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Friday, 23 July 2010 |
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Mohonk's 19th century design stands the test of time
The 113-year-old course at Mohonk Mountain House is a shot-maker’s paradise. Like other early courses in America designed at the turn of the 19th century, ours has a strong Scottish influence. It was first laid out by Mother Nature and Albert Smiley (Mohonk’s Founder), along with two house guests, E.E. Schermerhorn and Mr. James Talcott. The original layout in 1897 was 1600 yards. In 1911, Mr. Robert Pryde, a Scotsman working in Yale, Connecticut, was the “go-to” man for golf courses. He lengthened the course and added Scottish charm. Pryde brought the length to 2350 yards.
Mohonk’s golf course features undulating fairways that require you hit to flat landing areas we call bowls. The course protects itself with blind tee shots and uneven lies. Mohonk’s 19th century design is able to battle 21st century equipment – a testament to Mr. Pryde’s lasting influence.
Course Honors:
Mohonk’s golf course was awarded “Best Golf Course Hotel Division” by Hudson Valley Magazine reader’s poll. The Poughkeepsie Journal awarded Mohonk’s first hole a “Dream Eighteen” designation, as being noteworthy among Hudson Valley golf course holes. And LINKS magazine recognized Mohonk Mountain House as having one of the "Top 10 Environmentally Friendly Golf Courses in the United States."
Course Description:
The length of Mohonk’s golf course makes it both challenging and forgiving. Four different height cuts of grass define each hole. Contour-cut fairways help you determine the best tee shot placement. Missing the fairway can mean the different between making a birdie or scrambling for par.
Par: 35
Yardage: Red – 2337
White – 2381
Green - 2707
Hole 1: Mountain Rest 210 Yards Par 3
• A small, steeply sloping green set atop a bunker-fortified hill is the setting for our world-class opening hole, a challenging introduction to the excellent golf ahead.
Hole 2: Over the Hills 330 Yards Par 4
• Teeing off in front of our rustic original 1903 Golf Clubhouse to the concealed fairway offers a great chance to look out across the entire landscape. A mid- to high-iron from the narrow and slightly uphill fairway is required to leave a solid chance for a birdie putt.
Hole 3: Far Away 380 Yards Par 4
• Our number-one handi-cap hole is lined by tall, stately oaks – a menacing test to any golfer. A bowl-shaped landing area sets the stage for a deceptive mid-iron approach to a tight, undulating green.
Hole 4: Ravine 375 Yards Par 4
• Full of superlatives, this picturesque hole starts off with an elevated tee shot to the floor of a gentle, sloping ravine. After a mid-iron approach shot, no golfer can overlook the beauty of the valley below.
Hole 5: Pitch Up 118 Yards Par 3
• Our second par three may be short in distance, but not in elevation or difficulty. A high-iron is recommended to hold the quaint and dramatically sloping green.
Hole 6: Pitch Down 155 Yards Par 3 (White Tee)
• This is the original 6th hole, played from 1897 – 1978. In autumn, players enjoy watching their ball fall against the colorful foliage.
Hole 6: Pitch Down 311 Yards Par 4 (Green Tee)
• With a tree-lined extreme descent, a good tee ball must be high and strong. Framed by beautiful, dense foliage, the green below demands a high, soft approach, leaving a good chance for a birdie on the gently sloping green.
Hole 7: Lindens 240 Yards Par 4
• This hole personifies the risk-reward relationship that many of golf’s greatest holes offer. Lay-up to the steeply sloping fairway or risk driving the green and tempting its intimidating front bunker.
Hole 8: Hill Crest 265 Yards Par 4
• This challenging par four presents a tough test off the tee. With dense mountaintop forest lining the right side, a straight tee shot is essential. A dangerously slanted green requires a skilled putting touch.
Hole 9: Orchard 478 Yards Par 5
• This hole is definitely reminiscent of links-style design. The final tee shot of the day must avoid the threatening heavy gorse on the left. Two majestic pine trees guard entry to the compact green, so a high, soft shot is needed. A truly demanding par five leaves the golfer with an aesthetically pleasing, yet challenging, test. |
