Brauer Golf

« **on:** August 28, 2003, 11:31:58 AM »

I am wondering if any fellow GCAers have had the opportunity to play any Jeffrey Brauer courses out there. He has done plenty of work in Nebraska and if you get a chance you should certainly take in one of his projects.

Some of the best courses in the Lincoln, Omaha NE area are from his team include: Woodland Hills, Champions Club (hosts the Nationwide Tour event) and Bent Tree in Council Bluffs IA. Bent Tree is a true gem and with some excellent holes and it ends on a par three!! Not every architect does that in this day and age.

Just wanting some input and wanted to let everyone know how much I appreciate his work here in the Midwest.

« **Reply #1 on:** August 28, 2003, 11:57:35 AM »

tkchap,

Welcome to GolfClubAtlas. If you use the Search feature, you will find many many references to Jeff Brauer's courses, particularly recent discussion of his new course in Minnesota. Jeff also is a frequent contributor to this site.

All The Best,

« **Reply #2 on:** August 28, 2003, 12:42:29 PM »

tkchap --

Welcome.

You're not, by any chance, related to TexSport?

If you want to get Mr. Brauer's attention, try addressing him by the name by which he's best known, nationally: "Keffrey Bauer."

« **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2003, 12:53:35 PM »

tkchap
I belong to a Brauer course in California, Wildhorse. He was given a tough site with severe environmental restrictions as well as housing concerns. Fun course, been there 3 years and still can't read the greens.
Cheers
Stan

« **Reply #4 on:** August 28, 2003, 01:01:45 PM »

Stan,

You can't read the Wildhorse greens because Jeff told those of us building them to make 'em flat.

« **Reply #5 on:** August 28, 2003, 01:23:17 PM »

Other Brauer courses besides the Giants Ridge pair in MN getting some level of mention here include Cowboys in Grapevine, TX, Colbert Hills in Manhattan, KS, Wild Wing-Avocet in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Stonehouse in Nashville, TN, host of a Senior event. The last three had signature name architects attached to them (Jim Colbert and 2 with Larry Nelson).

« **Reply #6 on:** August 28, 2003, 03:42:22 PM »

FINALLY, some astute and "right on" architectural observations on this site!

Thanks for the nice comments, Tkchap. Its always nice to know someone appreciates what we try to do in settings that don't feature an ocean.

« **Reply #7 on:** August 28, 2003, 04:03:50 PM »

Jeff - Thanks for responding.

If you get a chance, could you tell the guys about the work you did at Bent Tree? I just love the place. If memory serves me, didn't a guy start by putting a few holes in his back yard and called it "Field of Greens." Then, I believe you came in and made a championship course.

Some of my favorites on the course include the par-5 4th, the long par-4 8th, followed by the short par-5 9th (Guys, this is genius 8 plays dead into the wind most days and scoring 4 very difficult. Then you turn around and play the downwind 9th and are disappointed if you don't make birdie).

The back features two more great three shot holes 12 and 15. Also the one shotters are quite unique. Especially 13.

Below is a link to the website. Pictured is the 12th, with 13 green in the background. Note the tree in the 12th fairway. Good stuff.

http://www.benttreegolf.com/

« **Reply #8 on:** August 28, 2003, 04:35:52 PM »

There was an existing, home built course on the site when my client (a superintendent I had worked with previously up at Brooks Golf Club in Okoboji) bought it. The land was too tight for a full 18, and they acquired the south parcel, with me routing those holes in conjunction with a small proposed housing development.

The 8th is one of the holes that used the old farmers steep bank erosion control grading as a feature. Those, and the rolling prairie grass site obviously would define the course.

The 1st and 10th are the only holes that don't follow the topgraphy. To get the other holes, we needed to cut through a large hill for both, creating some monster valley holes, somewhat reminiscent of Ireland. I was dissapointed on those to see how the cart paths, added later, were put too close to the fairways, but, such is life.

I was surprised that you mentioned Bent Tree but not two of my other area works - the Pioneer Park remodel, and Highlands, both for the city of Lincoln! Certainly, Bent Tree has some spectacular topography, but each of the city courses has their charms.....

« **Reply #9 on:** August 28, 2003, 05:09:10 PM »

Man, I am in Heaven.

First, let me say that I didn't know you did the rework at Pioneers, but you did a masterful job. Now, I have a question. Was is tempting for you to put bunkers in around the greens or was that a requirement that you not add bunkers to a bunkerless course.

