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Scott Szabo

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 16th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #300 on: August 10, 2010, 03:18:15 PM »
Matt,

# 2 is certainly amongst my favorite holes, certainly the green is,  but, the view, standing on the 2nd green may be my favorite.

Difficulty and course records are immaterial when it comes to judging Sand Hills.

The ultimate question is, after walking off the 18th green, do you want to go directly to the 1st tee.
For me, the answer is yes.

The course provides a challenge that's fun to meet, provided you're playing from tees commensurate with your ability.

Pat, which tee to play is still a lingering question for me.  I’ll be there at this time next week (wow, can’t it get here already) and hopefully on the second 18.  I saw that Brett Morrisey stated in his thread on his US trip that he was “underwhelmed” by SH the first time from a forward tee.  I guess I don’t want that to happen, but I rarely, if ever, play the back tees at any course.  I think that I will, however, have to do it at least once at SH.  I’ll be there next week with other GCA’ers, and I have no idea how they play, or where they’ll want to play from.  So, do we still get a great course from a tee up from the tips, or is that when SH turns into a Doak 5?  


Tony,

I'll echo what Keith stated - I have played rounds from all sets of tees, and I don't think you will feel "underwhelmed" playing from the squares.  I think it plays about 6,500 yards from there, par 71.  I too am an average length player and didn't have too difficult a time getting around Sand Hills from the tips, but I did enjoy some of the holes from the squares as well.  It will kick your butt if you're not on your game no matter which tees you play from. 

There are a few holes that I would change it up on - most notably #5, #8 and #11.  #5 from the diamond tee is a MUCH better hole with the angle that is created off the tee.  I also enjoyed stepping back on #8 as it brings the bunker on the right side into play, but I do enjoy that hole from the square tees as it allows one to try and drive the green and bring all kinds of numbers into play, from 2 to 6.  #11 is fun from the square tees as it shortens the hole quite a bit to about 350 or so, allowing for a wedge into that green and bringing the bunker complex on the left more into play.

The "double diamonds" stretch it to over 7,000 I believe and it is quite a test from there.

If you're used to playing courses at about 6,500 yards, then play the squares.  If you're used to longer ones than the diamonds would be the tees to choose.  If you have the chance, play from all, as the holes can change dramatically from one tee to the next.

Enjoy yourself no matter which tees you play - I'm sure you'll have a great time.
"So your man hit it into a fairway bunker, hit the wrong side of the green, and couldn't hit a hybrid off a sidehill lie to take advantage of his length? We apologize for testing him so thoroughly." - Tom Doak, 6/29/10

Darren Gloster

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 16th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #301 on: August 10, 2010, 03:45:42 PM »
Tony,


I agree with Keith and Scott.  You certainly wont be underwhelmed.  I played in Brett's group and certainly wasnt underwhelmed, in fact I was quite the opposite.  But to see SH in all its beauty, grandeur and intimidating best there are certainly some diamond tees that are not to be missed.  I am a bit longer than average off the tee, but dont take any joy out of grinding from the back tees all day hitting nothing but driver. 

We just came from Ballyneal where there were no tee markers, which totally changed my outlook to the teeing areas and how they must be played, as previously I was very strict about using one set of tees for a whole round.  Generally I would always play the back tees the first time I played the course.

Without knowing anything about your game or the conditions you will be presented with during your stay, might I suggest this hybrid model for your first round.  This will take into account all the "not to be missed" spots whilst providing a nice balance for the average player.

1 - SQUARE - wont miss anything here and actually think this tee requires you to think more about your second shot
2 - DIAMOND - Make sure you take the one left of the first green
3 - SQUARE - hole is difficult enough as it is.  No need to go back another two clubs
4 - DIAMOND - left of 3rd green - WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW
5 - DIAMOND - Shooting over 4th green, WOW, WOW (you get the picture)
6 - SQUARE - Difficult green complex, more control with a shorter iron is an advantage
7 - SQUARE - More of an opportunity to drive the green as well presenting yourself with a knee knocker if you dont quite get it right
8 - SQUARE/DIAMOND - Like Scott said.  Both must be played at some point as they both add value for different reasons
9 - SQUARE
10 - SQUARE
11 - DIAMOND - WOW, back tee presents best look at left hand bunker
12 - SQUARE
13 - DIAMOND - Will probably make the hole harder but think it is a much better hole from here
14 - SQUARE - If you are long enough to reach the "bowl of accomplishment" the surprise the first time you creast that hill and see your ball 150 yards in front of your playing partners is very fun
15 - DIAMOND - Intimidating tee shot, but its an intimidating hole and should be experienced as the beast that it is.  Actually plays a little shorter than its length as fairway is fast around its landing zone
16 - SQUARE/ DIAMOND - Doesnt matter too much on this one
17 - SQUARE
18 - SQUARE - Big enough beast and tough enough second shot as it is, no need to make an up hill shot harder


