My Time at Tetherow !

[Matt_Ward]

I've been on the road for about 7 days right now -- working my way through the upper reaches of the mountain time zone and I made a quick detour to head over to Bend and play the new Kidd layout at Tetherow.

I've seen the other comments thus far and will weigh in from what I experienced.

First off, I'm happy to see that Bend is now bringing forward a few layouts that really stand out. The Nicklaus layout at Pronghorn really opened up eyes -- the Tom Fazio layout that followed did even more.

Tetherow has clearly elevated Kidd to a much higher profile. I've played his design at Bandon and frankly I have never thought the course was as good as many believed. No doubt the location on the Pacific has helped immensely but I found a number of holes there to be nothing more than set decorations that depended upon the Pacific for their overall appeal. You also have one of the most boring closers for such a top tier layout with the 18th.

Tetherow is miles ahead of just about everything I've played in OR with the lone exception being Pac Dunes and it's really not that far behind. Tetherow doesn't have the Pacific Ocean -- it has the glorious mountains of the area standing as unique background images.

As many have mentioned -- the putting surfaces are central to the course. If you can't truly putt -- then your iron game needs to be really on because no matter how good a putter you are -- if you're not close enough consistently you will three putt -- four putting is also not out of the equation. Are the greens too severe -- not if kept at a speed of no more than 10 because anything more than that would be punishing in a big time way. No doubt some may find the green designs to be overly demanding. I didn't find it that way.

Kidd, like others of his ilk, have understood that modern technology has given the stronger players more ammo with better clubs and balls. You can't beat such players with a linkage only to extreme length. Placement and accuracy are the more important features and Tetherow throws them forward in a tour de force manner. You don't just hit the ball at Tetherow -- you need to think very carefull and understand that what you attempt to do must be based on a total and honest understanding of what you as a player are capable in producing. Tetherow, like an honest judge, will not accept any bribes for short cuts and the like.

The course is located on a striking site that benefited (if such a statement can be made) from an early 90's fire that cleared away plenty of existing trees. As you descend from the parking lot to the back of the clubhouse your eye is automatically riveted on the inviting practice range -- which doubles as a unique 9-hole short course. The overall site provides the kind of embrace of what quality land in the hands of a talented designer can do. I felt an incredible rush simply looking down from the clubhouse and the urge to start the round as soon as possible.

Tetherow plays nearly 7,300 yards as a par-72 but with the dry and warm conditions that are prevalent in Bend during the high days of summer the course is not really long. No doubt that can change at times in a big time way when stronger winds can whip through the property. The CR and slope from the Kidd tees are 74.8 and 141 respectively. From the next markers - the Black -- it's 72.5 and 131 with a yardage just over 6,700 yards. Very fair and quite reasonable for the dedicated club player.

I don't have the time to analyze each and every hole right now -- but I'll do three at a time so others who have played it can weigh in. Tetherow does take Kidd to a higher level -- his understanding of what the game is about today is alive and well there -- along with his desire to marry so much of the classic school appearance and shot values are also joined at the hip throughout one's play at this winning layout in the Oregon high desert.

1st hole -- 400 yards (par-4)

You hit from an elevated tee pad. Everything is in plain site and there's sufficient distance needed but no something that is overly so. Just enough to get the cobwebs out and the rust away. The key with the 1st hole is knowing where the pin is and making sure your drive finishes on the opposite side to provide the best angle to it.

There is a major ponderosa pine that serves as a watch dog down the right side. It's not a bad place to aim because a common feature at Tetherow is for the placement of high grass mounds which defy gravity as they perch themselves on the side of many fairways throughout one's time at Tetherow. The 1st hole introduces the concept in a compelling way. If you seek to play down the right side of the hole the spacing is very narrow and any pulled shot will result in a draconian and appropriate punishment.

The green also introduces itself as a signal to what lies ahead at Tetherow. It's extremely long -- 46 yards in depth -- when placed towards the rear requires a minimum of two clubs more but anything that flies the green will result in a very hurt golfer.

At Tetherow the surfaces are fescue on the tees, fairway and greens. As previous pictures have indicated there's still a bit of maturing to go but it's a grand surface to play on indeed.

The 1st is certainly not an easy hole -- as it can play into the prevailing wind. Kidd gets you going with a fine starter -- it will reward only the most competent of plays.

