The 2nd on the Maples was one of 3 holes on the Woodlake property with a fairway island concept. The others were the 18th holes on both courses, we abandoned the original Maples 18th to create 25 lakefront residential lots. I will find out later this week if the old Palmer 18th will become a 6 hole short course this spring/summer. I created a new Maples 18th by routing a new 520 ish par 5 backward down the old Palmer 1st.
The 2nd hole is a par 5 playing across a lake connector to a 2 acre fairway section. Driver is not too much club, playing near and right of the 2 bunkers left off the tee provides the ideal and shortest route. There is little to no dry ground over the bunkers but plenty out right. The 2nd shot has multiple options, if not going for the green, a direct line at the left greenside bunker sets up a great angle into the green. The original hole had a right side bunker between the green and lake which was removed providing a more dramatic forced carry option.
The course was mostly overgrown when I first visited, the turf areas were anywhere from 4 to 6 feet high in growth. Greens were covered in broomsedge and bunkers unrecognizable including 10-12’ small pines and other scrub.
Having renovated several Ellis Maples designs, I’m convinced Woodlake is one of his best. His associate at the time (1971)was Ed Seay. Holes 1-2 along the lake are a soft opening to what follows. 3 through 10 are as good as it gets, the 11th was a bit of a sleeper we enhanced with a subtle punchbowl green. 12 thru 18 are great examples of how to design on flattish ground using lateral movement, varied width and layering of bunkers. The putting surfaces are Ellis at his very best, tons of variety set on angles with extended corners. We reclaimed quite a bit of surface in the corners and softened a few areas but they’re largely his original concepts except for the 18th.
Once the 1200 acre lake is restored and other clubhouse related amenities completed, Woodlake will realize its true potential, something I doubt it ever did with the prior owners. As Jay mentioned, this course can hold its own in the Pinehurst/SP market full of great courses.
Thanks for giving the course the exposure it deserves, definitely put it on your play list when visiting Pinehurst. It will offer semi private and package play. (Pardon my typo’s)