Kirtland is 100% C.H Alison. This is a course that does deserve more recognition. The Club, as with many other, was never concerned with notoriety and recognition. Much like Lancaster C.C., PA, is doing they want to open up and allow some individuals in to take a look at thier gem. This past summer we started a reconstruction project on the bunkers and expanding nearly all of its greens. The existing greens total 105,000 sq. ft. and the expansions are 20-25 feet in some areas. Within the US, Kirtland will have some of the largest greens we have witnessed here at Forse. The course plays over some wonderful topography that comes into play on nearly every drive. You can catch a downslope on eight driving holes for extra yardage, yet you can end up short of these areas and have a more difficult approach. The greens are modest in some instances 2, 6, 7, 8 (not original), 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16 (not original) and 17, but beware of subtle breaks that are not so apparent. Greens like 1, 3, 4, 12 and 15 are just plain fast. The 12th green is one of my favorites anywhere. The bunkers have great variety; some are flashed and deep (left of 13 green, #15 fairway), others are grass faced with a slight flash, many are nearly flat bottomed with long grass faces. Alison may be the best at incorporating variety into bunkers, sometimes within the same hole.
The back nine at Kirtland is outstanding. The front nine is no sluch either, there is simply something about the back nine. Maybe it is the tee shot on the 10th. A downhill par 5 that nearly all can get home in two.