READER MARSHAL REVIEW

Wild About Pinewild

By Tom Abts, Reader Marshal

Every student of golf knows that Pinehurst was once the home of Donald Ross, the king of golf course architecture. Ross designed or rebuilt more than 300 courses during his career, and Pinehurst , N.C. , was his home from 1912 until 1948. More than 50 years later, the presence of Ross still permeates the town of Pinehurst . He was the golf professional at Pinehurst Resort for many years and later bought and ran the Pinecrest Inn, just a stone's throw from the famous resort.

The Pinecrest is still in business and you can feel the ghosts of Hogan, Snead and the boys when you walk through the door. This is where the pros got together when they were in town and the tradition continues. The stories of Ben Crenshaw chipping into the fireplace are true and any sort of crazy golf challenge may break out at the bar at any minute.

But don't think that Pinehurst, N.C., is all about the Pinehurst Resort and Donald Ross. Right up the road is Pinewild Country Club, a 36-hole, semi-private facility that can definitely hold its own. The original 18 was designed by George Hamm and a newer 18 was designed by Gary Player.

Hamm was one of the big-time course designers in the South and his Holly Course at Pinewild is one of his best. At 7,400 yards from the tips, it once played host to a U.S. Open qualifying round (a score of 74 made the cut). Fortunately, there are five sets of tees that provide the proper length to the landing area. The holes are straightforward -- none of the gimmickry that's all too common. The design offers enjoyable, risk-reward features that incorporate the trees, pine needles and changes in evaluation into a natural layout. The course flows as if it was discovered, not created.

Gary Player had a lot to live up to when he designed the new Magnolia Course, with Hamm and Ross at their best for local comparisons. But, competitor that he his, Player came through. Of the player/architects, Player is one of the best. His designs are very fair, even player friendly. As with Hamm , Player's layouts are straightforward and what you see is what you get. Though not as dramatic as the Player-designed Steel Canyon in San Diego , the Magnolia course at Pinewild has the same big landing zones and bail-out areas -- traits that make them so enjoyable. The courses feature man-made lakes and beautiful vistas that make them scenic as well as well-sculpted. Both courses are very well maintained and feature Bentgrass greens. They're part of a semi-private club that allows limited outside play. Reservations can be made on several online sites, including golfguideusa.com.

Pinewild also offers one of the finest practice facilities in the Southeast with three full-size golf holes, two large putting greens, a beautiful chipping green and an exceptional range. Green-side and fairway practice bunkers complete Pinewild's excellent practice complex.

Though Pinehurst doesn't have the consistently warm winter weather of Arizona or Florida , it has moderate year-round temperatures and is usually playable. But what really sets Pinehurst apart is its Southern charm and the influence of Donald Ross . While in Pinehurst, a “stay and play” at the Pinecrest Inn with a round or two at nearby Pinewild Country Club will make a trip to remember. It's not the resort scene; it's the road less traveled, and one that's worth veering slightly off the beaten path.

Tom Abts , PGA, is the Head Golf Professional at Deer Run Golf Club in Victoria, Minnesota. Deer Run GC was recently named one the top twenty public courses in Minnesota and is home to Fast Play Friday. Abts also writes a monthly newspaper column and frequently appears on local radio and television. Though a native Minnesotan, Abts graduated from Arizona State University and often finds himself in warmer climes during the winter months.