Highlands Links - Current Conditions after tree removal

[Evan_Smith]

I was just wondering if anybody has played Highlands this summer and can report on the current condition on the course.  I'm heading out there this weekend and I can't wait to see all of the tree removal that Ian has done.  I was last there in Oct. 2008 (to get married) and the course was in horrible condition but they had started removing some trees behind 7 and 14.  It will be interesting to compare my photos from 2006 & 2008 to photos I'll take this year.  I'll do a post of before and after shots when I get back. 

[Greg McMullin]

I was just wondering if anybody has played Highlands this summer and can report on the current condition on the course.  I'm heading out there this weekend and I can't wait to see all of the tree removal that Ian has done.  I was last there in Oct. 2008 (to get married) and the course was in horrible condition but they had started removing some trees behind 7 and 14.  It will be interesting to compare my photos from 2006 & 2008 to photos I'll take this year.  I'll do a post of before and after shots when I get back. 

Evan, I haven't been there myself but friends who have tell me the course is in great shape and the work that Ian undertook made a huge improvement in the condition of greens. Contributing to overall conditions is the fact that they have had some great weather in the area with warm temps and not a lot of rain. Check out the highlandslinksgolf.com webpage and click on the course cam that shows number one and 18. Looking forward to your impressions and pictures.

[Dan Herrmann]

http://highlandslinksgolf.com/webcam.asp

Darn, I really do love that place!  Those webcam pictures make me ache for a trip back up there.

[Ryan Admussen]

$800 for a seasons pass? If only I could find work our there!

[Evan_Smith]

Well I'm happy to say that the course was in 1000% better condition than it was in Oct. 2008.  The greens were full of grass and the beginning of the tree removal looks to have made an immediate impact.  I got back late last night after playing 4 rounds and will post some photos when I get a chance (I may be at work until 9pm tonnight ).  Being out there again cements my thoughts that Highlands Links is the best course I've played in North America (and I've played some very good ones).

[Greg McMullin]

Here are old and new photos of number two showing the clearing on the right side of two close to number 3 tee. Older picture is from 2005.