as much as you want-great value. Due to the free form nature, they don't let out more than 8 people at a time, although I guess that you could bring out more if you wanted. I have had the place to myself on all three days. I think that you would most likely be with whomever you bring and that is it. A place to create memories.
Have fun, play shots in multiple ways, putt from all over a green to explore contours, don't play to the same greensite from the same angle twice, and gamble on anything.
This is truly a special place and only the "H-O-R-S-E" course at the prairie club has the same idea. This is on a much larger scale. If you are an old golfing soul, this is not be missed while it is around. I understand the economics of building a 5th course and Hanse has a great site to work with. I will just miss playing golf on a "Playground" without rules vs a Course.

Despite being called semi-private, Telluride golf resort is available to the public from 10:30am on. I would recommend the twilight rate, which in the summer is $120. If you can come in the shoulder season it is $85. Considering that you are in Telluride, the pricing is relative. The views make the first playing worth it, after that, I am not so sure. It will depend on the depth of your pockets or what you consider the price of golf should be. I will say that it is one of the better conditioned high country courses I have played. Not easy with the winters up in the rockies.
Off the course, this place has the things you need. There is a driving range and putting green. There is a full service restaurant with great patio dining. There is a halfway house of sorts, more like every third, that you will cross twice on your round.
The course itself is quirky; which to me is fun. You have 6 of each type of par. You also have some back to back par 3s and 5s. The par 4s vary in length as do the par 3s. The main defense is elevation change. there aren't many hazards, the fairways are quite wide and the course is not difficult. It is a resort after all and we don't want 5 hour rounds. The par 4 7th is a lot of fun. It is reachable for anybody-big hitters might come at it with a hybrid. Despite the length or lack of it, the hole is well protected and a poor first could lead to bogey. Many holes are risk reward in nature on the drive or the second shot on par 5s.
If you are in Telluride, play here once and then decide if it is worth the cost. If not, I would not recommend taking a detour to play golf here. In fact, Telluride has the best hiking in the state, jeep tours, fly fishing, etc. So the non-golfer will have plenty to do. The golfer who can't resist a round, will have a good one here. Coupled with the views, you will have an enjoyable day here.

Compared to a few years ago, this place is making a comeback in the conditioning department. It isn't perfect, but the fairways now might be guilty of having too thick of grass. Considering the sparse grass of yesteryear, this is all right.
Off the course, there are all the amenities you could want. A driving range and putting green are on the other side of the road. The clubhouse has a restaurant. There is also a beverage cart making rounds.
The course itself is a good one. There is a good mix of short holes and long. The par 3s vary in club length and direction. All of the par 5s are probably getable for the long hitter. The 12th is the best with a downhill third or second that really comes off a bluff. Stay left if going for it in two. There are a couple of drivable par 4s most notably the 13th with an elevated green-not really sure if going for it in 1 is the wise choice, but can be done by bigger hitters.
The best parts of this place are the views. You get the Sneffels range and Cimmaron range on many holes. If you like eye candy, this is up there.
The other great part of this is the value. You can walk at twilight for $29 or cart it for $49. This is quite the deal and goes on all summer. If you are staying in Ouray, this is the best course in the area. If in Telluride, it is just short of an hour to get to, but twilight is less than half the Telluride Resort and walking is 1/4. For the past 7 years, I have played here on my way in and out of Telluride. Can't see that changing any time soon with the rates they have.

