Water , elevation changes , amazing views , and plenty of challenges .
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Ironhorse
Water , elevation changes , amazing views , and plenty of challenges .
Editorial by Bill Cromwell
The par-4 11th hole offers three options off the tee — to three different fairways !
The keys to low scores on any golf course are accuracy and good course management , but nowhere are they more critical than at Ironhorse Golf Course in Lenexa , KS . Named after an abandoned railroad that ran through the property , but instead of railroad tracks , a twisting creek comes into play on 17 of Ironhorse ’ s 18 holes , which includes carries over water hazards fronting at least 10 greens and 18 bridges crossed as you traverse the course during your round . It ’ s wise to play the way the course was designed .
On many courses , you can hit long shots up near the green . At Ironhorse , hitting it as far as you can is not always necessary because , on some greens , an approach shot with a longer iron might be better than a wedge . A really well hit wedge shot will spin back , such as on the par-3 2nd hole . It usually plays into the south wind , and with the pin placed up front to a green that slopes back to the front , the ball can spin back off the green , especially in the heat of the summer when the greens are fast . However , a longer iron on some of the bigger greens will release when the pin is at the back . pin to have a good putt . “ There are some greens you must chip away from the hole to get the ball rolling towards the hole . Your short game really needs to be solid at Ironhorse ,” says Roving Course Analyst for TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE Magazine , Ron Underwood .
Bunkers are something else you probably cannot escape at Ironhorse — 59 of them , to be exact . These white sand-filled beauties are meticulously maintained and relatively easy to hit from . Plus , the crystal white sand adds to the overall look of the course . Still , 59 bunkers are hard to avoid , so practice your sand game before your round .
Designed by well-known architect Michael Hurdzan , Ironhorse is the first Troon Golfmanaged course in Kansas . The course also features many old ( large ) sycamore trees , Zoysia fairways , and limestone outcroppings
Getting to all those greens fronted by the creek , however , is just part of the problem . The greens are generally large , several with severe undulations , others less subtle but no less hazardous . The undulations on some of the greens require the ball placed below the
Ironhorse ’ s par-5 14th offers twist and turns leading to a green surrounded by three crystal white sand bunkers . And , 59 of these beauties pepper the golf course adding challenges and awesome views . Playing at 442 yards from the blue tees and 414 from the white , with a few good shots it ’ s a birdie hole .
10 October 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE