| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 1935 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2010-01-09 |
189,657,957 bytes |
72 |
7626 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
|
REAL |
PARKLAND |
Hazeltine 2009 PGA Edition.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
| |
|
|
CLIPNOTES by Ben Bateson (ousgg) |
Description
Real, farmland course |
Location
Minnesota |
Conditions
Plays well on F*/F* |
Concept 7/10
A venue very much befitting of a Major championship, Hazeltine is perhaps most reminiscent in surroundings and layout of Shinnecock. But it is longer, tighter and more punishing for those who go astray. The signature holes, Par 5s for the most part, are exceptionally well bunkered and protected with deceptively impenetrable planting. The signs of extending many holes belie the course's history, which is a pity, because Hazeltine doesn't need to be long to present the challenge it was designed for. |
Appearance 7/10
From the first tee, it's apparent that this course is perhaps a little too meticulous and scrubbed. The minty-green textures are tight-knit and featureless, and the lack of underplanting gives the course an unnaturally 'clean' feel, something that becomes increasingly apparent in the deeper rough regions which just look unfinished. For the large part, the course just looks a little too clean and cartoonish: a trademark of the designer, but perhaps not so apt in this case. |
Playability 5/10
While an obvious necessity to 'play along' with the big tournaments, it's difficult to imagine anyone enjoying a casual round at Hazeltine. There's a lot of pressure on accuracy and the golf is quite didactic; by the 14th hole you feel pretty exhausted more than anything. Not a fun course. |
Challenge 9/10
With proper PGA slippery settings, this is a tour de force of stiff but never unfair golf. The hazarding particularly is terrific, and there's lots of deep rough to swallow up mis-hit drives. In fact there is something to be said for not taking a driver out on the course with you, such are the perils of missing the short stuff. But that's exactly what we expect from an American Major venue, and to that extent you can say that Hazeltine has been perfectly set. |
Technical 7/10
Tim's previous courses were all small local-type tracks which fitted well with his visual style, but you feel Hazeltine demands something bigger and more imposing. Although glossily finished and presented, certainly there's room to add under-planting and re-evaluate the appearance of the textures from distance. |
| Overall |
A playable if tough course, but with an acquired taste to the visuals. |
35/50 |
Please remember that Clipnote reviews are the opinion of one person and do not constitute an 'Official' Links Corner review of the course. |
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