[Greg Holland]

He is listed as the designer of a course in the Piedmont Triad called Meadowlands and the Members Course at St. James Plantation at Southport.  The Members Club at St. James Plantation was billed as the most player-friendly of their 3 courses, with wide fairways, ground game options and few forced carries.

Who does Irwin work with on his designs?  Has anyone played his courses?  

Thanks

[Joel_Stewart]

I played a course in Reno, NV called D'Andrea CC which was just OK.   Very hilly, tough piece of land plus they had lost their greens because of a bad winter so it wasn't perfect in any way.

The real person behind Hale Irwin design is Stan Gentry.  I believe they are out of St. Louis.   Perhaps someone can discuss Mr. Gentry but I believe he has a long background and is well experienced in golf architecture.

You could assume (I do) that Hale himself with his schedule doesn't spend alot of time on the projects or in the field.  He was choosen to restore Forest Park in St. Louis which I would be interested to see if anyone knows about the details.

[Craig Van Egmond]

I think a lot of Hale's earlier architecture forays where with Dick Phelps.

[Jason Tetterton]

I've played Waterford GC in Rock Hill, SC.  It's been a while but I remember it being a solid test.  I've heard that the course condition has suffered since a management group took control of the operations.  In 1998, it was nominated as one of the "Best New Daily Fee Golf Course", by Golf Digest.  From the tips it measures 6913 yds, a Par 72, with a rating of 72.2,and slope of 132.  It is a Hale Irwin / Stan Gentry design.  Those are the facts and I'm sticking to them.  I'd recommend it, if you're in the area.

[Andy Acker]

I have played Quail Creek Golf Course in Saint Louis. I found many of the holes somewhat awkward in that they favor a left to right ball flight. Other holes feature severe doglegs and holes routed by large deep slopes (nearly a ravine) that don't have sufficient space to receive a less than optimal tee shot.

The course is rated at 73.6 with a slope of 141. Sorry to be tough on Hale but I think this was an early effort on his part.

[JohnV]

I played the St. James Plantation course a few years ago and it was a basic decent layout that didn't leave a big impression on me.  I'm sure it is more player-friendly than the P.B. Dye course there which is supposed to be a monster.  I only saw a small part of it during the drive into the area and it looked pretty hard.

[Don Dinkmeyer]

I have played the Coyote (?) course just north of Lafayette, Indiana. Its a wonderful site for the most part, bordered by housing on just a few holes.

My recall, though, is nothing special. Not sure where it is in his chronlogy, but its very playable for a high handicap (not me, but close!). Thinking about this (played once about a year ago), no hole comes to mind as particularly unfair.

[Greg Holland]

I have now played the Members Course as St. James.  I agree with John, it was decent and did seem to be based on a classic design template (i.e., greens on par 5's are very small, some ground options, etc.), but it wasn't particularly strategic or unique.  The wind was howling and really impacted play.  There were a couple of interesting greens, but most were pretty basic.  Hale posted a one over 73 at the grand opening round.

The few holes I saw on the PB Dye course did look tough -- lots of moguls, elevated greens, forced carries over marsh, etc.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Irwin is also listed as the designer of 9 soon to be 18 at Towa in New Mexico near Black Mesa. I didn't play there when I visited NM last year. Maybe Adam Clayman can help on this course.

From www.towagolf.com

      Situated in beautiful Northern New Mexico and complimented by splendid southwestern terrain and stunning desert sunsets, the Towa Golf Resort caters to those who are looking for an outstanding golf experience.

      Designed by Hale Irwin and William Phillips, the course utilizes the natural topography and unique natural rock and piñon trees indigenous to the area. Whether you are an experienced golfer or a high handicapper looking to sharpen your skills, the Towa Golf Resort offers golfing excitement for everyone.

      The twenty-seven holes currently open are the Boulder Nine
      (Par 36, 3640 yards - Phillips design)
      the Piñon Nine (Par 36, 3615 yards - Irwin design)
      and the Butterfly Nine (Par 36, 3380 yards - Phillips design)

      The next 9 holes, scheduled to open are the Valley Nine
      (Par 36, 3575 yards - Irwin design).

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Irwin also did Prescott Lakes in AZ. I've not played there in my many trips to AZ.

www.prescottlakesgolf.com

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