Course 155: Westminster CC

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The front nine at Westminster CC is unique. It starts with eight par fours before the par-3 ninth. Those first eight holes are a mix of straight (Hole Nos. 1-3, 7) and doglegs (Hole Nos. 4-6, 8).

The first six holes on one side of the road are flatter, and the last 12 holes have more elevation.

Because of some narrow corridors, golfers will have to hit various tee shots during a round at Westminster, especially if they play the blues or white tees. It is possible to cut corners, but peril awaits wayward shots.

Three of the last five holes are par fives - another quirk of the routing.

During dry spells, the course can get very firm and fast; the fun of those conditions are rolling shots onto greens; however, most of the surrounds were squishy or muddy. Holes like the 3rd, 4th, 13th, and 16th have a slope in front of the green, but there's no way to use it due to the soft tuft.

False fronts on the 5th, 11th, 14th, and 15th are inconsequential because balls hang on to the lush grass.

The par 3s are a good variation, from the 130-yard 10th to the bulky 240-yard 12th. Players will hit different clubs into each green of the four one-shotters.

The standout holes were the 11th and 13th.

The 11th is an uphill par 4. A good drive to the sloped fairway leaves a tricky, blind uphill shot to a green guarded by bunkers in front. There's trouble along the left side of the hole.

The downhill, dogleg 13th is the toughest par 4 on the course. Big pine trees guard the corner, and a meandering creek sits on the left for anyone who might overswing and hit it left. A good tee shot will leave a mid or short iron into the large two-tiered green. An opening in the front of the green should kick balls onto the green when it isn't soft.

WCC will scratch the golfing itch. It offers a challenge while providing a chance for birdies. A good value but not a spot I'd have in my regular rotation if I lived in the area.

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