Although my score didn't reflect it, I had a blast playing Hyland Gold today. This course is incredibly varied in layout. Art and I played the full 18, and I don't think I could closely compare any ... Continue »

Although my score didn't reflect it, I had a blast playing Hyland Gold today. This course is incredibly varied in layout. Art and I played the full 18, and I don't think I could closely compare any of the holes to each other. Bring a full bag of tricks when you play because this course has everything.
The front starts out in a more open and straight forward setting, but as you go along, new course aspects increase the difficulty. The course works its way into the woods mid-round, so you get a handful of holes in tight spaces before it pops out and gives you forced water approaches on some par 3s and 4s. It was like going on a hike!
The course wasn't in perfect shape, but it was certainly better than most I regularly play on. The fairways had some evidence of winter kill, but the areas had been scored for growth so as soon as we can get some decent sun, they should start coming back. The rest was very lush, but cut nicely with clean cuts to the rough. Even approach areas we well repaired. The rough was thick and playable - stood the ball up nicely most times. I wasn't at all up close and personal with the sand today (sweet!). From what I remember, the sand looked nice, but I don't think the edges were cut - could be wrong. The greens were probably the best and worst part! Impeccable in condition, the greens were lush and FAST. Throw in the fact that every putt will have some sort of grade and break to account for, and you've got your work cut out with the little stick.
We played 18 in just under 4 hours, and were never held up (although we were pushed for the first few holes). Hyland also has a separate 9 hole course and a par 3 course, which probably keeps a lot of people off the Gold. I'm super stoked on this course, and hopefully I'll play a little better next time.