2nd hole - 546 yards (par-5)

Great risk'n reward hole. Your aiming point from the tips is a solitary bark of a tree that rises up to provide an aiming point for those tempting to get near the green in two blows. The hole turns to the right and there's plenty of baillout area to the right. For those who overcut or push their tee shots to the right you have entered Elvis land -- as in deadsville. If you can land the shot in the right fairway area -- there's a turbo boost that will run out shots anywhere from 210 yards to 260 yards away. Even with that the 2nd shot needs to favor the left side as much of the movement drifts off to the right. A front left pin placement is truly a demanding one because any 2nd shot that comes with plenty of pace will bound beyond the hole location.

If you hit down the more open left side the length of the 2nd shot increases proportionally. Clearly getting the right angle to the pin is what's needed. Hitting it too close can mean a very tough mid 50-75 yard pitch which will be very tough to stop.

The 2nd is a birdie hole but it will bite without careful thought and execution. A familiar Tetherow theme that will echo with many more holes.

3rd hole - 197 yards (par-3)

You cross over a road to a section of the course that features holes 3 through 6. It is this stretch of holes where Tethrow takes off like a giant rocket on the pad at Cape Kennedy.

The 3rd features a very large green -- 38 yards deep by 28 yards across. The key is realizing where the pin is located because if it's back left you'll need the herculean skills to get the ball to handle the fall-off to the extreme far left pin placement. The green only accepts the best of approaches. Pulled too far left and you hit H20. If the pin is on the far right side you'll need deft chipping skills because anything hit too hard will
s-c-a-m-p-e-r far away from the target. The 3rd appears quite benign but getting a 3 there is no small feat. 

[Joel_Stewart]

Tetherow is miles ahead of just about everything I've played in OR with the lone exception being Pac Dunes and it's really not that far behind. Tetherow doesn't have the Pacific Ocean -- it has the glorious mountains of the area standing as unique background images.

Thats quite a statement.   It looks by the pictures to be almost completely man made.  Is this true?

[Michael Dugger]

Indeed a bold statement from Mr. Ward.

From my perspective it's not sniffing up the tailpipe of Pacific Dunes.

I don't think it's better than Bandon Trails for that matter.

It's neck and neck with the Pronghorn Fazio course, I think I might even give it a nod......

[Matt_Ward]

Joel:

Help me out with something -- what golf course isn't man made ?

The site is quite natural and to Kidd's credit the layout works well within the limitations it provides. Help me out but don't you think it's possible for courses of stature to exceed what's already in play now? OR does have significant potential and some of the best courses have come forward only recently. I see Tetherow in that same vein and it really impressed me with the land it has, the overall routing and the sheer diversity of holes. There's length but not excessive -- it does require strong mental discipline to handle what's there.

Kidd's evolved from his time with Bandon -- which frankly does have some limitations in terms of its design. People get stuck on the fact that the Pac Ocean is next door and automatically throw away brownie points because of that proximity. I can name no less than 4-5 holes at Bandon that are merely bystanders in terms of what they provide.

Michael D:

Please tell me what you see as the deficiencies with the course? If you think Tetherow can't "sniff(ing) the tailpipe of Pac Dunes then you must be smoking some very strong stuff with no disrespect. The idea that Bandon Trails is ahead is also misguided -- the middle section of that layout goes to zzzzz in a big time way. Bandon frankly, gets plenty of attention and has in some ways received a free pass from many because no one believes that other courses can equal or surpass them. Tetherow is better than two of them there and while I concede Pac Dunes is better the margin between them is far from the extreme you mentioned.

Bend golf is indeed making its marks known in OR and beyond.

Like I said your detailed response is appreciated.

[Rob Rigg]

Matt,

As I mentioned in anearlier Tetherow thread, I really enjoyed the course. Especially for aesthetic reasons and the unique nature of the layout.

The more I think about the playing experience, and reflect on your comments, the more I realize that, at least for me, one of the great things about Tetherow is that almost every hole provides a distinct challenge. I think the 6th and 16th may be a little extreme, but they make the golfer think and force him to bring his "A" game (to your comments). There is nowhere to hide if you want to score.

