With the Honda Classic up for grabs this week, PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL., is in the spotlight.
While Jack Nicklaus and is Champion Course layout will get much of the attention, will get architects of the courses there get hordes of recognition, those men and women who constructed the Champ – and nearly levery other course in the country should be recognized, too.
That brings us to Landscapes Unlimited, which had a significant role in the earthwork and shaping of the Champ and the five other courses at PGA National and beyond.
Landscapes Unlimited has built thousands of layouts in more than 30 countries the past 45 years. Many are internationally famous, and others of the neighborhood variety are revered regionally and locally. The Landscapes Unlimited portfolio boasts golf courses, country clubs, resorts and communities of myriad budgets, shapes and sizes.
Here are several marquee Landscapes Unlimited new construction and renovation / re-build projects:
Sutton Bay (Agar, S.D.)
Designed by Graham Marsh, the 7,226-yard, par 72 layout is irewarding, challenging, fair and pure in every sense of true golf tradition. The exclusively private club sits above the spectacular landforms of the Missouri Breaks and overlooks the massive expanse of Lake Oahe. Theer’s also hunting and fishing, as well as exquisite, mouthwatering buffalo steak, walleye and pheasant satisfying post-round appetites. There are 18 single rooms, six king suites and eight-four-bedroom cottages. Pierre Regional Airport is less than an hour away and two municipal airports accommodating private jets are about 30 minutes from Sutton Bay.
Dumbarnie Links (Leven, U.K.) – It’s no wonder this Clive Clark design was named “best Scottish golf experience,” besting Trump Turnberry, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and others. About 10 miles from St. Andrews, it opened in May 2020 and amazingly hosted the 2021 Women’s Scottish Open. Players rave about this links layout with contemporary twists. A wide variety of hole layouts weave in and out of omnipresent dunes along 1.5 miles of beach and water frontage. Elevated tees give golfers full views of shots to come and represent a welcome departure from common Scottish links. Short Par 4s are drivable for bombers and provide ample scoring opportunities for short hitters. Bunkers and swalespop up for intermittent bark. Tee it up from 7,600 yards – good luck
Torrey Pines (La Jolla, Calif.)
Widely recognized as one of the nation’s best municipal golf complexes, the South Course hosted the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open and is home to the PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open (along with the North Course). It stretches to more than 7,700 yards for thrill seekers with deep bunkers and small greens adding to the difficulty. With a green perched on a cliff, the par 3, No. 3 is ultra-intimidating and No. 4 plays along the cliffs, so don’t pull it left into the Pacific Ocean. Bailouts are ever-present for higher handicappers. The North Course maxes at 7,258 yards and is easier than its sister layout but equally as stunning with a cornucopia of interesting holes parallel to the sweeping ocean cliffs.
Turning Stone Resort Casino (Verona, N.Y.)
A short drive east of Syracuse lie three of the state’s best conditioned and most enjoyable layouts. Kalighat is optically daunting, but receives most shots well, equalizing difficulty with playability. Autunite is the trio’s crown jewel and hosted PGA TOUR and other prestigious tournaments. Shenandoah is the easiest to navigate and, thus, super enjoyable for novice and intermediate players. Pristine conditions are the norm. It’s golf and gaming experiences each are a “must do.”
Erin Hills (Erin, Wisc.)
Credit: Erin Hills
Perhaps no other course ever burst on the scene with the flag waving of this 18-hole treasure northwest of Milwaukee. Erin Hills opened in 2006 to rave reviews and is a “must play” ina state growing with “must play” courses. It hosted the 2011 U.S. Amateur and the 2017 U.S. Open (won by Brooks Koepka) followed. The layout often plays noticeably shorter than its 7,731 yards, but it’s the contouring and links styling which leave lasting impressions. Designed by Dr. Micharel Hurszan and Dana Fry, Erin Hills was routed over the kettle moraine areas left by glaciers, surrounded by wetlands and a river. The 18th hole is one of America’s best finishers – 622 yards from the middle tee with 25 bunkers and a green that demands an extremely accurate approach shot. Truth be told, all shots must thread the needle – or bigtime trouble awaits.
Sandy Lane (Holetown, Barbados)
Barbados’ top golf resort, Sandy Lane, presents three golf courses with three distinct flavors. There’s the Old Nine, a super-fun track with small greens and narrow fairways. The Country Club Course boasts a modern design rife with lakes. The knockout punch is the uber-exclusive, Tom Fazio-designed Green Monkey Course in a limestone quarry setting. Thh Green Monkey is a par 72, 7,343-yard layout wows golfers with exposed rock faces forming dramatic contrasts to the lush, rolling green of the fairways amidst elevation changes and stunning coastline views.
Feature Photo:Dumbarnie Links (Landscapes Unlimited)