This is one of the better values in Colorado High Country-even if you pay full price. Having written that, twilight rates, Golfnow and shoulder season deals have put me in for about an average of $25. Course is worth well more than that. They also have one of the nicest staffs I have ever encountered. They will let you out early or late-hard to believe that this place doesn't get more play. I do play here in the fall or twilight during the summer and avoid weekends, so it might get busy over a summer weekend. Regardless, pace of play has never been an issue here for me. If by myself, I have never played in three hours-always less. Even as a foursome, it is 4 hours or less.
The layout is two nines in two distinct areas. The front nine is the one to score on-less water and less hazards. The back nine is getable; however, if you are not driving straight-you are in trouble. Often times, that trouble is a penalty stroke. There are a good mix of holes. The par 3s vary in distance and you could use anything from a short iron on the 14th to a fairway wood on the 8th. They also play in all directions. The par 5s are really all two shotters for the big hitter; however, the two on the back nine have plenty of water to bring strategy in play. The 11th hole might have the tightest driving zone on the course. The par 4s also vary in difficulty and strategy. The 3rd is drivable for the large hitter, but there are also two other lines that give it the best risk reward factor. The 13th is also drivable, but bunkers line on side of the fairway and water on the other side the farther you hit it. The greens are nice and have a little contour to keep them interesting. Some are also elevated. The 9th hole has a variation of the Biarritz for a green.
This course is in the High Country; however, there really are not any elevation changes to be found that are significant. If it weren't for the long distance from the 9th tee to 10th green and 18th green to 19th hole, it would be quite walkable. Also, in the fall, this place firms up and becomes a little linksy in nature. You can still fly it to the green, but the other options are there.
Get here early, your greens fee includes range balls. Stay late-they have a restaurant. There is also a putting green for practice.
This course is about 1/2 hour from the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are going there, this is a place to play on your way in or way out. Definitely, the best value in the area if you use the aforementioned options.

Before ground was even broken, the routing of Cabot Cliffs already had it mentioned with Cypress Point and as a top ten in the world contender. Even Coore and Crenshaw were stating that this might be best piece of property that they had to work on (Better than Sand Hills?) Has there been a course with that much hype? Don't worry, you don't need to lower your expectations: Cliffs is really that good. The course and routing are all world. Hard to believe that it will even be better after all grows in. Don't worry part two-the conditions are still very good.
One of the biggest compliments that I can give a course of this quality is that the inland holes are just as great as the holes along the ocean (this puts it in a class with Cypress Point, Dornoch and Pacific Dunes for me-lofty company). There are many drives with multiple fairways divided by a fair way bunker or approaches with a fairway bunker to make you choose your line. In all cases, except for one, the side of the fairway you choose will depend on flag location.
The design factor of bunkers in the fairway is very linkslike as is the play of the course. Put away your lob wedge and bump and run or putt. Take into account elevation change and ground game on approaches-there are many times where actual yardage is two clubs less than what the fairway or range finder will say. This is a links course and a wonderful one at that. There are also many holes with elevation changes up and down the forest. Taking this into account is also essential. Not playing at the flag and using the land is vital.
The routing, as you might know by now, has 6 of each type of par. It never becomes redundant. Even at the times that par 5s are back to back, they are all so good from a design point that you are interested in the hole. There is not one weak hole on the course. Most holes, par 4s and 5s, have multiple ways of playing them. This is a course for a lifetime. The second you walk off of it you will want to get right back out.
This course has plenty of eye candy. The views of the ocean come into play on many holes and the holes that play along the water are also spectacular in design and in harmony with the setting. You will take pictures here. Not only of the par 3 16th with a direct line similar to Cypress Point's 16th. They even have furniture near the 1st tee box for after the round for you to enjoy the setting.
Off of the course, the facilities are great. There is a putting green and driving range on site. There are shuttle buses to take you to and from the lodge. The area is full of things to do if there is a member of your family who does not golf (their loss).
Is this place worthy of all the praise? I would say so. Based solely on the quality of golf, it is in the top class of golf courses I have played. Come here and find out for yourself what all the well deserved hype is all about. Just make sure that you stay a while and give it the multiple plays it deserves; you couldn't regret it.

