It looks really cool; it's really interesting how Nicklaus' style has evolved over the years. There are a lot of features that I see from the pictures of Harbor Shores that one certainly would not find down at Pawleys Plantation, with which I am familiar. That par 3 17th looks like an awesome little run-up shot; does the course play firm enough to allow for it?
Cheers.
--Tim
Tim - yes i think it was firm enough to do that
Ok, so I'll confirm that it IS firm enough. I swiped one way out to the right today, pin high. The runoffs are perfect for using the putter (actually got up and down that way on the 2 long par 3s on the back).
My take on the course was very, very positive. Open in some parts, tighter in others, you definitely have to position yourself correctly. The fairways play very fast, making the 6900 yds not too bad. The greens were perfect, in fact the condition of the entire course immaculate, fast and true. There were lots of subtle contours, then some very bold movements in the greens. Means you had to find the right segment, or you're in trouble. There were a couple spots where it looked like a bunker was just plopped into a landing area (#10), but nothing boring or repetitive. Loved the big dip in #10's green. The MASSIVE drop isnt very intimidating when you get there, but like the big dip in a green like #4 at Lost Dunes, you just have to use the right strategy going into it. I hit an easy driver/easy 3wood to about 40 yards, with the pin up front in the "bowl". Pretty easy up and in. You can go for it in 2 and have the slope help you, itll actually kind of protect it from going too far past (if a front pin). Now, if the pin is way back, of course you can lay back a bit and wedge it in to one of the tiers (which are pretty distinct).
The pace was brutal. I was a single, playing behind 3 4somes. I knew what I was gettng into. But it still took 5 hours to get around, even skipping 1/2 of 16... C'mon. Not fun in 90° after paying $125.
Overall, I really liked it. The "tee markers" which are sculptures with a synopsis of Jack's 18 majors greets you on each tee, and is a great touch. I'll need another play, but I could see this sneaking into the bottom half of my top 5 Michigan courses... NICE!