Northwest Golf + Travel | November 2022

NORTHWEST

GOLF + TRAVEL

HARBOTTLE BANBURY GC

HARDEST HOLE FOR WOMEN IS IT REALLY?

ROB

Coeur d'Alene Resort

SUE CONARD Northwest Golf + Travel

HARDEST HOLE FOR WOMEN IS IT REALLY?

It’s girls day out on the course. Wearing your favorite outfit with matching visor, and your talisman ball mark clipped to the bill, you embark on a four-ish hour quest to play your best golf. So far, it’s going well. Playing to your handicap on most holes, some better, some not, you come to what the USGA has determined to be the hardest hole on the course for women, but is it? Is it really?

Possibly ten different women will provide ten different opinions. In this and subsequent articles, the opinion on the holes will be mine with a bit of insight from the women I play with. Insight: my partners and I are recreational golfers who play regularly in leagues and associated tournaments; mid-handicappers who get some pars, occasional birdies, mostly bogeys and, possibly the dreaded blow-up hole.

I’m starting this series with Circling Raven and Palouse Ridge, a few favorites of mine. They all have links-style characteristics such as large bunkers, and tall grasses to contend with. Likewise, all have wide fairways and defined approach paths.

Circling Raven, set in the landscape south of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is a favorite of many in the region. Adjacent to the Coeur d’Alene Casino and Resort, it’s a course that hosts renowned tournaments with qualities that challenge players striving to qualify for LPGA and PGA tournaments.

Circling Raven Golf Club

This course’s hardest hole for women is hole five, a lengthy par five running alongside the course perimeter on right with wheat grass bordering the cart path and a place where I’m sure there is a field of never-to-be found white, and matte and neon colored golf balls (ask me how I know). It’s not always a penalty because if you beat the threeminute clock and find your ball, it’s likely playable. Landing your ball too far left will certainly leave you with a penalty as it’s very unlikely you’ll find your ball. This area is off limits to any navigation beyond the red stakes to recover or hit your ball. The putting surface is 405 yards from the intermediate tees, and 392 from the forward tees. Playing from either requires three good shots for green in regulation; those good shots need to be safe from bunkers, one on the right in the range of errant drives, one on the left as golfers’ land in the approach area and another left next to the green. The latter two are sized for a beach party – beach volleyball anyone? Besides the bunker, a grassy hillside will hold up a right bearing shot leaving a tricky chip to the undulating green. A lengthy green requires thought on how you want to hit the approach shot. Too short with a back pin or too long with a front pin requires two good well-read putts.

Hole five is only the hardest for women; it is the fifth hardest for men. I can’t say I agree with the rating for women given the other holes with long carries over unforgiving protected wetland areas. Based on the premise the hardest hole has double-bogey potential and would give a mid-range handicapper potentially two-strokes forgiveness; I would personally prefer to get that forgiveness on a few other holes on the course.

away with par on this hole, but with a bit of strategy and execution and my lucky talisman ball marker, a bogey is my best to date.

The hole starts out from elevated tee boxes to a generous fairway. Tee to green from the forward tees extends 453 yards. A well placed tee shot is essential. One heading right may give you a fortunate roll to the middle of the fairway. Conversely, a tee shot too far left can land your ball in a sticky situation with either a difficult side-hill lie or in an area thick with unforgiving grass and reeds. If by chance the ball lands in the narrow strip of flat between the hill and reeds, a recovery shot is possible.

Second shot strategy requires a lay-up or confidence in a club that will get you across a the cart path to a higher fairway on the left, with reeds and wetlands in front of you providing intimidation. A shot not far enough or left enough will find your ball rolling downhill to a bunker, or even further downhill to more wetlands. Far left and long provides a good look at the tabletop green. Troubles around the green include a deep bunker and gnarly grass. Consistent with undulating and large greens throughout this course, a two putt is not a given.

For reference, the method to determine hardest holes is not rocket science. And, it’s essential to understand the hole handicaps are primarily designated for match play, although there are a few stroke play events the holes apply to, such as Stableford. It used to be a matter of the course committee collecting scorecards from various folks, different genders with a cross-section of handicaps. This was not valid because if you know anything about statistics (I personally had to take the class twice), this casual approach left a huge margin of error.

The World Handicap System takes another approach. All odd numbers are on the front, with even numbers on the back (in most cases). They are spread out for match play so there is no exceptional number of given strokes on either side. Additionally, they use a triad on each side, typically landing the hardest hole in the middle triad. Again, exceptions apply because course committees can determine if this doesn’t suit a particular course. If you are really a handicap hole, I-gotta-know how it works nerd like me, you can visit this link on the USGA website

Ironically, or not ironically because of the triad methodology, Palouse Ridge determines the hardest hole for both men and women is also hole five. Spot on! This hole has exasperated me at times, and when it hasn’t, I feel like a conqueror. If I played match play on this course and walked away with a double -bogey and the two stroke handicap advantage, I’d walk away with a bit of pep in my step. I can’t lay claim to ever walking

While I absolutely agree with the course rating on this hole, it does not discourage me for playing this course a few times each season. It’s an easy drive to and back from Spokane, and when my friends from Seattle head this way, it’s typical they choose to play it, too. Challenges abound throughout the course. Playing from the proper tees for your ability keeps it fun. Ultimately, we want to be challenged, yet enjoy the round remembering the good shots and quickly forgetting the others.

