Playing Holston for a 2nd and 3rd time on this trip was a real treat. The bunker restoration project, which was completed some time ago, really makes this course look a lot better than in did from the pictures I've seen previous to it's completion. I cannot comment on the playability, but they really are sharp looking!! I cannot call it my favorite D. Ross design, I really don't know if I can single one out as a definite favorite. However, I think the course holds it's own with likes of the Pine Needles, Pinehurst No.2s, and Oakland Hills of the world. Certainly this design felt closer to a Pine Needles or a Number 2, than Oakland Hills, in terms of FEEL. Simply a fun, engaging round of Golf, if I could only figure out that 2nd hole?
Sounds to me like a good enough reason for another visit!!
Lookout Mountain was kind of a dissappointment in my mind, and I'm not talking about the golf but merely the circumstances which limited our round. I only wish that we could of played the entire course, without rushing to beat the setting sun and on a fresh set of legs which slowed us down a little. (Not to mention the bonnie situation
) The day we played the weather took a turn for the better, unless you weren't prepared to walk 36 holes in the 75 degree heat complete with a shining sun. I was not. The course itself however was fantastic, the greens as Brian said were lightning. We both putted off the first green (up the hill I might add). The property did have quite a bit of movement elevation wise, and its unique setting a top of a mtn. was like nothing I've ever experienced. A big thanks to Mark Stovall for setting us up and really treating us to some of the history surrounding the design. A returned trip has already been discussed and we're hoping to make it back down for a more thorough examination this year.
Tennesse National was another pretty good golf course. I did really enjoy the 3 pars out here as well as the 5 pars. I couldn't however get over the contrasting bunker sytles. Occasionally they worked, but I think overall it was a failing attempt. I can understand why the sod faced bunkers don't work in the fairways, as they would be nearly impossible to advance a ball, as a result turning off a good number of golfers. However, the contrast looked very awkward in some cases and I'm not usually one to harp on issues like these but for some reason they really did bother me here. Other than that, the course was certainly enjoyable and I would definitely return for another game.
The real surprise for me was Black Creek Club. The style demonstrated here was unlike anything I've ever played. We had the pleasure of playing the front nine with head pro Todd McKittrick, and he was really able to "show us" around the course. That especially was useful at the par 5 6th, where a blind shot played to a generous punchbowl style green would of really left us guessing. I can say that this style (template GC?) was pulled off in a way here that makes me crave more. If I'm not mistaken I think that Todd said it was the only non- Seth Raynor course to be a member of the Seth Raynor society. We did get a taste of Raynor later that day at Lookout, but like I said, under the circumstances, I couldn't truly appreciate what I was looking at / playing. Well done Brian Silva.
Tennesse seemingly is a great place to play golf. I can assure you that it was a welcomed relief in the middle of probably the snowiest (is that a word?) winter we've had in Michigan since I've been living. At a about an 8 hr. drive from Lansing, I can see returning to this state in the coming winters to find a game.
P.S. Chris I can't freakin wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S.S. We left on a saturday night, around 12:30 a.m. Drove straight to Tenn. Nat and played 36 holes. The next day we did 18 Black Creek / 13-14 Lookout. Third and final day 36 Holston.