You will have a blast.


Harris Nepon

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 16th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #302 on: August 10, 2010, 07:02:07 PM »
Dan, great suggestion for tee decks to play.

Matt and I didn't switch it up enough, if at all. Didn't take anything away from my experience, but after reading everyone's suggestion I'm actually wishing we did change it up a bit.

Tony, play from every where, you will love the course no matter what. That Doak 5 stuff is nonsense.

Patrick_Mucci

Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 16th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #303 on: August 10, 2010, 09:41:23 PM »
Matt,

Holes with "SKYLINE" greens are amongst my favorites, and # 13 certainly is one of the best due to the surrounding terrain and the winds.

Quite simply, it's a classic.

Matt Bosela

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 17th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #304 on: August 13, 2010, 12:18:05 AM »
17th Hole - 150 Yards Par 3

Ran said it best in his wonderful writeup in the "Courses by Country" section when he called this stunner "a touch of poetry".

A wonderful, short one shotter with a small but very well protected green.  If you don't have a birdie putt, you'll be hard pressed to avoid a bogey or perhaps worse, as deep, gnarly bunkers surround the putting surface.

The view from the dune behind the hole, with the 18th in the background, may be one of the most gorgeous views in golf and it's worth the climb...and the inevitable scrapes on your legs!  Simply put, this is one of my favourite short par threes in golf.

View from Dune Behind Tee








View from Back Tee Deck


View from Back of Green Looking back toward Tee and 16th Hole


View from Front Bunker


View from Left Side of Green
« Last Edit: February 05, 2018, 05:00:58 PM by Matt Bosela »

Steve Strasheim

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 17th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #305 on: August 13, 2010, 09:58:52 AM »
This is a great thread, thanks for all the photos.

Sandhills Golf Club is a very special place.  Since I will never play there again, I really enjoy the pics. Loosens up some fabulous memories.

Darren Gloster

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 17th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #306 on: August 13, 2010, 10:12:10 AM »
17th Hole - 150 Yards Par 3


The view from the dune behind the hole, with the 18th in the background, may be one of the most gorgeous views in golf and it's worth the climb...and the inevitable scrapes on your legs!  Simply put, this is one of my favourite short par threes in golf.



Matt - Mr. Younscap should engage your services to construct a tee up on that dune.  That is an awesome view of the hole.  What do you think the yardage would have been from where you were standing?

Scott Szabo

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 17th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #307 on: August 13, 2010, 10:30:03 AM »
17th Hole - 150 Yards Par 3


The view from the dune behind the hole, with the 18th in the background, may be one of the most gorgeous views in golf and it's worth the climb...and the inevitable scrapes on your legs!  Simply put, this is one of my favourite short par threes in golf.



Matt - Mr. Younscap should engage your services to construct a tee up on that dune.  That is an awesome view of the hole.  What do you think the yardage would have been from where you were standing?

Darren,

There was a tee back there at some point in time that has since been abandoned.  That may be from where Matt was snapping that picture.  I believe I've heard that it played about 170-175 from that tee, but I'm sure others would have a more definitive answer than my guess. 

It's a fitting finale to what I think is the best set of threes on the planet. 

Scott
"So your man hit it into a fairway bunker, hit the wrong side of the green, and couldn't hit a hybrid off a sidehill lie to take advantage of his length? We apologize for testing him so thoroughly." - Tom Doak, 6/29/10

Gene Greco

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 17th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #308 on: August 13, 2010, 10:39:01 AM »
     I believe the hole measures 168 yds from the old tee and think the last year it was open was in 1998.