"The method to determine hardest holes is not rocket science”

Signature wooden bridge style of wetland crossings to Hole 5 intermediate and forward tees

KUNA, IDAHO

FALCON CREST GOLF CLUB

CHRIS WOOD All Golf Idaho

KUNA Perhaps no facility in the Treasure Valley is looking forward to 2023 more than Falcon Crest Golf Club.

The new Robin Hood and Freedom nines will be open for play in 2023 with the exact dates to be determined. With construction of new homes continuing, the future of Falcon Crest is coming more into focus.

“We’re looking forward to a great season,” PGA Head Professional John Lewis said. “We were busy this year, but next year we expect to be really busy.”

What that means for pricing, including passes, at the popular 36-hole complex south of Boise remains to be seen. But the quality of the new nines has already been determined. Robin Hood is ready to play now, but course officials are being patient as the new grass literally takes root and matures. The Robin Hood course is tentatively set to open in spring.

“We could have golfers out there right now, but it’s really going to pay off in the future to let things mature,” Lewis said. He offered a glimpse into what the new Robin Hood course will offer in terms of challenge. All nine holes have bunkering around

The new Robin Hood nine at Falcon Crest GC is a “player-improvement course” that features bunkering, undulating greens, and carries over water, according to PGA Head Professional John Lewis.

large greens that offer multiple hole locations and undulations that will create a variety of challenging putting conditions. Several holes have carries over water that will require distance control with wedges and short irons.

“This is a player improvement course,” Lewis said. “I think of it as a short-game course rather just a par-3 course.”

The new Freedom nine has lost some of the legendary distance of the original, but the redesigned layout still features plenty of challenge.

“It’s still going to be a serious nine holes,” Lewis said.

The first four holes on Freedom are basically unchanged, but 5-6-7 are dramatically different. The 5th, previously known as one of the longest holes in the Northwest at 730 yards from the tips, has been shortened dramatically and plays as a par 4. Some length has been carved off the par-4 6th, and the 7th, previously a par 5, becomes a challenging par 3.

“It’s going to be a lot nicer, but it’s still going to be a challenge,” PGA Assistant Professional Braeden Larsen said. “It’s going to be a much easier walk, which is great for most people.”

The new holes on Freedom have newer turf, so the opening may not be until summer. While golfers anticipate the two new nines, Falcon Crest’s Championship 18 remains one of the Treasure Valley’s best.

“We’re just making everything here more top of the line,” Lewis said.

Falcon Crest Golf Club

Desert Canyon Golf Course

PLAYER IMPROVEMENT WITH

CHRIS WOOD All Golf Idaho

Ruminations on the 2022 golf season while looking out the window of my home office and seeing … snow.

I’ve been pulling my approach shots from 100 to 150 yards basically since Ronald Reagan was in the White House. For you youngsters, President Reagan was one of those “old-school leaders” who didn’t call people names or forget what he had for breakfast.

A par 4 usually goes something like this for me: drive in play, miss the green left under a tree, try for miracle chip that ends up in a bunker, up and down in three for a nice, fat double. Gripe and repeat.

But not in 2023! Or at least that’s the goal. Since I’ve officially retired from teaching high school and have enough time on my hands to drive my wife crazy 10 times over, I’m embarking on a mission to cure my over the top, yank, pull, whatever you want to call it.

The journey began with a trip to GolfTec in Boise, where Manager and Certified Instructor

Aaron Blakeley showed me in one session exactly what I have been doing wrong all these years. It was the first time I’ve sought professional advice … well, at least for my swing, but that’s another story. Talk about stubborn. The world has seen the fall of the Berlin Wall, Y2K, cell phones take over daily life, and recovery from a pandemic … yet still I hit left more often than Nancy Pelosi.

The real work begins now, however. Knowing your faults is one thing; permanently stashing them in the golf closet of your mind is quite another. I’m sure I’ll revert to my old Yankee self at times – especially under pressure - but my goal is simple: Hit the green more than 50% of the time from 100-150 yards out in 2023. I’m not asking to hit it close more often, make more birdies, or even get in the pockets of my golf buddies.

Just hit … the … dang … green!

I’ll be working with GolfTec throughout the winter and charting my progress as the snow eventually melts and we all turn the page to the 2023 season.

I’ll keep you posted in future issues of Northwest Golf & Travel, on the All Golf Idaho mobile app, and in future podcasts.

Happy golfing!

Click here to book your lesson with GolfTec.

AMATEUR PLAYERS TOUR

CHRIS WOOD All Golf Idaho

BOISE - The Amateur Players Tour is bringing a new brand of tournament golf to the Treasure Valley - one that pays cash prizes to its winners.

