Participated in the GOLF MOOSE/VIVID Private Club Event (my first) @ Dove Canyon on Monday and was happy I elected to do so. As is always the case when Johnny is involved, it was a well-organized affa... Continue »

Participated in the GOLF MOOSE/VIVID Private Club Event (my first) @ Dove Canyon on Monday and was happy I elected to do so. As is always the case when Johnny is involved, it was a well-organized affair with the club staff providing a welcome, hospitable atmosphere. A tip of the hat to everyone who made this day possible. And I was blessed with great company…having been paired up with Johnny, Ron, and Mark…which elevated my level of enjoyment. Got to witness a number of high-quality shots from the boys as well. And much appreciation for Mark’s guidance throughout the day since this was my initial visit to the golf course. Expansive, warm, and inviting clubhouse that’s conducive to relaxing with a drink and trading stories following a day on the course. Large practice range facility with a short-game area off to the side provides the opportunity to work on all phases of one’s game. Although we were relegated to hitting off mats, they were in good shape as I didn’t notice any signs of excess wear…and good quality range balls I might add. Practice putting green overlooks the picturesque finishing hole and was pretty close to mirroring what I encountered on the course. As for the course itself, I’d rank it as one of the more demanding layouts I’ve played. Typical Nicklaus design: it demands precise iron play in order to score well. Having the ability to hit high approach shots is a huge plus…particularly when the pins are tucked in the far reaches of these devilish greens, many of which are on the narrow/shallow side and run diagonally to the fairway. And Jack’s bunkering has them well-protected. For a guy who was never known for his sand play, I get the impression this is how he’s chosen to exact his revenge. While I personally feel some of the contours and segmented sections of the surfaces ‘push the envelope’, there is a perverse sense of pleasure one experiences if able to navigate those challenges successfully. Adventuresome and mentally-stimulating are appropriate terms when it comes to describing the pitching/chipping and putting experience at Dove Canyon. And with that said, the golf course demands full engagement from start to finish; it’s an exciting layout and the word ‘boring’ never comes into play. I found the elevation changes, rolling fairways, and general scope of this design quite pleasing to the eye. There are a number of excellent holes out there but it’s tough to top the dramatic tee shots you face on the Par-3 10th and 17th holes. Course conditions were very good; tees, fairways, and greens in solid shape for this time of year. Took note of a few bare spots on a couple of greens but didn’t have to deal with anything that compromised play. Rough was just long enough to create an issue but that was dependent upon the lie: if the ball sat up, not much of a problem…but a different story if it burrowed into the turf. Greens rolled at a quick pace but nothing unreasonable…especially given the contours and slopes…and were very receptive to well-struck shots. Yes, the approaches are challenging, but if you hit the mark distance-wise, the ball did settle down nicely. Bunker sand had good texture…a bit on the heavy side…along with plenty of depth, with just about all of them requiring lofted escapes as the ones I was in sat below the putting surfaces and featured steep faces. Having no previous experience at Dove Canyon, I felt I was at somewhat of a disadvantage…which wasn’t helped by a sloppy ball-striking round. But now that I’ve gotten a look at it, made some observations, and taken notes, I’m looking forward to a return at some point down the road.