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Hole #1
Hole Description
The opening hole sets the stage for what's to come at Oaks Country Club. This is a course that boasts small, well protected putting surfaces and rewards a precise game. Clearly visible from historic photographs, the fairway on this hole has narrowed over the years and is restored to fit symmetrically between the tree lines. Additionally the cart path, positioned along the edge of the fairway, mars the beauty of the gold course and impacts play and is shifted amongst the trees on the right side.
The green is extended further back and has bunkers on both sides; however, the right bunker is slightly to the rear, revealing a small chipping area for those missing the green short. This bunker positioning also allows for easier access for players walking to and from the cart path.
The tees are completely rebuilt, highlighted by new forward tees, making this hole play more equitably for all players. The back tee is further away from the clubhouse, simply improving space and privacy. The Blue tee is combined with the old forward tee sliver to present a large tee and gathering location for starting the round. Drainage is added in key locations on both sides of the fairway and approach to the green.
Hole #2
Hole Description
Although modest in length, the uphill approach shot on the second hole keeps this from playing like a typical short par four. The nature of an uphill shot and its lack of visibility make it just a little more difficult to get an approach close and those conditions are only exaggerated when the wind blows. The green was expanded slightly on the right side.
The tees on this hole were jammed back against the 13th fairway and they are now slightly forward, away from the tree line. By adding a fairway bunker, the landing area is defined and the longest hitters must at least consider the bunker before bombing away from the tees. Drainage is added to pick up water moving across this fairway and to keep it from continuing across the first hole.
Hole #3
Hole Description
While never considered a long par five, the downhill third has been rendered practically obsolete for stronger players by today's technology. To combat that reality, the green is pushed back almost 50 yards into an open area along the maintenance road. A large approach was shaped to look similar to the current configuration, sloping down and to the left before rising up slightly to the front of the new green. The existing front right greenside bunker is reshaped as a fairway bunker in the second landing area.
The Blue tee is enlarged and a new forward tee was added. The cart path is to the right to eliminate it from being a factor on the drive. There had been a previous attempt to bunker the landing area in order to give this hole some added challenge, but being blind from the tee, it was correctly removed. Tillinghast sometimes used irregular mounding on his golf courses and I believe this is an excellent place to add that type of design feature. We placed them where the old bunker was on the right and then again through the fairway on the left. This sort of feature is more of an inconvenience than a hazard, but will reward a well placed drive. Drainage is on the upper section of this fairway.
Hole #4
Hole Description
A terrific feature found with Tillinghast routings is the diverse way in which he used the land. Following a par five that moves downhill, calling for a left to right drive and a right to left second, comes a par four that moves up, favoring a right to left drive and a left to right approach. This type of strategy demands a complete game and rewards those that can shape a shot - somewhat of a lost art today.
The approach on the fourth is practically the mirror opposite of the second, although more difficult because of its additional length and narrow opening. Well protected on both sides with only a sliver of an opening available to the putting surface, perfect is the only result that works, especially for the shorter hitter. The green is back and to the right, further favoring the left to right approach and adding much needed length to the front nine. The right side is double bunkered, presenting a stacked appearance with the sand cut in below the elevation of the green. Conversely, the left side is open, free of sand and featuring a low cut chipping area that also sits below the putting surface. While this area is not bunkered, an up and in recovery will require a deft touch.
The "extra" tour tee will be eliminated as its position is already compromised by trees and other changes make it unnecessary. The current Blue tee is extended and two forward tees were added out front. Drainage is on both sides of the fairway, eliminating long runs of water across the landing zone.
Hole #5
Hole Description
All great courses have holes offering a variety of length and difficulty and each nine should have one or two tough holes that stand out. Situated on ground that is perfect strategically, there is no question that the fifth is that hole for the front nine. The fairway rise is terrific, but it needs to be a significant factor from all tee positions, especially from the back tee. When this course was originally formed, carrying the crest on the drive must have been the goal with the hope of some lengthy roll on the other side to shorten the approach. Now, the strong players simply fly well past the ridge and hit short irons on the approach, while most members face a stern test. Two new forward tees make this hole equally difficult for everyone and play as a par four for all golfers.