Your comments about the premium of putting are also very accurate. I had a good day on most of the greens (aside from 16) so I was comfortable as opposed to intimidated. But if you start your round with a three putt and the Tetherow greens get in your head, it can be a long and frustrating day. I also think the greens lead the golfer to over estimate breaks and play a lot more lag putts than usual.

Tetherow is pure golf in the sense that it is you versus the course. Every decision has a positive outcome and a consequence and there are no free passes.

There are other courses that are similar in their challenge, but it is certainly not common. I firmly believe Tetherow is the type of course that makes you want to come back again and again to take it on. Which is a high compliment.

[Michael Dugger]

Michael D:

Please tell me what you see as the deficiencies with the course? If you think Tetherow can't "sniff(ing) the tailpipe of Pac Dunes then you must be smoking some very strong stuff with no disrespect. The idea that Bandon Trails is ahead is also misguided -- the middle section of that layout goes to zzzzz in a big time way. Bandon frankly, gets plenty of attention and has in some ways received a free pass from many because no one believes that other courses can equal or surpass them. Tetherow is better than two of them there and while I concede Pac Dunes is better the margin between them is far from the extreme you mentioned.

Like I said your detailed response is appreciated.

Matt

No need to browbeat me into engaging you in a discussion. 

So....here is my "detailed response," not that it is going to matter anyways because you are going to think what you think and I am going to think what I think, regardless......

Interesting you've chosen to go the direction of asking me to point out the deficiencies of the Tetherow course in making a comparison to PD, BT et al.  I just finished raving about Tetherow!  It's a sweet course, I liked it a lot.

But let me count the ways it fails to live up to PD, for one.

A. Land is no contest.  I probably like burnt-out desert more than the next guy but it's not linksland and cliffs above ocean.

B. Routing is no contest.  PD has so many subtle nuances like the first three holes playing directly towards the ocean.  The trek back inland, resurfacing back to the ocean and the march home.  Tetherow has no "theme" the golf holes just kinda run all over the place, indeed going up and down the hill on 1, 9, 10 and 18.

C. The individual holes are not equal.  Tetherow has some stunners to be sure, but at the end of the day I find them to lack the subtle sophistication that PD's possess.  Things are a little too "tricked up" at Tetherow.  I personally find it to be a fine line between integrating strategy into a hole and going over the top with this integration. 

You may not agree, and that's fine, but please spare me any blathering about "totality." 

A hole like #6 at Tetherow, for example, is overwhelming.  I don't even know where to start breaking it down.  On the other hand, a hole like #8 at Pacific Dunes grows on you; you realize there are many ways to solve the riddle, and one of them is to just pop it in the fairway and pop it on the green.

You rarely get that option at Tetherow, because on a lot of holes a standard two putt is just not feesible given hole locations. 

Good old fashioned fairways and greens golf is an option at Pacific, it's not at Tetherow.

As per usual, I think you liked the course better because you are a good player.  I could see it being more interesting if you could actually play a long iron and stop it on the hood of a car....from a blind landing zone....but I cannot. 

To me, a great course adheres to the dictum of 'ol Dr. Mac, playable to the hack and challenging to the stud.

[Matt_Ward]

Michael:

Thanks for the reply -- but I need to add the following comment. I didn't "browbeat" you -- I simply asked for a bit more detail than your first reply. No need to spin the statement into a negative retort.

In regards to what I may be convinced of or not. I have an open mind to changing my opinions -- do you?

Please help my understanding when you say Tetherow is a "sweet course." Clearly you have the likes of Pac Dunes and the other two BD courses ahead of it. You see the TF course at Pronghorn as also being quite good and likely the equal or greater of it too. Do you see Tetherow as being among your personal top 50 courses? Top 100? Having a bit more clarity on just how "sweet" the course is would be especially helpful for me.

Now, I'll respond to your comments from your last post.

Land. It's very easy for any course next to an ocean to get major brownie points because of an ocean's overall effect. I credit Kidd for taking such a site at Tetherow and turning it into a gem of a layout. Frankly, the "burnt-out" high desert site benefited in clearing away needless trees. Place an ocean next to Tetherow and its standing would be even higher simply because too many people automatically are enthralled by such linkage between land and water. I give Pac Dunes the edge but the margin is not that wide apart.

