Jim,
This is from last fall... I have pictures that I will try to post.
Yesterday I had the chance to play Bellerive Country Club for the first time since the redesign work was completed. For those not in the know, Rees was brought in to rework the whole golf course, including all bunkers and greens as well as some tees. The course opened for play last month.
The golf course is improved. I firmly believe this. Much of the improvement, however, comes with the betterment of certain golf holes. Holes 2, 3, 8 and 17 are substantially better, with improved sightlines, much less awkward angles and a cleansing of both trees and water. I will describe the changes to these holes below. At the same time, however, I find Bellerive lacking the charm and quirk that would make the golf course great. Everything on the golf course is right in front of the golfer… Simply put, Bellerive lacks surprise. As a tournament venue the golf course is a total success.
2.
Number two used to require a 250-yard tee shot to have any chance at a clear shot to the green. The trees down the left have been cleaned substantially, bringing the lake more into play but helping the shorter hitter with better options on the second shot. The green is approximately 325 yards from the blue tee as the crow flies… this could make for some interesting options for the big hitter in a major.
3.
The routing really used to stumble here as the tees for 3 and 12 were crossed, slowing down traffic and confusing players. The new tees are just to the left of the second green. The flow is much improved. The green has a cool shelf on the left that hides between a new bunker and the lake. This is a good par 3.
8.
The old 8 used to require a snap hook to an awkward fairway that was overtreed. The tees have been moved across the creek now, improving the angle and creating a much better driving hole. The trees have also been thinned down the left. The green now sets up much better to receive fairway metals or short irons. This used to be the worst hole on the golf course… now it is a solid par 5.
17.
The awkward lake that used to exist along the right side of the fairway and in front of the green is totally gone. The hole is now just a straightforward and very long par 5 that has a much broader landing area for second shots.
Overall I like Bellerive. The golf course seems to lack the strategic options, however, that keep me (ADD) focused. I never seemed to think about angles or planning… I just tried to avoid the hazards and hit the greens. After playing Kansas City Country Club earlier this week, a Tillinghast course that just oozed charm, Bellerive left me wondering if there was more to be discovered on this site...