Olympic Hills Golf Club, Eden Prairie, MN - Ron Prichard Reconstruction

[Joe Lynch]

I played Olympic a few weeks after the renovation was complete last year as well as earlier this spring.  I'm not sure how quickly they have the greens running now but when they're tuned up - the contours as Jeff alluded to can lead to an inordinate amount of 3 putts.  I feel the new driving range is one of the best in the state and definitely on par with Interlachen, Minikahda, Hazeltine, etc.  Overall, Ron Prichard did a very nice job especially with the fairway bunkers.  A few holes in particular (#13, #16, #17) seemed to resemble a Donald Ross creation.  The only issues I have are the noticeable amount of homes on the course and the uphill climbs following the 9th and 15th holes if a staff member is unable to drive you to the next tee box.  I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested and I look forward to playing it again soon.       

Joe Lynch   

[Jason Topp]

Are you still required to cross the road on both the front and back nines?

[Jeff Shelman]

Jason,


You are still required to cross the road on both nines, which makes it a harder walk. Going across isn't so bad as the first crossing is the tunnel under the road and the second is downhill. But going back to the clubhouse side of the road is tough.


The nines have been flipped so that 18 now finishes next to the clubhouse. So nine ends on the other side of the road near the now-improved short game area. That's a haul to 10, but it appears that they do shuttle people at times.


I agree with Joe that the range is really good. I would compare it to the Minikahda range and it has a similar look with target greens, etc. It isn't as good as Hazeltine or Windsong or Interlachen, but still quite good.

[V_Halyard]

Jason,


You are still required to cross the road on both nines, which makes it a harder walk. Going across isn't so bad as the first crossing is the tunnel under the road and the second is downhill. But going back to the clubhouse side of the road is tough.


The nines have been flipped so that 18 now finishes next to the clubhouse. So nine ends on the other side of the road near the now-improved short game area. That's a haul to 10, but it appears that they do shuttle people at times.


I agree with Joe that the range is really good. I would compare it to the Minikahda range and it has a similar look with target greens, etc. It isn't as good as Hazeltine or Windsong or Interlachen, but still quite good.

Had a great time playing with Jeff and agree with his thoughts.  I would add that deftly Ron re-imagined some fairly unappealing holes routed through a canyon-like alley of homes. He used bunkers and fescue to create an enough of an illusion to help the player focus on the golf hole and momentarily forget they were playing through an alleyway of barbecue pits and swimming pools. Ron delivered an excellent 'mirage' within a thicket of urban golf.


This is a notable and very interesting original Ron Prichard design showcasing his design sense on a blank canvas. I did not play the prior iteration so will trust Jeff and Jason's description. I enjoyed this version and look forward to playing it again... when it thaws.