GREAT Holes
No. 10
PAR 4
YARDAGES
LAUREL FORK, VA. | by BRUCE H. MATSON
I
WHITE:
340 yards
BLUE:
GOLD/RED:
373 yards
n the early 1970s, golf course architect
Ellis Maples masterfully routed a
distinctive course over and around hills,
dammed a stream on the property and
created a 67-acre lake. The designer’s
craftsmanship ultimately produced a
breathtaking setting for golf at Olde Mill
Resort. Tucked away on Groundhog
Mountain in the southwest part of the
commonwealth, Olde Mill offers interesting
variety, significant challenge and uncommon
beauty. Renovated in 2010 by Maples’ son,
Dan, and grandson, Brad, the course’s key
features were preserved after Ellis’ death in
1984. Olde Mill is known for its significant
elevation changes (the clubhouse is 2,700
feet above sea level) with corresponding
great views complete with compelling
vistas. The course is walkable because of the
routing and careful attention to the greento-tee relationships.
The par-4 10th hole exhibits the eyeappeal, drama and demand of this great
course. From a very elevated tee by the
clubhouse, the back nine plays down a steep
8
BLACK:
424 yards
hill to the level of the lake. The drive, which
requires a straight carry of about 180 yards,
is both aesthetically pleasing and testing.
Water is in play both left and right of the
fairway landing area. Additionally, a bunker
is positioned near the water on the left side.
Though the hole is not overly long, even
in this soothing setting, a steely nerve is
required for golfers to position their ball in
the fairway to set up the second shot.
Once the player finds dry land from
the tee, the remainder of the hole plays
to a slightly elevated green with bunkers
guarding both sides. Only an accur ]B