Auburn Links features a number of challenges and is one of the more enjoyable I regularly play. It has a few tree-lined holes that go straight ahead, but it's also got doglegs, forced carries and a creek that often meanders its way between greens and fairways.
While Auburn Links (par 72, 6,790 yards from the tips) is not wide-open, it's not terribly tight either. Most of the holes are lined by Alabama pines, oaks and sweet gums, but much of the underbrush has been cleared away. Balls into the woods can be found if you take the time to look.
Not sure why the word links appears in the title. Auburn Links is anything but a true Scottish links course. It's very traditional.
While Auburn Links (par 72, 6,790 yards from the tips) is not wide-open, it's not terribly tight either. Most of the holes are lined by Alabama pines, oaks and sweet gums, but much of the underbrush has been cleared away. Balls into the woods can be found if you take the time to look.
Not sure why the word links appears in the title. Auburn Links is anything but a true Scottish links course. It's very traditional.
Auburn Links was never more attractive than it was on this day. Perhaps the beauty is the fairways coming back to green life after another cold winter. Perhaps it's the clearing of underbrush along the fairways. Whatever it is, the staff did a good job.
Auburn Links ranks as a course with medium difficulty. It may not trash your game and send you home with your tail between your legs, but don't get cocky, because this place has a few holes that can really bite you. It seems the greens are faster now than they were last year.
The front nine plays shorter (3,290 yards) and a tad less difficult than the back nine (3,500 yards). The most challenging hole, according to the scorecard, greets you on the first tee box. At 345 yards from the blue tees, it isn't long, but the first hole features Mill Creek, which slashes through the fairway twice from right to left. The creek's first gully is easy to clear, but the second could cause problems as it zips back. Heavy hitters may choose to lay up. The approach shot goes slightly to the left uphill to a green protected by a front bunker.
Though water can be a factor on some holes, the course's only lake is found on the fourth hole, a 155-yard par 3. The lake, or pond, is small and offers more of a mental challenge from the elevated tee box. This green is sloped from back to front, so par putts don't come easy.
Possibly the widest fairway of the bunch is on the par 5, 545-yard eighth hole. The hole veers a bit to the right, so hitters with mild slices could benefit. The green is guarded by a number of bunkers.
An interesting hole is the par 5, 550-yard 12th. Depending on your tee and second shots, your approach shot to the green, which is separated from the fairway by that darn creek, could wind up in the water. It might be a good idea to lay up and try to reach the green in four strokes instead.
The scorecard reveals the 425-yard, par 4 14th hole as the second-hardest on the premesis. I beg to differ. The hole is dead straight and the only obstacles come from your mind and a few hilly mounds to the right of the fairway. Hit the ball straight and you're on in two. Slice the ball sharply off the tee and it could fly into one of the homes that back against the fairway.
Perhaps the signature hole of the course is the 18th, a par 4, 445-yard beast that's in good view of neighboring South College Street. Danger lurks all around. You cannot see the green or good portion of the fairway from the tee box as the hole turns sharply downhill roughly 150 yards from the tee. The scary thing is, Mill Creek returns at the bottom of the hill. What might be your best hit ball of the day could bounce, and bounce, and bounce again downhill into the creek. A 250-yard shot should be safe, but don't push it much further.
The approach shot is often on a downhill lie. The green is guarded by five bunkers which create the shape of a tiger paw.
Greens fees at Auburn Links (http://www.auburnlinks.com/), which features a clubhouse and pro shop, range from $36 to $44 depending on day and time. Fees include a cart. To get there, take South College Street south of Interstate 85 and turn at the first left (Shell Toomer Parkway). Auburn Links is on your right.
Auburn Links ranks as a course with medium difficulty. It may not trash your game and send you home with your tail between your legs, but don't get cocky, because this place has a few holes that can really bite you. It seems the greens are faster now than they were last year.
The front nine plays shorter (3,290 yards) and a tad less difficult than the back nine (3,500 yards). The most challenging hole, according to the scorecard, greets you on the first tee box. At 345 yards from the blue tees, it isn't long, but the first hole features Mill Creek, which slashes through the fairway twice from right to left. The creek's first gully is easy to clear, but the second could cause problems as it zips back. Heavy hitters may choose to lay up. The approach shot goes slightly to the left uphill to a green protected by a front bunker.
Though water can be a factor on some holes, the course's only lake is found on the fourth hole, a 155-yard par 3. The lake, or pond, is small and offers more of a mental challenge from the elevated tee box. This green is sloped from back to front, so par putts don't come easy.
Possibly the widest fairway of the bunch is on the par 5, 545-yard eighth hole. The hole veers a bit to the right, so hitters with mild slices could benefit. The green is guarded by a number of bunkers.
An interesting hole is the par 5, 550-yard 12th. Depending on your tee and second shots, your approach shot to the green, which is separated from the fairway by that darn creek, could wind up in the water. It might be a good idea to lay up and try to reach the green in four strokes instead.
The scorecard reveals the 425-yard, par 4 14th hole as the second-hardest on the premesis. I beg to differ. The hole is dead straight and the only obstacles come from your mind and a few hilly mounds to the right of the fairway. Hit the ball straight and you're on in two. Slice the ball sharply off the tee and it could fly into one of the homes that back against the fairway.
Perhaps the signature hole of the course is the 18th, a par 4, 445-yard beast that's in good view of neighboring South College Street. Danger lurks all around. You cannot see the green or good portion of the fairway from the tee box as the hole turns sharply downhill roughly 150 yards from the tee. The scary thing is, Mill Creek returns at the bottom of the hill. What might be your best hit ball of the day could bounce, and bounce, and bounce again downhill into the creek. A 250-yard shot should be safe, but don't push it much further.
The approach shot is often on a downhill lie. The green is guarded by five bunkers which create the shape of a tiger paw.
Greens fees at Auburn Links (http://www.auburnlinks.com/), which features a clubhouse and pro shop, range from $36 to $44 depending on day and time. Fees include a cart. To get there, take South College Street south of Interstate 85 and turn at the first left (Shell Toomer Parkway). Auburn Links is on your right.
Rating (out of 10)
Fun: Very interesting layout. There are several instances where you may be temped to lay up, so the mental part of your game can get tested. This course offers great challenges, and a few easy holes to make up for the challenges. Score: 8
Value: For $36 to $44, it's pretty much in the middle range for greens fees. What you get is a decent golf course. That's pretty much why we play, right? Score: 7
Conditions: Fairways have struggled in the summer, but the Alabama drought has something to do with that. Greens were in good shape and the fairways have been fine so far this season. Sand traps aren't as fluffy as others, but seem easier to escape. Score: 7
Amenities: Decent pro shop and snack bar. This course comes with a good driving range, chipping range and putting green. You could practice for a while, not hit the course and still have a good time. Score: 7
Difficulty: Not the toughest course in town, but will bite you if you're not careful. Score: 7
Overall: Count on using every club in the bag here. Auburn Links will make you work for a few holes, then give you a break. It's a fun course worth playing if/when you're in the Auburn area. Score: 7.2
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