Simplify, simplify. That is definitely the motto of Ironwood. I thought Ironwood was very fresh. Sure, it is too "bare-bones" for the typical golf course freak. However, you have to respect that Scott Witter built a golf course that is easy to maintain and a hell of a lot of fun to play. THIS is what minimalism is supposed to be. Minimalism is not frilly-edged bunkers. Minimalism is not a marketing slogan. Minimalism is a golf course that follows the lay of the land, relies on a low construction budget, and allows for a low maintenance budget. It is an ideal model for a cheap public golf course. The golf world needs, but definitely is not getting, courses like Ironwood.
Let's talk architecture. The first hole is a pretty straightforward par four, getting the golfer away from the clubhouse smoothly. The second hole is a tiny par three with no hazards to speak of, minus the slope of the green and the golfer's mind. It is unusual for a short three because it allows golfers to run the ball onto the green, a feature I would love to see more of in that type of hole. I, of course, took the opportunity to hit a punch 7-iron rather than hoisting a wedge.
3 is a neat uphill par five, with a blind tee shot and second shot. Trouble lurks left on the second shot, but the player who can sling a draw into the green will look at a birdie. 4 is a simple but difficult par four from tee to green. The green itself is elegant, with an elephant buried in its center to provide the lone contour and create all sorts of trouble.
Sidebar: Ironwood is a great example of how limited irrigation, in my mind, leads to a more fun golf course. The golfer gets to hit all sorts of running shots, and the golf ball finds tons of interesting lies. The other two courses I have played without irrigation, Monroe Country Club in Orange County, New York and the Addington, have struck me in a similar way. No irrigation=loads of fun.