Description: The Blue has evolved over the years, getting rerouted and trading some holes with the Yellow course. The result is an outstanding mix of design features, with some rolling elevation on long par-4s and par-5s and exceptional mid-range par-3s. In general, the greens are pretty small and well-guarded and the course is kept in great condition while being playable for all levels of golfers.
The front nine of the Blue is without question one of the toughest and most enjoyable nine holes in the area. Some holes - most notably the 465-yard, par-4 sixth, with its sloping fairway away from the dogleg left - are as tough as almost anything on the Black. The back nine eases up a little bit, but does not pull back from the need for precision and accuracy that is consistent throughout this fully enjoyable golfing experience.
Reader Comments: The front nine is my favorite nine holes, private or public, in the area ... All four Par 3's will challenge even the best golfer...A real great mix of doglegs, with some nice hills and deceptive approach shots ... Great golf for every skill level ... A real classic that has stood the test of time ... I could play it every day ... I’d say the sixth hole is as tough as anything on the Black, except perhaps No. 15.
Description: This 27-hole facility has been under new management for a couple years now and is beginning to define itself as one of the areas most enjoyable places to play. Most of the course renovations have focused on the Spruce and Oak Tree nines - the two nines that make up our ranked 18 holes - and each renovation has only added to the already existing pleasures.
(photo courtesy middleislandcc.com)
The Spruce nine is really the best nine, highlighted by the newly created “island” green at the 412-yard par-4 seventh. After a simple but narrow tee shot, the approach leaves no room for error in either distance or accuracy. Once on the green - which is a little bigger than most of the smallish greens out there - you’re normally left with a undulating putt. It’s really an example of the target-style of golf you have to play to be successful.
The Oak Tree nine has seen more renovations by way of better conditions rather than design. It’s a little more open than Spruce and has some real opportunities to score, especially with the greens getting truer. Yet, the greens are well-guarded and continue the theme throughout the 27 holes of subtle undulation often leading to many a confused look from the putter.
Reader Comments: The improvements have made this place so much better, I sometimes forget I’m on a public course ... I love the space and solitude once your out there. With all the exotic shrubbery, it really has a different feel than anything else around here ... Really a challenge playing from the tips ... All three nines were a blast; I’d come back tomorrow ... The new Spruce nine is like a whole new course.
