As a WVU alum, my wife and I lived in Morgantown during and after the time the original nine opened. We both caddied there, as well as Pete Dye. Sadly, since the ownership change, the caddie program at Dye was shuttered.
I plan on playing the course this Fall, as I intend to go the our pivotal football game with LSU Sept. 24.
My impressions, having last played the original 9 in 2008 and no rounds on the new nine. Obviously, all comments are regarding original nine only. Routing was pretty solid. While a couple of holes are somewhat straight, the fairway undulations, while subtle, offered a lot of ball movement and controlling shots was a factor, especially when the course firmed up, which happened frequently.
The course is demanding, but it didn't play unfairly...you just had to play golf! I will say that the construction was not directed by seasoned, professional architects or shapers. Some of the soil coverage over the landing areas was/is thin. The ground is very rocky, remember this is West Virginia we're talking about! That said, the owner and his team, overall, did a damn good job on a challenging site for that first nine.
The tree clearing, while perhaps having a mediocre look from an aerial, has a random feel to it in most places. Speaking as someone with an arborist background, one couldn't really knock the results from what or how they cleared. Could the clearing have had more width in spots? YES! The owner, however, didn't intend this course to be an easy play...on any day, in any way!
It is a bit of an examination, but adding tees to arrive around 6,500 and maybe 5,500 for the forwards, they'd have it all covered. Again, I'm not sure what the next nine holds, but I imagine a similar MO was the approach.
The clubhouse, range etc., are understated and first-class. From my experience, the folks that run it have always been warm and cordial. It is quite private though, so knowing someone will be helpful if you wish to play. I believe they are looking for national members and the serenity and views are hard to beat. It flys under the radar, but just based on the nine I've played (50 caddie rounds,15 plays) it's well-worth seeing and playing.
I would certainly put it on the equal of Pete Dye Club if the second nine is on par with what I know is there on that original nine. The greens are more interesting. It's FAR more natural looking. Pete's place always had a little too much of a vaudville-feel to it for me. There's one green on Pete's that is an abortion. I can usually remember holes on a course, but I've tried to forget that one! Even if you can hold it, a three putt is assured about 75% of the time...BBBAAAAAD! That said, there are some good holes there as well.
Hope that sheds some light on what's at Pikewood. At least nine of it anyway!
Cheers,
Kris