“By the player, for the player” is the slogan for the APT, which is a nationwide organization with chapters in most states. Boise is the second location in the Northwest, joining the Seattle chapter. ATP Boise held its first tournament in October at Falcon Crest Golf Club with 48 players. Another event was scheduled for Nov. 12 at Boise Ranch GC, weather permitting.

Lucas O’Neill, Boise Local Chapter Owner, said the ATP is building its presence heading into 2023.

“It’s a growing process,” said O’Neill, who formerly guided the Idaho chapter of the Veterans Golf Association.

The biggest draw for the ATP versus the many other amateur events is cash payouts in the form of Visa gift cards, O’Neill said. Competitors may win up to $1,000 per event and still maintain their amateur status, according to USGA guidelines.

Another perk is the ability for ATP players to earn points and advance to regional and national “majors” in the United States and Canada. The 2023 regional event will be held at Chambers Bay in Tacoma, site of the 2015 U.S. Open. The 2022 North American Championship was held at Pinehurst, NC in October.

Local events will mainly be one-day competitions, O’Neill said, but he is planning for some destination tournaments at sites like Circling Raven, Coeur d’Alene Resort, and Jug Mountain.

Golf Cour se Cour Kellogg, Idaho

ROB HARBOTTLE BANBURY GOLF COURSE

EAGLE — Rob Harbottle already had an affinity for Banbury Golf Course when he played in the Dropping Invitational as a junior golfer. Many years later, Harbottle embraced the opportunity to turn that connection into a new career path.

“Even before Jeff passed, I thought it would be cool to be a pro at one of the golf courses he designed,” Harbottle said. “I’ve always loved the Boise area, but having that connection definitely means something. It ended up being the best of all situations.”

The call to Banbury wasn’t the first time Harbottle had his golf roots tug on his life’s path. His mother Pat and father John Jr. are both members of the PNGA Hall of Fame for their prodigious amateur playing careers. Rob played at Portland University before becoming a golf professional, but he strayed from that pursuit to join his wife’s family in the insurance industry in northern Nevada. Harbottle was playing a round with the owner of Carson Valley Golf Course, when the discussion turned to the golf business. Soon he was back working part-time as an instructor at the course. Not long after that, Harbottle ascended to Head Professional and then Director of Golf.

“When golf is in your blood it’s hard to be away too long,” Harbottle said. Now he’s part of a renewed commitment to excellence at Banbury after owner Dick Phillips has assumed control of

The new synthetic turf on the driving range at Banbury spans 270 feet of teeing area. Golfers can even plant a tee in the realistic feeling turf.

CHRIS WOOD

All Golf Idaho

course operations following 22 years of leasing the facility.

“He loves this place and wants everything to be top notch,” Harbottle said.

Upgrades to equipment are showing up in even better course conditions, and sand is being replaced in all bunkers. Besides course improvements, Harvey’s at Banbury is a new lounge inside the now enclosed north end of the clubhouse, the restaurant menu has been upgraded with a new chef, and even the driving range has a continuous 270 feet of cushioned mats extending the entire length of the teeing surface.

“We spent the money to get high quality turf that is very realistic and gives the feel of real grass that you can even put a tee in,” Harbottle said. “We’ve had plenty of great feedback on it so far. It’s one of those upgrades that people can see right away.”

Golfers are noticing the upgrades and wondering about rumors that they are part of an eventual move to make the facility private. Harbottle quashed any thought of that happening. In fact, one of his first moves was to remove “club” from the name and emphasize it’s Banbury Golf Course, as in public.

“(Mr. Phillips) wants the course to be excellent. He wants the restaurant to be excellent,” Harbottle said. “He wants to create that private club feel and experience, but he wants it to be available to everyone.”

PROFILE WITH ROB HARBOTTLE

How were you introduced to the game of golf?

I started at the age of 5

Rob Harbottle (left) and older brother John Harbottle III in their parents’ backyard in the '90s.

Any dreams of playing professionally, other than RMSPGA events?

Once upon a time but quickly realized I wasn’t good enough to make a living doing it.

What is your most memorable moment on the golf course?

Beating my dad in the semi-finals of our club Championship. He was a 17time winner of the tournament. I birdied 18 to even up the match and won on the 19th hole.

What's the most unusual item in your golf bag?

Dental flossers.

If you were king of the Golf World for one day, what would you change?

I have to go with what I get the most comments on: pace of play.

If you could play anywhere, where would it be?

Augusta National

Who is in your ideal foursome?

Fred Couples, Ken Griffey Junior and my Brother Jeff/John.

The

new Harry’s at Banbury lounge features panoramic views of the course and the 18th hole.

wild foothills. manicured

From the award-winning restaurants, a scenic river and mountainous backdrop, to culture like you wouldn’t believe, Boise has it all. There’s 15 public courses to try and over 200 days of sunshine a year – so no matter what time of year you come, you’re bound to enjoy.

Book a trip and enjoy a few rounds of golf and the mild weather in the Lewis Clark Valley. When the 19th hole rolls around, hang out at one of our many wineries, breweries, and restaurants. Adventure into Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge, on an exciting white water jet boat tour and explore the scenic vistas, world-class fishing, and tales of legend and lore.

WHEN IT’S TIME TO FLY

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