Destination Feature
DESTINATION GOLF 2022
By Andrew Marshall
‘ Pars & Stripes ’ in the USA
NEVADA – WOLF CREEK Located 77 miles north of Las Vegas at Mesquite , this is 18 holes of fantasy golf at its ultimate best . Opened in 2000 , Wolf Creek ’ s captivating desert design immediately drew rave reviews and is now firmly established as one of America ’ s top public courses . There are precious few courses that can generate a genuine sense of awe for several holes at a stretch , and exceedingly rare is the layout that can sustain the feeling for an entire round . Wolf Creek is such a place .
Set high above the desert floor among red-rock canyons , teeming waterfalls and glistening creeks , it looks as though strips of green velvet have been laid out on a Mars-like landscape . After teeing off at the par-5 opening hole it ’ s a roller-coaster golfing adventure among sculpted hills and canyons with several elevation changes and forced carries over streams and ravines .
Developer Doug Clemetson was determined to leave the distinctive natural landscape in place , accepting that a number of non-traditional golf holes would result . On the 2nd tee box , for example , 90 granite steps lead up to the driving area , which is located some 11 storeys high . The 3rd hole plays uphill to one of the highest points on the course with 70-mile views , and par-3 11th ’ s green is an island in a sea of red rock and typical of Wolf Creek ’ s dazzling visual appeal . www . golfwolfcreek . com
SOUTH CAROLINA - CALEDONIA GOLF & FISH CLUB . Voted the “ Fifth Best New Public Course in America ” upon opening its gates in 1994 , the accolades have never stopped rolling in for Mark Strantz ’ s first design on the Grand Strand , Myrtle Beach . It feels like a journey back in time as you head along the driveway lined with rows of centuries-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss to the Old South clubhouse . Often compared to Augusta National for its exquisite style , floral beauty , and velvety fairways and greens , Caledonia has a sleepy ambiance that embraces its Southern roots .
Built on the site of an old rice plantation and overlooking the picturesque Waccamaw River , Strantz has artfully crafted the site ’ s streams , ponds and moss-covered oaks to create a hugely enjoyable test of golf . Amid the scenic backdrop of blooming flowers and colourful shrubs are some memorable holes such as the picturesque par-3 11th with a snaking creek to the green , the par-4 13th that doglegs around a giant oak tree and the wonderful closing hole .
The par-4 18th borders the Plantation ’ s old rice field and requires a precise drive that sets up a difficult second shot - a forced carry onto a green at the foot of the clubhouse , where its tradition for onlookers sitting in rocking chairs sipping their drinks , to respond appropriately and sometimes bet on the results of player ’ s shots . After your round , pull up a rocking chair on the clubhouse porch and enjoy a cold beer , while taking in what must be one of America ’ s most atmospheric 19th holes . www . caledoniagolfandfishclub . com
WISCONSIN – WHISTLING STRAITS . Billionaire bathroom supplier Herb Kohler had a dream of building a Scottish-style links sculpted along a two-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline in Wisconsin , and Pete Dye ’ s creation in 1998 exceeded his expectations , going on to become a major championship venue . The course first hosted the fourth major of the year , the PGA
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