IT’S BEEN AN EPIC YEAR FOR CALLAWAY GOLF check out the new Epic Driver the new Steelhead fairway woods and Mack Daddy Wedges, See CallawayGolf.com. THE time is right for fall golf at the French Lick Resort in Indiana, visit Frenchlick.com. #Ross ______________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. The Gog Blog is an extension of Golfers on Golf Radio Am 750 WNDZ at 9 AM on Saturday Mornings. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. From there to Pinehurst where the home of American Golf is ready to rock again.
ONE OF THE NEWEST TRADITIONS in golf is getting ready to start at the home of one of the oldest traditions in golf, Pinehurst.
It’s not so uncommon to have a short course these days, more and more properties are putting them in. Now on September 30th, the home of american golf will open it’s new short course, “The Cradle.”
Designed by Gil Hanse, The Cradle is only 9-Holes and 789 yards. But it’s likely Hanse has created something that will catch the eye of those golfers who do make the trek to Pinehurst.
Golf has been on the scene in Pinehurst for almost 120 years, even founder James Walker Tufts could see in 1898, that golf had a way of fitting into the natural landscape of the sandhills of Pinehurst. Enter Hanse and and the first course at Pinehurst less than 18 holes, but that doesn’t matter because Gil Hanse one of the top talents in golf course design, has made this short course concept fit right in alongside where U.S. Opens and U.S. Amateurs are played.
The Cradle at only 9 holes and 789 yards has a very Pinehurst feel to it.
Who says courses have to be long and hard to challenge golfers of today’s game. In fact the new short course concept isn’t just something for Pinehurst or Bandon Dunes. It’s something that is catching on at many destination properties. In fact if there is to be any kind of new course “building boom” in the years ahead, it might very well be of the short course nature. There is no limit to how many holes these short courses can be. Perhaps the only limit is that there will be no limits in the terms of fun that can be enjoyed by golfers of all ages, sexes and ability.
The Cradle at Pinehurst, where it’s always a beautiful day. See Pinehurst.com
It would sure be interesting to see what the famed Pinehurst course designer Donald Ross would say, if he was here to see the launch of The Cradle.
One might have to think that Ross would enjoy the concept, anything that would create more golfers to test their game on his Pinehurst #2 design would be fine with him. On the back patio of the Ross home near the third fairway of Pinehurst #2, sits the actual rocking chair Ross would sit in as the golfers played down the fairway behind his backyard. Today Ross might move his rocking chair over to the Cradle and watch the games generations of golfers enjoy themselves.
The scorecard of The Cradle, opening at Pinehurst on September 30th.
It might not be long before both Pinehurst members and guests are sitting out near the cradle and waiting to see who can make the days first or last hole-in-one.
The first hole at 113 yards is one of the toughest and longest on the course. Only the fourth hole at 127 yards plays longer.
The final hole at 112 yards will be a fun test to end your round.
Click here to hear thoughts on The Cradle at Pinehurst by designer Gil Hanse.
WWRT-What Would Ross Think. One would have to believe that the famed designer would enjoy the concept of The Cradle at Pinehurst.
The Cradle isn’t far from the steps that wander around the famed main clubhouse at Pinehurst. It’s a short carry of the bag over the shoulder for those who wish to play.
“Pinehurst’s place in golf goes back almost as far as the time the game was first introduced in America,” says Pinehurst Owner and CEO Bob Dedman Jr. “As we embark on the latest era at Pinehurst, it’s symbolic that our newest course sits on the same ground as the original first holes of golf at Pinehurst. We look forward to watching players of all ages and all abilities enjoy golf at The Cradle.”
Hanse has weaved the native wiregrass and sandhills of Pinehurst into The Cradle. The green fees for the Cradle are at $50 this fall, and will vary by season. Kids under 17 play free when accompanied by a paying adult. Resort guests may book tee times in advance. Public tee times 24 hours in advance. Tee times can be made at 1-800-ITS-GOLF.
More on Pinehurst in our Saturday Morning Short Game column. Pinehurst.com.