WWW.NWGOLFADVENTURES.COM | MAR-APR 2022 | ISSUE 31 | FREE TO SUBSCRIBERS!
The latest golf news and features for players on the West Coast!
Painted Skies over Painted Woods Amazing golf is waiting for you in
Golf Blueprint
Find a new way to practice and improve your game
Stress Reliever
Bogey Bag gives you a chance to let off a little steam
Spark Golf
A different way to play competitive golf
North Dakota
Jeff Wallach
The Portland-based author has put out another golf novel
MAR 2022
www.nwgolfadventures.com
editor. S from the
Northwest
News & Notes
Kris Fay
More women are playing - and teaching - golf
Golf Handbook for Women - Vivien Saunders
ince entering the PGA Associates
competing in the Curtis Cup, USGA events, and
program and starting my path toward
then competing in men’s professional events.
becoming a Class A PGA Professional,
Helen Hicks, Babe Zahirias, and Patty Berg
I’ve had the opportunity to start giving
made names for themselves by competing at
lessons. It’s not something that I ever
the highest levels.
thought I would enjoy, but helping people with their golf swings has been really rewarding.
The Golf Handbook for Women takes you through every aspect of golf, whether you are just starting out or want to raise your game to a new level. Movements and shots are carefully detailed, using photographs and illustrations, with helpful suggestions on how to ensure you’ll hit your best shot every time.
The PGA of America was slow to accept women as professionals, with Hicks becoming the first
I’ve been primarily focused on new golfers,
in 1934. The LPGA was formed in 1950, six
which means that I’ve worked with several
years after the Women’s Professional Golf
female golfers. Some have been playing for a
Association (WPGA) opened the door for a
few years, but many have just decided to pick
women’s league.
up the game. Coming out of Women’s History Month, it seemed like a good time to think
Since
about the impact women have had in golf.
prominence on the LPGA TOUR. There’s still a
then,
more
women
have
gained
Power Golf for Women - Jane Horn One of the biggest obstacles women face in their golf game is the belief that they don’t have the strength or power to achieve distance. According to expert golfer Jane Horn, the idea that physical strength has anything to do with it is completely untrue. The problem is a misconception about how power is generated.
massive pay gap between men and women, but We could go all the way back to the 1500’s
that’s slowly closing. More women are being
when Mary Queen of Scots ruled and was
named top teachers and are working to get
considered the first female golfer. We could
additional ladies to take up the game.
jump forward 300 years to 1811 when the first recorded women’s only tournament took place.
On the right are three books written FOR
But I’ve chosen to move into the 20th century
women, BY women to help them get started
when women started to make a dent in the
and overcome some of the barriers to learning
American game.
how to play golf.
Amateur golf was great for women, with players
Kris Fay
Owner - NW Golf Adventures
02
Feeling Naked on the First Tee - Ann Kelly Finally a book that will boost the confidence of a new woman golfer, written by someone who knows how it feels! Packed with helpful hints, Feeling Naked on the First Tee explains parts of the game that other golf books don’t talk about, in language the beginner can understand.
www.nwgolfadventures.com
inside this
issue.
The
Lesson Tee
Issue 31: March/April 2022
04.
When we play golf, we undoubtedly have many thoughts rattling around in our head.
Golf Blueprint The founders of Golf Blueprint believe they’ve found a way for golfers to improve their practice routines and their games.
What do I do in the backswing? Is my grip ok?
Bogey Bag Everyone needs to let off a little steam when they hit a bad shot. The Bogey Bag attaches to your golf cart and can really take a punch when you need it to.
12.
Spark Golf Golfers on the West Coast and across the country are finding new leagues at their favorite municipal courses that let them play league golf on their schedule.
Keep a good tempo, and so on.
08.
The one thing that we often overlook or possibly get lazy about is our aim. I often see students setting up too open or too shut. This of course will lend itself to offline shots and then a lot of golf soul searching to find the remedy.
