Dilemma – Playing an Unknown Course

[berkeleybob]

As it turns out we're going to head out on a little holiday during Easter week, a little time to reset and get ready. And as luck would have it, there's a golf course nearby. From the looks of it, a guy with my handicap could actually be allowed to play 18-hole course.

Here's what it looks like: Great Northern Course.

If you want more info on the holes themselves, here's a link to the PDF: Course Guide

They also have a 9-hole course: Academy Course. There aren't any pictures of this one, but from its description, it sounds like a lot of fun. 

Here's my Dilemma 

I only have enough time to play there twice. If you were in my shoes, would you play the nine-hole twice? or would you play the nine-hole and then the 18-hole? I love a challenge, and I also want to you have fun. Do you think the 18-hole would be too frustrating in the end for a guy with a 24 handicap? FYI, my wife or dog doesn't play golf, so I'm playing solo unless paired up with a group.

[Kenny B]

I say go for the 18 hole course!  Looks like a challenging course.  

There are a lot of ways to be a 24 handicap.  Some hit the ball a long way but can't keep it in the grass; others are fairly straight like me, but can't overpower a course so I rely on short game and putting.  If you can keep the ball in play and play from the correct tees, you should have no problem.  Pictures of holes with water make it look worse than they really are.  Check it out when you get there.  I don't mind playing a mostly par 3 course if I want to just focus on short game, but not for two rounds in a row.

[Tom the Golf Nut]

I would play the 9 hole first and then the 18-hole course. From what I see, once on the 18-hole course the layout on most of the water holes allows you to play away from the water. I've played plenty of tough courses when I was a 24 handicap. Nothing to worry about. If your paired with others just keep up and don't stress about it. Have fun!

[vandyland]

First of all, I played Harbour Town with 3 guys who were all 20+ hdcps and they still had fun. That course is CHALLENGING for someone who cannot control their tee shots. Real question comes down to if you will get really mad or hate your time if you lose a few balls. Personally, this course looks pretty penal but since it is in Denmark and just looks like it is an amazing site I would just prepare myself for the challenge and not sweat it too much. 

Anyway love this game! Here is great northern on Google Earth Pro:

I doesn't look crazy penal or troublesome. I would play from the III tees (5.700 yds) here is the routing:

 

If we take hole 1, and play from the III tee (340 yds) it looks like this. If you hit the ball 200 yds it will come up short of that encroaching bunker on the right and you "landing zone" is like 75 yds. I think that can be handled!

The number 1 hdcp hole is the 18th hole that will play 398 yds from the III tees. And yes, it looks difficult BUT you can carry the bunkers with a 210 yd shot and you have the whole world right (just don't go left haha). The approach shot will be difficult but take a few chances and see how you do. 

Edited March 21, 2023 by vandyland

[berkeleybob]

Done. Reserved tee times for the 9-hole on a Tuesday followed by the 18-hole on Thursday. Thanks, guys for your insight. Now to put together a mini camp to prep for this event.

[GolfSpy_APH]

1 minute ago, berkeleybob said:

Done. Reserved tee times for the 9-hole on a Tuesday followed by the 18-hole on Thursday. Thanks, guys for your insight. Now to put together a mini camp to prep for this event.

I am excited to see how you like this!

Although not sure I will be able to travel much this year, if I get some time off in May I could be looking at going to CPH to visit some friends and maybe the golf clubs will make the journey with me and we can get together for a round. 

The course looks amazing and think you made a smart call with the 9 then 18! 

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

Good call I would say the 9/18. Warm up on 9 get a good round in and will have ya warmed up for the 18. No stress man. Play and enjoy the course. Score is just a number enjoy the getaway

[berkeleybob]

Heyo!

Currently prepping for my 18-hole event this week. The course directed me to their app, which I downloaded. I get to study the holes beforehand. With each hole I can choose which teebox I’m hitting from and see where my drive will likely end up in relation to the bunkers and green. 

This is a first for me, so I’m having fun seeing how this works. They don’t have one for the nine hole, but that’s okay. So looking forward to this.