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Though
lacking the fanfare and hoopla surrounding the
Cascades Course, the Robert Trent Jones–designed
Lower Cascades is a wonderful layout in its own right.
The design makes great use of the rolling hills, as
the setting is obviously very similar to the
Flynn-designed Cascades. Stark elevation changes,
difficult club selection, some interesting valley
holes and more room off the tee highlight this
underrated track. Of note, the greens are fairly large
and receptive yet quite undulating, as putts break
severely down the mountain.
The wide fairways and large greens are Trent
Jones signatures, and fans of the prolific designer
will not be disappointed.
The stream that is particularly present among
the valley holes frames the course well, though the
rocky banks swallow errant balls, so aim to avoid.
The third
hole’s a 453-yard, uphill dogleg right requiring a
strong tee shot from the back tees to reach the
fairway. If you attempt to cut off too much of the
dogleg trees loom ahead and a steep front slope
protects the green.
This is by far the hardest hole on the course,
especially into the wind.
The par
three fourth is a challenging 203 yards to a green
well protected by no less then four bunkers. Although
elevation helps get the ball up in the air, it is
difficult to get close to the pin, especially given
the size of the small green.
The
seventh is a reachable par five made easier if you can
avoid the fairway bunkers from the tee. A good drive
should set up a shot played over a water hazard
fronting a green which wraps around to the right. The
bunker that guards the front may stop balls from
rolling in to the pond, but it is also the steepest on
the course. Conifers
will spit out any errand shots, but recovery is near
impossible from the trees.
The
413-yard ninth plays shorter due to a dramatic drop
off in the fairway but be advised to club down off the
tee and hit your approach from above the slope unless
you can really muscle the driver.
The steep slope is covered in rough, and there
is little guarantee your ball will roll through to the
lower level.
The
eleventh is notable as it provides a beautiful
backdrop from the tee. The extremely elevated par four
plays straight downhill and at 364 yards is a chance
to cash in on a birdie.
You will enjoy this hole for the absolutely
gorgeous view down the valley.
The
180-yard par three fourteenth is also very picturesque
as the afore mentioned stream wanders beside the green
on the right, joining with a pair of greenside bunkers
to protect a particularly devilish putting surface.
The
sixteenth, a 374-yard par four, offers a great choice.
Lay up an iron to the 150 yard stake in the fairway or
cut the trees and stream and hit over the dogleg. Good
rounds can be eaten by poor choices here.
This is one of the better holes on the course,
and a classic Trent Jones test of course management
abilities.
The
181-yard par three seventeenth seems attackable from
the tee but be warned; going long on this green is
deadly as the green runs right down the slope of the
hill leaving a treacherous pitch or putt.
Also only the highest approach shot will be
received by this green, adding to the pressure to
leave it below the hole.
The
course finishes memorably with a 386-yard par four
beginning with a downhill tee shot. The stream winds
throughout the hole but should be out of play if the
hole is attacked well. The tee shot is a lay-up due to
the severe elevation, followed by an approach played
to a green tucked slightly into a group of trees
demanding accuracy and precision.
Smart play is rewarded, as it is risky to
carelessly attack the pin.
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