Indeed, the construction crew would break for lunch and sit right there during their noon repast.

A stunning view and extremely difficult shot to execute when the gusts of wind were forceful.

And our resident GCA meteorologist would like nothing more than to have the tee restored so he could set up his anemometer to record more accurate and up to the moment wind readings.


Scott:

      Never say never.
"...I don't believe it is impossible to build a modern course as good as Pine Valley.  To me, Sand Hills is just as good as Pine Valley..."    TOM DOAK  November 6th, 2010

Matt Bosela

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #309 on: August 13, 2010, 12:04:46 PM »
18th Hole - 467 Yards Par 4

This wonderful journey ends appropriately with an epic, uphill par four.  The dominant feature is obviously the massive bunker complex that runs down the left side and crosses in front of tee shots hit from the diamond tees.

The ideal tee shot carries the right corner of that bunker but long hitters need to work the ball a bit from right to left to avoid going through the fairway, as there are a couple of deep bunkers over there that will almost certainly bring bogey or worse into play.  The second shot is entirely uphill to a large green and depending on your fairway positioning, a semi-blind approach may be required.  This green is pitched severely from back to front and two-putts from the back of the green should be welcomed.

Make sure that you take one more look back at the remarkable landscape before departing for Ben's Porch, the clubhouse or, in an ideal world, the first tee again!

Sand Hills is a magical place and I feel privileged to have been given a chance to experience it.

Zoomed in View from Dune behind 17th Tee


Tee Shot from Back Tees






Tee Shot from Middle Tees


View from Beginning of Fairway


View from Left Side of Fairway








Middle of Fairway


The Iconic Windmill


View from Behind Green, Looking Back down Fairway




« Last Edit: February 05, 2018, 05:05:12 PM by Matt Bosela »

Matt Bosela

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #310 on: August 13, 2010, 12:46:56 PM »
I'll conclude by throwing up some bonus, off-course photographs:

The Gates to Golfing Heaven?






Clubhouse




Pro Shop


Reception Area


Downstairs Bar






The famous shot of the routing map with most of the 136 holes layed out; the 18 actually used are highlighted in darker ink


The Cabins






View from Cabins - Trees!


Practice Green Near Ben's Porch


Ben's Porch


The visionary himself, Dick Youngscap, with fellow GCA'er Harris Nepon on the right


Heading Home
« Last Edit: February 05, 2018, 05:20:34 PM by Matt Bosela »

Tony Weiler

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #311 on: August 13, 2010, 01:05:29 PM »
Thanks for taking us along for the ride, Matt.  Very, very good thread.  Next Tuesday I'll get to experience SH for myself, and threads like this make it all the more special (if that can even be so!) to play a golf course like SH for the first time. 

herrstein

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #312 on: August 14, 2010, 03:39:40 PM »
I have been on GCA for years now, and rarely post, as I just can't seem to find the time you guys have to monitor all that goes on here.
I just got back from Sand Hills, though, and this thread is a magnificent travelogue to that amazing course.
The pictures just can't capture the wind, though.
Just an incredible experience and story to this place.
My own pictures are not back yet- when they are, if they have anything to add, I may figure out how to post some of them.

Jason Hines

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #313 on: August 14, 2010, 09:50:30 PM »
The last time I was there was in '06, what is the new building next to Ben's Porch?

Jason

Matt Bosela

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #314 on: August 14, 2010, 09:53:50 PM »
The last time I was there was in '06, what is the new building next to Ben's Porch?

Jason

Jason,

Those are the washrooms - where would they have been before?

Scott Szabo

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #315 on: August 14, 2010, 10:00:13 PM »
The last time I was there was in '06, what is the new building next to Ben's Porch?

Jason

Jason,

Those are the washrooms - where would they have been before?

I"m with Jason - I was there last summer and don't recall that building either.  I'm sure Gene can fill us in.