Routing. You mention the "subtle nuances" of Pac Dunes and likely you were taken aback by the bold and adventurous inclusion Kidd made at Tetherow. Frankly the original 18 at Bandon Dunes is a good bit behind Tetherow because Kidd included greens there that have little imagination and allow for indifferent approaches to be rewarded no matter how deft the play might be. At Tetherow, Kidd takes you into a wide array of movement and holes. You don't play in straight back and forth lines -- i.e. Pac Dunes. No doubt back and forth may work as a design situation but I found that sort of routing as limited. Tetherow never goes in a pattern -- it constantly moves to different directions and challenges.

You argue about the 9th and 18th holes and make the erroneous claim that "the golf holes run all over the place. Maybe you can help me with something -- but I kind of like holes that "run all over the place" because they don't follow convention to the point of being utterly predictable and frankly boring to play after just a few times as so many courses generally are. Kidd pushed the envelope and frankly you might be a player who adores the steak and potato classic school of thought type courses. No problem with that -- I see Tetherow as a throwback to when ball positioning was a must and not just another bomb'n gouge layout (I am not referring to Pac on this point) where big long tee shots cause various holes to simply surrender. At Tetherow the tee shot is only the beginning shot -- not the end one.

Let me also take issue with what you said about the 9th and 18th holes. Yes, both are par-5's but each challenges the uphill movement back to the clubhouse in a different manner. The 9th is fairly abrupt in going uphill and then downhill. The green is also smaller than the 18th and positioned much differently. The 18th plunged downhill but you must play a far different shot off the tee there and the hole attacks the uphill nature of the 2nd shot in a totally different fashion. The 1st is also done well -- tough enough to stretch the muscles with the opening blow but not so demanding as to invite big time numbers to starts off with. I also enjoyed the angled fairway with the better approach from the more difficult to attain left side. Those going down the right will have a more challenging approach. And that is one element you either forgot or didn't appreciate enough of in your original statement. At Tetherow you do have greens places above and below you which require an uncanny sense of attaining proper angles and shot trajectory throughout the round.   

You then say "(t)he individual holes are not equal." Geeze Michael, PB doesn't have 18 totally equal type holes and it's considered world class golf. Frankly, I don't know of many courses that have 18 equal bulletproof holes. And, even those that don't have totally equal holes can still be first rate places to play golf. My standard is not about hole equality but for the facility not to have a hole or holes which cause you to take major points away from the course. I don't see any at Tetherow that cause me to feel that way.

You make the contention that Tetherow is somehow "tricked up" without really putting forward any meaty definition on just what you mean. It's nothing more than throwing out comments without really IDing where Tetherow is indeed "tricked up." You also blurt our something about "a fine line between integrating strategy into a hole and going over the top with this integration." Again, it would be more helpful to provide concrete examples that bolster whatever case you are attempting to make.

You diminish your argument through a lack of clear specifics when you choose to follow a hit and run approach when mentioning what lacks in your mind about the 6th. I see it as a grand hole and have provided my comments on my next three holes played there.

You want to be spared my "blathering" about "totality" but you find it easy to simply throw forward empty and incomplete statements without going beyond elementary comments which lack any serious reasoning. 

You then make the point that two putting at Tetherow is not easy. Don't disagree with that at all. Guess what? It's not E-Z either at Oakmont, Augusta, Oakland Hills / South, Winged Foot / West, to name just a few either. Ditto The Kingsley Club to list just one grand layout I have played among the modern courses that have opened in the last few years.

The key at Tetherow is to place your tee shot in the right place after knowing full well where the pin is placed for that day. I mentioned #1 as a good example -- the sheer depth of the green is better understood when attacking from the more difficult to attain left side of the fairway. There's plenty of movement in the green but for a hole that's only 400 yards from the dead back tips it's not a strain on just about any level player.

I don't doubt that many of the greens at Tetherow are sectioned off from poorly played tee shots. Kidd didn't build big flat saucers that allow for indifferent play with your approaches. That's totally fair game in my mind. No doubt the course is rather edgy in that regard and if you're the kind of guy who prefers his courses to be a predictable steak and potato variety I can totally understand your preferences. I see Tetherow as grand Thai food with plenty of spice -- clearly, you might see such "spice" as being a bit more than your pallet can endure. So be it. The best way to further your claim to traditional golf is your final comment about "good old fashioned fairways and greens golf" being an option at Pac Dunes but not at Tetherow.

You then end your last response with the following response ...

