On Deck: Colorado Golf Club

Links Confidential is heading out west to experience C&C's work at Colorado Golf Club. Originally built, this National Club has held a US Senior Open, and awaits the Solheim Cup in 2013. Although the project possesses a checkered past with its initial beginnings within a tough economy ala 2008, this great design has survived, was injected with new ownership, and is poised for a revivial. More to come.

Old Kinderhook

Artificial features in a natural setting

During a recent site visit for a project in the Lake of the Ozarks, I had the opportunity to enjoy all aspects of the Old Kinderhook Golf Resort. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, Old Kinderhook provides guests with your typical resort layout featuring holes of moderate strategy, some pretty views, and the occasional “head scratcher” from an architectural standpoint.

Playing Old Kinderhook is like going to Outback for dinner—you know that the menu isn’t going to blow you away, but for a few hours, you are going to have some fun and not leave disappointed because they aren’t trying to be something that they can’t live up to.

Located in the Lake of the Ozarks, Old Kinderhook is roughly a 3 hour drive from both Kansas City and St Louis. A major summer destination, the area features a massive corps of engineers developed waterfront, complete with sprawling resorts and seasonal property. The land down this way is jagged. Large elevation changes, plenty of rock, heavy foliage, and a good dose of lake effect humidity makes the area intriguing for golf. As a resort, Old Kinderhook not only provides the golf course, but has guest condos, a pro shop, restaurant and grill, and conference center that are all themed in a Colorado-style log cabin façade. As I stood on the first tee and took in the surrounding jagged hills heavily dressed in foliage and the complimenting architecture, I did get as sense for a moment that I was in Summit County Colorado looking to tee it up at the Keystone Resort. From a resort standpoint, the developers have done a fabulous job with the architecture surrounding the course to make you feel as if you were somewhere else. I would beg to differ with regards to the newer additions on the back nine as both the residential and resort additions are both tacky and take away from the interior feel of the resort that you begin with.

Before we skip forward to the golf course, let me say these two things:
1. Their staff has been trained very well and they know how to properly treat people during all aspects of the stay.
2. For $99 to stay and play, Old Kinderhook is offering a criminally-priced deal. When you take into account the golf course, a 2-bedroom cottage that I stayed in, and the setting, it’s absolutely mind-boggling to me how the operation can sustain itself on such meager prices. With that said, LC was a big winner later in the evening as I enjoyed beef tenderloin stroganoff paired with a few choice services of Pinot…not a bad way to finish off what was a beautiful evening.

The Golf Course

This course is the tale of your typical resort layout:

1. Make it easy to play and limit people’s need to think around the layout….EXCEPT for the rough….This condition presentation was extremely thick for a resort. In playing with one of the staff members, he commented that their course is for “the players.” Excuse me while I just come out and say this, but if you are a resort course to begin and end with, the LAST person you are looking to cater to is the avid “core” golfer. Cut the rough and let the 4 couples or group of guys on a weekend golf bender keep grooving through your layout free of bloodshed.

2. Lush turf conditions in all areas regardless of whether blends with the natural environment

3.  Give your customers dramatic tee shots and views regardless of the architectural merit of the design.

4. No worries about breaks between holes….all players are using carts and you can sell more condos!!!!


Holes of Note

Hole 2: 386 yards, Par 4
Short by today’s standards, this par 4 demands a well-struck positioning tee shot of 230 yards on the right side of the fairway to give the play a solid look at the elevated green which has protective bunkering. A well-placed green site, Weiskopf fashioned both good strategy and aesthetics


Hole 6: 344 yards, Par 4
Get out the bulldozers folks. The hill-side which is impeding the left-side of the fairway and promotes a bind, awkward shot to an overly-manufactured green site is both goofy and appalling.  It serves as a transition hole to the stunning par 3 7^th….remember what LC said about resort courses….get to those beauty shots at all costs when you are playing the resort game. There is plenty of room to the right whereby the green site could have been better routed therefore eliminating such an awkward design, but we’ll never know.

