Undermountain Golf Course

$16 (cart included), played on Thursday, May 2011 at 4pm

Undermountain Golf Course is a little gem of an executive course with three sets of tees that give this nine-hole course a full 18 holes which play completely differently on each nine. Don't let the "little" fool you. Its narrow fairways and blind shots and meticulously maintained but tricky greens make play a challenge for experienced players, while it's length make it the perfect place for beginners to learn the game.

The majestically intimidating 1st hole is, depending on the tee and pin placements, is over water and marshland. When the pin is tucked in on the left of a green guarded on the left by a large tree, double and triple bogies are definitely possible.

Hole 2 is a par four straight up a hill. If you are walking this course and make it up to your ball to hit your second shot without having to call the paramedics, you're ahead of the game on this hole. And better to be short on your second shot. When you play there, you'll see what I mean.

The 3rd hole, another par four, has breathtaking views of the hills around Undermountain. Once you stop staring and hit your drive, you'll think you can taste par. Not so fast. No matter what distance or angle you're coming in from to this Pete Dye-like green, unless the golf gods are on your shoulder, you can pretty much bet your ball will roll off into gnarly rough. Par on this hole is a feat. Birdie, a gift.

Hole 4 looks like a short and straightforward par 3, but it's amazing how quickly double bogey comes into the picture. A word of advice: don't take this hole for granted or it'll bring you to your knees.

Hole 5 looks like a longer version of hole 4. Or at least it deceptively looks longer. It's an easy hole to both over and under club. And chipping to this undulating green is no piece of cake.

The par four 6th hole is a dogleg to a blind green tucked deep in the right corner. A good tee shot may even bring you close to the green, but your second shot has to be perfect to keep from rolling off into more of that gnarly stuff behind this very fast front to back sloping green.

Hole 7, another par four, also to a blind green, looks like a bowling alley from the tee box. Narrow just doesn't describe it. Make it through the shoot, play your second shot right of the flag (if you hit your ball far enough to see it) to the right of this right to left sloping and very fast green and, if you're lucky, you'll be putting for birdie. Good luck with that putt.

The 8th hole looks easy but, like hole 4, looks are deceiving. There's a big bad bunker guarding the front right of the green, so it's easy to over club or yank the ball left. You may find it's easier to get up and down out of the bunker than from anywhere else around this little stinker.

If you're having a great round to this point, the 9th hole can break your heart. The green is just in front of the clubhouse, out of bounds on the left, and a fairway that slopes left to right can shimmy your ball down into the woods. If that happens, and it does happen, often, a Phil-like escape or a Get Out Of Jail Free card are pretty much your only options for a second shot. Stay in the fairway on this one (good luck), and birdie is possible.

If you've played the reds off the front, you'll play the white tees for the back nine. A tad longer, completely different club selection and angles to the green make this nine a treat. If you played the whites on the front, get ready for a roller coaster ride off the blacks. Many of the tee shots are totally blind shots. Of course, sometimes it's actually easier if you only have a general idea where you're going and focus entirely on your target and not your swing. Playing off the black tees can be a hoot for those players who still have their sense of humor intact after playing the whites.

It's a fun, course that's lovingly cared for by the Shakshober family. Once you've played it, you won't be able to resist coming back.

$16 (cart included), played on Friday, August 2010 at 6am

Beautiful and deceptively challenging little course that plays entirely differently from the three different sets of tees.