Eastern Iowa and Quad Cities Labor Day Trip

[Argonne69]

I was planning to take a drive out to TPC Deere Run this Labor Day weekend, and combine it with four courses in Eastern Iowa. I booked Spirit Hollow in Burlington for Friday afternoon, The Preserve on Rathbun Lake in Moravia on Saturday morning, Bos Landen in Pella on Saturday afternoon, and Blue Top Ridge in Riverside on Sunday morning. All four courses are listed on Golfweek's Best in State 2016 list.

 

Of course, when I went to book TPC Deere Run I was notified that they're aerating on August 29th. Argh! Why are courses aerating so early in the season? So, what do you think? Should I play TPC, or is there a very good alternative course in the area? I played TPC in 2010, so it won't be the end of the world if I skip it on this trip.

[Warrick]

I live 15 minutes from Bos Landen, also been wanting to get to the Preserve myself.

 

I was told by a former top AM in the state that Spirit Hollow is TOUGH.

[Argonne69]

I live 15 minutes from Bos Landen, also been wanting to get to the Preserve myself.

 

I was told by a former top AM in the state that Spirit Hollow is TOUGH.

 

Are you interested in joining me at Spirit Hollow on Friday at 1 pm, or The Preserve on Saturday at 1 pm? It looks like there's still room.

[Warrick]

Is that Preserve time for this coming Saturday the 3rd?

 

How many do you have?

 

Not sure I can make Spirit Hollow.

 

You have 4 at Bos?

[QMany]

That's unfortunate about TPC Deere Run. Other than the pace of play, I really enjoyed it there.

[Argonne69]

Is that Preserve time for this coming Saturday the 3rd?

 

How many do you have?

 

Not sure I can make Spirit Hollow.

 

You have 4 at Bos?

 

I'm traveling and playing as a single. Yes, The Preserve is this Saturday, September 3rd.

 

That's unfortunate about TPC Deere Run. Other than the pace of play, I really enjoyed it there.

 

Yeah, it's an excellent course, and a real bargain for a TPC facility.

[Warrick]

I should be able to make one of the Saturday times, supposed to play with my normal group Saturday morning, but could surely make Bos in the afternoon.

 

If you are solo at the Preserve, maybe I should see if the other 2 from my normal group would rather play there.

 

I will get back...

[Warrick]

Is that Preserve time for this coming Saturday the 3rd?

 

How many do you have?

 

Not sure I can make Spirit Hollow.

 

You have 4 at Bos?

 

I'm traveling and playing as a single. Yes, The Preserve is this Saturday, September 3rd.

 

That's unfortunate about TPC Deere Run. Other than the pace of play, I really enjoyed it there.

 

Yeah, it's an excellent course, and a real bargain for a TPC facility.

 

Is that right on the Preserve tee time, 1PM?

[Argonne69]

 

Is that right on the Preserve tee time, 1PM?

 

No, The Preserve is at 8:00 am on Saturday morning. I'll be at Bos Landen at 1 pm.

[DavePelz4]

I was planning to take a drive out to TPC Deere Run this Labor Day weekend, and combine it with four courses in Eastern Iowa. I booked Spirit Hollow in Burlington for Friday afternoon, The Preserve on Rathbun Lake in Moravia on Saturday morning, Bos Landen in Pella on Saturday afternoon, and Blue Top Ridge in Riverside on Sunday morning. All four courses are listed on Golfweek's Best in State 2016 list.

 

Of course, when I went to book TPC Deere Run I was notified that they're aerating on August 29th. Argh! Why are courses aerating so early in the season? So, what do you think? Should I play TPC, or is there a very good alternative course in the area? I played TPC in 2010, so it won't be the end of the world if I skip it on this trip.

 

It's my fault Arg. We're there on the 10th and I asked them to make sure the greens were pristine. They should be fully recovered by the 10th, rolled and ready for the magic of my Ping.

 

Fill in your own jokes here.

[Argonne69]

I was planning to take a drive out to TPC Deere Run this Labor Day weekend, and combine it with four courses in Eastern Iowa. I booked Spirit Hollow in Burlington for Friday afternoon, The Preserve on Rathbun Lake in Moravia on Saturday morning, Bos Landen in Pella on Saturday afternoon, and Blue Top Ridge in Riverside on Sunday morning. All four courses are listed on Golfweek's Best in State 2016 list.

 

Of course, when I went to book TPC Deere Run I was notified that they're aerating on August 29th. Argh! Why are courses aerating so early in the season? So, what do you think? Should I play TPC, or is there a very good alternative course in the area? I played TPC in 2010, so it won't be the end of the world if I skip it on this trip.

 

It's my fault Arg. We're there on the 10th and I asked them to make sure the greens were pristine. They should be fully recovered by the 10th, rolled and ready for the magic of my Ping.

 

Fill in your own jokes here.