There are a couple of prominent oaks on the left side that have been screened or obscured by additional plantings. The original trees are important both aesthetically and strategically and positioned well. With the land sloping from right to left and the overhanging oak protruding into the edge of the fairway, the preferred approach comes in from the right side and balls played slightly left must work around that tree. That is excellent strategy and it doesn't need any additional obstacles. Because of the difficulty of this approach, the right bunker is reduced while the left bunker now extends slightly closer to the centerline. The putting surface is enlarged slightly, extending back and left. Once again, the cart path is positioned to actually aid players, adding distance to the fortunate drive. Drainage is on both sides of the low area.
Hole #6
Hole Description
In comparing the par three holes on the course as a group, shot value diversity should play a role in determining the overall strategy of the design. Factors such as length, green size and hazard placement have been considered in developing the plan for the entire course. Following the long par four fifth, it makes sense that the sixth hole should be a relatively short par three that emphasizes both precision and nerve. And wow, what an inspiring hole this is! Great bunkering and a short iron approach that allows all golfers the opportunity for success make this a much anticipated golf shot.
On most part threes, there cannot be enough tee space and on short ones, where practically everyone is hitting an iron, that is even more the case. Both tees are expanded with added area on the right side. By going right with teeing area, new angles emerge to this small target. The bunkering on this hole is truly beautiful, but practically unplayable. The slope coming off the collar along the left bunkers is so strong that even keeping a ball on the green would be considered a success. The right bunkers are exceedingly deep and the upper lip on the front bunker is too high. Liners are also exposed and it is simply very difficult to maintain a bunker that has this much slope in the sand.
While it is important that the green play small, it is also necessary to have adequate surface space to spread out both traffic and ball marks. Therefore, the green is expanded back and left behind the bunkers. A new chipping area will be added in this area and will also serve as a walk on from the cart path. Just below the false edge on the right side of the green, a small chipping area is benched in to gather balls missed slightly right. The fan location is repositioned slightly further back and right so it is not in play.
Hole #7
Hole Description
Both par fives on the front nine are little more than long par fours for your better players. With its open fronted green, the seventh has little risk and offers loads of opportunity. The Tour tee can move near the slope coming off the sixth green adding 10-15 yards to the drive. More importantly, the green is relocated back and left, revealing an incredible view and making this a true par five. By lowering the green and hanging it out over the drop of on the left, risk is added. To further tantalize the aggressive approach, a wide bail out is created on the right side. This position will look enticing, but in reality will present a very difficult up and in. The slope short and right of the green is from right to left, but not so strong that all balls gather. There will be a true low cut swale immediately along the edge of the green that carries around the front as well as exiting off the back right. Two bunkers are set low along the left side to gather or contain slightly pulled shots. The green is sloped from right to left and slightly toward the back in some areas. Players will want to know the hole location before determining the best place to approach on their third shot.
The fairway is widened on the left side, allowing for a sweeping shot around the trees to get up near the green. Irregular mounds replaced the filled in bunker on the right side in a similar fashion to those planned for the third hole. The cart path is to the right, allowing the fairway to widen and taking it out of play.
Hole #8
Hole Description
Sliding softly right from the tees, the drive on this hole can be very strategic. The overhanging trees are ever present down the shorter right side; however, the green opens up from this position. On the other hand, there should be plenty of room to play wide left, but with the front left bunker protruding toward the center line and a large specimen oak hanging out in the distance, reaching the green from this position is no easy task. By removing a few small, recently planted trees and widening the fairway on the left side, this hole opens up with two large oaks serving as targets in the distance. If heading into the wind, the new width is welcome; however, going downwind; players will have to deal more with the trees as they begin to pinch the angle.
The putting surface fits in nicely as it wraps around the two left bunkers. The chipping area right of the green will be enhanced and cut at fairway height. A small ridge is pushed along the cart path to assist in keeping balls closer to the green. Both bunkers are reshaped and allow easy walk in access while fitting into the collar of the green. A new forward tee is added and several drainage basins are cut in on both sides of the fairway.