I first played here in 2012 and went around it seven times in 3 days and wanted more. On this last trip, I played here 3 times in 3 days and 4 times at Cliffs. With all the accolades that Cliffs gets most deservedly, you would be missing out on serious golfing glory if you were to not play here too. I understand that this course is in the world 100; however, there is a chance that it is underrated. First of all it plays as firm and fast as any links I have been on including Bandon and 30 courses in Scotland. Secondly, it is a great walk; thirdly, there is not a weak hole and many great ones; fourth of all, it is a joy to play on the ground and take into account bounce and slopes on approaches. Finally, the course is more interesting with a two club wind than with no wind. This place is real links of the highest order.
As mentioned before, play this course as a true links. Use the contours to get the ball close to the hole. Although fairways are wide, find the side that will give better access to the greensites- wrong side of the fairway brings serious shot making skills into play. Put the Wedges away and bump and run or putt for short game. Enjoy the scenery, but keep your mind on each shot-they all deserve your attention. In time, with multiple plays, you will learn when taking one or two clubs less is necessary; most notably on the par 3 5th. Also when one club more is needed such as the par 3 17th. You will also learn when it is foolish to use driver or the proper lines for driver as you might roll through the fairway. There is even a 100 yard long double green shared by the 8th and 12th holes.
This course was rerouted a few years back and that has helped even more for the enjoyment. The two holes with blind shots are now on the back nine as opposed to your introduction. Also, the holes on the flattest land are now the start of the course.
The par 3s are a great group and play in multiple directions and vary in length. The 2nd hole is a classic Biarritz green and approaches from the left will use the natural contours to get near the hole. The 14th will remind people of the 7th at Pebble Beach (Yes, that is not an overstatement)The par 5s contain probably the easiest and most difficult holes. The 11th is great with shot options abound and has also been known to wreck a score card for those who underestimate its intricacies. The 8th is the easy one, despite the forced carry tee shot.
The par 4s vary it difficulty and the best one might be the 7th. This is a cape hole that is one of the few away from the ocean. How much quality does a course have if its best whole lacks the eye candy? Half pars abound and if your senses are not heightened on the 16th hole, then take up bowling.
Off the course, there could be no complaints. The lodging is top notch and every room has a view of the course. The restaurants range from Pub food to upscale (there are three of them). The people are great and quite accommodating to bring about a top notch golf experience. There is a putting green. The driving range is at the Cliffs. Over all, a world class experience for a world class course. Off the course, the Highlands National park is near by and the beach is close too-the water is even warm up here. Plenty to do when not golfing; at least, that is what I hear-played 36 each day.
When I was here in 2012, I fell in love with this course and area. This should be on any links enthusiasts bucket list. Combine the Links and Cliffs for the best 36 hole facility in the world.

What was a golf course like before the machines? It was like Highlands Links and, quite frankly, was better off for it. This course is a beauty set in a National Park. The fairways and greens have wonderful undulations and mounding. Green speeds are kept so that these enhance a round and don't make it unfair. There are also two blind shots on the course; Highlands Links was built to be played many times and one person I played with called it a course for a lifetime. I would have to agree-I played two rounds, learned from the first to the second and still have many things to discover about this place. If your idea of golf is flat land and cookie cutter holes-then you won't like this. If you want something unique and wonderful, this is your type of course and must visit up in Cape Breton (go here before moving on to Cabot.
As mentioned before, this course is built into a National Park. Holes are almost isolated completely from each other. The most notable feature is the almost links like undulations and mounding in the fairways. Shot making skills of the highest order are required as a flat lie is rare. The course does not have a lot of bunkers, but they are quite strategically placed. The layout is amazing. You are going uphill and down hill; vistas abound, and you are surrounded by hills, woods and ocean. I do regret not walking as I am sure that it would be one of the best ones taken.
The1st and 2nd are a wonderful introduction to what awaits you; they have elevation change and typical undulating green complexes. The 8th and 9th holes are shortish and also have a blind drive or blind approach-love holes like this-there is even a bell to ring on the 8th green for the next group. The stretch from 13-18 is also wonderful. The par 3s have varied length, all play in different directions and are quite great as a set. The par 5s also vary and range from a 4.5 to a 5.5; the 6th is a scenic variation of a "Cape" Hole, the 15th and 16th go downhill and then back up-the 16th is a 4.5 par 5 and the 7th is a beast of an uphill par 5 whose narrowness makes it the most difficult par 5 in recent memory. The 15th is also probably the prettiest hole on a course full of beauty.
My only regret is that the course did not play firm and fast. The course underwent renovations and has rebounded from horrible conditioning so I can see why it is not set up to play less than lush. It is still recovering and is not August like, but it is above average. Nobody I played with even knew of the issues from years ago.
Off the course: There is a putting green and practice putting green, but no driving range. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. The Keltic Lodge is upscale and lives up to its reputation. Just down the road, there is hiking and whale watching tours and plenty to do for the non-golfing hours or non-golfer while you are on the course.
The bottom line is that if you are up in Cape Breton to see Cabot, you should take the detour and play here. It is different than the links of Cabot, but variety is the spice of life and this is a treat.