 

[Argonne69]

I decided to take a pass on TPC, and I booked a round at Finkbine GC in Iowa City, the home course of the Hawkeyes. I've played University Ridge in Madison, WI, and Stone Creek in Urbana, IL, so I figured another Big Ten home course would be interesting.

[Indy Golfer]

Have you played the Amana course? I played there about 15 years ago and really enjoyed it, not sure how that course looks these days.

[Argonne69]

Have you played the Amana course? I played there about 15 years ago and really enjoyed it, not sure how that course looks these days.

 

No. Where is it located?

[QMany]

Have you played The Harvester just north of Des Moines? I've heard great things.

[Warrick]

Have you played the Amana course? I played there about 15 years ago and really enjoyed it, not sure how that course looks these days.

 

No. Where is it located?

 

Not far from Finkbine.

 

I can;t make The Preserve, but hoping to join you at Bos, will know later on today.

[Argonne69]

Have you played The Harvester just north of Des Moines? I've heard great things.

 

No. It's the top rated course in the state, but I felt it was a bit too far west for this trip. In hindsight, I probably should have included it. I'll likely hit it at a later date.

[DavePelz4]

Arg have you played the General?

[Argonne69]

Arg have you played the General?

 

Yes, twice. I may have to make a trip this fall to play TPC Deere Run and The General. It's a nice drive from Silvis to Eagle Ridge.

[chickenpotpie]

Have you played the Amana course? I played there about 15 years ago and really enjoyed it, not sure how that course looks these days.

 

Ha, same here....it's in Amana, IA, kind of between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

[Argonne69]

I started the trip with an early afternoon round at Spirit Hollow GC. The course plays like two courses. The front nine is a fairly benign prairie style course with plenty of native grasses. There's housing along the holes, but it doesn't feel pinched. There are trees along the first 3 holes, but then it opens up.

 

The back nine is a very nice woodland layout carved inside a low valley. Plenty of elevation change and water hazards to keep you on your toes. The course seems to play short, so going low is definitely possible. The greens have character, but are not overly complex.

 

Course conditions were good. The greens were a bit spotty in places, but were in good shape overall, and had a decent speed.

 

I had a few too many slight misses off the tee, but nothing that really got me into trouble. I managed a respectable 11 fairways, and 14 greens. A couple of nice birdies offset the 5 dropped shots, so it was a great start to the trip.

 

I believe the course is ranked 2nd on the Golfweek Best You Can Play 2016 list, but I'm skeptical. It's a decent layout, but doesn't really jump out at you. I'll have to reserve judgement until I've played the other four courses. Still, a very nice course if you're in the area.

[Hawkeye77]

Finkbine a much better course than Amana. Greens can be really fast, need to plan where you want your tee shots and approach shots to land more than you would think on many holes. Some challenging greens. I'm biased, having played Finkbine a ton starting in 1977, but really haven't enjoyed Amana. Riverside is fun, but you'll look at the holes down by the river that aren't played since the flood and wish you could play those. Sadly Finkbine just lost its best beverage cart operator just about three weeks ago - also happened to be my favorite golfer. ;-)

 

Good luck making that second Saturday tee time, could be a close one if you run into a lengthy first round.

 

Too bad you can't make Ottumwa Country Club. Quirky, interesting, old design.

[Argonne69]

This morning I played The Preserve on Rathbun Lake. A wonderful prairie style layout with plenty of elevation changes to keep it interesting. There is native grass everywhere, so one has to keep it in play. There are 5 par 5's, so plenty of scoring opportunities. A few boring holes, but overall quite playable.

 

Sadly, the conditions were wanting. The fairways are suffering from a fungus, and there are major bare areas. Going to take weeks I bet to get it back in shape. Luckily I managed to stay off the fairways for the most part. Lol. The greens rolled nicely.

 

I had one of my better rounds of the year. I was all over the place with my driver, but no serious trouble. Even though I only managed 7 fairways, I had 14 GIRs. The 5 par 3's helped there. The greens were rolling true, and my putter got hot. I was one under going into 17, and managed to sink a sweet 25 footer for birdie. A birdie on 18 would have given me a 69, and I had a makeable 10 footer from the front of the green. Alas, it burned the edge, but I'm more than happy with the 70.

 

Overall the course is a fine layout, with excellent views. The condition of the fairways is a temporary thing, so the course is highly recommended.

[Argonne69]

I got to Bos Landen early, so I teed it up before noon. The course is located on a wonderful piece of wooded property, with major elevation changes on practically every hole. I only recall a handful of flat lies. A few too many dogleg for my liking, but still playable. The only hole I really didn't care for was the par 4 18th. The 17th is a short dogleg left that pretty much takes driver out of your hand. So, you get to 18 and it's a right to left sweeper that once again takes driver out of your hands. The landing area is a triangular area slightly larger than a bed sheet. Not a fitting closing hole.

 

Course conditions were good, although there were a few areas in the fairways that seemed to be suffering from the same fungus issue, but no where near as bad as The Preserve.

