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Gary Daughters

Eastward Ho!, etc
« on: June 21, 2006, 09:04:52 AM »
Just got back from Cape Cod, where I had the chance to have a quick look at Eastward Ho!  I don't believe I've seen  anything like it this side of Scotland.  It is much more hilly and rolly than I had expected.  Very dramatic, especially the way the land cascades down toward the water.  Way down there was a 2-tiered green clinging precariously to the side of a hill and another hole down below it running parallel to the shore.  Par is 71 and the back tees play but 6356/71.  The other sets of tees go 5888, 5404, 4930.  Atmosphere was not at all stuffy.  Did something I never do.. bought a souvenier from the pro shop only to realize later that a visor and a thinning dome are not a good match.

There are some BAD golfers on Cape Cod, visitors and locals alike.  A Saturday morning round at Cranberry Valley took 5+ hours.  CV is a nice course with 2 memorable holes, both on the front side.   The par-3's play a bit too similar.. all in the 180 yds range.  The 18th hole is a bit bizzare.. shaped like the water going down a toilet.

On the subject of bad golfers I witnessed a first at the Highland Links at Truro.  A gentleman in the 4-some I joined hit a drive off his front foot.  Highland is a wondrous 9-holer that dates to 1892.  Locals say it's the 4th oldest in the country.  It's short, quirky, linksy, windy.. again, a lot like Scotland.  The 6th hole perched atop tremendous dunes overlooking the beach is one I'll never forget.  
« Last Edit: June 21, 2006, 09:10:08 AM by Gary Daughters »
THE NEXT SEVEN:  Alfred E. Tupp Holmes Municipal Golf Course, Willi Plett's Sportspark and Driving Range, Peachtree, Par 56, Browns Mill, Cross Creek, Piedmont Driving Club

Jordan Wall

Re:Eastward Ho!, etc
« Reply #1 on: June 21, 2006, 01:33:52 PM »
Gary,

Are you from Europe?
5+ hour rounds are the norm in the U.S., unfortunately
 :P

Eric Franzen

Re:Eastward Ho!, etc
« Reply #2 on: June 21, 2006, 01:43:45 PM »
Jordan,

Are you from the U.S.?

5+ hour rounds are the norm in Europe (except for the british isles), unfortunately.

 ;D

Brad Tufts

Re:Eastward Ho!, etc
« Reply #3 on: June 21, 2006, 03:41:02 PM »
I agree that Eastward Ho! is one of the better courses in Mass.  Save for Oyster Harbors (which I haven't seen), it could be tops on the Cape.

I've also played Highland Links, which is great fun, even though two trips around is only 5450 yds.  The second hole, in a valley between two gorse(ish) covered hillsides is fantastic.  Perhaps more fun than playing there is hitting a few water balls out into the ocean off the cliff!

I've never seen Cranberry Valley, but I've heard it's in the same ballpark as many of the other 60's-1990 publics on the Cape...Olde Barnstable, Captains, Dennis Highlands/Pines, Hyannis GC..

As for 5 hour rounds, they are to be expected on the Cape, unless you play on a weekday...

-Brad
So I jump ship in Hong Kong....

Gary Daughters

Re:Eastward Ho!, etc
« Reply #4 on: June 21, 2006, 06:59:57 PM »

Jordan..

I live in Atlanta, but as I avoid weekend play at all costs I'm usually able to scoot around in about 3.  5 hrs. of waiting pretty much defeats the purpose for me.

Brad ..

Cranberry Valley, despite its recent vintage, had a discernibly "old" feel to it.  One of the stronger holes, a long dogleg par 4, had a nice sized mound guarding part of the green, which was a nice touch and characteristic of the overall style of the course, which I found interesting.  I recommend it.

As for the course at Truro, I only wish I'd played around dusk and with a stronger wind.  There was a really nice breeze, but you could see that it's a course where it could really roar.
THE NEXT SEVEN:  Alfred E. Tupp Holmes Municipal Golf Course, Willi Plett's Sportspark and Driving Range, Peachtree, Par 56, Browns Mill, Cross Creek, Piedmont Driving Club

Noel Freeman

Re:Eastward Ho!, etc
« Reply #5 on: June 21, 2006, 08:38:46 PM »
I just finished playing E. Ho today and I must say I love the Ho!!!!!

This is the best course in the world that no one talks about... Period!  I was blown away by the terrain, the fun, the bounces.  I will have pictures to post later this week but after 4 hrs in the car I am knackered.

All I can think about is how this course is not rated on any Top whatever lists... But maybe they like it that way!

E.Ho is easily in my top 50 in the world.  Obviously a personal ranking.. The stretch from 4-8 is all world with unique holes

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