This is as close to links golf as one can get in the heartland. At least, for a public course it is. Fairways are firm and fast. There is plenty of run and approach shots need to take bounce into play. Fairways are very wide and rightfully so; if you miss one then consider the ball lost in tall grass. You need to hit the correct side of the fairway or your approach is much more difficult. Not a lot of bunkers but they are well placed. The greens are contoured so that aiming at the flag is not always the best option.
This course is not a pushover and if you choose the correct tees you will have appropriate challenge. I played a mix of silver and black. It is also very walkable. Out of the two courses at the Prairie Club and here; this was the closest to links style golf. That's not even taking cost into consideration. This is a great value at under $70 with cart or under $60 walking:
The staff was very nice. All of the necessities are there; driving range, putting green, restaurant, etc.
If you find yourself on I-80, you really owe it to yourself to find the time to enjoy this course. It is a quick and enjoyable round in the heartland.

The Pines is the easier of the two courses at the Prairie Club but is still enjoyable. I would give the course 4.5 stars and the resort 5. This course has two drivable par fours; however, there are long fours or par four and a halves to balance it out. This course is also a par 73 and the par 5s are different enough to make that work.
The course is strategically bunkered and will reward drives to the correct side of the wide fairways.
Another difference between this course and the Dunes, besides length, are the holes by the Snake River canyon. This is where the course gets its name.
I must mention that the club has everything that a golfer could want. The amenities are top notch as is the service. Between the golf, food and accommodations this place is well worth the drive. Do take advantage of the stay and play packages. If you play 36 a day, then it is a great value.

The Dunes course is the more difficult and better of the two courses at the prairie club. I am sure that the length takes into account the firm and fast conditions that should be part of the links like experience. If it isn't playing firm and fast then par 4.5 holes abound. Low handicaps will enjoy the challenge. I still found it to be fun and appreciated the par 5s (all 5 of them) and the drivable par 4.
Although this is advertised as links golf, the approach shots are not really linksy. Plenty of the greens are elevated and bump and run is not an option. What did remind me of a links course we're the fairway width and needing to hit the correct side of the fairway or the approach is difficult to say the least. The best example of this, and my favorite hole, is the 8th. There is a need to hit the drive to the appropriate distance. Left leaves you an alps like approach that's blinded by a hill. Too long does the same thing. The correct drive leaves an approach through a gap where the flag is visible.
The rest of the holes are solid and will provide a fair test of your game.
In addition to the two courses there is a par 3 horse course and a putting course.
Beside the golf, I must mention that the hospitality at the club is second to none. If you spend the night, and I suggest you do, do find out when the Milky Way will be out. You can see the milk with the naked eye. Hanging out in the starlight with or without beverage is a must. One of the unique opportunities the club offers.