Antique Golf Pat Sutton continues to host an Antique Golf Show at Riverside Golf Club in Portland. Vendors and customers both love finding unique artifacts in one venue.
On the range it is easy to work on alignment. You can simply put a club or alignment stick down at your feet and set-up to it. But what do we do on the golf course? It is against the rules to use training aids or any outside agency to assist us in alignment.
16.
I have found that the easiest way to get yourself aligned is to use your eyes. That may sound overly simple, but our eyes will tell the tale.
Keep in touch . twitter.com/nwgolf
facebook.com/nwgolf
The next time you get ready to hit a shot, before you swing, simply turn your head and find out where you are looking. If you are set-up
instagram.com/nwgolf
03
too open, then your eyes will be looking left of the target (right-handed player). If you are set up too shut then your eyes will be looking right of the target. A good way to work on this and to improve your ability to aim is to work on how we get into the address position. The next time you go to hit a shot, take your righthand grip and walk into the stance from behind. Before you put your left hand on the club, turn your head to see where you are looking. If you are looking at the target, then you may put your left hand on the club and proceed. If you are not looking at the target, back off and start again. I am confident that if you make this part of your pre-swing routine you will start to aim better and will hit more shots on target. Good luck and keep swinging.
Alan Reese PGA Professional Salem Golf Club
APR 2022
MAR 2022
www.nwgolfadventures.com
BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS
green of a one-day mini tour event in Scottsdale hole birdie gave him a score of even par, a number he thought put him on the path to PGA OUTR stardom. He
Golf Blueprint is changing the way golfers practice.
On the drive home, he heard an interview with eK vin Moore (below, right), a University of Georgia professor specializing in applied mathematics, analytics, education, and psychology. Darras emailed him right away, hoping to apply Moore’s theories to improving his performance on the golf course.
O
“I’ll admit that I didn’t read Nico’s email right away, but when I did I thought I’d be able to help him,” said Moore skill set and we got some great analytics and strategy improve his wedge game.” During that time, Darras said he was working on the assigned reading for his doctoral program and a line in one of those books hit him. “It was about criterion referenced instruction, the idea of having an end goal in mind and working backwards. I brought it up to eK vin and we started using ourselves as guinea pigs for developing practice plans.” It may sound like things came together seamlessly, both Moore and Darras said that was hardly the case. Up’s Chris “Soly” Solomon. He shared it with his podcast audience and soon more than 02 people were lining up to learn how to practice. Moore described the response as eye-opening. e“W realized it was bigger than the two of us. eW spent 40 days ek eping up with demand, eventually getting the website up and zooming with clients. eW found they almost all wanted structure, practice plans built around data and research. So that’s what we did.”
pair had a large database of drills and plans, and an algorithm to apply to golfers. Golf Blueprint is now the largest online instruction service available with clients in 45 states. 04
www.nwgolfadventures.com
05
APR 2022
MAR 2022
www.nwgolfadventures.com
Fashion FORE-ward GOLF FASHION IS AN EVOLVING THING. DON’T MISS A SINGLE TREND IN TOPS, BOTTOMS, SHOES AND MORE! DO YOU HAVE A PICTURE OF YOU BEING FASHION FORE-WARD? SEND IT TO US!
Look Good, Play Good There’s a reason Tiger Woods wears red on Sunday. He’s intimidating his opponents, who know that red shirt has held up plenty of trophies. Why not look your best on and off the course? We’re here to help!
MULTI-USE CLOTHING
Athleta Skorts
Good for golf, running or tennis, the Athleta Fairway Skort is ready when you are. The light-weight fabic offers full coverage and all-way stretch. It features 5 pockets, one of which comfortably fits a smartphone.
LAID-BACK STYLE
Links & Leisure
These hand-printed tees are all about making golf look fun and inviting. Links & Leisure has captured some iconic moments in the game’s history and put them on comfy tees you can wear just about any time you like.
