I was three over: one over a house, one over a patio and one over a swimming pool.
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PHOTOS & REVIEW
LaFontaine Golf Club (Huntington IN)
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Duffy's Review
June 15, 2003, was actually the second time I played LaFontaine Golf Club. The first time was in April. The trees had not bloomed yet and I thought that would really add difficulty to this course. I WAS RIGHT!
A little history of the course first. LaFontaine is a public course established in 1929. I was fortunate to be able to talk to several people about this course, both on and off the course. Evidently it had really gone down hill over the years and was purchased by R.W. West Management Corp. in the summer of 2002. The new owners have done extensive renovations, from adding drainage tiles to totally rebuilding greens. One gentleman that I met on my first trip told me he had sworn never to play LaFontaine again. A friend had told him about the work that was being done and decided to give it another chance. He said it was in the best condition he had ever seen it, in the 20+ years he’d been playing there. Another example of “the truth is subject to revision”. More drainage work and sand trap upgrades are planned for 2003 season.
For my part, the pro and assistant are fantastic folks. Usually I walk in off the streets without a tee time, as I did on this occasion, and I don’t tell why I’m there until after my round is over. I was treated like I had been a member for ten years. Friendly courteous service is a requirement for me and I received some of the best from these guys. There are pictures of Walter Hagen in the Pro Shop, this was his favorite course to play in the area. Another notable figure to frequent LaFontaine was former former Vice-President Dan Quayle.
The first tee will leave an impression with anyone. A 337 yard par 4 with the tee boxes on the hill shooting down into the valley, and a slight dogleg to the right. The well manicured fairway and bright, elevated green make the view that much more pleasant. To the left is a replica of the Statue of Liberty and to the right a large pond menacing the ninth green. While you’re here, take a look at the pond in relationship to the 9th green because you won’t be able to see either one on your second shot for that hole.
The 187 yard par 3 #5, playing at 172 yards the day I was there, gives you a little to
think about standing on the tee. The over hanging trees at the far end of the boxes
create a small shoot, you either get it up quickly or pin point your shot through. The
two bunkers directly in front of this elevated green have a rail-tie backstop, hit these
on the fly, and the creek running the length of the hole could be your balls resting
place. I thought it was a fun hole, but I hit the green off the tee. If you land in one
of those sand traps you might have a different opinion.
Directly following this challenge is #6, “duh, we can count you know” 494 yard par 5. I really like this hole, even though I put my second in the creek. It’s just laid-out well. Another tee-shot into the valley, that dog-legs sharply to the right around 150 yards out from the green. If you have a 360 yard drive in your bag this hole will be an easy birdie. If you don’t, then it gets interesting. Let’s say everything is working in your favor and you bang out that 300 drive, impressive, only 194 to the hole. Now you have some choices. The 70-80 foot trees directly between you and the green are ominous to say the least. Do you go over? Around? Through?? Or do you waste that 300 yarder and punch your next shot 70 yards to clear the monsters. I decided over and, as I already told you, I ended up in the creek.
#11 and #12 are both notable holes. #11, 359 yard par 4, has a fairway that bottle necks between a hill on the right and a grove of trees on the left. I belted a fine drive that went over the hill on the right. Thinking I was in pretty good shape, we rounded the corner of the hill to find a cluster of medium size trees. Of course my ball was right in the middle. I tried to play a draw around the trees and got lucky, chip and putt for par. Sweated that one. #12 par 5 is easily reachable in 2 at 478 yards. The problem comes from the downhill lie you’re going to get anywhere from 200 to 170 yards out.
Most of the holes at LaFontaine are relatively short, making it very playable for the beginner, but to every rule there is usually an exception. The exception for LaFontaine is the monstrous 615 yard par 5 16th. What a hole! Gently sweeping from left to right, this hole forebodes you from accessing its green in 2. The way that it bends right, and the trees jetting out into the balls line of flight, dictate an extremely well executed tee shot. I had to line up on the farthest left possible of the tee box to get the shot off. Mind you, I very rarely play “smart” golf. I’m the “grip it and rip it” type. But, looking at my second shot, a 5 wood seemed the best choice. The green slopes towards you at a 40-45 degree angle and there is a small depression in front of it. After I pulled my 5 wood shot to the far left rough, I was thrilled to walk away with par.
LaFontaine’s best feature is its greens. Most are either tiered (2 or more levels) or they have a dramatic slope. The greens keeper has got to be laughing at us all when he’s placing the pins. Medium speed, with very smooth roll, my hat is off to the maintenance crew. GOOD JOB FOLKS.
We had a wonderful time playing LaFontaine. The asphalt cart paths through the entire course made navigation easy and pleasant. The course is walkable but personally, too many hills for my lazy legs. The course website www.lafontainegc.com has information on outings and catering options. If you are in the area, definitely plan time to play here.
For more information on LaFontaine Golf Club check out the links below
Play often, Play fair and above all, HAVE FUN!.
I love this game!
Duffy
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