There are two courses at Keystone and the River course is real Mountain Golf. There are elevation changes; Three holes must have at least a 150 foot drop. The views are splendid especially in the late spring when the mountains still have snow.
Off the course, there is a putting green and driving range. There is a restaurant which serves all meals. They have a patio do enjoy the scenery. If somebody doesn't golf, there is plenty to do at the mountain-hiking, bike trails, etc. If they drive in town there is even more-including outlet shopping.
I will say that in the summer this place gets crowded. You can be looking at a 4.5 to 5 hour round. That would be the one drawback-the facilities can get quite full. If you can play here in shoulder seasons do so; cheaper and pace of play is 3.5-4 hours during the week. They do keep the conditioning up well here, although the spring does tend to be iffy due to the length of winter here. I would also say that the pricing in the summer is quite steep-this is a mountain resort, but I don't think that this course is worth over $100.
As for the course itself, this is very good mountain golf. Having written that, it is not walkable and if you could walk it, I doubt that it would add to the enjoyment of the round. Elevation changes both up an downhill. Most notably on the 16th which is a downhill par 4 which, due to over a 200 foot drop, can be drivable. The other large drops are on the par 5 first and par 5 18th. A good drive can lead to going for it in two. The other two par 5s are quite good. The second par 5 on the front nine features the river and choice off the tee is paramount to success. The par 3s are a good set and go in different directions; one of them is very uphill. They also have some water hazards in play on two of them. The par 4s are good and I really like the risk/reward factor on the 6th hole. The rest are solid and require a variety of shots. They also offer a variety of lengths; shortest one is uphill and risk reward (17th).
If you are looking for golf in the mountains, this is probably my favorite. The course is solid, the scenery beautiful, elevation changes are a lot of fun-especially the three big drops and shoulder season is a value. If price is not a factor, then come here any time. Regardless of the time of year, you will get a true mountain golf experience.

Played here twice in the last week. The course has shot options on pretty much every hole. Either the hero carry or the safe play; of course, the hero carry leaves a short shot or a chance to go for the green in two on a par 5. The safe shot off the tee, leaves a longer approach or guarantees three shots on a par 5. I found this to be a lot of fun.
The routing is cool and there are unique holes in a quarry-esque area. There are two short par 4s with shot options-most notably on the 13th hole. The par 3s were fun but did not have much variety as far as club needed. The par 5s all had the hero carry option.
As for the rest, there is a putting green and driving range to warm up. For the end of winter, the course was in good condition and I anticipate a great summer. There is a restaurant for before or after a round. The staff was great; I showed up and they got me out.
Best of all, this course is an exceptional value. It is only 40-45 per round with a cart during shoulder season. They also have great deals during the year and you can play for $65. If you are 55 and up, they have a $30 green fee on some days. Considering that this is considered a top 5 public course in Colorado, all of these prices are a great deal.
I would give this 4.5 stars and highly recommend a round here if in the area. It brings the fun back into golf.

If you like elevated tee shots, have I got a course for you. Practically every hole has a tee shot down to a fairway. The ones that don't, play to an elevated green. Beside that, the layout is very good. There is a good mix of long and short holes, dogs in both directions, three shot par 5s and par 5s that even the short hitter will be tempted to go for the green in two.
The hole that you will either love or hate is the short par 4 14th. It is driveable; however, you will need to carry a boulder and it is blind. Not really sure if it is worth the risk. The drivable par 4 4th is the one to give it a rip-just keep it on the left side of the fairway. The par 3s are all scenic and three of them drop down. Just for the fun of it, try one from the blacks on the 17th-just for the view of it all. My favorite hole is the par 5 13th. It has a pond in front of the green; however, it is the shortest par 5 on the course and you will want to go for it in two.
The greens are pretty well contoured, so hitting the correct part of the green is necessary for an easy two putt. If you are not in the correct section, then you will have some type of a hump or ridge to navigate and earn your two putt.
The course has a driving range and putting green. There is also a restaurant. Best of all, I hear that they are dropping their greens fee to about $65-70. Considering that it was over $100 for out of towners, that is a great deal. There is always shoulder season. Redlands Mesa tends to be in great condition, so this summer should be no different. Don't miss a green, the rough can be thick around them.
One can see why this is rated the best public course in Colorado; I would give it 4.5 stars. If out this way, you need to play here.

