Once Private, Now Semi-Privates Of Golf
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Joe Passov has what I figure to be the tip of the iceberg of stories about private courses either opening up to public play or semi-privates more willingly letting it be known they want your money. The first one here surprised me, the second did not because I'm anxiously awaiting reader Tim's review from his round there today. I saw it under construction and it'll be a must play during the 2014 U.S. Open run-up.
1. Pronghorn (Nicklaus), Bend, Ore. While its Fazio sibling remains private, this 2004 Jack Nicklaus creation alone is worth the journey, thanks to Bend's perfect arid summer climate on the sunny side of the Cascade Mountains, flawless conditions and holes—such as the par-4 13th—that boomerang around water. Its 151 slope from the 7,379-yard tips could intimidate a Tour pro, but the 3,200-foot elevation will help shorten the ride.
2. Dormie Club, West End, N.C. Because of multiple ownership squabbles, this Pinehurst-area course has suffered from an identity crisis. It's private! Wait, it's public! Wait...is it even open? That's a shame, because this two-year-old Coore/Crenshaw design is a worthy addition to any Pinehurst trip, with its hilly terrain, firm conditions, challenging carries over wetlands and, most impressively, its beguiling green complexes.
**This from reader Chris about his Dormie Club experience:
Just saw your 'Once Private, Now Semi-Privates of Golf' post. A couple of friends and I spent a weekend in the Pinehurst area back in February and had the pleasure of playing the Dormie Club. It was an instant highlight of our trip and despite the fact that none of us scored particularly well, we none the less agreed it was a ton of fun.
The standout feature of the course is how much you can use the ground came to work the ball into the green or near the pin. By the end of the round we were hitting run up shots and putting from 15 and 20 feet off the green. The variety of shots the course allows was refreshing!
