Richard, glad you had a great time in Walla Walla. The drive isn't so bad. Did you stop off at "The Brick" in Roslyn for a beer?
How were the winds that day?
How many rounds did you play?
Did you walk or ride?
Which tees?
And how'd you play #4 (the short par 4)
... and 15?
Slag, it was just great, the whole experience of it. The drive went surprisingly fast. It is a gorgeous part of the country and having a good partner in crime always helps. Did not stop by the Brick, but I did stop by a winery for a quick tasting and bought a bottle.
The winds weren't too bad. I would say about 10mph steady, just enough to make you think about it, but not really enough to affect your strategy. I would love to try the course again when it is blowing 20 or 25.
I played 36 holes, I walked the first 18 since I really wanted to get a closer look at the terrain and we took the cart in the afternoon so that we can play fast (long drive back!).
I played the first 18 from the black tees (6750 yards) and I found that with my drives (about 270 to 280), I couldn't reach most of the nasty fairway bunkers off the tee. I played from the blue tees in the afternoon (6350) and those bunkers were much more in play. I actually ended up shooting 89 for both rounds (*#$#ing' 3 PUTTS!!! #$%(#$!!!!!). Man, greens were fast, especially after playing at Ballyneal and Chambers Bay before.
In the first round I hit a driver on #4 to see how close I can get to the green. I hit a great drive to the right plateau and had a 50 or 60 yard pitch which I promptly hit fat. The second time around, I hit a 4 iron and pushed it WAAAAY right into trouble. That is a fun hole.
15th is a great driving hole, I think the first time my approach faded a bit to the right and I made a par there. The second time, I think I hit a 5 iron approach that found the front bunker (nasty), but I hit a GREAT sand shot and saved a birdie!
Personally, I thought #7 was the best par 5 I saw there. From 100 yards in, it has one of the most interesting features on the entire course. And that big punchbowl green is a KICK!