"As per usual, I think you liked the course better because you are a good player.  I could see it being more interesting if you could actually play a long iron and stop it on the hood of a car....from a blind landing zone....but I cannot.

To me, a great course adheres to the dictum of 'ol Dr. Mac, playable to the hack and challenging to the stud."

Michael, you throw forward the tired and frankly lame response that if someone is a good player then that's the only reason they liked the course. My liking the course stems from the elasticity that Kidd provides -- the course can play from 7,298 yards from the tips and then offers boxes at 6,705 and 6,111 yards respectively. I have no idea what tees you played or what the general weather conditions were. I think if most people understand their limitations and play the appropriate tees the fun element will be there in equal measure. So will the penalties for those who can't cut it.

When you reference Dr. Mackenzie I can only say you should travel to Crystal Downs and see firsthand the playability features you mentioned when the wind howls off Lake Michigan at 30 mph or more and the Jaws like rough is awaiting your next foul ball.

I don't doubt many people may not like Tetherow because they simply don't get it. They have become so satiated with formulaic golf that does nothing more than provide a ho-hum layout with little in terms of real shotmaking. Tetherow makes me want to return and handle the varying wind demands that blow through the property. The challenge is to play the greatest range of shots and Tetherow forces the player to do that and more.

[Matt_Ward]

The next three holes ...

4th hole - 481 yards (par-4)

Plays uphill all the way but the angle of the hole is more gentle than pronounced. The back tee is set apart from the other boxes and is slightly lower which causes a visual distinction than what you see from the frontal markers.

The hole forces anywhere from 1 to 2 clubs more to reach the elevated target. The green is extremely deep - 44 paces -- and it favors an approach that comes in from the left. A huge bunker guards most of the right side. No doubt it's a muscle hole and if one should encounter a back right pin placement the hole's sinister side will clearly be in full force. Candidly, although the hole is long and tough I didn't see it as being among the more unique or thrilling holes at Tetherow.

5th hole - 429 yards (par-4)

Goes the opposite way from #4 and a good bit downhill. The drive zone is protected by a center-placed mound area of protruding grasses. From the tips it takes a 340 yards shot to reach them but for strong players the elevation and general wind direction helping from the north can make that quite possible. Most approaches will come from the 150-170 yard range and the green at #5 is simply grand stuff. There are fall-off areas to the front right and depending upon the pin placement you simply cannot short side yourself if par is the ultimate aim. A frontal bunker is also well placed -- albeit a small one but the distraction it causes for any pin placed near it will make players feel the sweat of their palms before pulling the trigger here.

6th hole - 424 yards (par-4)

Michael raised his belief that the hole is way too overdone and I'd liek to address that.

The 6th tee is set above the fairway and you see the entire storyline before you hit your tee ball. The split fairway concept works here because there are equal benefits and risks in going to either side. In many split fairway scenarios that rarely happens. Better players may routinely believe the left side works better but the close proximity of the water hazard that runs parallel to that side may make many players think twice. The slightest pull and it's a Bobby Darin shot -- as in splish splash. The right alternate fairway avoids the water dimension but then you add on more length with the approach and the angle from the right may not work well at all with a right sided pin placement.

Golfers attacking the hole down the left will likely receive the most reward because of the shorter distance to be negotiated and the easier angle to nearly all pin placements.

The 6th is demanding because you need to marry thinking and execution without any hesitation. Lacking one or both items is a recipe for big problems and that's entirely fair in my book. The front right pin is indeed a tough one and no doubt accessing it will place a major priority in getting to the right location off the tee.

Summing it up for the last three holes -- they are all different types of par-4's and is this section of the course which, like the par-3 3rd, is all on a section of land completely divorced from the rest of the course. If you can handle the challenge these four holes provide the possibility for a grand day at Tetherow, while not guaranteed, is greatly enhanced.

 

[Allan Long]

6th hole - 424 yards (par-4)

Michael raised his belief that the hole is way too overdone and I'd liek to address that.

The 6th tee is set above the fairway and you see the entire storyline before you hit your tee ball. The split fairway concept works here because there are equal benefits and risks in going to either side. In many split fairway scenarios that rarely happens. Better players may routinely believe the left side works better but the close proximity of the water hazard that runs parallel to that side may make many players think twice. The slightest pull and it's a Bobby Darin shot -- as in splish splash. The right alternate fairway avoids the water dimension but then you add on more length with the approach and the angle from the right may not work well at all with a right sided pin placement.

