Sheep Ranch vs. Horse Course (The Prairie Club)

[astavrides]

.

[Tim Pitner]

Alex,

No, I don't think so.  I've played Sheep Ranch; I stayed at and played the two full courses at Prairie Club, but didn't play the Horse Course--perhaps my mistake.

The biggest difference is that Sheep Ranch is an expansive piece of property.  It's not a par 3 course.  There are par 4s and 5s on SR--in fact, there are par whatever you want to make it holes on SR--from end to end, the property is quite large and includes a variety of landforms I didn't see at HC.  Of course you also have some holes on the coast at SR--not so at HC.  Sheep Ranch is a must in my view--one of the unique experiences in golf--especially now since there is talk of building over it.  I walked right past the Horse Course without giving it too much thought--again, maybe my error.   

[Tom_Doak]

I haven't seen The Horse Course, but from descriptions I believe it's a hybrid of a par-3 course and a short-game practice area -- a place to go play with your buddies after the regular round is over.  That would make it somewhat comparable to Bandon Preserve.

The Sheep Ranch is a bigger-scale version of the same idea.  Not as intricate, but even more free-form because of it.

[Evan Fleisher]

Tom has it right...really there is no comparison between the two (I've played both).

Sheep Ranch is a "big" course where you can play "horse" style golf but is a criss-crossy rugged place to play where you'll need a few big-boy clubs and some imagination when it comes to routing.

The Horse Course at Prairie Club is an extremely short course where the longest club you'll probably need is a PW.  The routing is defined, but the holes (greensites really) are outrageous and some of the most fun you'll ever have with your clothes on.

Other than me using the word HORSE above in each course's description, there ain't no similarities.

[Evan Fleisher]

BTW...if you went to the Prairie Club and did NOT play the Horse Course, you missed the best piece of action there.

[RJ_Daley]

Ev, I didn't find that was any highlight of my one time at Prairie Club and my one time piddling around the Horse course after real golf.  I don't know what they spend to cut the greens and tees there (can't be that much) but the only thing I'd say is that it is a long way into town for post round excitement, and as a diversion for the guests, I guess it has a function.  Yes, it is cute, clever, has some deft pitch shots and all.  Gil designed it I guess, so it has GCA favorite son status and all.  But, if I were paying the bills to maintain PC, I'm not sure I wouldn't put the expense in some other method to provide the guests with diversion.  A fire pit or frisbee golf, or just one big alps putting green with putting games and entry fees and prizes might be cheaper to maintain, IMO. 

Just from photos, having not been there to play, Sheep Ranch looks like a serious golfer's delight.

[Ron Farris]

Never seen the Sheep Ranch but it seems that the Horse Course is a bit misunderstood.  Correct me if I am wrong but the Horse Course was indeed meant to be much like a game of "Horse" on the basketball course.  If you win the hole you get to choose where and how to play the next hole.  Never played the Horse Course either.  I did watch it being built and thought it was artfully done. 

[astavrides]

.