FOOTWEAR FASHION
Stan Smith x Vice
HOT COLLECTION
Vice Golf balls come in three distinct colors. Now, thanks to a collaboration with Adidas, you can get Stan Smith shoes to match! Made of recycled materials, these shoes will keep your feet dry while you walk the course in style. The shoes come in off white, neon lime, and neon red. Available through the Adidas and Vice Golf websites.
Puma x Palm Tree Crew
In collaboration with Palm Tree Crew, the Puma x PTC Snapback Cap features the golden lockup on its crown. There’s also a full collection of shirts and hoodies to complete your ensemble. And, if you’re in the market for some new clubs, a limited number of matching putters and woods are available!
06
www.nwgolfadventures.com
Galvin Green introduces jacket inspired by year's first major Ahead of this year’s Masters Tournament, leading high-performance apparel brand Galvin Green introduced a limited-edition waterproof jacket inspired by the iconic boiler suits worn at the eagerly anticipated event. Paying homage to the timeless outfits worn by caddies at one of golf’s most traditional championships, the predominantly White ARVIN GORETEX jacket also features shades of Yellow and the fitting Golf Green tone in honor of the famous flagsticks and tournament emblem for a special touch. “We have placed a great focus on replicating the unmistakable outfit worn by caddies during the first Major of the year in this standout garment,” said Designer Batur Raza Muhammad. “The ARVIN jacket encapsulates the bright white boiler suits and radiant colors that our eyes absorb during the prestigious tournament, plus features the latest waterproof technologies to ensure it performs at the highest level in the most demanding weather conditions. “The refreshing White color scheme is perfectly complimented by the instantly recognizable colors of the Yellow flagsticks and tournament emblem to offer the modern golfer an exceptional jacket that will turn heads for all the right reasons. It’s only right that we included the aptly named Golf Green color in this limited-edition garment that we’re certain will catch the eye of golf fans across the world during one of the most exciting weeks of the golfing calendar,” he added. The full-zip ARVIN GORE-TEX Paclite® is constructed using Bluesign®approved fabric to deliver 100% waterproof and windproof capabilities, plus excellent breathability. Designed with lightweight fabrics for unrestricted freedom of movement, the jacket weighs just 250 grams (in medium size) and features a repositioned side seam and elasticated drawstring at the hem for optimum comfort, plus front pockets to keep hands warm and dry.
07
APR 2022
MAR 2022
www.nwgolfadventures.com
Golf’s Best Stress Reliever
THE BOGEY BAG
O
ne thing everyone can agree on is that golf is one of the most frustrating games on the planet. You can play great one day and follow it up the next day with one of your worst performances ever. Few golfers can admit to never having slammed a club or - even worse - breaking one in anger after a bad shot. But, what if there was something available on the course that would give you an outlet for that anger without breaking a club or injuring yourself. Meet the Bogey Bag. In the words of its inventor, Steven Schnobrich, the Bogey Bag was born out of his own frustrating stretch of golf. “I was joking with my uncle that we’d love to have a punching bag on the golf course so we had something to take our anger out on. So I started coming up with an idea that was barely functional beyond a few good punches.”
08
www.nwgolfadventures.com
Simply put, the Bogey Bag is a redesigned speed bag that fits almost any golf cart. Hanging from a post on the cart, the bag can spin 360 degrees around its crossbar. It’s a satisfying way to let off a little steam. While the idea seems like a no-brainer, the Bogey Bag’s path to reality was unusual. Schnobrich had no training as a designer. Instead, the finance major at the University of New Hampshire said he was lucky to have access to several great resources.
popular Instagram account sharing it with their followers. “Sales skyrocketed after that share,” said Schnobrich. “We went through 30 percent of our inventory in no time. The question is whether or not we can sustain that traction.”
“The university had an entrepreneurial center with a maker space to encourage inventors. I was able to use a 3D printer, a laser engraver, a CNC mill, and industrial sewing machines. In two years, I went through over 100 iterations of the bag using continuous trial-and-error. I enjoyed the process and it’s amazing to see the response to our finished product.”
