It has been awhile since we have checked in for a review and it's good to be back.  We had some bad weather, and were rained out some and we had some scheduling issues as well, but last week played in perfect weather.

Thunderbird Hills South, is one of two courses at the Thunderbird complex wich also includes the older, North Course.  Both are terrific, and worth the drive to play.  The South course is much newer, and very different that its older sibling, and is fast becoming a great golf course.

This is about 6,500 yards with tons of pines trees, and rapidly growing pear, and oak trees that line most fairways. The tee shots generally are generous, as The South is nothing tricky or sneaky. It's right out in front of you, and if you keep it in the fairway, life is good.  Miss it, and the rough is difficult, and the trees come into play.  The South also plays uphill seemingly the whole way -  and it does, so adjust clubs accordingly.  There are only a couple elevated greens, but many approach shots play uphill from the fairway, although gently and it can confound you if you don't make adjustments.

The greens are flat out terrific.  They are not hugely fast, I would call them quick. But they are amazingly true and rolled perfectly.  Putt it there, and it goes there. They held shots well and were very receptive for a public golf course.  They have mild slopes and curves, and today's pin placements were a nice mix of front to middle to back.  I like when courses do that, mix it up.

Welcoming sign for both courses!

Today we all played pretty well.  Bryan (Joe Red's Son) sat in for Joe Red today and battled like the rest of us on a tough course.  It was also Bryans first time in The South Course, and kept it to 82.  Tex, is hitting his driver so much better and today hit it straight.  Some shots tough out the rough gave Tex and us all a rough go at times.  Tex was consistant on a tough course, posting 50/50. 

Beef played pretty well all day, but had a few self-inflicted mistakes that can get you down, but he kept fighting and was able to post an 86.  Beef posted a couple of birdies today that always help which in turn helped erase a bad number or two.

Think we play early?? First ones out!

I wrestled on the front with a 43 and was concerned that this could be a tough day.  But on the back I put it together and fired a nice 37.  With a birdie on 10, and then 6 straight pars to finish. Truth too, I lipped out 2 putts on 11, and 12 that would have taken it to a 35, but that's why we're not pros!  80 on the day.

Course highlights?  Number 3 is as tough a par 3 tee shot as you will have all summer.  175 yards, to an elevated green protected by sand, with NO room right at all because of the lake that runs the entire length of the hole.  A par there is great.  All 4 par 5's are designed for you to score on and get you back in the round, although number 10 is a tough tee shot.  Also, number 9 is a tough driving par 4, 375 yards with water at the landing area.  Number 11 same thing, except it plays uphill and into the west, tha means wind in the face.  Number 15, is a great par 3, that plays downhill, 170 yards, and don't be long.  And Number 18, brutal number 1 handicap, 425 yards, playing west, which means wind in your face again, and two fantastic shots are required - period. 

Nice little clubhouse on South Course.

North Course has large eating area!

A great day would be to drive there and play both sides. The North is great as well, and plays as tough as The South, although it plays differently.  Great service and really good deals too, as they run fantastic during the week specials.  This is worth the drive, The South is a great place to play.

Scores

Wynn  -  80

Bryan - 82
Beef  -  86
Tex  - 100