Chiseled
within the majestic Laurel Highlands of Western Pennsylvania and one
of two courses at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa, is
the Pete Dye design known as Mystic Rock.
At the cost of
approximately 1 million dollars per hole, Mystic Rock twists
through an array or "rocky bolder laden outcroppings" bringing to
fruition an enchanted golf journey unlike any other.
On par with other Pete Dye
designed courses, this course is a
marvel of both
"eye appeal" and "golfing test". With tee shots having to clear numerous obstacles
and long distances to reach the fairway,
fiendish undulating greens and 60 plus strategically placed bunkers
throughout the course, you can see why Mystic Rock will be the new home
of the PGA tours Pennsylvania Classic over the next four years.
Amigos favorite Hole:
With a
plethora of outstanding golf holes to choose from we decided that
the 565 yard Par 5 was our choice as favorite.
Not only a
test of length, the majority of the approaching fairway to the green
is narrow and well guarded by a large lake along the right hand side
of the fairway. But the fun doesn't
stop there, on the left side of the fairway, just about the distance
to lay-up for your second shot, another water hazard lurks for those trying to excessively guard against hitting into
the right fairway water hazard.
A
true risk reward hole, only those of PGA caliber skill would be
recommended to test the green approach in two. Not only do you need
to worry about both flanking water hazards, one must
guard against going to far beyond the green into the dense
woods that guard the holes back side.
Our recommendation is
to use your best course management skills and approach the green in
three manageable strokes, to much danger is every present on this "Dye-Abolical"
hole.
On
this overcast September day both Amigos had decent tee shots. One
Amigo was in prime “two shot to green” location but the other landed
in a perfectly placed fairway bunker. In the end, neither Amigo was
unable to get to the green in three and had to settle for a
disappointing bogey and double bogey respectfully.
Review Date:
09/14/2002
Course review ratings are conducted on a five point scale. ( 1 = Double Bogey 3 = Par 5 = Eagle)
Tees:
Spaced greatly between levels and in perfect shape. Some holes required a drive of at least 150 to 200 yards just to reach the fairway making length a necessity ; excellent challenging design.
Fairways:
Variable hilly lies that will challenge even the most seasoned of golfers. Shape condition and feel is unparallel.
Rough:
From the thick grabbing grass around the greens to the outcropping of stones that prominently inhibit a totally unique feeling about the course, this design is among the best around. The maintenance staff is extremely meticulous about every aspect including the rough which at some courses can be an after thought.
Traps:
Outstanding placement and amount, they wart off every errant shot with perfect placement protecting most of the greens. Great depth and feel.
Greens:
Undeniable Pete Dye in every aspect! If your lucky enough to get to the green in regulation, each will test every facet of your putting game. The large undulating greens are very fast to say the least.
Amenities:
Clubhouse is dual use in-conjunction of another course. Great driving range, two chipping greens and a large putting green are available from warming up. Full service golf academy has many lesson plans, including swing analysis that can help the beginner to the most experienced golfer. Every cart has GPS adding in taking the guess work out of distance to the pin.
Staff Services:
From bag drop until the completion of the round, all of the staff members at Nemacolin Woodlands resort clubhouse were outstanding. Attention to detail is given in every area.
Pace of Play:
There was some wait between groups and our time was only 25 minutes over the average round, which is not bad for a busy Saturday.
Overall Average:
4.83, Birdie Course
Outstanding Course, must play recommendation
The GolfinAmigos would like to thank Ms. Susan McCarthy the Director of Public Relations at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa for allowing us to visit and review the course.
CLICK HERE for additional course information...
Location:
1001 LaFayette Drive, Farmington PA 15437
Tee Time Phone:
724-329-6111
Course Type:
Resort
*The opinions expressed in this course review are those of the individual reviewer(s) and do not reflect the editorial opinion of
www.GolfinAmigos.com