Reviews
Ballyneal - A Hidden Masterpiece
Last Updated on Friday, 02 January 2009 09:11 Written by Matt Hauth Saturday, 08 November 2008 02:35
You may have heard of Ballyneal Golf Club on the web or in a magazine and didn't think anything of it. After playing the course on November 2nd, I can safely say you will want to find some information on it.Currently Ranked 46th in the nation, Ballyneal is a hidden treat. Designer Tom Doak has done something....well that he always does; create a spectacular golf course that lays beautifully on the land.
To get to Ballyneal you need to drive two and a half hours out of Denver to the middle of nowhere, and then take a left. If you blink twice while driving through Holyoke,Colorado you may miss it. The course itself is located about 15 to 20minutes outside of this tiny Colorado town. It is a long drive, but once you go down County Roads 10 and 43 (rock roads) you will arrive at one of the finest golf courses in the nation.
When I got out of the car I felt like I was at Bandon Dunes or Arcadia Bluffs. I kept checking to see if the water was on the horizon. We were greeted at the golf shop by the Assistant Golf Professional, Caddie Master and our Caddie, Charlie Mulligan. No Joke!
Ballyneal is a course when you need to hit as many fairways as possible. As stated by a Bandon Dunes employee, Tom Doak’s design theory is "Grip it, rip it and hit it OB." I cannot stress how important it is. The fairways are generous, but if you have an open or closed clubface at impact, you will start praying to make bogey.
After the round, everyone in the group said "That was fun" or "I can't wait to play it again." I was one of those voices. I have already started planning a trip back during the spring.
In closing you cannot go wrong with Ballyneal. That is, ifyou can get on it.
And if you make your way to Holyoke, Colorado in a few years you may even get a chance to play "The Greatful Dunes"....but for now that is just a rumor.
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