Hawk Pointe-Pics

[Paul_Turner]

Finally will post some pics from the state that I live in!  It's Hawk Pointe designed by our very own Kelly Blake Moran. Played it with the redanman last Friday. I was very impressed with the course; it sits very nicely on the land and interestingly bunkered to encourage the player to flirt with the hazards.  The greens range from simple tilts to some very wild stuff and several of these can dictate shot choice from the tee.

I'll comment more later, but here's the front 9:


1st

2nd, very difficult and super par 4.  The carry is worth the gamble, for the right angle into the tilted green:

2nd green

3rd, diagonal wetland carry.

3rd approach

4th side on view, tee from right.  Green slopes quickly from left to right.

5th green

6th

6th double plateau green

7th

Behind wild 7th green

8th, on of the best holes.  Pin position will change choice of tee shot angle.

8th approach

Looking back on 8th to 1st, notice crinkled fairway.

9th (destroyer of my 3 iron)

[Tommy_Naccarato]

Pau,
Some rally good looking stuff here. Looks like the course would be a fun one to play on a regular basis.

The only think its missing--condos. Lots of them. What are those two tower-like things near the barn? Tear them down, build lotsa condos there too. They need condos here.

[Scott_Burroughs]

Here's the aerial of HP, which was AOTD #402 just a few
weeks ago (thread: http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forums2/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=6161 ):

[Big B]

Anybody know about Ledrach Golf Club (in PA) designed by Kelly Blake Moran as well?  I think it's scheduled to open in Spring of 2004...

[Mike_Cirba]

Paul;

Once again, thanks for sharing some great pics.

Hawk Pointe is indeed worth a visit, and I would direct everyone's attention to the picture of the 6th green.

It's not exactly obvious from the pic, but closer inspection reveals that green is almost a sideways Biarritz, or "gull wing", with a dip of about 3-4 feet between the side sections.

Also, anyone hear anything on the opening of Morgan Hill, Moran's newest design near Easton, PA?

[Mike_Sweeney]

Also, anyone hear anything on the opening of Morgan Hill, Moran's newest design near Easton, PA?

Mike,

I walked about 1/2 the course in April. I think they recently finished up the range, so it should be open next season, not sure if it will be June or September.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

In response to Big B's question re Lederach in Lower Salford Twp, PA, I recently read an article (can't remember where) stating that construction has been delayed and that the course probaly won't open until 2005.

[Mike_Cirba]

Mike Sweeney;

Thanks for the update on Morgan Hill.  

I still owe Kelly a reply on getting up there to have a look-see, and I'm eager to see his work on a site where I know he's had to move more earth than he generally prefers.

All;

Another interesting thing I'd point out from Paul's pics is the view from behind the 7th green.  The hole is a par five, and has one of the most unique, interesting greens I've seen in modern times.  For those of us who are fans of front to back sloping greens, this is an interesting twist.  The green is probably about 40 yards long, but quite narrow.  The first 30-40 feet of the green rise up quite abruptly, and then flow from a high point for the next 75 feet and sweep away from the player.  The number of possible hole locations is dramatically variant, and all sorts of possible shots come to mind depending on one's angle and shot distance.  

Remember in viewing the pic that it's taken from behind the green (which flows into a chipping area behind).  Now, just for fun, and to illustrate my point, try to find the flagstick.  (hint...it's way to the right hand side of the picture).  in the pic, the hole is cut on the abrupt rise in the front portion of green, but imagine a shot that flies long, or runs to far, or imagine the variation of a hole cut to the back of the green and how that influences the approach shot.

Fun stuff, and very creatively imaginative.

[Matt_Ward]

For what it's worth -- the 6th hole at Hawk Pointe was selected by Jersey Golfer as one of the best public holes in the state. This short par-4 poses a number of strategic situations and the green is indeed a peach! If you are on the wrong side of the hole a likely three-putt is sure to happen unless you have Aoki putting skill.

The only issue I have with Hawk Pointe is that a number of the par-4's are rather similar in length. If memory serves -- no less than five of them are within a dozen yards of the same distance.

Also -- I believe, the club will be going the private route sometime soon -- likely completely in '04. For those who have not played it thus far -- it's certainly worth a look.

[Kelly_Blake_Moran]

P Turner you take excellent photographs and from some flattering angles.  A good photographer can make anything look good!

Morgan Hill is done and planted.  They are playing 9 holes, out of order, for some reason.  The entire course should be ready for play by June 2004.  I apologize for the cart path on #11 in full view from the tee.  I tried hard to get it removed once I discovered my mistake but to no avail.  If a couple of jobs get going soon I may just hire my own crew and pay for it my self.  Otherwise it is a nice course.

Lederach golf club in Lower Salford Township is under construction again.  It was delayed mainly by the PA archeological concerns.  Construction previously began in April.  They spent 5 months and actually confirmed that Indians were on the property.  Even more astounding they found arrow heads!  This winter will be spent moving bulk dirt and installing erosion and sedimentation controls in preparation for the golf contractor to come on site next spring.  Clearing is going well and we have saved some beauties.  Shag bark hickories are magnificent trees, and we have a couple of specimans in harmless areas.  

[Paul_Turner]

Kelly

Don't be so modest!  Of your own courses, it must be a favourite.

The back 9.


The 11th, the only point where containment mounding is a bit jarring.


11th approach

12th tee


12th approach


13th


Severe green at 13th.


14th tee


15th tee.  Interesting par 5, but I don't think the alternative fairway makes much sense.  Nasty cart path near that green too.


Green 15th


Side on view of the triple level green at par 3 16th, shot is from the right.


17th

No light for 18th.