Hole 8: Par 4, 416 yards
Sitting on the highest point of the property, the player gets to enjoy a beautiful tee shot. The approach shot challenges the player with a green site situated over a pond, and a creek meandering between the fairway. All in all, a fairly solid hole except for the fact that they installed the Bushwood CC pond fountain feature. Nothing upsets me more than to see an artificial feature inserted into a course what is trying to encourage the player to enjoy the surroundings. Axe the “pretty-pretty fountain” for a more purposeful bubbler that will also help to eliminate algae while maintaining a more natural look that is commensurate with the rest of the design

Holes 7 & 11: Par 3
If you don’t score well on hole 7, you’ll have the chance to play pretty much the same design downhill on hole 11. You can tell that this is one of Tommie’s favorite designs from his playbook as they are copies from designs I have seen at other works such as The Ridge at Castle Pines. Thrilling, but overdone.

Hole 15, 402 Yards, Par 4
Similar to hole 2, this tee shot provides a little more real estate with a fairly straightforward approach. What’s great about the hole is not necessarily the architecture, but the surroundings. Take in the cottages, clubhouse, and topography….you will find some brief solace in the setting. The hole design is like the rest of the course—predictable and fun. Order up that “blooming onion” at Outback…this meal isn’t going to raise your pulse, but will tickle you while you eat and have you leave with a modest sense of satisfaction and a smile.

Verdict
Old Kinderhook does a fantastic job in the role it is trying to play: the present a resort course in a captured seasonal setting. I wouldn’t schedule an annual trip around either Old Kinderhook or other options in the area as they lack true architectural intrigue, but if you find yourself in the area like I did, enjoy a mindless round and then a comfortable meal and drink on the deck of their restaurant. For $99, it’s a testament to the true brutalities of the industry that one can stay and play at a fun little resort for such a small price.

Talking Stick North

When me made the turn, I was left in a state of despair.

What is so damn special about this place?

Why are all the golf geeks writing about this and raving about the minimalist design exhibited on this course?

So far, the only minimalism that I witnessed was a lack of excitement and intellect that Coore and Crenshaw inserted into this project.

Look. I’m a Coore-Crenshaw addict. I LOVE their work. Just like a destined foodie walking into a restaurant designed and opened by Thomas Keller, you expect great things.

Well, its not all of their fault. The land was so below average with any natural elevation or features that playing a quick round at a dirty truck stop parking lot south of Joplin in the Ozarks may prove to be more interesting.  Yes, the tribe had an abundant amount of money that showed with their new shiny casino hotel, and another Coore-Crenshaw design that LC played during the infamous "Jet Lag Open" back in 2011. I even had our infamous fixer “Wild Bill” accompanying me for what I thought would be an inspired round.

Still, the tequila burned down the back of my throat as we reveled in an ace that was had at the 9^th hole by Wild Bill. From 185-yards, the shot hit the front of the green, took one bounce, and rolled into the hole. It was the lone moment of celebration amidst what was somber disappointment.

It was only 9:30 in the morning, but the deed had to be done considering the feat that was just accomplished. For recovery purposes, I dipped my hand into the cooler of the beverage cart only to come out holding one of my local favorites, the Kilt Lifter. A long draw of this sweet local brew-nectar finalized our celebration and placed my focus back on the design.

The front nine of Talking Stick North initially hit me with closely-mown turf and a focus on strategic angles of approach. Throughout the first nine, a number of holes essentially “hug” the westerly fence-line while providing a “runway” style fairway approach complimented by open green sites. Yes, these greens did promote a wide range of shots it could receive, but the American infatuation with artificially-produced green grass conditions continues as this course is over-watered and does not allow for a player to properly execute a shot for which C&C designed. I’ll mark that strike against the maintenance. Still, I was searching to be inspired.

It wasn’t until the 12^th hole that the pure value of strategic option fully presented itself on what I feel is the stronger piece of acreage. More natural features, arroyos splitting fairways providing the player with options, and views of the mountains not ruined by tacky mass-constructed homes.