What started as a DIY project has turned into a high-quality product, featuring a leather speed bag, a stainless steel rod (to attach to the golf cart), and a high-tension spring. While the bag was designed in the United States, the final parts come from all over the world. Schnobrich said the price may be a little high, but he wanted the materials to hold up to wear and tear in a high-stress environment.
Throughout the process, Schnobrich took the bag to the course so people could see it. People loved to try them out, take pictures, and post videos on their social media feeds. It was social media that put the Bogey Bag into the spotlight, with a
The Bogey Bag is now available for purchase at www.thebogeybag.com. Get your hand - or fist on one today.
09
APR 2022
10
"THE LAND VERY MUCH DICTATES THE DESIGN AT BAR RUN; IT'S A RECLAMATION PROJECT FOR THE MINING OPERATION, AND THAT GAVE ME A LOT OF FLEXIBILITY TO DESIGN MEMORABLE, CHALLENGING GOLF WITH A SURPRISING AMOUNT OF WIDTH AT THE SAME TIME." -DAN HIXSON, GOLF COURSE DESIGNER
Bar Run Golf & RV Park
THE BEST SHOT
11
Ba r wi Ru th n w is RV ork an R co ac be eso nti tive n h yo ind rt, w uing min ur -th hi o e, c n o ou ever e-sc h m th rch r M yd en ay e r ard e fe ay- ay r es g res ma , an at Ju ou ol ult in d c ur n n f a in ing o n e e d. on iss St dve a m go str l u n a th e y tu or f h uct e fo tu re e ol ion co r a ne t ru es s h s ur se ful d fo an tic, and ite l ! r
MAR 2022
www.nwgolfadventures.com
Antique Clubs FOR SALE
The antique club market is alive and well on the West Coast thanks to Pat Sutton and his annual Antique Golf Show.
Once or twice a year, retired PGA Professional Pat Sutton hosts an antique golf show at Portland’s Riverside Golf Club. Vendors and enthusiasts from Seattle to Phoenix gather to buy, sell, and trade classic golf memorabilia. Sutton, the former long-time head professional at Riverside, said 2022 was the 35th year of the show. With 35 tables of vendors and more than 300 guests stopping by, he called the show a success. “Normally, I do a lot of appraisals. People will bring in the old golf items they’ve got to see if they’re worth anything,” said Sutton. “This year we only did four or five appraisals, but there were some great items in the building.” Some of those items included: •
Ancient hickory shafted clubs from the 1860’s and 1880’s
•
A set of tournament-used set of Jack Nicklaus’ personal irons
•
New-in-box Bobby Jones irons and woods from the 1950’s
•
Decorative ceramics and trophies
Sutton added that this year’s hot selling item was a surprise for him. “I personally sold more than 100 of the old Ping ½ and ½ golf balls from the 1980’s. They were getting snatched up from every vendor that had them.” The spring show is an annual event, with demand dictating the need for a fall show. Sutton said Riverside has always been a gracious host, which helps because vendors and collectors know where to go when the shows are announced. Stay tuned for updates on the next show!
12
MAR 2022
www.nwgolfadventures.com
Spark Golf Golfers - especially newbies - are finding a great way to fit in rounds
G
olf is a time consuming pursuit, and testing your skill against others in competitive play is even more so. Players at municipal courses up and down the West Coast have a new option, one that can be tailored to their schedules. Spark Golf leagues are currently available at courses in cities across the country including Albuquerque, Bakersfield, Fresno, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Portland, Reno, Sacramento, San Diego, Seattle, and the Bay Area. The leagues feature 9-hole competitions designed to be casual and fun. Co-creator Charlie Klaus said he wanted to recreate the fun and excitement of a facility like Top Golf on a green grass course. “We knew technology was a big piece of it, so we invested and now have over 1,000 leagues running nationwide.” League rounds are played weekly on specific weekday evenings, so players know when and where they need to be each week. Players are able to play as many or as few rounds as they like. Missing one isn’t the end of the world.
