Mike Hendren-I have no idea what Betty White has to do with Kingsley. In fact, that reference rubs me the wrong way.
First of all, many thanks to Mike and John for putting this event together. Kingsley is a special place and a wonderful example of what is possible with a terrific piece of property and an imaginative architect who is willing to take some chances. The golf course is terrific and the fellowship and discussion was top notch (as it usually is at these get togethers).
What struck me after the three rounds I played:
-The options presented around the greens. Off the green, it was possible to putt, chip or try to fly/flop a shot near the hole. Many times the most direct route to the hole was not necessarily the best way of getting to the pin, The ability to see this and utilize it increases with the number of times one sees the golf course. There is definitely a learning curve at Kingsley (as with most great golf courses). Unfortunately, I was never a very good student.
-The greensites themselves. To me, all situated marvelously and seemingly naturally. The greens filled with great internal movement and contours...testing both one's resolve and imagination in getting to the hole. I would still like to see a back right pin location on #12.
-The variety of the holes. Jason Topp summarized it well but the mix works well and there are several changes of pace. The bunkerless #12 which serves as a transition to the wooded portion of the course. The very fine long par four #15 with a very open tee shot and a most demanding approach.
-The looks off the tees: some stunning, some revealing, some unsettling to the psyche (particularly for a first time player looking at #7, #12 and #14) but all requiring some thought, analysis and execution.
For me, it passes the ultimate test of what a golf course should do...it makes me want to come back.