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Look-Alike Links
Can't Make It to Augusta or St. Andrews? Not a Problem
Larry Olmsted
From the Print Edition:
Raquel Welch, Jul/Aug 01
(continued from page 6)
423-822-2582, www.blackcreekclub.com
The first of two new tributes to the work of Seth Raynor and C. B. MacDonald, Black Creek opened last year. Brian Silva, named Architect of the Year by Golf World magazine in 1999, tried to include the hallmarks of the duo's designs in his routing, including blind approaches, a redan hole, drivable par-4s, a punch-bowl green and, in general, layouts that beg for some shots to be played on the ground. Silva had recently done extensive renovations on a couple of Raynor designs, including Lookout Mountain and Fox Chapel, and carried the lessons he learned to Black Creek. "It lets players who haven't been able to visit Scotland or play the great early American courses with these design features be exposed to the way the game once was, and still is, on the links of Scotland," says Silva.
The New Course at Grand Cypress
Orlando, Florida
407-239-1234,800-835-7377, www.grandcypress.com
This is an homage by no less a golf icon than the Golden Bear himself to the birthplace of golf. Nicklaus made credible replicas of the first and last holes from the Old Course, and in between created 16 Scottish-style designs, complete with lots of double greens and deep bunkers. This is the subtlest of all the tribute or replica courses, offering a real feel for the old country without making it seem tacky. Modern touches like GPS, yardage books and cart paths do not ruin the effect, and of all the tribute and replica courses, this one resides at the best resort. The Grand Cypress Resort also has a Nicklaus-designed 27-hole course that hosts an LPGA tournament; between its two layouts, the resort offers a fantastic golf experience.
Stonebridge Golf Links & Country Club
Hauppauge, New York
631-724-7500
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