From the 14^th hole on, Talking Stick North quickly became one of my favorite desert courses….I would consider it my new ideal desert oasis for golf. It takes a while for the course to validate its architecture, but the overall shot values, angles of approach, and use of below-average acreage is nothing short of incredible. My stroll down the 18th fairway made me truly appreciate the effort it took on behalf of C&C to design such an inspired links on less-than-ideal acreage. The masterful use of strategic design and a demand on the mid-iron game is superior. As mentioned above, both courses could further improve themselves with firmer turf conditions that would only compliment the open-green complexes which BEG for alternative approaches to the "sky and stick" boredom of most American routings. After playing both layouts on the property, LC is confident to recommend not only the North Course, but to play it TWICE to fully understand the greatness of this design.

Back Nine Gem: Pacific Grove Links



"Northern Ireland???? Welcome to "The Grove"

The scruffy turf tempted me to grab my 8-iron to execute the desired bump and run approach to an open green. The cool ocean-infused air rustled through my gear just leaving a slight chill on my torso as I stared at a towering dune behind the green. I’m sure that the creamy pint of Guinness that is waiting for me in the clubhouse will be the perfect end to a great walk.

The Winnebago whizzes by on the winding road adjacent to the fairway carrying a “short stack” of surfboards fresh from a day of ocean frolic on the bay.

Scratch the Guinness. Order a 21^st Amendment. And oh yeah, it’s the back nine at Pacific Grove Links in Pacific Grove, California.

Before the pilgrimage to Mecca (otherwise known as Cypress), I scoured my favorite blogs looking to finalize our line-up of gems. Through my exchanges, the Pacific Grove Links kept coming up as a great muni gem, with a strong back nine that gives credence to the value of city-owned golf.

For 30 bucks, you just can’t beat these views. 

Gorgeous Views off te 17th at Pacific Grove



With the back nine being designed by Jack Neville (architect of Pebble Beach), Pacific Grove winds through ocean-front real estate that would make any developer cry (Let's hold off on that idea). As shared by other players, the front nine is merely a means to an end…a subdued, rather average park-land style layout that leaves you wondering if the gem on the back 9 is ever going to happen.

Starting on hole 11, you are immediately greeted by large dunes and welcome rustic turf conditions. Maybe some of it can be attributed to wanting fast and firm conditions. Maybe the other part of it is that the City is cutting back on maintenance…all the same, Links Confidential was pleased to be able to enjoy executing shots that the architect intended to play.

It’s a fun course, and a great warm-up to your journey to greater stops. I won’t oversell the Pac….the back nine is a great walk if you have the time. As much as the golf course was full, it was sad to see a newly built clubhouse trying to offer a full-service dinner setting to a crowd that totaled less than who is probably reading this blog—yet another reason why golf courses are failing. It was the definition of oxymoron to enjoy links golf in a casual-blue jeans-muni-style to then see a clubhouse trying to sling out over-priced California-style dishes. A complete abomination in my opinion and a recipe for immediate failure. Just like the rest of the town, we skipped dinner at the Club and hankered down in Cannery Row enjoying local craft beer (and yes...the 21st Amendment Strong Ale is HIGHLY recommended) and great food.

To the City of Pacific Grove—stick with golf….you've got yourself a little gem. Just let the dining happen somwhere else.

The stunning 12th Hole

The Passing of Time

The captivating Par 3 finish at the "Good Doctor's" Masterpiece in Santa Cruz-- Pasatiempo

It was the morning after Cypress.

I was still marinating in my euphoric bliss from the previous day and was now on the road early with my father to enjoy what was yet another chapter in “The Good Doctor’s” works. As stated in a previous post, Cypress engaged me in deeper ways than just the architecture. The overall inner-soul had been enriched by such a fine experience that one can only hope to have again on the links.

A frost delay and a mid-day flight put a premium on LC’s schedule, but it did allow for us to see the last 3 holes on the front nine and entire back nine. Once the temperatures ascended, the weather was superb, and the architecture on this rolling location was prime. So prime that Dr. MacKenzie called Pasatiempo his home right off the 6^th hole.

In the spirit of the great links courses overseas, Pasatiempo operates as a private club who openly accepts outside play. Similarly, the total focus on golf and the void from needless “service candy” via beverage carts, crappy food, and unhelpful outside service people was congruent with some of the

It was so good that he called it home: MacKenzie's residence off the famed 6th at Pasatiempo

best clubs overseas.

