| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 1324 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2003-08-06 |
36,700 bytes |
27 |
1035 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
|
REAL Par 3 Course |
PARKLAND |
ANP3_2003.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
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LINKS CORNER REVIEW |
Reviewed by
Rick Priebe
September 2003
I approach this review with mixed emotions. As a rendition of a real course, this is clearly one of the very best ever made. Yet, in reality, it's only half a course (possibly even less than half, playing to a par of 27), so how can I justify rating it in the top 10%? Thus, my quandary. So, here goes.
From the first tee, this is a visually stunning design. I get the feeling that if I went to Augusta, I could find a real tree for each one on the Links version of the course, and in the same place. That may not be true, but it is the feeling I get. The flowering azaleas and magnolias are exquisite, as are the other colorful plantings. The work on the ponds looks exactly like the real thing. I liked the views which included the homes back in the trees. These are very well done too. To my non-technical eye this is an APCD masterpiece.
Now to the downside. Yes, even on a course as well done as this there is a downside. And the issues that I see with this course have nothing to do with the designers, but with the course itself. Being a very short par 3 layout, it clearly lacks in any sort of strategic shotmaking. Since the longest club you will be hitting is an 8 iron, you can go for every pin, no matter where it might be hidden. Yes, there is plenty of water in play, but I just finished 4 straight circuits, in varying conditions, and never lost a single ball in the hazards. Granted, this can cost you strokes if your swing is off on any given day, but with most tee shots being a pitching wedge or shorter, you have to err badly to not shoot under par here. I believe that this course was recreated for Links primarily because of its visual and emotional appeal, not for the tactical challenge which it presents. There are definitely more demanding par 3 courses available.
In summary, I feel that this is an excellent course for a quick 9 holes if you only have 15 - 20 minutes to spare. It can also be fun to play online with other live competitors, once again if you are time limited. My preference leans toward 18 hole rounds, so this is not a course that I will play a lot, but that is no reflection on the design. If your life is more hurried and hectic than mine, maybe this kind of course is right up your alley. It is certainly the most visually appealing par 3 layout I have seen for Links.
Included: Cameo, splash screen, hole previews, custom objects and sounds.
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