"So your man hit it into a fairway bunker, hit the wrong side of the green, and couldn't hit a hybrid off a sidehill lie to take advantage of his length? We apologize for testing him so thoroughly." - Tom Doak, 6/29/10

RJ_Daley

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #316 on: August 14, 2010, 10:26:45 PM »
Well done Matt.  Your photo and commentary goes up there in the HOF for informative and enjoyable topics.  We've had many SHGC threads and photos over the years, and they are all wonderful, particularly to see the unbridled enthusiasm of new folks who have recently experienced the magical place that SHGC is in the golf universe and share what they experienced. 

The newest offering in the sand hills is up and running.  But, there is magic in these reoccuring posts reexamining the seminal place and idea that gave rise to the rest. 
No actual golf rounds were ruined or delayed, nor golf rules broken, in the taking of any photographs that may be displayed by the above forum user.

Gene Greco

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #317 on: August 15, 2010, 01:46:27 AM »
The last time I was there was in '06, what is the new building next to Ben's Porch?

Jason

Jason,

Those are the washrooms - where would they have been before?

I"m with Jason - I was there last summer and don't recall that building either.  I'm sure Gene can fill us in.



Bathrooms, ice machine, storage.

The old bathrooms were removed to provide more seating for those breaking for lunch. Additional room and more seating was also created between the two buildings.
"...I don't believe it is impossible to build a modern course as good as Pine Valley.  To me, Sand Hills is just as good as Pine Valley..."    TOM DOAK  November 6th, 2010

Patrick Kiser

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #318 on: August 15, 2010, 12:07:25 PM »
I'm finally getting around to this thread and there's just so much to digest that I'm kind of stumped for words.

But I do want to thank Matt for sharing.  This has been a really cool thread.  Especially since for most of us, this is about as close as we'll ever get to this place.

Even better has been the opportunity to have this thread at the same time as the RC thread.
“One natural hazard, however, which is more
or less of a nuisance, is water. Water hazards
absolutely prohibit the recovery shot, perhaps
the best shot in the game.” —William Flynn, golf
course architect

Scott Warren

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #319 on: August 17, 2010, 08:47:26 AM »
Thanks for sharing your pics and memories Matt, I know a tour of this size takes a lot of time and effort -  and yours is appreciated. Thanks also to all the others who chimed in with thoughts etc about Sand Hills.

The scale of the place looks absolutely remarkable.

Tony Weiler

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #320 on: August 31, 2010, 04:14:29 PM »
Sorry this post is so long….

Sand Hills Golf Club was everything I head read about, and then some.  I have to say that I was able to enjoy it with two GCA.com ‘ers (Mac Plumart, Eric Smith), and one former GCA.com ‘er (John Kavanaugh).  What a great time.  As much as they had played before meeting me at SH, they were very upbeat, gracious, welcoming, and fun to golf with.  We had some laughs, talked golf and life, did a bit of beard pulling, and enjoyed each other’s company.  What more can you ask for.  And, before I get to the golf course, and as great as it is, I must mention the staff at SH.  Everyone treated us so well, even though we weren’t playing with a member, and it was hard to believe that EVERYONE could be so nice and accommodating.  That meant a lot.

We played in ideal weather the first day, with the morning round in almost dead calm.  There was a light breeze in the afternoon, but not too bad.  We played early the next morning and again had ideal weather.  The course was firm, fast, but the greens were receptive and rolled very true.  Conditions were ideal. 

The course was everything it was cracked up to be.  I had read so much, including all I could on GCA.com, and I was not disappointed.  I think from the moment you come around the corner and near Ben’s Porch, you know you are in a special place.  For me, however, the “size” and openness of the property did not awe me, for I see that almost daily where I live.  It was the contrast between the sand hills, the expanse of the course, and the ribbons of green throughout the sand hills that struck me.  As I drove to SH, I thought many times, how and where do you start on designing a course in this landscape, and that is why, perhaps, C and C first routed 136 holes on the property!  I sat on the Porch and ran through most holes in my mind, and had fun trying to figure out which was which (as it looks much different at ground level as opposed to photos).  Now, a little more about that golf course…

No. 1.  Is, as most have said, a great opening hole.  For our first round, we played the Square tee.  The bunkers frame the shot, and allow for a couple of options.  You can go over the left bunker, or try to go right of it, but that might bring in the right bunker.  I loved that about the tee shot.  Also, the second shot says “layup” but you really want to go for it.  I layed up, and still didn’t have an easy shot to the tiered green.  This is because of a the significant false front requiring a precise third shot.  What a start to a great course. 