Golfers attacking the hole down the left will likely receive the most reward because of the shorter distance to be negotiated and the easier angle to nearly all pin placements.

The 6th is demanding because you need to marry thinking and execution without any hesitation. Lacking one or both items is a recipe for big problems and that's entirely fair in my book. The front right pin is indeed a tough one and no doubt accessing it will place a major priority in getting to the right location off the tee.
 

Matt,

I can see why some might not like the 6th hole, but it was one of my favorites. I played to both the left and right fairway, and although the left is the more risky play, IMHO, it is the way I would prefer to play the hole. To the right fairway, you are taking the water out of play, but you virtually see no part of the green. The day I played it right, the pin was front right, and it was impossible to see any part of the green.

I think with playing the hole a few times, people would realize the correct angle of attack that works best for them. It is wonderful example of a risk/reward hole in that if you take the risk down the left side you will be rewarded by a pretty stratight forward look at the green. If you choose to go to the safer right side, you are going to have a more difficult shot to the green. If the entire course was set up that way, I would take issue with it. But, I don't mind a hole once in a while that makes you think, and rewards the golfer for thinking and executing properly.

On another note....On your trip to Bend, did you stop by Brasada Ranch? I would like to hear your thoughts if you did.

[Jim Franklin]

Matt -

How did you get to Bend? I would love to go, but would be interested in finding out how long the trip took from the east.

Thanks, Jim

[Richard Choi]

Man, you guys are really motivating me to check this place out. Afterall, it is only about 7 short hours of driving for me

How's the weather in Bend in October? Is it still playable or is it too cold?

[Rob Rigg]

I am playing Brasada tomorrow and looking forward to it.

Having played Tetherow I am prepared for a let down, but hope it is still an interesting track because the macro environment is so compelling.

[Allan Long]

I am playing Brasada tomorrow and looking forward to it.

Having played Tetherow I am prepared for a let down, but hope it is still an interesting track because the macro environment is so compelling.

Rob,

I don't think it will be a letdown as the courses are really nothing alike. It will be a different experience though from Tetherow. I played both Tetherow and Brasada on the same day (Brasada second) and was not let down in the least. But, I knew going in I was seeing a different style of course. I would think Brasada would compare more closely to Pronghorn than Tetherow.

[Michael Dugger]

Matt,

I liked Tetherow a lot.  It's got definate wow factor.  Easily in my top ten.

But saying "if the ocean was near Tetherow it would rank closer to the Bandon courses, etc" is a hollow statement.

But it is not by the ocean, and it's not built on linksland. 

It DOES matter that it's not.  It matters a lot.



 

[Matt_Ward]

Jim F:

I started my western sojourn via Denver and then went south to Santa Fe before heading all the way north to Oregon and will conclude my visit through Montana and Wyoming.

Best way for visiting Bend is thru any flights to Portland - the drive is roughly 3 hours depending upon time of day and traffic flow. You can also access short commute flights to Bend via the Portland area.

Clearly, Bend, like other unique western vistas such as Park City and Santa Fe, to name just two, are making significant strides on the golf front. Hard to say what destination can have better summer weather than Bend. No humidity to speak about -- the wind can blow at times and the overall atmosphere of the downtown area is refreshingly upbeat, clean and inviting for all types of gatherings. It's now the golf dimension that is being more complete and diversified.

One other thing -- I have not opined on my visit to Wicked Pony -- the Doak layout that is being completed there in nearby Redmond -- about 20 miles northeast of Bend. Like I said -- Bend is moving ahead on a range of fronts and Tetherow's prime location will be a major asset in showing golfers that when the letter "B' is mentioned -- they are not simply referring to Bandon.

Michael D:

Thanks for your statement on where Tetherow would be positioned among the courses you have played. A top ten placement is indeed "sweet" for you.

We agree to disagree on the nature of the land front question. I do give Pac Dunes the edge on that item -- not just because of the ocean but because the layout is well done there too. I just think Tetherow is a good bit beyond the likes of the other OR courses you mentioned. Just my opinion.

