Whispering Willows
by Gary Taylor
LINKS CORNER REVIEW
Reviewed by Dave Campbell
November 2001
Expectations: I'll admit that I played a pre-released round on this course with the designer so I knew what this course was about. The title suggests willow trees in the planting.
First Impressions:It's very open and not wildly elevated, with some very creative and thought provoking holes. Visually it really delivers, with beautiful vistas from everywhere on the course and is matched throughout by superb playability. Lack of hole previews is puzzling, and would be a nice addition if this course is ever re-released. Let's take a closer look at some of the particulars on this gem.
Playability: The Whispering Willows course winds it's way though a fairly flat valley at the base of the Banff panorama. For what it's worth this is my favorite pano and I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing it, unlike a certain unnamed mountain pano we all know :^) I will pay this course the highest compliment I can give; it is fun and realistic and doesn't make you stress every shot. Playing this course was as enjoyable a round as any in recent memory, and isn't that why we play . for fun! It's not a pushover or score at will course at all, that's not what I mean. Gary is a powerstroker and it is obvious that he had the ps'er in mind while designing this course. Not every tee or approach shot demands precision, greens are large and inviting. There isn't penal conditions waiting just off the fairway in all cases and recovery shots are almost always possible. There are dangers to be sure, much water and sand and some tight landings, but the point is you're not getting punished at every turn.
The fairways themselves are a mix of VERY open to average, with a few that will test the snap. They come in all variations and there are a few with big danger close by (the 5th and 6th share the same lake down the right side). The key here is variety in layout with no holes mirroring each other. The hazards consist of fairway and greenside bunkers in all the right places. Ponds and lakes seem to show up right where they can cause trouble, and all are done well. Bunkers are all good, if not spectacular and the water is awesome, with planting second to none (see screenshot). I already mentioned the swamp OB area on the 11th, very beautiful and is used by Gary for the well-done splash screen.
For the most part the greens are spacious and all have a nice fringe border. Playing PS I was left with some monster putts measured in yards not feet. This is not a complaint, just pointing out a characteristic of the course. Elevations are subtle but ever present so don't look for anything easy outside of 10' (like they are ever easy . hehe).
Gary has done some beautiful fence work on this course, which I really like in a design. I think it's an underutilized object by designers and can really give a hole some shape, and a realistic look. All in all a very uncluttered Mother Nature look to the design. A bridge or two and maybe a few buildings (a clubhouse visible on the 18th tee) but he did it right by not planting too many things. The addition of swans and ducks to the water is very nice and works great (see screenie).
Hole previews are not provided and I know some people don't even use them, but I love to study an overhead of the hole before I play it. For people that play the natural way they are a must. This course is so open that a hole preview would allow you to play without cameras easily.
Best Hole: There are so many that this one is tough. The stretch of the 9th, 10th and 11th is a good as you'll ever see, starting with that great risk/reward drive on 9. The test you'll get back-to-back on the 5th and 6th could very well set the tone for your round as both share the same lake down the right side the length of the hole. I like all the par 3's, they really vary in length and the par 3 18th island green brings to mind Congressional's finishing hole (one of my favorite MS courses).
Comparable courses: Banff Springs by MS, Langolier by Fred Briggson
Overall: I already mentioned that this course gets my highest compliment. It's realistic and fun, and beautiful on top of everything else. Gary has produced a design that will have permanent residence on my drive and will have as much replay value as any course I have. It's designed by a ps'er for ps'ers but should be enjoyable and challenging for all swing types. Consider this a strong recommendation for download. I would be surprised if it's not a keeper for you and one you visit often. Well done Gary, thanks for a great PS venue and super course.
10 окт 2024
