Off the Fringe, “Golf’s best short read.” The award winning newsletter, sent twice monthly, that provides an unconventional perspective on the golf world.
Josh Nicholls
Pine Valley
2011-01-13
Guest (cart not included), played on Wednesday, October 2010 at noon
When invited to play PV your only response should be "yes,when?" My head golf pro, our first assistant, and I were invited by a member to play PV late last fall before they aerified. It was my last round of the season and it is now mid January; every night while I lay in bed I replay that round in my head...hoping to burn the images into my memory in fear i forget. There is only one word that describes PV - "Majestic". I would compare it to the most catholic person you know getting an inside tour of the Vatican; a truly one in a lifetime opportunity.
Driving into the grounds was like going to summer camp with narrow twisting roads and large pines. After a brief stop at the clubhouse to change our shoes and look around we drove to the driving range. The range is immense and the best I have every seen. The clubhouse is understated but lavish at the same time. Giant portraits of crested blazered men of importance line the dining rooms, a large board with a listing of members, a tiny pro shop that probably sells more items that your mega sports store.
It is true that every hole is a signature hole. A surprisingly easy driving course, but if you venture far from the sprinkler lines you will be in so much trouble that your only choice is to pitch it back into play. I'm not long, but straight and on three holes I missed three fairways but all three left zero chance of reaching the green in regulation.
The green complexes are outstanding and for all poa greens they are lightning fast and firm. The undulations are subtle but for a first timer I would've shot a hundred without the guidance of my caddy Tom.
Sand is everywhere and there are no rakes. If you find a foot print you have to deal with it. They are "hazards" after all...we are all spoiled by conventional bunker maintenance. It's not only sandy in playig areas, you'd swear you were playing an ocean course and trudging through dunes to the next patch of emerald green fairway or green. There are very few water hazards except for a couple of holes on the back nine.
I hope I get a chance to go back.
Would travel: 120-300 Miles, Not Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Ambiance, No Houses on Course, Staff, Clubhouse, Pro Shop
Guest (cart not included), played on Wednesday, October 2010 at noon
When invited to play PV your only response should be "yes,when?" My head golf pro, our first assistant, and I were invited by a member to play PV late last fall before they aerified. It was my last round of the season and it is now mid January; every night while I lay in bed I replay that round in my head...hoping to burn the images into my memory in fear i forget. There is only one word that describes PV - "Majestic". I would compare it to the most catholic person you know getting an inside tour of the Vatican; a truly one in a lifetime opportunity.
Driving into the grounds was like going to summer camp with narrow twisting roads and large pines. After a brief stop at the clubhouse to change our shoes and look around we drove to the driving range. The range is immense and the best I have every seen. The clubhouse is understated but lavish at the same time. Giant portraits of crested blazered men of importance line the dining rooms, a large board with a listing of members, a tiny pro shop that probably sells more items that your mega sports store.
It is true that every hole is a signature hole. A surprisingly easy driving course, but if you venture far from the sprinkler lines you will be in so much trouble that your only choice is to pitch it back into play. I'm not long, but straight and on three holes I missed three fairways but all three left zero chance of reaching the green in regulation.
The green complexes are outstanding and for all poa greens they are lightning fast and firm. The undulations are subtle but for a first timer I would've shot a hundred without the guidance of my caddy Tom.
Sand is everywhere and there are no rakes. If you find a foot print you have to deal with it. They are "hazards" after all...we are all spoiled by conventional bunker maintenance. It's not only sandy in playig areas, you'd swear you were playing an ocean course and trudging through dunes to the next patch of emerald green fairway or green. There are very few water hazards except for a couple of holes on the back nine.
I hope I get a chance to go back.