Reviewed by: golferbob37, Shoots in the 80s Summary:
Wow, what a golf course!! Currently ranked #4 in Alaska by Golf Digest, and it is a dandy. I'm visiting the area from Maryland, so I'm accustomed to somewhat different course styles thatn here in AK. Played here for the first time 6-27-07, from the white tees, 6124 yards, 69.2/125. Rating should be more like 140! Course is VERY tight, fairways have a LOT of contour, not just occasional mounding, very little buffer space between fairway and the deep woods. Lots of verticality, and target areas are hard to determine, even if one walks/rides forward to scope it out. Number 17 is a 514 yard, uphill, twisting par 5, and it's rated as handicap #4! It is the hardest golf hole I've ever played, anywhere, any time: I felt truly rewarded with a bogey. Terrific course design, with no two holes looking the same. Great visuals of the Chugash Mountains right behind the course. Not much water, but plenty of bunkers, and very seriously contoured greens. Course is walkable for those in reasonable shape, but there are some pretty serious hills to contend with. Conditions today: Tee boxes, generally good, although many are crested and have no flat spot on them: fairways, pretty good for Alaska and its short growing season, some thin spots, and some few bare areas: rough is weedy, and pretty narrow in most places, so if you're off the fairway, you're in the deep stuff or down over the hill: bunkers were a little thin on sand, but playable: greens looked great, but putted way slower than expected - was also hard to get a putt to roll true over six feet or so, lots of bumps and lumps despite the pristine appearance. Having said that, the greens were much better than Eagleglen and Settlers Bay, which I played the two days preceding. HIghly recommend this course! Customer Service:
In a word, superb. Pro shop staff was efficient and friendly. Snack shop lady was very cordial, and the staff at O'Malley's restaurant topside was excelent, as was the food. Similar Courses Played:
In ALaska, Eagleglen (Elmendorf), and Settler's Bay (Wasilla). This ourse is the best of the three by far.
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