Let me make this simple: Pasatiempo is a golf club. The course features world-class architecture and caters to members/guests who both appreciate the design and are caretakers of Dr. MacKenzie’s legacy. Its that simple. It is for that very reason that I applaud Pasatiempo for their dedication towards focusing on what is important: providing great architecture and removing and/or avoiding any obstacles which would divert a player’s attention from the great artwork in front them.

It is always rewarding to see a club willing to share its treasure with those who appreciate great design, and on behalf of Links Confidential, my personal thanks to the staff at Pasatiempo for allowing us the opportunity to enjoy such a fine routing.


A brief description of Pasatiempo was located in the yardage book:

Pasatiempo Golf Club was founded in 1929 by U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion Marion Hollins and designed by world-renowned golf course architect Dr. Alistair MacKenzie.  Hollins and MacKenzie first collaborated on designing and building Cypress Point and continued through Augusta National. Pasatiempo is one of the last great courses built in the classical tradition when match play was the norm and amateur golf was at its peak.

Pasatiempo’s dramatic elevation changes and natural hazards highlight Dr. Mackenzie’s most rugged site, yet throughout their round, players will appreciate how his fairways and green complexes blend harmoniously with the environment. MacKenzie declared the 16^th hole to be “the best two-shot hole I know” and described Pasatiempo’s undulating fairways as bearing a remarkable resemblance to those of the Old Course at St. Andrews.

Holes of Note:

Hole 10: Par 4, 440 yards

An abrupt change in topography immediately greets you at the 10^th hole. The first of many forced carries over a deep canyon has MacKenzie trying to dictate to the player to aim towards the right-hand side of the partially-blind horizon tee shot. For many mortals, it will ultimately require a 3^rd shot to a heavily sloped green that is dictated by a hill off the right-hand side of the green. What is truly wonderful about this hole is the options that MacKenzie provides you: With a right-hand front pin placement, the hole requires skill in the ground game which ultimately accepts a shot short of the green and then propels via he contours towards the pin. In the event of a deep-left placement, players will have the option of either attacking it from an aerial-based shot or choosing a more low-flying ground approach which will feed back to the hole given the contour and speed of the green.  This green-site and approach represent s perfectly one of MacKenzie’s “13 General Principles”  when he referenced “There should be infinite variety in the strokes required to play the various holes…with every club utilized.” Tom Doak did a masterful job of relocating and re-storing the bunkering on this hole which will threaten approach shots coming in from the left side. The green provides what seems limitless pin placement options and combined with speeds of up to 11, proves out once again that MacKenzie’s intense approach on providing multiple strategies throughout the entire hole is at a premium.

Hole 11:  Par 4, 392 yards
This is the LONGEST 392 yards I have EVER played. MacKenzie made great use out of a natural feature with the canyon and created what is a world-class par 4 hole. A solid tee shot down the left side of the fairway only leaves more choices for the player during his journey through Pasatiempo: do you have what it takes to execute a shot of roughly 160 yards (which will actually feel and play like 175+) to a thin double-tiered elevated green that is heavily protected, or do you take the more conservative approach and lay up? Once again, the options here are limitless, but MacKenzie’s bold use of the canyon along with a green that is perfectly sited within its location will serve to absolutely scare the player with his second shot with heroic-style architecture.  ^th hole.

Hole 13:  Par 5, 531 yards
The main take-away Links Confidential had with the 13^th hole is MacKenzie’s use of bunkering to both navigate and overwhelm the player during his walk down the fairway. Once again, Doak did a first-class job in re-capturing both the size and drama of these bunkers. Although reachable in 2 in theory if the player challenges the left-side of the fairway, the overall size of the green and the bunkering encompassed at each area would demand a sensational shot. Furthermore, MacKenzie’s use of a Y-shaped green featuring multiple undulations will provide players coming in at regulation limitless fear and choices. In finishing the hole, stop and take a look back. The intense bunkering quickly disappears, leaving just runs of fairway and closely-mown turf; a common practice by MacKenzie that was pointed out to me by our caddie Matt at Cypress, and possibly a method for the player to recover from such a sensory experience.