I don't know if it is now the back nine (I consider it the front) but the close of that nine is excellent. The driveable par-4, long par-4, dogleg par-4 around the canyon, short par-3 and then the last hole a dogleg right.

What you did at Highlands was spectacular. I love the 5th and especially the short par-4 7th with the large bunker as well as the 9th and 18th. My younger brother was one off the lead at the state tournament a few years ago when he pulled his drive at 11 and lost a ball into the tallgrass ending his chances.

I just checked your website and saw you are doing some rework in Kearney at the Country Club. Is that work nearly complete and how have you changed that course? It has been a long time since I played there.

« **Reply #10 on:** August 28, 2003, 05:22:10 PM »

Quote from: Dan Kelly on August 28, 2003, 12:42:29 PM

tkchap --

Welcome.

You're not, by any chance, related to TexSport?

If you want to get Mr. Brauer's attention, try addressing him by the name by which he's best known, nationally: "Keffrey Bauer."

Dan

I've never stopped in Nebraska on my way to Minnesota nor do I know anyone who lives there. Thanks for remembering me though.
I have played Jeff Brauer's Stonehouse course in Nashville. It has the Brauer resort golf philosophy incorporated into the design. There is a scenic par 3 set against a high bluff with a forced water carry plus some reachable par 5's that reward successfully challenging danger.

Texsport

« **Reply #11 on:** August 28, 2003, 09:17:45 PM »

tkchap,

Welcome to GCA, I play Bent Tree a couple times per year because I like the flow of the course, right up until the finish. I am not being critical and understand the limitations that Jeff B. was working with when I raise this question. My question is, if we could play god, would it be a better finish if 18 was a combination of 17 and 18? I.E. take out the 17th green to force the golfer to either go for the current 18th green with water in front or to lay up? The other question I thought in my mind would be where would you put the par 3 to replace the par 3 eighteenth? If you think that is too long of a finish hole, you could move the tees up or make it a par 5. Just some fun thoughts on a Friday night.

Jason

« **Reply #12 on:** August 28, 2003, 09:23:52 PM »

Tex,

I have to admit, when I saw a complimentary post about me on this site, I did what Dan did, and checked his email to see if it was an acquaintence!

I haven't been in Grand Island, NB for several years, and I had to say his post was "legit.'

For the record, the course at Opryland is "Springhouse" named after a historic structure on the site near the entry.

TkChap,

We did two holes at Kearny years ago. Thats not current.

Also, the city decided that Pioneers should be bunkerless, to provide a distinguishing feature among their city courses.

It was originally designed by W.H. Tucker, who we have discussed a few times here. I have to say, I found a lot of hip stuff for a 1916 design - the first follows the valley, the seventh hugs a ridge on its outside dogleg - play too far left and you're down the hill, so no bunker was necessary. All around good stuff. When the 11th was a par 5 in the old days, his original reverse deck green made a lot of sense. When I got there it played as a long par 4, and we took out the reverse deck.

I have heard that the short par 4 7th at Highlands may be due for a change. Apparently, the driving bunker, which is huge, is both too much to maintain, and slows play too much. I think they want to take it out, but I recommended keeping its key elements, mainly the far carry edge and the inside edge as sand, and let the rest go wild.....

Mdugger,

yeah, I figured a rookie on a bulldozer would get great contours if told to build them straight. Of course, I had to tell LUI NOT to let you build any tees!

« **Reply #13 on:** August 28, 2003, 09:39:30 PM »

Jason, an interesting thought. Let me make sure I understand what you mean. Are you saying you would like to see 17 shortenend and 18 play as a driveable par-4? Like adding about 80-90 yards to 18 such that it would play in the 270-280 range. While not a bad thought, I think you would play three holes, then, consecutively that were all short par-4 holes (not that I am against that). In addition it would make par-73 (not that I am against that, either).

I like how it ends to tell you the truth. 15 it a great thinking par-5, 16 a near driveable par-4 with par defended around the green and 17 has a classic high tee and you usually don't need more than 8 or 9-iron to that hole. I think the finish on 18 is good because it puts at least a 5-7 iron in your hand from the back tees and it can be a shot that really tests you if you have a solid round going. Its definitely not an easy par. Bent Tree is the only course I have played other than Pasatiempo that ends with a short hole and think they both fit in nicely with the rest of the golf course.

Just more fun thoughts, I guess. On a side note, how far are you from CB? Any other courses you like in the area? Thanks!!