Hole #9
Hole Description
As captivating and memorable as coming up the 18th hole appears, the home hole on the front nine completely lacks distinction. It is simply a difficult uphill part three that sits on ground best described as a tilted plane. It is a better hole than it looks and the green is ample, but impossible to discern from the tees, and the bunkering is practically invisible on the left side.
The area around the green is altered significantly. By offsetting the bunkers, depth perception will be achieved. The left bunker is relocated out front, well short of the green while the right bunker is pushed back and will have strong back side support for visibility. The area in front of the right bunker is lowered, showing off the edge of the putting surface. The green is expanded on the back left side and a chipping area is shaped left of the green. The original green had close to a 10% slope on the front moving to the left side. It has been altered and necessarily so, but the new green boasts a false front for visibility and a cut out on the left edge in tribute to this hole's historic past.
A new tour tee is added lengthening this hole to 224 yards and restoring it to the type of hole it was when originally designed. Two new forward tees are positioned out front on the right side. The main cart path is shifted out of view on the right side.
Hole #10
Hole Description
Originally designed without trees along the pond, players at that time were enticed to fly close to the water in order to have a shorter second shot. Today's big hitters just play directly over the pond, while the trees force others to go left leaving a much longer approach. By sliding the tees down and left and adding a group of new forward tees, the fairway opens up. Also, the middle cluster of smaller pines are removed, creating a nice gap to aim for those playing across the water to aim through.
The pond on this hole is unusual in that it occupies relatively high ground and doesn't really gather much runoff water. To connect this pond to the natural flow of water across the property, a complete water feature enhancement has occurred from the tenth hole to the low area in front of the tees on 13. A pumping system keeps a gentle flow of water running through this feature at all times.
The green is well back into the large open space behind the green, adding almost 60 yards in length. There are not many downhill shots into the greens at the Oaks and this one has a nice layout. Drainage is added in several locations along the landing area and in front of the green and the cart path is along the tees and left of the fairway along the outside of the treeline.
Hole #11
Hole Description
On this course filled with holes routed so expertly, the 11th stands out in a contrary fashion. Knowing this green is no longer located in its original position, makes the awkwardness of this hole understandable. There is nothing wrong with the new position of the green and the original location would no longer be considered safe. In order to allow this hole to feel like it is routed properly, the tees were moved to the right. In doing so, the green and the centerline of this hole fit perfectly between two specimen oaks.
The old tee is ridiculously small and the yardage distribution from the Tour tees to the forward tees is practically non-existent. By sliding the tees right, this hole is lengthened from the back tees and shortened from the forward tees. The old angle makes this hole unfair for the ladies and all slicers of the golf ball. The cart path is to the left along the new tees.
The putting surface is guarded on the front right by a relatively deep bunker, but a smoothly contoured chipping area is shaped on the left side.
Hole #12
Hole Description
As a golf course begins to form in an architect's mind, some holes immediately stand out based on the topography and others are more subtle in both their terrain and strategy. Occupying remarkable ground and representing another example of the quality routing found on this golf course, the twelfth moves beautifully down and to the left before climbing the slope to the green.
The clusters of trees short of the green on both sides of the fairway are the key strategic features on this hole. By widening the landing area, curved recovery shots around the trees become an exciting possibility. The cart part is to the right and the fairway line will move to its former position. Drainage is on both sides of this fairway.
The stacked bunkers fit perfectly on the right side of the green. Again, possibly easier than sand, recovery from this position to a sloping away green is no guarantee. Just in front of the green, a subtle plateau is shaped to gather balls as they trickle down the front slope, keeping them within reasonable distance of the putting surface.
Hole #13
Hole Description
From its elevated tees looking over the valley below, the 13th lays out beautifully from tee to green. Standing on the tees, it should be possible to look all the way up the fairway to the green, but a couple of trees block the view. The water feature on the tenth hole is connected to a new pond on this hole through the enhanced creek. There is a sharp slope along the right edge of the landing area that separates the fairway from a nice low area along the creek. As the key strategic on this golf hole, this slope is exposed and highlighted.
