Forest Creek North Course

[Zack Kelly]

I recently had a chance to play the New course at Forest Creek (The North) and was truly disappointed.  Another Fazio that dosen't live up to its expectations.  Bunkers were very strange with numerous rocks and peebles throughout, and your occassional little tree stuck throughout some of the bunkers making it impossible to play out.  I was just wandering if anyone else had played there and their thoughts on the course.
Condition of the course was good greens were flawless and fairways and rough still need sometime to grow in.  
Thanks in advance for your responses.

[Brad Tufts]

Zack and all--

I had the chance to play the North Course at FC last Monday, and I didn't think the course was disappointing.  I have played the South in the past, and I do believe that the South will remain as the premier 18 at Forest Creek.

The North was very new, as it has only been open a few months, and some of the grass has yet to grow in fully.  The greens are very firm, and the turf around some of the bunkers on the news holes has not grown in as it should in the upcoming years.

I give Fazio and the club credit for trying to put together a course that has a different look than the South, with the more flamboyant bunkering and the huge water feature on holes 15-17.  However, what seemed to work at the old (South) course is the feeling of an old southern classic design.  The new course feels more like it is built on its bells and whistles, not on solid design values.  Its best holes are those that would fit in on the South.

So, the North Course at Forest Creek is a great addition for the club, but in my opinion, will probably always be second fiddle.

--Brad  

[jim_lewis]

Zack:

I see that you found Forest Creek North to be "another Fazio that dosesn't live up to its expectations". I presume you mean YOUR expectations. Could you share what your expectations were?  

You cite the bunkers as the specific cause of your disapproval of the course. I believe the areas you are referring to  are waste areas, not bunkers. It is true that the sand is not consistent and some of the waste areas have some gravel and some small shrubs scattered about. The sand waste and bunkers were created simply by digging holes and exposing the natural sand underneath. That technique worked pretty well at Sand Hills.  The small trees and shrubs are much like you will find at Pine Valley.  Perhaps you will be disappointed in "bunkers" at those courses too.

In most cases the waste areas present a risk/reward option option. The player who can successfully flirt with the sand is rewarded by a much better angle to play his next shot. The player who plays away from the sand will face a challenge on his next shot. Those who try to flirt with the sand and fail will pay a price. The difficulty of the next shot can vary considerably depending upon where the ball comes to rest in the sand. I presume you fell into the latter category. Too bad.
That's called strategic golf, which is generally appreciated by those who post here.

The course is tough on the gambler who overestimates his skill or doesn't wisely assess the risk/reward options.

[JSlonis]

I played Forest Creek a few weeks ago.  I played the original course in the morning and had the chance to play the Back Nine of the newer North Course later in the afternoon.

It is my understanding that the club wanted the new second 18 to be different from the original course in terms of difficulty and look.  I did not get to play the front nine, but did get to ride and see most of the holes.  From what I saw of the front and what I played and saw of the back nine, I really liked the North Course.  I thought there were some very strong holes, and good use of some interesting topography.  I liked Fazio's use of the large waste areas in spots.  To me, it blended very well into the site.  The sandhills, pines, and scrub areas reminded me a little of the look and terrain at Pine Valley.  There were some really interesting greensites as well, particularly, the par 5, 10th Hole.  I thought it was a great green for a short-medium par 5.  The green is a bit narrow, but very long from from to back.  From memory, I'd guess it has to be at least 55-60 yds deep.  It sits at a slight angle from the fairway, angling to the right, from the front left to back right, and is well protected on the right side by deep bunkers, with a sharp fall-away to the left.

My initial impression of the bunkering and look, was very positive.  I liked the bold rugged look of the bunkers and the natural areas.  I would certainly like the chance to return, to be able to play the entire course.

[Zack Kelly]

I appreciate the comments on Forst Creek I did not post to bash Forest Creek at all it is a Great place that has great atmosphere.  The staff couldn't be friendlier and a truely great place to play golf.  As for the bunkers I was only in a few, and they were not waste bunkers.  I wanted to see what other people thought of the course.  I have also played the south course a couple of times before, I enjoy the expierence of being at Forest Creek.  But I feel that Fazio could have done more with the land he was given and maybe I'm wrong.  I expect when I go to a place like Forest Creek to be wowed and there wasn't any Wow factor on the North Course.  The water holes on 15-17 were good but in my opinion had a lot of the same characters as Pinehurst #4.  I appreciate your thoughts and views and am glad that people disagree with my opinions and that some agree.  I feel that is the best part of this website.  Thanks again.  

[SPDB]

who was the Fazio design associate at FC-North?

[Rob_Waldron]

I had the pleasure of playing Forest Creek North with Jim Lewis this past weekend. Despite my poor play I really enjoyed the course. The North Course is very different from the South course which is very traditional. On several holes Fazio has incorporated waste area features similar to WW Pine Barrens. The North Course is more difficult than the South Course primarily due to the green complexes. Many greens sit at angles limiting the landing areas if the approach shot is made from the wrong side of the fairway.

Recovery shots from around the greens are extremely demanding. According to Jim many of the members have found that the more they play the North Course the higher their handicaps seem to go. The North will serve as an excellent compliment to the South.    

[jim_lewis]

The Fazio design associate on the North Course is Blake Bickford.