Hole 14: Par 4, 429 yards
There is not a single architect in the world today who would leave the massive undulation on the left-side of the fairway located 240 yards from the tee. The dozers would be in full-force bringing in fill to eliminate this “blemish” and make the hole more ‘fair.”It is for this reason that Links Confidential recognized this hole as one of the very best as it relates to overall strategy and genius during the round. A tee shot to the lower fairway leaves the player with a 100% blind shot to you guessed it….a well undulated and protected green. Local knowledge is key here…if the player can utilize the right side of the fairway, many of the terrors recede leaving for an offensive position in which the player can attack the flag. Although MacKenzie states “There should be a minimum of blindness for the approach shots,” it is absolutely refreshing to see and play this hole. Golf in its modern era has become way to predictable and fair in LC’s humble opinion, and situations like the 14^th at Pasatiempo re-capture many of the childhood elements of adventure on the course while blending an innate need to learn the intentions of the architect and try to follow his direction.

Hole 15: Par 3, 141 yards
A stunner of a Par 3. Doak’s re-placement of MacKenzie’s original bunkering within the front hillside on this short hole makes for a major opportunity within a match to earn momentum prior to heading to the 16^th. It is truly a “backyard hole” whereby I would enjoy playing every day. The art of the short Par 3 should require more study by modern architects infatuated by the 200+ hole. In the spirit of the 17^th at Sand Hills, the 15^th at Pasatiempo provides the player the entire core elements of a great hole (visual, strategic green site with multiple locations) while also giving him a chance to make a good score.

Hole 16: Par 4, 387 yards
Similar to the 11^th hole, throw your scorecard away when you read the yardage….the constant remark you will have when playing any MacKenzie course is “how in the hell is this only 6,500 yards?” The nature of the property combined with his architectural genius will require numerous rounds on property to fully understand and feel Alistair’s overall intent and nuances provided in the routing.
The 16^th IS a world-class hole. Beginning with an uphill blind tee shot from a lower canyon tee, the player is truly required to challenge the top-right portion of the fairway mounding which then will provide additional roll for the upcoming approach shot.
Sound easy enough? You just got started my friends.
The approach shot is both breath-taking and terrifying. At the same time, a player will be faced with a down-hill lie to an uphill, three-tiered green which is protected by one of MacKenzie’s most beautiful bunkers. There is no doubt in my mind that the 16^th at Pasatiempo has yielded very few great scores, but instead has been the critical point in every match and medal round. In the event that you are short on time when visiting Pasatiempo (like LC was due to a frost delay and return flight) don’t miss the 16^th. The pure strategy and architectural merit a must-see as an example of what needs to take place more in today’s modern architecture.

Located just 45 minutes from the San Jose airport, Pasatiempo is a must-play for those in the area. In finishing our abbreviated-round on the wonderful Par Three 18^th, I was keenly aware that missing the first 5 holes was a disappointment, but another memorable trip with my father over such great architecture was the larger reward. It was difficult to play Pasatiempo following Cypress, but having more time to reflect on the design has allowed me to truly appreciate the genius of MacKenzie.  Although abbreviated on the front 9, the back 9 was about as strong as a design hole-for-hole that one will play. Pasatiempo is a fine club, and an even greater treasure of architecture…don’t miss it.

Divine Intervention

I walked through the corridor of cypress trees on the journey to the 16^th hole at Cypress Point. The silhouette of my father ahead with our caddie slowly blended into memories of him struggling both with his game and with his 6-year old son as a young father at a municipal golf course when I was growing up. What was a fresh memory for me of my childhood has now represented a passing of roles as I now assume the responsibility of a young father. I still can smell the aroma of freshly cut grass from the first round of golf I played with my dad at a par 3 course one early morning. I remember the sounds of Wrigley Field and the smile on my father’s face when he scored us 2 tickets behind first base just moments before the game started. I trekked the great courses of Ireland with him in 2007 to be overwhelmed with the friendship and life-changing experiences that the people and links of Ireland provide. And finally, I remember introducing my daughter for the first time to my father just moments after she was born.