The green on this hole has a ridge running from left to right across its center, creating a very challenging back left hole location. This is a memorable feature and it is the focal point, with the entire left side of this greens complex shaped around it. The bunker on the left is pushed back, revealing a slanted chipping area that under the right circumstances might feed a ball onto the putting surface. Players will often aim at the left collar and hope that fate shines upon them with a nice bounce or roll. The right side has two bunkers cut into the slope below the collar.
The cart path is to the left, less in view or in play and combined partially with the path on the 16th hole. A new Tour tee has been added, stretching this hole to 450 yards. Two new forward tees were added along the new pond.
Hole #14
Hole Description
The greens complex on this hole plays small. In order to improve the overall appearance of the green and its surrounds, the front bunker will is lowered and extended back toward the tees, giving the impression that the green has been slightly elevated. The bunker left of the green is reduced and pushed back in order to make room for a small chipping area on the left side. Overall, the greens complex are enlarged and offer more variety in the type of recovery shots used to save par.
Similar to the other par threes, the existing tee space is minimal and has been expanded to more than double the current area. The existing forward tee is doubled and a new forward tee is added near the cart path. To create an alternative angle, a long thin tee is added on this left side. Drainage is added to dry up the wet area near the front bunker.
Hole #15
Hole Description
Short par fours can be some of the best and most anticipated holes on any course. All tees were pushed forward, making the narrow fairway more visible. From the new tee locations, players will have a more distinct choice about playing for position or trying to drive near the green. A target bunker is added short of the putting surface on the left side, offering an aiming point while presenting a thorn for those capable of long drives.
By eliminating the cart path on the right and sliding it into trees on the left side, the entire area between the tree line becomes playable turf. Drainage is added throughout the hole to capture water early and limit its flow down this fairway.
The fairway is widen out just short of the green on the right, but players will have to negotiate the tree and two bunkers in order to hit the green. At first glance, the left half of the green will appear relatively routine; however, further study will reveal a challenging approach that must be properly controlled to avoid rolling over to a low area on the left.
Hole #16
Hole Description
Although numerous holes on this course stand out, none perhaps more than the unique 16th. Playing over the hill and then down a long chute to the valley below, the fairway is well lined with trees and appears to narrow as it goes. The tees are to the right to take pressure off the 14th hole.
The strong slope just short of the green may be one of the more difficult aspects of this long par five as all balls slightly short tend to tumble back down the hill, making the front hole location perhaps the most dangerous. Most of the work planned for this hole centered around the immediate approach to the green where a new bunker was added on the left, connecting to a ridge line that crosses to the front right bunker. This ridge actually supports a mid level plateau that will keep balls closer to the putting surface. The area left of the green is softly contoured into a wide swale that contains golf balls and carries water out and around the green.
Hole #17
Hole Description
The midpoint of the Oaks version of the "longest mile", the 17th is another strapping par four. With its tilted fairway sloping slightly away from the soft dogleg, proper drives must start down the right side. A target bunker is placed in the distance on the left and drainage is added on both ends of the new bunker.
Because the nature of the fairway slope causes many to pull their second shots to the left, the bunker on the right is positioned exactly where the approach should be aimed. It's simply more difficult to curve the ball in from the left side off of that type of slope. A large green is appropriate considering the demands of the approach and much is to be admired about the contours on the current green. The left bunker is back and reduced slightly.
The cart path is to the right side on this hole, opening up a vast grass area between this hole and the 12th. A new tour tee has been added on the right side as well as a new forward tee.
Hole #18
Hole Description
With the iconic clubhouse waiting in the background, the 18th is one of the stronger home holes in the state. Once again, Tillinghast has strategically routed the golf hole to favor a player who can work the ball both ways with power. It is a stern examination.
The small tour tee is an extension of the existing blue tee and the cart path is routed behind the tee along the property line. A new senior tee is midway between the white tee and the current forward tee.
The green is expanded slightly on the right side and a new chipping area will be shaped behind a right side bunker. The left bunker is large and the material in front of the bunker is cut so visibility is improved. Drainage is added on both sides of the fairway in the low section crossing short of the green. The front collar area is blended to better accept a possible run up approach.
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