 

I had a little better luck with the driver, but not quite the same with the irons. Couldn't quite get a read on many greens, and the ball broke the "wrong" way. Still, a solid second round of 5 over.

 

I'm sitting in Iowa City Brewlab enjoying a nice barrel aged porter. Birdies and brews.

[Argonne69]

Blue Top Ridge this morning. A picturesque prairie style layout on scenic rolling terrain. Very similar to The Preserve. The course has a good mix of long and short par 4's, and 3 of the 4 par 5's are excellent. I didn't care for #16, which pretty much took the driver out of your hands with a downhill drive to a water hazard 250 out. With the downslope, even a 3 wood could be too much. The par 3's were fairly bland, and all seemed to play about the same length. Definitely needs more variety there.

 

The course conditions were fine, although the greens were a bit slow in the early morning dew. They were a bit speedier by the end of the round. I have to say that I haven't seen this many unfilled divots on the par 3 tee boxes in ages. Is there some type of entitlement thing going on with the higher priced course? Ugh.

 

The driver was once again uncooperative. Left and right misses. However, no serious trouble, as I still managed 12 greens. I had a couple of nice birdies, but a few too many dropped shots.

 

I'd have to rate the course a notch or two higher than the Preserve, as the bunkering really helps frame a lot of the holes. Definitely worth a visit.

[Argonne69]

I finished the trip at Finkbine, a decent parkland style course built on slightly rolling terrain. There's nothing fancy about the course, just a solid old school course. The greens are severely sloped, and although they weren't super quick, I could see them playing so with the right conditions. Downhill putts were tricky to say the least.

 

I can't say I liked the 18th. Similar to Bos Landen, it was a severe dogleg left that required a 5 wood at most off the tee, leaving a mid iron to the green. Not a particularly good finishing hole.

 

Course conditions were fine. A few dead areas on a handful of fairways and greens, but nothing too serious. The grass/rough around the greens was a bit haggard. Looks like it could use some water.

 

Started to run out of gas. I struggled again finding fairways, and a few iron shots were a tad wayward. A sign that the lower back is tiring. I still managed a reasonable 6 over.

 

Overall it's a fine course, but it pales compared to University Ridge in Madison, and Notre Dame's Warren course for university home courses.

 

The highlight of the round was playing the front nine with a nice young man with special needs. Along with his mom and dad, we had a great time. I could see they were a bit hesitant having someone join them, as Tim struggled a bit at times. However, the course was packed, and we weren't going anywhere, so we simply kept moving the ball down the fairway a bit at a time. He used a fairway wood around the greens, which made me smile, as my hybrids are my go to club around the hole. When you're having a mediocre day on the course, it's nice to have someone remind you how much fun it is to simply be out having a good time.

 

I'm having a superb Southern Tier Salted Carmel stout at Arrowhead GC in Chicago's western suburbs. After a long drive back, I wasn't ready to have a ham sandwich at home. A burger and a good beer will make the final hour drive much easier.

 

I'll post some photos tomorrow after I get a chance to Photoshop them.

[Hawkeye77]

Have to disagree with you on 18 at Finkbine. Play it a few times and you'll learn where you can hit driver and embrace the risk. I'd say the design was dictated by the ravine all along the left, but it's a tough finishing hole, but to a front to middle pin with a properly placed drive (must be very accurate), gives a great birdie chance. I like it!

[Argonne69]

Have to disagree with you on 18 at Finkbine. Play it a few times and you'll learn where you can hit driver and embrace the risk. I'd say the design was dictated by the ravine all along the left, but it's a tough finishing hole, but to a front to middle pin with a properly placed drive (must be very accurate), gives a great birdie chance. I like it!

 

To hit driver, you have to put 20 to 30 yards of draw on the ball.

[Hawkeye77]

Have to disagree with you on 18 at Finkbine. Play it a few times and you'll learn where you can hit driver and embrace the risk. I'd say the design was dictated by the ravine all along the left, but it's a tough finishing hole, but to a front to middle pin with a properly placed drive (must be very accurate), gives a great birdie chance. I like it!

 

To hit driver, you have to put 20 to 30 yards of draw on the ball.

 

A 225-240 straight drive (which is quite a bit uphill into what is usually a south wind) will leave about 160-170 quite a bit downhill. So driver, 8 iron for me if things go well. Otherwise, driver, chip out of trees down the hill and still have a short wedge to try and save par. The slope will help with the right to left without much draw, but yes a draw will get you closer and probably wedge for longer hitters for sure who want to take on the risk/reward - seen some awesome shots by some college players/pros on that hole, but the rest of us can hit driver without having to draw it much, or fade it off the left trees if you dare. Pretty challenging and interesting finishing hole to me, but I'm extremely biased. Just don't want the old gal getting sold short.

 

If you are hitting the equivalent of a 250 yard five wood, that's awesome - but that 170 way downhill into the green should be a wedge or short iron with that kind of power!

[Argonne69]

Spirit Hollow

 

#2

 

 

 

 

#18