Michaywe, The Pines

There are some courses that the name gives you a hint at what to expect. Treetops. The Lake. Deer Run. Then there are a few courses that the name says it all. "The Pines" Eighteen holes of fairways lined with pines.

This may be the most relaxing course that you'll play in Gaylord. As you stand on some of the tee's and look down the fairway lined with pines you think " where on this great earth would I rather be?" That's the feeling this course can give you.

To go from that feeling to the frustration this stupid game we love so much gives us is a transition that still amazes me. And it may take only one or two swings.

The Pines is pretty much a flat course with ample landing areas and you seldom see other fairways and almost never end up in one. The greens are big and undulating enough to make a two putt satisfying. The fairways are in good shape with a few houses scattered around, but they set back and you don't even think about them.

You have a short, a medium, and two long par threes that are very will bunkered. The one that stands out to me is the 175-yd, number seven. It has a pond that snuggles up to the green on the right. ( I hit a draw, generally, so I have to start it out over the water and hope.) Play it safe you say, hit it left. No, no, no, big bunker to the left. I think the way to play this hole is short and hope your chipper is working.

Three of the par fives can be reached in two if you are hitting it on the screws that day, and miss the sand traps. Sounds easy! That's the funny part about this game. Why do we score so bad when it sounds so easy? One par five has a creek about 20 yds in front so only the real macho or insane try to get there in two.Those that do try, generally dig out a new ball and look at a bogey or so.

The par fours are the real challenge on this course. Even a good drive leaves you with a long iron, or short wood, to a well guarded green. Those traps sit there and seem to say "Come on, big boy, what are you made of." Of course, you have to try. You visualize the perfect shot, pick it clean ,and as you stroll to the green you dust off the sand wedge . Hey, we're not pros.

The traps guarding the greens on this course are a great equalizer. There is very little chance of hitting in front and running the ball on to the green. You generally have to carry the green, so we are not any further ahead than the guy who takes 2 woods and a short iron to get there.

The Pines is a course that's fun to play and that's why we play the game -for fun.

For More Information on the Pines Visit The Gaylord Golf Mecca Page

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