If you look up the word "Gauntlet" in any dictionary the most applicable meaning of the word is; a severe trial; an ordeal. Apply this description to golf and no name is more fitting than that of the Gauntlet Golf Club in Fredericksburg Virginia.

With tight, but playable fairways to challenge even the most experienced golfer, this is a "shot maker's" course, pure and simple.  Most tee shots require accuracy over length and club selection off the tee is critical to meet the course's test.

Several blind tee shots, forced carries and strategically placed hazards are all trademarks of course designer and architect P.B. Dye, not to mention multi-tired greens that will keep your putter guessing.

But don't let our impression scare you away, we want you to visit the course, meets it's challenge and truly see where your game stands.

Amigos favorite Hole: The hole we liked best was the number 17, 339-yard par 4. The hole starts with a forced carry over a small hazard to a well protected yet generous fairway landing area. From the tee, your best option is to hit a 4 iron or 5 wood depending on personal preference and more importantly accurate club.

 If you're able to place the ball in the middle left portion of the fairway you'll have a short iron shot or pitching wedge up to an elevated narrow green that is well guarded.

On this day, 2 of the 3 Amigos got off to good start with tee shots landing nicely in the fairway.

But on the approach shots one Amigo went right side bunker while the other ended up short of the green, leaving a testy chip shot for an attempt at par.

The narrow green got the best of both short games and the final outcome was 1 bogey, 1 double bogey and one triple bogey.  Needless to say another round at the Gauntlet is in our future in hopes to pass this outstanding test of game.