The co-ed leagues are designed for golfers of any age or skill level. Each league round has two games running simultaneously: a two-person best ball game and an individual game (both games use net scores). Players always play their own ball and record their hole-by-hole scores in the Spark app. Prizes for team, individual, and skins are awarded after each round. Additionally, prizes are awarded at the end of the season in both the team and individual competitions. Doug Suse, head professional at Stone Creek Golf Club near Portland, Oregon, said Spark Golf has brought new players to his facility. That same sentiment has been echoed throughout the region as courses add more leagues to accommodate interest. The app - available for both IOS and Android - makes it easy to register and find a league to play in. Players are encouraged to sign-up with a partner, but the app can help pair individuals if necessary. To learn more about Spark Golf, visit www.Spark.golf.
14
Sooooo..... Bandon Golf Built on Sand Dunes Great Drainage Summer temps in 70's Excellent Architecture
What are you doing Next Week? Next Year? Let us help plan your trip 541-520-9744 15
MAR 2022
www.nwgolfadventures.com
A second 18 for
Jeff Wallach
P
THESE TWO BOOKS HAVE SOMETHING FOR ANY FAN OF FICTION. GOLFERS, HOWEVER, WILL FIND A LITTLE EXTRA HUMOR AND MAYBE EVEN RECOGNIZE THEMSELVES IN SOME OF THE CHARACTERS
ortland author Jeff Wallach, who worked his way through the ranks of the golf media world before diving into his true passion, has released a sequel to his popular golf novel Mr. Wizard. It’s a book he hadn’t planned to write, but knew his main characters had more to share with the world.
connection . . . a journey rich in humor, wit, and insight.” That endorsement proves that the book is not just for avid golfers. Wallach himself said it’s really only 10 or 20 percent golf, with the rest being fiction that should please just about anyone. However, anyone who is a golfer will find things in either book that they can relate to.
Wallach got out of the magazine business six or seven years ago, closing the door on a 35-year career. “Money from real estate finally gave me the chance to write what I wanted to write,” said Wallach. “I’ve never been happier.”
“It’s less intellectual than a book like Golf in the Kingdom,” said Wallach. “I’m using golf to tell bigger story, but golfers will find hilarious things; they’ll see club throwers, quiet maniacs, and golf savants.”
While the first novel was something of a genetic treasure hunt, with the main characters (two brothers) finding out they had different fathers whom they set out to find. The follow up, Everyone Here Is From Somewhere Else, gives the brothers a chance to find out who they are and get to know the men who fathered them.
For now, Wallach said the story of the two brothers has come to an end as he begins work on a new, unrelated project. He left the door open for a return, but said it would be years down the road when he - and the brothers - get a little older.
The new book received high praise from John Norville, writer of the beloved golf movie Tin Cup. He called Wallach’s new book full of “fresh discovery and human
Both novels - Mr. Wizard and Everyone Here Is From Somewhere Else - are available for purchase on Amazon. com.
16
www.nwgolfadventures.com
MIURA GOLF INTRODUCES NEW LINE OF PUTTERS
Miura Golf has introduced the KM1 and KM2, the first putters released by the esteemed Japanese clubmaker in four years.
“Whenever we decide to issue a new product, the most important consideration is that it meets the strict quality standards that we have already established,” said Kevin O’Connell, VP of Sales for Miura Golf. “So, if we’re bringing a new putter line to market, with our worldrenowned Japanese steel and the highest standards in the industry, our customers know it will be in a class by itself.”
The KM1 and KM2 blade style putters are Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milled from the same source as the Japanese stainless-steel billets used exclusively by the Miura family for their legendary forged irons. The result is an unparalleled combination of custom craftsmanship and modern innovation that provides the ultimate in precision, feel and performance.