« **Reply #14 on:** August 28, 2003, 09:47:47 PM »

Jason,

Normally par 3's are easy to fit in, but Bent Tree was an unusal property with its hills and limited budget. Even the 13th was a squeeze with a small walkback, and thats unusual.

I wouldn't have had a forced carry/layup decision on 18. We have discussed the Hells Half Acre Concept of Tillie here before, and I have defended the modern practice of always having a safe way around rather than a forced layup. Since the pond was there, at least public golfers have a forced carry with an iron in hand and the ball on a tee, maximizing chances for success. I never discount the advantages on a public course of giving the golfer a chance at success on the 18th. Unscientific studies (well, mostly me and my friends) show that golfers buy more beer in the clubhouse after a good 18th hole....

Six of the GD top 100 end in par 3's. One of my favorite childhood courses ended with a par 3. Deep down, I was not against the idea of an 18th hole par 3 and it seemed to fall more naturally on what was a difficult routing, so I went with it. Actually, I wanted the 18th at the Quarry at Giants Ridge to be a par 3, and had others who felt the same way, but the Owners Rep outvoted us about 1 to 6. So, I understand how you feel on the subject.....

« **Reply #15 on:** August 28, 2003, 10:00:28 PM »

tkchap,

I enjoy the course the way it is as well. However, if I was god, I would rather make the finishing hole a longer par 4 which in my mind would make it more dramatic. In other words rip out the 18th tees and the 17th green. But, I have tried to figure out where you would find room on the property for a par three to replace the current 18 par three?

My favorite holes on the course are 12, 14, 15 and 8 (I am sick, I like the long par three in the prevailing wind). I live about 20 miles from the course on the Omaha side and belong to a club in CB which is close to work. My other favorite courses in the area are Quarry, Woodland Hills, Arbor Links, Firethorn, Shadow Ridge and OCC. Out your way, Lochland, Wild Horse and of course Mullen. Underrated courses in our state, (9-holers included) Fairbury, Beatrice CC, Norfolk CC, Blair-Riverside and McCook.

Jason

« **Reply #16 on:** August 28, 2003, 10:10:53 PM »

Hi Jeff,

The only place I have a problem with par 3 being placed is on the 2nd hole of a public course.

For some reason every time I finish at BTree I want to hit my approach on 17 to the 18 green. Its intuition, instinct, insane personality or something

. Actually, I think its that you wind in between so many good holes on the natural lay of the land and then you finish with a short 16, 17 and 18. Where those final three holes left over from the previous 9 holer? Also, I admit that I use a cart when I play there most of the time, those old terraced corn fields are steep!!

Thanks Jeff,

Jason

« **Reply #17 on:** August 29, 2003, 11:25:05 AM »

Jeff Brauer- My first position as a "head greenkeeper" was at Pioneer 1964-1968. I was back there 3 years ago and played. I had hoped to run in to you somewhere to tell you I thought you did a great job with the restoration-rebuild. I don't know a nicer view in golf than from the 1st-10th tees at Pioneer. Come see us in Austin if your in the area--Doug

« **Reply #18 on:** August 29, 2003, 11:28:46 AM »

Doug,

I had forgotten you started there, having first run into you at a small course in Kansas, no? I do get to Austin, as you know, and will be sure to stop by and see you.

« **Reply #19 on:** August 29, 2003, 03:45:51 PM »

Doug Peterson:
I remember Dale Hardy mentioning your name maybe five years ago as someone to contact about Pioneers' course. I used to work at Pio too. Drop me a note if you get time. Their 75th is in '05.
jay@neb.rr.com

Jeff Brauer:
Thanks again for your help over the winter researching Pio. I haven't found any additional Tucker drawings, but if I do I'll let you know. I'd sure like to learn more about this guy. $:-\$

As for Highlands' 7th hole and the large bunker, nothing has been changed and nothing is planned for this year. Jeff Gasseling, our superintendent, and his small staff have done a tremendous job considering last years extreme drought conditions. We probably lost 20 percent (after the Mayor turned off the water), but a good amount of seed went in last fall and thanks to a wet spring it's fully back.

???Would you ever be interested in returning to Highlands and consulting on any bunker work that might "be deemed" to be necessary? Personally, I'd like to have you around if anything does change.

tkchap: BTW, we've had two aces on #7 at Highlands this year. Not bad for a par-4!

Jay Carstens
Highlands GC
Lincoln, NE

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