Garden City GC- hole 18
History
Garden City was founded in 1899 and is also known as Garden City Men's Club
It remains one of the few men only courses in the USA.
The course was originally designed by Devereux Emmet as a 9 holer in 1897, expanding to 18 holes in 1899.
In the 20's member Walter Travis undertook some significant remodelling.
Tom Doak also waved his magic wand with a tasteful renovation in 2015.
Championships
Garden City hosted:
The U.S. Open in 1902
The U.S. Amateur four times (1900, 1908, 1913, 1936)
-The Walker Cup in 1924
Course
Garden City is located on a relatively flat piece of land surrounded by suburbia.
It has traces of parkland golf in its DNA, as well as heathland and links elements.
It definitely does not catch the eye as a great golfing site- rather each hole has it’s own subtle character and as the holes mount up you come to realise that the overall result is a pretty good course.
The starting and closing holes have some more distinct undulations, and are instant favourites.
Through the middle of the round the natural land does not have significant elevation change, but no two holes are alike.
Garden City GC- cross bunkers are prevalent
Playing here for the first time is a voyage of discovery as the course challenges you in different ways.
Some of the longer holes or short par 5’s use cross bunkering to taunt the insecure.
The golfer has to judge the carry more than on most courses .
Bunkering is both prolific and varied- deeper bunkers have steps down which are definitely needed!
And Garden City has inverted bunkers on a couple of holes- I have not seen that before!
Garden City GC- has inverted bunkers
At Garden City each hole needs to be evaluated on its merits.
Each is distinct in character and style, and together the holes make for a very interesting and challenging course
Notable holes include:
Hole 1, one of the more interesting opening holes I have come across- there is more to this hole than is obvious off the tee!
Garden City GC- hole 1 approach
hole 2, a nice par 3 with a biggish bunker in front
Garden City GC- hole 2
Hole 16, a devilish dogleg par 4
Garden City GC- hole 16
Hole 17, a most interesting par 5
Garden City GC- hole 17 green
Hole 18, a mid length par 3 over water to a shallow but extremely wide green. Beware the left end pin with spit like bunker that is amongst the deepest and most severe I have seen
Garden City GC- hole 18 pit bunker
Garden City is a traditional old men’s club with a course you could play over and over.
Golf Tours
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For suggested destinations see: Golf Destinations- USA
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