Course 154: Green Hill

When I check off a new golf course, I post a review on Instagram. If you are interested in reading the review early, and reading some additional thoughts that go beyond the Instagram caption limit, you can become a Supporter or Founder.

Green Hill has earned its spot among the list of municipal courses that care about delivering a good experience for the public golfer. The course is in good shape and approachable for a wide array of players.

The front 9 plays close to the clubhouse across rolling land and tilted fairways.

The back nine is the bulkier side, sending players up and down a big hill on hole Nos. 11-13, 16 and 17. Holes 10 and 18 frame the driving range and 14 and 15 run along the bottom of the hill, the flattest holes on the property.

The 10th, 12th, and 16th holes are excellent, tough par 5s.

The tight quarters on the front nine can send balls into adjacent fairways and balls can even disappear over hills, especially when a first timer doesn't know how the land impacts the ball's bounces.

The greens aren't anything to write home about. They are round with a bit of slope to them but they were in good shape. The 4th, 5th, and 15th greens were three of the better putting surfaces.

The shots into the 12th and 16th were also engaging.

The ninth is one of the standout holes. It might be the signature hole; it hugs Green Hill Pond. The tee shot from the tips is over the water, and the landing area is blind. Missing too far left will leave a tough second from long rough on the side of a hill. Accuracy is rewarded with a good chance at a birdie as the hole is reachable in two. The green is benched in the hill and provides a lovely view of the pond.

The par-4 15th is another standout. The course allows players to hit driver a lot, but this hole makes players stop and think because a bunker crosses the line of charm. The green is awesome. It has two tiers, and the front is higher than the back. And because the green is perched up just a little bit, the shot is blind. The pin position could determine how a player attacks the tee shot, too. A short shot to a front pin would be tough, but something from a bit farther back with some spin might hold the top section. Just a cool, unique hole on the course.

According to folks familiar with the course, it has come a long way. It's worth a visit if you're in the area.

Additional Thoughts:

Subscribe to Supporter to read the rest.