Philmont Country Club

This old course maintains teeth to take a bite out of you. There are a number of blind tee shots which always creates tension. It's a long 6300 yards from white tees with only two par fives. Hilly terrain and severe sloped fairways are a theme and twice had shots hit green only to watch them roll off the front. Putting was smooth as once you got the pace all you had to do was put it on the right line. The breaks were often more than they appeared. If you get an invite you need to accept.

Although a private members only club I had played this South course several times in the 60's when I worked as a valet parking cars at the club. It is a short but strategic and well laid out golf course but the conditions were ragged. The greens putted OK but the fairways were bare and washed out in places and there was no sand in the bunkers. An employee told me "I don't think they really care about the South course." There have long been rumors that parts of the property will be sold and now with new ownership it appears likely to happen with potentially nine holes of the South course to survive after the 18th hole of the North course is reworked. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable day in a fund raising scramble. Four over 70 guys scored 66 on this par 70 track.

Played as a guest in a foursome. Grass driving range. Separate chipping green. No excuse " I wasn't warmed up". Beautiful layout. Tree lined fairways, but not too narrow. Some of the long par 4's required 3 shots for me to get to the green. Just not long enough. Greens in good shape. True rolls. Fluffy sand in most bunkers. Bring your "A" game. Great pace of play. Just wish I could go back.