Pradera (Engh) c. Denver

[mark chalfant]

I spent a day at this excellent course a few months ago.The design has several outstanding holes that include elevation changes, arroyos, approaches with strategic angles. the greens were bold and very fun to putt on. Great par fives and a wonderful wild west setting. Splendid and original golf design

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Mark

I played Pradera in late July. A great course. Engh is noted for his par5s and this course is no different.Interesting greens with some punchbowls and sideboards. Outstanding bunkering. One can play a ground game here too. I remember bouncing my approach shot onto the 9th green. A great members course.

Did you visit C&C's Colorado GC under construction nearby?

Steve

[mark chalfant]

Steve:I especially liked 2 and 7. Also great variety in the par threes at Pradera.

   I did see Colorado Golf Club which is a fabulous design on a exceptionally beautiful site. Jim Craig is a really great guy on the C&C  team

[Matt_Ward]

Mark / Steve, et al:

Pradera is one of the two finest courses I have personally played in the Jim Engh portfolio. The land is first rate and the different experiences / challenges encountered will keep golfers coming back for more.

On the downside is some of the previous errors I have mentioned in the past concerning his work. Too often Engh likes to fully encase his greens in some sort of elevated mounding that rings the putting surfaces. The uphill par-4 6th is a marvelous hole at Pradera but the banking on the sides of the green are somewhat over-the-top and unnecessary. I also have an issue with the front pin placement on the little tongue that juts out. It is sooooooo small and anyone playing too strong an approach can quickly add a 5 or 6 to the card. It's borderline on the miniature golf theme.

With that said -- Pradera gives more fun than just about any new course I had the pleasure in playing in '05. The 2nd is par-4 reminiscent of the Irish links with the high mounds that put pressure on the tee shot.

The split fairway on the downhill par-5 7 is a mouth-watering hole on a tour de force level. You have infinite options and all different types of players can regal in what it provides.

The back nine is even better -- the par-4 10th has a superb green that calls for maximum stopping power with the approach. The downhill long par-4 11th is one of the best long par-4's I have played from Engh.

The only hole I would like to see changed is the downhill par-5 16th -- would have preferred to see one additional center placed bunker because the power players simply bypass what's there now. I played the hole in the summer and hit driver -- PW from 150 yards and I know even longer hitters would fare even better. I've talked to Engh about this but he seemed noncommittal.

The closing hole is a wonderful treat to conclude the round. As Steve mentioned -- the ability to create par-5's is something that Engh specializes in without doubt. They are almost always fun and any number is clearly a possibility.

Pradera is easily among the top 100 modern courses I have ever played and along with Lakota Canyon in New Castle, CO -- are two must play layouts when visiting Colorado IMHO.

[Jay Flemma]

yes...one of my faves too...a great canduidate for best new private...great chipping swales around 10 and 17 and great lines of charm at 7, 16 and 18

http://jayflemma.blogspot.com/2005/11/2005-jazzy-awards-best-new-private.html

[PThomas]

man, I gotta get out west to see some of his work.....

although I plan on seeing True North in MI this summer

[Matt_Ward]

Paul T:

True North is Jim Engh "lite" -- doesn't have the same sharpness and richness in the quality of the holes. You may find from playing True North what all the hype is about.

My only answer --

Go west young man where the Engh work is at its best.

[Andy Troeger]

Paul,
  I hope to go west to play some of his courses soon too, but Tullymore in Michigan is worth playing if you get the chance, I've not been to True North.