The Miura family oversaw the entire process of creating the new putter line, including research and development, identifying the best milling house and, most importantly, sourcing the best raw Japanese stainless steel.
The KM1 has softer, more rounded lines with a slightly rolled top-line, while the KM2 is designed with sharper lines and a slightly longer blade length and tri-sole. Both new offerings share the same Miura DNA, with a deep milled face with a satin finish, a head weight of 360 grams and a chrome stepless steel shaft with premium leather grips.
Both the KM1 and KM2 are available with either standard or midsize grips and retail for $999 each. Golfers can purchase the KM1 and KM2 and all other Miura products fully assembled at www.Miuragolf.com.
17
APR 2022
MAR 2022
www.nwgolfadventures.com
PLACES TO PLAY
The Links of North Dakota
Ray, ND
I remember when the Links of North Dakota was first introduced back in 1995. At the time it was called The Legend of Red Mike. I had just started in the golf business and, having graduated high school in North Dakota, not only did I take pride in the fact that the Roughrider State finally had a golf course to brag about, but I desperately wanted to try it out.
I lived in Washington state at the time so I didn’t get back to Nodak too much, except for the every 10th year high school reunion - so the opportunity for me to play it didn’t arise until this past year when, lucky for me, I was hired to manage a course about 100 miles away. I took a rare day off and made the drive alone to the Links, located just outside of Williston in the town of Ray. 26 years later, the road to Ray was a little different. This part of the state had gone through a huge oil boom and remnants some active but most abandoned - were left and people were scarce.
Hawktree GC
Regardless, I couldn’t have been more ready for a round of golf.
the end of the fairway. A long green-side bunker helps protect the putting surface.
It was a Tuesday and the course was not too busy - I played 18 holes alone and only passed one group. By the time I hit the fifth hole, a giant 445-yard par four, I had only been out there about 40 minutes and I decided I had to slow down and look around. What I saw as I came upon the green was a beautiful view of Lake Sakakawea and the natural grassland that bordered every hole.
I also enjoyed 13, a short, uphill par four with a giant sand/grass bunker driving distance on the left, forcing you to be smart on this narrowest of fairways. It looks benign, but it can sting you.
The 10th is a beauty of a par five, as long as you want to make it (up to 570 yards), and a peninsula green that turns right at
It only took me 26 years to get here the first time, but it will be less than 12 months and I will be back.
Bismarck, ND
The Links has a great RV park so if you’re on the road and want to drop in, they can host you. The clubhouse is fully stocked and the beer is always cold.
Outside of the nine-time national champion North Dakota State football team, it’s rare for the state to get much national attention. Those of you a little older might remember Lawrence Welk or Angie Dickinson; but beyond that - getting national writers and experts out here is a challenge all its own.
down below make you “feel” your way to the pin.
So when Hawktree in Bismarck is consistently named among the nation’s Best Courses To Play, Greatest Public Golf Courses and Top Modern Golf Courses, it’s a big deal.
The 12th hole is a tricky downhill with a blind dog leg on the left from the tee. The optical illusion is that the trees are in the middle of the fairway - but really they guard the right side and only the longest hitters will drive it through the fairway. The green is surrounded by two giant bunkers on either side meaning you need to find the green on the fly - but it’s a very deep green that gives you some options.
The course is not only an amazing array of holes woven through the natural wonder that is the Burnt Creek Valley, it was designed by North Dakota’s own James Engh. According to Engh, his goal was to create a course in North Dakota that would get national attention. Mission accomplished. There are a lot of rolling hills at Hawktree, something you wouldn’t expect in North Dakota - but the course really flows naturally. The first hole is a great starter - a downhill 400+ par four with a slightly raised green, guarded front right by a giant black-sand bunker - a feature carried throughout the course. It’s a great way to start. Another of my favorite holes on the front side is the par three third. At just 164 yards from an elevated tee box, the mature trees that surround the wide but short green
18
The ninth hole is a long, 447-yard par four back up the hill to the clubhouse. A lone tree dots the right side of the fairway making your drive even more important.