Richard C:

Weather in Bend is quite good -- it can stretch beyond Halloween but it's pushing it if you leave after Columbus Day. The area where Wicked Pony is being built at Remington Ranch is a micro climate area which means they can get started one month earlier and stay open one month later -- I've been told golf all year can even be done there if conditions are favorable.

If you have not been -- then head to Bend -- could be arguably the most unique growing area for high quality golf in the USA. The summer weather cannot be beat -- anywhere in America !

[Jim Franklin]

Thanks Matt, I may have my '09 summer vacation spot now.

[Matt_Ward]

7th hole - 226 yards (par-3)

You cross the road for this final trio before the front nine concludes. Good hole as it descends ever so much from tee to green. The green fans out in different directions with several different areas where the pin can be placed. The day I was there the pin was front right and it made for an interesting position. Not a great par-3 but one that is quite solid and does force the player to hit something more than just a mid-iron in nearly instances.

8th hole - 395 yards (par-4)

Although handicapped 17 the 8th is a gem because it does a variety of things. It climbs uphill so the effective yardage is a bit more. There is a solitary tree down the right side and it needs to be respected. Balls can easily fly into the upper reaches of its limbs.

The left side is the preferred route because it affords the best views of nearly all pin locations. It is not that easy to get that position as bunkers pinch in from that side and the narrow slot way provided doesn't allow anything but the well played execution to succeed.

The green is one of Tetherow's best -- you have landing pads -- the best being the far left -- it's that position that requires the surest of plays with the approach. Going on any pin location -- especially when placed in the rear is a quick recipe for a bogey or worse.

The 8th may appear easy when handicapped out -- but it will likely extract more harm than give away low numbers. The 8th at Tetherow is one of those holes that after you have digested the course you appreciate more and more.

9th hole - 532 yards (par-5)

Likely birdie hole if the drive and second shot are properly struck. Plays downhill from the tee shot and then rises slightly before plunging downhill again. If the wind is helping it can be reached -- I hit a solid drive and six-iron to the front portion of the green. The approach is slightly uphill so even then you must be aware of hitting sufficient club to get to the target.

If you lay up for a short pitch 3rd you need to watch for the pin location. If the pin is behind the tier that separate the lower from the upper it must be struck again with precision. The lower right section is the most challenging as it falls off to different chipping areas -- neither of which is an automatic up'n down.

The 9th allows you to gain some ground back but it doesn't surrender to the big tee shot. You need to string together the big shots with accuracy firmly in mind. All in all, the front nine presents a range of unique and fun holes. No doubt the greens accentuate the slightest of errors but as I said from the get-go the marriage of power and accuracy needs more of the latter and Tetherow pushes that front and center.

Now, onto the back nine ...

[Matt_Ward]

The back nine ...

10th hole - 316 yards (par-4)

Good change of pace hole -- generally plays back into the prevailing wind and you tee up high about the fairway. There is a mounding area made up of high grass and bunkers that blocks the immediate center line -- you can lay up to a max of 225 yards off the tee or go over it with a driver or equivalent club -- the carry if about 263 yards.

There's sufficient width to make the play at the green worth a poke but the opening in front if kept quite small -- very wise -- and it must be hit with sufficent pace to make the climb in the front of the green. Given its short length -- the putting surface is one of the more tame elements you will find at Tetherow. A good opportunity to make up ground with a birdie but no so fire give away by any means.

11th hole - 466 yards (par-4)

In my mind, the second best par-4 on Tetherow's back nine. Changes moods as the hole plays more back into the ponderosa pines that frame the hole on both sides. It's also by appearance a good bit narrower than a number of the holes just encountered which makes the drive that more challenging for both length and placement purposes.

The hole swings to the right and you need to be as much left as you can to give a good look at the putting green. The green is perched slightly above the fairway and therefore requires a top notch approach that can land high and soft. The green is protected to the left by rough grass that grows out of a side mound that can easily catch the slightest of pulls. Kidd has also provided a bailout option to the left but the 3rd shot from that area must be lofted high and soft to gain a reasonable putt for par opportunity. The 11th is a shotmakers delight -- you need to fade the ball off the tee and then hit the appropriate club with the right trajectory to get near the hole.

Nothing is given here -- it's all earned.