No. 2.  Fun tee shot, let’s you hit it where you want.  We played the course with the pin in the upper right side, on a ridge.  I first thought this green was a bit “goofy” but on playing it the second time decided it was in fact a great green.  This green has a huge false front that will repel any poorly struck shot.   

No. 3.  Just a really tough par 3.  Takes a good tee shot, but there are options here for hitting past the pin, and letting it come back (where a front pin) and for some interesting putts when a back pin.  This green is huge, and can probably play 3 to 4 clubs different depending on pin placement.

No. 4.  Just a tough, great par 4.  The hole played fairly long on both days, and the second shot has to be precise, and for me that was with a long iron or a hybrid.  You can’t get too cute with the shot and play it left, or you end of in that massive bunker.  But, if you go too far right, it falls off the side leaving a difficult pitch.  Requires two well struck shots, and I think it’s a great, world class, hole.

No. 5.   A good hole from the square tees, as the bunker in the middle of the fairway isn’t really in play.  A good tee shot leaves a short iron, to what appears to be a fairly straightforward green.  It does, however, have a bit of movement to it, as a spine runs right down the middle and I never read a putt correctly on this green.  From the back tee, the bunker surely is in play, and it appears the best option for coming into this green is from the left, however, we seemed to hit it from all over the fairway!

No. 6.  Tough par 3 that plays same distance from both square/diamond tee.  The huge mound in the middle of the green is definitely in play.  Just hitting this green is not good enough, as the green has lots of slope and two putting will be difficult it out of position.  A par is a good score on this one.

No. 7.  The first of the two awesome back to back short par 4s.  No matter what anyone said about not going into the front left bunker, I pulled it into the front left bunker!!  I did escape with a  par as I made a long put.  I had asked at some point whether this was reachable with a big, high draw, and think it would take the biggest hitter and the most precise shot.  I think the slope in the right front of the green would not allow it.  A well placed tee shot still does, however, allow for a short iron into a small, well protected green.  Great hole.

No. 8.  Loved this hole and the bunker smack dab in front of the green.  The first day we played the hole was cut right behind the green, maybe on about 5 paces.  Made for some interesting second shots.  Can be reached by the long hitters, but still not a guarantee of three. 

No. 9.  Tee shot can be played farther left than it appears from the tee, and this hole from Ben’s Porch looks much different than it does while even in the fairway.  I didn’t think the huge “spine” in the middle of the fairway came into play, but this green was hard to hit.  I had trouble with choosing the right club and holding this green.  A shot to the left side that doesn’t stay on the green will roll quite a ways down the slope to the left. 

No. 10.  I like the tee shot and again, how it is framed by the bunkers both left and right.  This hole has a collection area where most tee shots end up (I think, whether right or left side of fairway).  The second shot can be played farther left than it appears, and most shots on the left side with find, or come close to finding, the green.  If far enough down the fairway, the second shot is blind.  The bunker on the right side is deep, so stay out of it.  I liked this green quite a bit.

No. 11.     Liked this hole for the options it presents off the tee.  It screams layup, but there is so much slope on the right front off the green that it is better, IMHO, to be closer for a good second shot.  Flirting with clearing the left bunker isn’t worth it, as shots in there may never be found!  Definitely need an extra club or two to get up and over the front portion of the green.  You are then faced with flattish, but somewhat quick from front to back, green!

No. 12.     No 12 is a shorter par 4, with a second shot that must avoid the greenside bunker.  We hit short irons into this hole, and with a good shot, you can find a birdie.  But, No. 13 is a whole different story.

No. 13.  What a tough, uphill par 3.  Takes a very well struck shot to hold the green, and any ball that comes up short will roll back down the front.  If the green is hit and held, then a two putt is manageable.  But, this green takes a lot of club, and if any wind at all, a real beast!

No. 14.     Very good par 5 with a wide landing area.  None of us ever made the “bowl of accomplishment” but with a good drive, the green is reachable in two.  A small green, however, with lots of back to front slope, and bunkers on both sides.  You have to “miss” in the right spot on this hole, or making par may be very difficult.  Long and right is just not good!  I suggest finding a birdie here, as 15 is no bargain. 