The back nine at this course has 5 holes that will take your breath away. Don't get so wrapped up in the eye-candy that you forget there is a course to play. The holes are as much fun as the eye candy is to partake of. This is a great layout with a great variety of holes. The routing goes in all directions, so a one or two club wind adds to the genuine quality of the course and challenge. This is the type of course that you can play over an over again.
I found the staff to be extremely kind. They knew I wanted to get in as many holes as I could, so they let me out by myself first thing. Then they got me out for a second round. Perhaps it was the time of the year, but I played 36 in less than 7 hours. The course was also in very good condition.
As for the course itself, I know what I like and this is a course to love. The fairways were wavy like a links. A few holes played downhill and just a few played uphill. The variety of hoes is the key here. There was a great mix of drivable and challenging long par 4s. The par 3s were all very good-the 15th will blow out your mind-it has majestic scenery. There is one drivable par 4 on each side. Choose wisely, a miss can result in a double or worse. There is a good mix of dog legs in both directions. I really liked the first and last par 5. The first one has shot options from the tee and a green tucked in on the right. Once you make your choice on the drive, the risk reward comes into play. I thought it was a unique par 5. The last par 5 has a forced carry; however, it is over sand so if you are short, recovery is still possible. I found this to be a lost art in America-where penal golf is abundant.
As for that back nine, enjoy the scenery, but keep your mind on the golf. The holes are not push overs and need to focused on-easier said than done.
Overall, this is a genuine experience. If in St. George, this needs to be on your itinerary, hopefully you get the same weather, conditions and pace I got-It makes me want to go right back out there. No higher compliment than wanting a return trip.

Played here during twilight which was $65. Don't think it would be worth the full cost. This is a good course; however, it has been a week since I played it and I can't remember most of the holes. The good of it is that nothing bad is remembered; however, it means that the layout was nothing special-just solid.
I will say that it has a putting green, great staff, good restaurant and all of the things off the course were very good.
The course lacked variety. All the par 5s had a forced carry on the second shot over a trench or creek. One or two holes like this is good, but all four became redundant. The par 3s were good and everything from a sand wedge to a long iron were used. I don't remember any par fours as standouts. There is one that is driveable, but it plays into the prevailing wind. Regardless, it is a good layout, but nothing special about it-nothing bad either.
I found the course conditions to be fine-especially for March. There weren't any dirt patches in the fairways or anything like that.
If you are in St. George, twilight is worth it. I just wouldn't have this as the first priority to play.

First of all this is a 9 hole course. It is not the championship test that the 18 hole course is; however, it is a lot of fun and a great way to warm up. Greens fees are only $35 to ride and $25 to walk. Being a part of the resort, you have access to all the amenities-driving range, restaurant, glorious views from the patio, putting green, etc.
This does play like a links. It is very walkable and not a far distance from green to tee; especially if you play from the tips. The course also has wavy fairways and it plays firm and fast. I found that you wanted to use contours in the greens to move the ball to the hole and off the green you can putt or chip.
The course played in all directions, so the wind is a factor. Another element of links were the stone walls surrounding most of the course. Not the most challenging of courses, but a lot of fun to play. I used it to warm up after a long drive into the St. George area. For the price, it is well worth it.

First of all the resort is the best one stop golf experience on earth. Not even St. Andrews has as many high quality courses in one resort setting. There are multiple restaurants with quality food and in the case of McKee's pub quantity too. Add in the par 3 courses and the Punchbowl and you will never want to leave. For a single public resort, this is the place dreams are make of. If you've never been here, then this should be your next golf trip. If you've been here, you're probably working on when you can come back.
Secondly, this is a throw back to Links golf as played in the UK. Wind, walking and the ground game are here at all courses. If you are here for multiple days, odds are that it will rain. Embrace those things as that is what golf looks like at it's home. It is all about the golf here and it doesn't get better.

