I haven't posted any pics since posting photos from a handful of Jim Engh courses (Blackrock, Lakota Canyon, and Redlands Mesa) and thought it was time to throw some more out there since most everyone enjoys seeing some pictures.
As most of you know, Spanish Peaks is a private club in Big Sky, Montana that Tom Weiskopf designed. I played it and another Weiskopf design (Snake River Sporting Club) this year and I really liked them both quite a bit. I've only played 8 Weiskopf designs and I put these two at the top of what I've played of his.
One interesting note. It is always fun/interesting to find something "new" at a golf course. Whether it is a bunkering style, green contour, etc. Well I had a new experience when visiting Spanish Peaks. For the first time ever, the cart I rode in was equipped with Bear Repellent. That isn't something you run into everyday at the golf course. But I guess when you are in Montana at a course built at 7000 elevation, it is better to be safe than sorry!
The 1st hole features some beautiful mountain views and a large bunker to the right of the green.
The 2nd hole in my opinion is the best hole of the golf course. It is a very natural hole and offers some strong risk/reward. The closer you play up the right side near the water the better angle you have and shorter distance to the green. However, the further right you are the more blind the approach shot becomes. I just loved this hole!
The 3rd hole is a 200+ yard par three that plays over a large, natural gorge to a redan green with a massive bunker protecting the inside.
The par four 4th hole plays back to a green set back in a nice tree setting with mountain views in the distance.
The par four 5th hole features two things I enjoy; a semi-blind tee shot and a forced carry approach to the green.
The 6th hole is shorter than the 5th hole, but similar in concept.
The 7th hole is a big par five that requires a pretty good carry off the tee and then plays uphill and back to a partially blind green. The approach shot into this green is quite enjoyable with the blind factor, bunkering, and mountain backdrops.
The 8th hole is just a straight forward little par three with bunkering in the front and along the left.
The front nine wraps up with a par four where the green isn't visable from the tee. The hole sweeps to the right and down the hill.