12th hole - 425 yards (par-4)

A fantastic book-end to what you experience at the previous hole. Here the play is for a dlight draw off the tee on this dog-leg left but the key is making sure you hit to the right center of the fairway to avoid the best looks at the green. Again, Kidd has placed some hgih grass mounds that do make the player think carefully before pulling the trigger off the tee.

The green is angled diagonally from lower left to upper right and there is a solitary pine that is neatly placed to give added protection to the far left side. A bunker also proetcts the rear right area of the green. First rate counter punching hole to what you have played with the first two holes on the inner half.

[Garland Bayley]

...
12th hole - 425 yards (par-4)

A fantastic book-end to what you experience at the previous hole. Here the play is for a dlight draw off the tee on this dog-leg left but the key is making sure you hit to the right center of the fairway to avoid the best looks at the green. Again, Kidd has placed some hgih grass mounds that do make the player think carefully before pulling the trigger off the tee.

The green is angled diagonally from lower left to upper right and there is a solitary pine that is neatly placed to give added protection to the far left side. A bunker also proetcts the rear right area of the green. First rate counter punching hole to what you have played with the first two holes on the inner half.

Right center of the fairway for the best looks at the green? Isn't there a fronting bunker staring you in the face from there? How do you get a draw (assuming you are right-handed) to the right center of the fairway with those trees staring you in the face off the tee? Do you hit over them? Wouldn't the ideal drive be at the very left edge of the fairway?
 

[Michael Dugger]

All you need to do at 12 is hit it in the fairway.  The green is quite large and not really terribly undulating. 

There is a ditch type thing between the LZ and green which only punishes the horrible player.

Just about anything in the fairway is going to afford a decent look at the green. 

A pretty simple hole.

[Garland Bayley]

Michael,

So your response is that this is a typical hole built by anyone including Fazio who writes that he provides forgiveness to the slicer such as this hole has with a huge right side and the only thing that changes that is the visual clutter of the "eyebrows"?

[Michael Dugger]

Favors the slicer, favors a draw.....these statements mean little to me.

Ideally, you would hit a draw, but if a slice finds the fairway well then that's great too!

It's a pretty flat LZ.  Nothing wrong with hitting it dead straight here, the aim is just right of the little wood staircase thingy in the background.

On #12, the thing to do is avoid the pits to the left at all costs.  A snap hook here is hazardous to your health....

For a good player, this is a respite hole.  It's all about the green, it's flat and subtle compared to some others out there...

[Matt_Ward]

13th hole - 588 yards (par-5)

Gives the appearance you can cut more off the corner than it does. Plenty of room left and the tee shot is best advised to favor that side and play the hole as a legitimate three-shot par-5. The daring shot needs to hug the right side and have a slight fade -- with sufficient distance you can get a good bit further down the fairway but the second shot is still a long one and the potential pay-off is quite small when compared to the variety of risks involved.

I liked the hole because it's not a par-5 which will yield that many birdies -- just a very demanding hole.

14th hole - 190 yards (par-3)

One of the few holes at Tetherow I didn't really care for in any real appreciable way. It's simply plain vanilla and just fills the gap between the 13th and 15th holes.

15th hole - 437 yards (par-4)

One of the more underrated holes at the course. The drive looks like you can go straight down the right side but the better play for most players is to aim further left than many might think. I really liked the bunker complex down the right side. Those trying to get far down the fairway had best negotiate the demands this bunker complex brings to the forefront. Get stuck in it and the approach play out of it is quite demanding.  The drive zone is also quite neat as it necks in from the left and right for a smaller go-to zone for all but the most determined / stubborn.

The green is also well done -- set above the fairway with several different sections that can demand a certain angle and trajectory to get to them. I really liked the far back right -- it's set up above the rest of the green and you can't afford to go over or push it to the right.

Likely the 15th will not get much hype but it's a solid hole and worthy of mention.

[Michael Dugger]

Matt,

fully agree on #14, a vanilla par 3

did you pop it over the bunkers on #15 or play out left?  that's a huge carry.

[Matt_Ward]

Michael:

I caught the top section of the right hand bunker and stayed right there. Tough shot to escape from -- as it should be and was able to get the approach just short of the green but the pin was placed in the far right which is tough to access.

The 15th gets little attention because so much is directed at other targets -- the 16th being one of them. I really liked the hole because there is no clear advantage for any type of player on the hole. Really solid but not as "busy" as some of the detractors have mentioned about Tetherow.

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