These were real moments. Moments that defines one’s lifetime. The game of golf is truly a gift to one’s soul. The proof of a man’s worth on the course is the moment that he finally parts ways with his obsession on score and engages his inner-being towards building a connection towards executing his personal play in accordance with the architect’s intentions, appreciating the natural surroundings, and relishing the captured time with those that he chooses to enjoy a match with. Greater than this ideal, it is only with age and maturity does one grow closer towards appreciating the individuals who shape their lives and truly ascend towards being with them during important moments of one’s lifetime.

This defined my day at Cypress Point Club. The ability to bear witness to Alister MacKenzie’s masterpiece is not only a privilege as a passionate student of the game, but as a son of a great man and life teacher.



During those moments of my walk through the cypress trees towards 16, I felt a sense of peace come over me that offered forgiveness of any sins or regrets I had previously, and offered a fresh start in what will be a new chapter in my life with another daughter on the way to our family in April. The tunnel and the land that lay ahead represented a high mass of celebration to the game of golf and one's soul.

The forced carry over 234 yards of Pacific Ocean captures the innocence of play that all of us had when we were children. The fact that Mary Hollins (visionary of Cypress Point) helped to discover this hole and led MacKenzie to incorporate this into the routing as one of the world’s greatest Par 3’s should never be forgotten. It offers each player the choice of re-capturing one’s youth through a heroic shot or to embrace wisdom by following the path to the left with a wide landing area and a chance to get up and down for a par. I chose the path of recapturing my youth and it rewarded me with the best sot of my day and a par that I shall never forget. Likewise, I joined my father in his celebration of par, albeit through a different approach. Two paths converged upon what was a communion of the golfer’s soul that day.



Much has been written about the architectural merit, unbelievable site, and the understated hue of this great Club. In preparing to write this passage, I come short of details from an architectural standpoint because it has been so widely covered. The raw emotion of walking 18 of the most beautiful golf holes in what is one of the most natural settings in the world is truly magical. Given the chance to walk these links again, I would go to great measures to experience the feeling of crossing the 17-mile drive from the 14^th hole to take in the winding pathway to the Par 3, 15^th. It truly the opportunity to walk within the hallowed grounds of the game and spirit for which golf attracts, teaches, and enriches golfer’s souls.

Amen.

Holes Of Note:
Every single one of them

What is amazing to me is this:
Golf today is defined by yardage, highly visual hazards that are constructed by man, and artificial maintenance conditions. From the member’s tees, a guest will enjoy a bounty of adventure with his game as he and his caddie navigate around 6,300 yards. It’s a testament to MacKenzie’s genius with the routing along with the self-restraint not to manipulate one of God’s finest creations. Representing one of the finest walks I have ever made, I truly can say that Cypress is not only one of the greatest lay-outs, but also one of the most fun routings I have ever enjoyed. In addition, the humble facilities within the pro shop and men’s locker room have been left untouched and clamor with the sounds of powerful men and the inner-spirits of golf. Institutions such as Cypress Point do not need a glitzy introduction to the player. When you arrive to the Club, you understand your place in golf’s kingdom as a spectator and participant.

Cypress Point will enrich your life.

 

Right of Passage



Heaven's creation at the Par 3 15th at Cypress Point Club

An invitation to one of golf's great cathedrals was extended to me earlier this month. With an opportunity to play one of the greatest courses in the world with your father is not only sacred opportunity, but a dream that very few ever have the chance to experience. In honor of the game, Links Confidential will not only capture the essence of Alister MacKenzie's masterpieces at Cypress Point and Pasatiempo, but focus on the primal element of life-changing experiences sons have with their fathers on the links. Its a celebration of both the game and the sacred relationship that sons and their fathers share while at the course.


It is a special place. With the most significant golf partner and best friend I will ever have. 36 holes designed by one of the world's best will be experienced step-by-step with my father. In the many times that we have shared special experiences, I often ask myself if this could possibly be the last. In the spirit of the links, the game will continue to offer sons and their father life-changing experiences that those on the outside can only struggle to comprehend.

Links Confidential at Cypress Point Club & Pasatiempo in January.

The Journey Continues