No. 15.  Difficult, long par 4.  Takes a very good tee shot, then a good second to hit this green.  Even then, the putting surface seemed “mounded” and putting was difficult.  I think for me, this was the second hardest hole on the course. 

No. 16.  Very cool par 5, and bunkers down the left dictate how much you can chew off.  Take a chance, and have a shorter second, but it you don’t carry it the holes becomes much more difficult.  I like how the layup here isn’t “easy” and you still have to pick the right spot.  Small, sloping green that is manageable with a wedge.  Any other iron will be tough to get it close (with a front pin, anyway).

No. 17.  Loved this par 3.  Danger left and right, but certainly a big enough green for a well struck shot.  I love how the bunkers and vegetation “frame” this hole and in some ways help you set up for the shot.

No. 18.  What a finisher.  Love the view all the way up the hill to Ben’s Porch. The Windmill, and what a difficult hole.  Even with a good drive, there  is a long, uphill second shot.  Then, the green is very sloped and a small false front must be carried.  Just a beast of a hole, if you ask me.  I think one of the hardest, but one of my favorites.

For our second round we played the Diamonds, and I really think that is where SH shines.  I can’t explain it but it is just a better course from way back.  Certainly not easier, but better.  I have to think that C and C found the best holes from those back tees, then added upper tees.  The flow, the way shots are set up and must be executed, and the overall feeling of standing at the back of one of the greatest courses in the world made that round extra special. 

I’ve been asked what is my favorite hole, and that is difficult because SH, IMHO, simply has NO weaknesses.  If I had to pick one, it would be No. 8.  I just could play that hole all day long.  Hardest for me is 18, but after every bogey I wanted to go at it again.  Finally, if I had to put a number on it, it has to be a Doak 9 (at least).  When can I go again??? 

Mac Plumart

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #321 on: August 31, 2010, 04:21:13 PM »
Great times!!!  Great times!!!



Also, Tony, great write up.  I particularly like this comment..."...the staff at SH.  Everyone treated us so well, even though we weren’t playing with a member, and it was hard to believe that EVERYONE could be so nice and accommodating.  That meant a lot."

How true that is and how extra special that made the experience.
« Last Edit: August 31, 2010, 04:23:47 PM by Mac Plumart »
Sportsman/Adventure loving golfer.

Carl Rogers

Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #322 on: August 31, 2010, 04:37:11 PM »
Sorry to rain on the parade but the clubhouse and cabins are very forgettable and a let down  .... Yes, I know, not the point.

Contrast that to Cape Kidnappers that has compelling and terrific buildings.

Mac Plumart

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #323 on: August 31, 2010, 04:52:03 PM »
Carl...

I suppose we all look forward to different things in our travels and experiences.


Carl Rogers
Suffolk, Virginia
Profession: Architect (buildings)
Education: Master of Architecture, Tulane
Sportsman/Adventure loving golfer.

Keith OHalloran

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Re: Spectacular Sand Hills! (Photo Tour - 18th Hole Now Posted)
« Reply #324 on: August 31, 2010, 04:55:12 PM »
Carl, I know that you said it is not the point, but I would like to discuss your opinion.  You said it was a "letdown" I guess that means you had an idea in your head of how it would be. I have never been to Cape Kidnappers, so maybe you can fill me in?
Without knowing exactly why you were let down, I will tell you why I loved both the cabins and the clubhouse. It seems to me that everything at Sand Hills is understated and defers to the golf course that is so great. While the food is all world( IMO, and if you knew me, you would know I love food!) it is not served in an over the top restaurant. To me it seemed to be a deliberate statement that you did not drive into the middle of nowhere to spend your day getting massages in a spa or sit in an opulent restaurant, you are there to golf.
Same goes for the cabins. You have a bed a TV and a patio. To me, they were telling you to go enjoy the course, the course is the star. We do not need flat screen TVs and a whirlpool tub, we want you to be here for the golf.
FWIW, I feel the same way about their tee markers, sign at the entrance etc.

And finally, yes I love Sand Hills, so read my opinion with the bias it contains.

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