jwtexan I had so much fun with both
Wrong thread but don't care, here's the Loblolly Course Book:
This par 71 layout meanders through the pines of southeast Georgia, and is inspired by the Augusta National Golf Club which is only a 20 mile drive north of the club. With the member tees playing at 6373 yards and the championship tees stretching to 6950 yards, the course is challenging and fun for players of any ability. Please feel free to visit our practice facility before your round to iron out any “kinks” you may bring with you.
Hole 1 - 411/393 yards (par 4)
This inviting opening par 4 allows players to ease into their round, with a generously sized fairway to start off your round. Don’t be afraid to challenge the left fairway bunker, as your approach shot is best taken from the left side of the green. Welcome to Loblolly!
Hole 2 - 426/349 Yards (par 4)
Your tee shot should be aimed at the bunker in the distance, as the right side of the fairway creates an uneven lie for your second shot. Be aware of where the pin is, as the right side of the green tends to send errant approaches into a collection area.
Hole 3 - 321/290 Yards (par 4)
The first of two driveable par 4s, the third hole plays downhill to a lion’s mouth green. Depending on where the pin is, your tee shot should be played over the left OR right fairway bunker. Take dead aim, and swing away!
Hole 4 - 182/160 Yards (par 3)
A punchbowl-esque green allows for a poorly struck shot to collect towards the middle of the green, but make sure to leave the ball below the hole. Any putt from back to front needs to be VERY delicate.
Hole 5 - 599/532 Yards (par 5)
If the wind is at your back and you have the length, take a chance at carrying the bunkers up the right side of this dogleg par 5. A well struck tee shot will allow you to try for the green in two. Otherwise, position your second shot to attack the flag with your third. This is a great chance at a birdie if you play it strategically.
Hole 6 - 421/393 Yards (par 4)
The tee shot is inspired by the 7th at ANGC, with a tight corridor of pines framing the fairway. As long as you reach the right level of the green, this hole will be your friend. Be sure to double check the wind and the gentle uphill grade.
Hole 7 - 212/195 Yards (par 3)
One of the most complex greens on the course, the 7th offers a few different pin “shelves” for players to aim at. Just be sure to stay out of the two greenside bunkers…
Hole 8 - 403/383 Yards (par 4)
While you may be recommended to take a 3 wood or less off the tee, fearless players will pull a driver and “sling” their tee shots around the corner and up the hill at the 8th. The farther up the hill you play, the better yardage you will have with your approach.
Hole 9 - 582/557 Yards (par 5)
Another par 5 where the wind will dictate your options. Since this green is the biggest on the property, make sure you don’t leave yourself with a LONG putt over the many hills this putting surface has to offer.
Hole 10 - 448/422 yards (par 4)
Similar to the 8th, you may be advised to take a 3 wood or less to stay out of the three fairway bunkers off the tee. But it is possible to take on the dogleg with driver, requiring a well positioned fade to leave a wedge into the 10th green.
Hole 11 - 192/173 yards (par 3)
Another lion’s mouth green awaits you on the third of five par 3’s here at Loblolly. The green can be tricky with it’s many tiers, so be sure to land your tee shot on the right level.
Hole 12 - 610/594 yards (par 5)
What will most certainly play as a three shot hole will come down to your second shot. Look for where the pin is, as the fairway bunkers can cause some trouble when trying to dial in a yardage for your approach for the green.
Hole 13 - 125/113 yards (par 3)
This little par 3 requires nothing more than a wedge, and the green contours will do their best to carry your ball towards the hole. Don’t get too cute with that front pin though…there is a false front that will carry a short tee shot back to the bottom of the valley.
Hole 14 - 482/403 yards (par 4)
One of the longest par 4’s on the course should play as one of the easiest, with a generous fairway sloping towards the middle of the pines and a large green that is relatively flat. Don’t get scared by the yardage, and attack the pin with your second! Fortune favors the bold.
Hole 15 - 322/288 yards (par 4)
The second of the driveable par 4’s can be a beauty or a burden depending on the tee shot.
A redan-esque hump in the middle-left portion of the green can serve as a backstop for tee shots towards the front of the green, or a ramp that will send a short drive into the deep bunker right of the green. A draw is the ideal shot shape, but make sure you don’t pull hook one into the 16th fairway. The entire green runs away from you if you miss over there…
Hole 16 - 551/507 yards (par 5)
The final par 5 on property is a great downhill hole with plenty of room off the tee. Check the wind before you go for the green, as Ike’s pond will swallow up any approach short and right of the green. A chance to make or break your round with one swing.
Hole 17 - 164/152 yards (par 3)
The signature hole at Loblolly is a par 3 played over the largest part of Ike’s pond. A three tiered green will require you to choose the right club, and anything short and right will fall back into a watery grave. Stop and smell the flowers along the hillside on your way to the 18th hole for some good last-minute karma.
Hole 18 - 499/468 yards (par 4)
The finishing hole asks you for one more carefully placed tee shot, as two fairway bunkers will challenge you for the last time off the tee. The green will brush aside any approach that falls short or left of your intended target, with a challenging up and down awaiting.
Congratulations on completing your round! Feel free to swing by the clubhouse for a sandwich and a cold beverage. Seating is available around the practice green, where you can sit and watch the groups behind you finish up. Any and all feedback is GREATLY appreciated, and thank you for playing my first published course!