 HILL VALLEY GOLF CLUBWe were able to play the championship grade Emerald course and the shorter Sapphire Course. Both courses were in fine condition, with firm green fairways bordered by mature trees and many attractive shrubs and flower beds. The rolling terrain and many streams make for a tiring day of walking and some difficult shots. |
The Emerald course is hard with narrow fairways bordered by mature trees and thick rough. Most of its par fours require long and accurate tee shots to set up a short iron approach to the firm greens. Its par 5's have narrow landing areas so going for the green in two shots is very risky. Missing the green on the par 3's means a bogey. Think of your personal par and plan your strategy accordingly. It is well bunkered, has many water hazards, and USGA greens - very challenging.
The high handicapper is advised to avoid the Emerald Course but will find the Sapphire Course quite challenging. With care this will be an interesting and satisfying experience with its elevated tees, rolling fairways, and use of water features. Use the course guide to identify and avoid the hazards, with an emphasis on where your next shot would best be played from.
Holes Of Note:
Emerald 4th - tee shot across the valley to this par 3's firm green with a steep slope and bunkers in front.
Emerald 5th - par 5 needing a good teeshot into a narrowing fairway with a pond, with a left dogleg to the upturned saucer USGA green.
Emerald 8th - short par 4 with water hazards in play from the tee and approaching the well bunkered greeen.
Emerald 10th - the blind teeshot on this short par 4 lands on a downslope but play left to avoid the large tree that isn't shown on the course guide.
Recommended Handicap Emerald 18/28 Sapphire
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| Jon says:
"Two great courses but Emerald is hard." |
Steve says: "Tough going in high winds. Hard championship course." |