Post by jeachus on May 13, 2019 10:04:38 GMT -5
Inspired by the Lawn Lake Flood Event 1982 in Rocky Mountain National Park, this course is set through a fan of mountain debris that has evolved into a brand new and thriving ecosystem. Massive falls were created as a result of catastrophic dam failure leaving behind a striking sight for hiking tourists, and now golfers. The first 9 are set downstream of the falls that are in view from every hole up front. This half was cleared of trees by the flood and plays as links-style with many opportunities at birdie. The second 9 advances uphill, into the mountains and forest canopy and plays around the falls and parent alpine lake. These are a challenge for club selection due to sharp elevation changes and even more so with wind. You will find some tight spots placing a premium on accuracy on the back. Enjoy your round in this marvelous landscape carved out by Mother Nature.
Hole 4 is the first par 5 on the course. Here, players will need to identify the wind and choose between the right or left side of a split fairway which allows a better angle into a green. However, the approach shot must fully clear rock and brush to the green. Playing down the right side sets up an awkward second shot but if struck well, birdie is very achievable.
Hole 8 is the second par three of the front 9 and offers the first glimpse of changing flora on the back 9. Pine brush engulfs rocks that surround a deceptively sloped green across the stream. Adjust for elevation and throw a mid-iron into the larger green and plan to face a breaking putt for birdie.
Hole 10 crosses the stream for good, leaving the links style of play behind for mountain golf. Isn't that why you came to the Rockies, after all? A long tee shot is needed from the back tees to an elevated fairway. Originally a very difficult par 4, this hole was changed to a par 5 as daring players can attempt hybrid into a narrow, cliff-side green. Struck well, and eagle is a real possibility. Struck poorly, and O.B. all along the left side will penalize the player.
After climbing the 12th hole to the bank of the alpine lake from which the flood event emanated, players will cross the back side of the mountain on a nearly 400 yard cart ride on switchbacks to the 13th tee. This par 5 is an eagle opportunity or challenging par depending on the wind. With some help, bombers can cross the clearing between the first and second tiers of the fairway leaving a wood or hybrid in to a large green. In wind, you are almost assured an iron or hybrid off of the tee making this hole a 3-shot par 5 for sure.
The course concludes with the hole that was previously a par 5, before losing that status to 10. Losing over 100 feet of elevation, this distance hog is a par 4 requiring driver and either hybrid or long-iron into the largest green on the course set next to the alluvial deposits at the base of the falls. Keep it tight and par is very doable, but we're not letting you off of the mountain easily!
Thanks for visiting the park, and thanks for playing Alluvial 82 Golf Club!