The first course itself is a great one. Ironically, it is the only one that has the "Standard" of two par 3s and two par 5s on each nine. It is the only one with two nine hole loops which return to the clubhouse.
This might be the one with the best views. Some holes play along the clifftops, but many tee boxes on the inland holes are on top of a ridge which provide views of the course and ocean. Bring your camera.
The course itself is a treat. Most people will remember the cliff top 16th which is driveable in the summer. So many ways to play this hole, you will have to come back a half dozen times to try them. As with all links, the ground game and contours come into play. Shot options abound around the greens and I think you need to put the 60 degree away and bump and run or putt it. Bunkers are large and natural looking-they are also a challenge to get out of. One of the great things about this course is that some of the best holes are inland. I like the par 4 7th with the uphill approach or find yourself at the bottom of a hill. Drive to the correct part of the fairway or the green is semi-blind on the par 4 14th. Take advantage of the slope on the 2nd hole and aim left, the contours feed the ball right. The short 10th hole is also driveable, but if you take the direct approach there is a hill in front of the green. Taking the safe route which is left of the green opens up the green. Of course, in addition to the par 4 16th, the cliff top 5th and 6th holes are visually stunning and great holes.
This was the course that made me fall in love with links golf. Low running shots are the best option. Hitting the correct side of the fairway is a must. Using your putter from virtually anywhere and being creative with the green contouring is also required. If you don't like golf here, then save yourself some money and avoid Scotland and the UK in general, you won't like it there either.

This is a real links with quirk and the largest green complexes on earth. Golf course architecture buffs will recognize a lot of the MacDonald-Raynor template holes here; however, they are not just duplications but unique takes on them. The Eden is here on hole #2, but you could actually putt the whole way-something Old Mac would frown upon. The menacing bunkers come into play with front hole locations. Go long and there is a bunker at the back waiting for you. The Redan is here, but the green is significantly longer than the original or any of MacDonalds'. Yet it is undeniably a redan; I think the 16th at Pac Dunes is a better one-not a complaint just an observation. Do avoid the bunker on the left, I saw some people chip backwards to get out after the direct approach was an exercise in futility. There is a great recreation of the hellacious bunker at St. Andrews or the Cardinal bunker from Prestwick on the 6th which is a par 5" long hole". The 16th is a very long Alps hole, but if your drive is long enough the approach is neither blind nor need go over the hill. The 8th is a Biarritz. Some of the best holes are not template-the par 4 7th comes to mind as does the par 4 14th as well as the par 5s other than the 6th. The best green might be the par 3 5th; at least, if you miss the proper section watch the roller coaster putt. The blind drive on the 3rd hole is a joy and if you hit the left side, your ball might roll all the way down to the green.
The greens are massive-larger than St. Andrews. Hitting the proper club and proper section is vital. Considering the ground game options, use the contours. The routing is unique as the first nine has 3 par 3s and 1 par 5. The second nine has 1 par 3 and 2 par 5s and many par 4s-it is 500 to 800 yards longer than the front all depending on your tee choice. Most of the holes are in a great valley that opens after you walk up the hill on the 3rd hole. The views of the ocean happen on the 7th and 15th greens, but views of the course in all its splendor happen on top of the 3rd and 14th.
Remember, you are playing a links course and this is a great one. If you are looking for American aerial golf and two nines with 2 par 3s and 2 par 5s on each side, then this is not for you. I am sure that this is not everyone's cup of tea, but if you like links golf or want a living cliff-notes on architecture, then you will enjoy Old Mac. Not my favorite here, but I do get in a round each time I am in town; it is a unique experience in the States.