The toughest hole on the course just might be the par three 13th - at 230 yards, with the potential wind at Hawktree making life even more challenging - I have hit driver here from the back more than once. The clubhouse is perched atop a hill that oversees all below. It pays to take some time before you tee off to explore the views from the deck. The top course in the state is tough but fair, unless the wind blows, and then you’ll need everything your game can muster.
www.nwgolfadventures.com
PLACES TO PLAY
Painted Woods Washburn, ND
This month’s places to play are not on the West Coast, but that doesn’t mean you should miss a trip to the Midwest for a truly unique golf experience that’s just a little off the beaten path. Having lived in the Midwest for a portion of my formative
right and prairie grasses on the left. The deep, two-tier green
years, I felt I knew everything the region had to offer when it
can make the hole play long or short, so it’s never the same
came to golf. A trip to Bismarck to visit a friend showed me
shot twice.
that I knew nothing. While the front nine plays relatively short, the second nine In addition to the two amazing courses detailed on the
holes couldn’t be more different. Painted Woods really
previous page by John Tipping - a good friend and long-time
stretches its doglegs which move left and right over the
Northwest golf writer who decided the time was right to
prairie and around Painted Woods Creek. Longer hitters will
manage a golf course in North Dakota - Painted Woods Golf
have a slight advantage on the field, but the greens don’t get
Course was a pleasant surprise. While it may not garner the
any easier on the way back to the clubhouse.
attention of The Links or Hawktree, Painted Woods turned out to be a diamond in the rough that would be packed daily
The crown jewel is the 17th hole, a double dogleg par five
were it closer to a city like Portland, Seattle, or anywhere in
with a green protected on nearly all sides. There’s plenty of
California.
trouble along the way to the green, and even when you get there, leaving your ball in the wrong position leads to a near-
One of the most charming aspects of Painted Woods is its
automatic three-putt.
unassuming nature. Located 30 miles north of Bismarck, just
PLAY THESE PLACES
off the Highway 83, the course greets guests with a simple
Over the course of a round at Painted Woods, players will
gravel drive past its ample driving range to a clubhouse that
get a great feel for the place. The regulars are down-to-earth
sits at the highest point of the property. What the facility lacks
golfers who enjoy playing frequently and spending time in
in amenities, it makes up for with charm. It has everything a
the clubhouse for beers after the round. Tournament days are
player needs to enjoy a day on and off the course.
even better with dozens of golfers having drinks and snacks with old and new friends, and playing on a great golf course.
Built on more than 230 acres of prairie land, Painted Woods
On any given day, the cost is under $50 for golf and cart.
features water in play on 12 or 18 holes. The property
Links of North Dakota 5153 109th Ave NW Ray, ND 58849 (701) 568-2600
www.thelinksofnorthdakota.com
Hawktree Golf Club 3400 Burnt Creek Loop Bismarck, ND 58503 (701) 355-0995
dictated the layout, making the course feel like a natural
The course is owned and operated by the Washburn parks
extension of the land it was carved from.
and recreation department. As an arm of the city, the course is a hub of community activity from high school cross country
The course starts simply enough, with a par four from an
meets to town gatherings being held on the property.
extremely elevated tee box featuring water along the entire right side. The first green gives players a glimpse of what’s to
Like most of the rest of North Dakota, Painted Woods is likely
come with a multi-tiered green requiring an approach shot to
a little out of your way to visit, but a trip to the Bismarck area
the correct spot.
during the right time of year can give you the opportunity to play some great golf courses and meet golfers from another
The par three second, perhaps the best hole on the front side, features a green that’s guarded by a large tree on the
www.hawktree.com
Painted Woods Golf Course 1156 US-83 Washburn, ND 58577 (701) 462-8480
www.paintedwoodsgolf.com
19
part of the country.
APR 2022
JAN 2022
www.nwgolfadventures.com