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Hole #1
The rallying cry for the commencement of a great adventure, "Westward Ho!" is a fitting moniker for the opening hole at NCC. There'll be no long wait before the excitement begins since the first shot presents a thrilling risk/reward opportunity to carry the left side fairway bunker and let the speed slot do its job to propel your ball on toward the putting surface. However, pull it left a little and you'll be fishing for a bogey in no time on this 321-yard par 4.
Hole #2
"Blind Beauty" is the hole that underwent the least amount of plastic surgery during the renovation process. All of the features on this 384-yard, dogleg left par 4 existed before. They were just repositioned slightly to strengthen the strategic lines of play. Only a fairly short lay-up or a big blind blast can successfully avoid these obstacles. The green complex has always been one of the most beautiful on the property. The downhill approach shot framed by mature tress is majestic. A retooled putting surface protected by a couple of diagonal bunkers scratching their heads. Fortunately this hole is mostly all beauty and very little beast.
Hole #3
Another familiar friend can be found on the 212-yard, par 3 third hole. However, this "old shoe" may not be quite as comfortable these days since the green has been moved to the left, closer to a strong slope and the threat of OB. The green area bunkers have been repositioned to wreak havoc and have been made to create anxiety. While there are ample extended collar bail-outs at the far right, a few will take enough clubs on this uphill test to be able to enjoy them. The hole is named "Inspiration"—a feeling that many are likely to have if they are able to correctly interpret the green contours and walk away with par.
Hole #4
The fourth hole, "Narrows", gets its name from the skinny portion of a fariway that works its way between three fairway bunkers- two on the left and one on the right. A solid drive can carry the bunker on the right, but the best play is to sneak just past the bunkers on the left. From there, the approach to the green opens up nicely on this 355-yard par 4.
Hole #5
"Restored" is a former hole that was temporarily dismantled to accomodate the most recent fifth and sixth holes. It's back now, though and it's been spruced up for the 21st century with a new configuration of bunkreing and a new green complex. Players will enjoy the elevated tee position as they try to avoid the five fairway bunkers and the left-side railroad track en route to a realistic birdie chance.
Hole #6
Our hole #6 is a remodeled version of former hole #7. The goals for the overall hole were to strengthen the strategic elements and to improve the aesthetics. Strategy was strengthened by locating the fairway bunker to a position that challenges the best players. The green is better defined with the placement of the bunkers. Rolling a portion of the putting surface over the front slope creates a false front.
Hole #7
Hole #7 complements the other par 3 on the front side (hole #3) by playing shorter and downhill. The seventh green is an "island in the sky" with a "catwalk approach". In other words, it has a highly elevated putting surface with a narrow run-up corridor in front.
Hole #8
Although the new 8th hole is routed up the former #14, it continues on past the old green site and takes advantage of space that was once occupied by an experimental green/turn nursery.
Hole #9
The ninth hole is a renovated version of the former fifteenth hole. We tried to make the hole more visually attractive and strategically stimulating by shortening it and building three fariway bunkers that force players to make critical decisions about length and direction of tee. The longest hitters will come close to driving the green if they can steer clear of yet another deep bunker that protects the entire right side of the moderately contoured putting surface. A strong false front adds further challenge on this very short tester that has been affectionately labeled "The Minefield" for its treacherous gauntlet of bunkers.
Hole #10
This testing, one-shotter has characteristics similar to the famous Redan hole at the National Golf Links on Long Island. A sand bunker at the left front protects a spacious putting surface that generall falls away to the back and left. The ideal tee shot is a slight draw that lands short of the green, skirts the bunker, and then finishes in the heart of the contoured putting surface. A strong ridge along right side will help direct shots to the dance floor.
Hole #11
The 11th hole is a medium length par 4 that plays straightaway. Enjoy a short breather off the tee shot since there are no fairway bunkers. Just keep it out of the trees. However, you will want to bring your best effort to the fore as you strike your approach shot. Three deep bunkers and a tricky false front provide the main line of defense. A speedy, tiered putting surface will quickly silence any bold challengers. Rewards will come to those who can stay below the hole. This one looks easy, but will play tough.
Hole #12
The twelfth hole is a favorite because of its simple, but elegant, tee shot. A beautiful and majestic oak on the right provides the strategy as players decide whether to play around or over it. This hole also features a diagonal fairway orientation, so choosing the proper target line is important. Another tree is prominently featured on the approach shot, guarding the left side. Those who bail out to the right must avoid one of the largest bunkers on the course and stop the ball on a moderately contoured putting surface that runs away to the left. Avoid the trees and birdie is a genuine possibility on this medium length par 5.
Hole #13
It would be appropriate to call hole 13 and 14 "The Augusta Holes" because they resemble two famous holes from the Masters Tournament. The 13th at NCC is akin to the risk-reward-laced 15th at Augusta.
Hole #14
The 14th at the NCC, picked as a favorite by many, has host values of the downhill par 4 11th hole at Augusta. The best drives will find the right half of the fairway. This leaves a more favorable approach angle into a green that is well-protected by a menacing pond to the left. Those who bail out to the right on the approach will have to confront two small bunkers tight to the putting surface. These two holes will definitely make "water" a factor for even the best players at Naperville Country Club.
Hole #15
The 15th hole presents an assortment of architectural features to challenge and befuddle the unwary. From a wetland to a deep deceptive bunker to a tree in the fairway to linear moguls to an unusual green complex, this hole can spoil a round in a hurry.
Hole #16
The sixteenth hole is nothing but sheer beauty as it flows past the lake and up the tree-lined hollow to the green site. A couple of fairway bunkers serve as visual accents. Favor the left side of the fairway to set up the best approach angle to the testing surface.
Hole #17
Anyone who plays the TPC at Sawgrass starts thinking about the famous 'island green' seventeenth hole long before actually walking up to the tee. It won't be any different with the seventeenth hole at NCC. The treacherous downhill par 3 of over 200 yards is guarded on three sides by water. A bunker on the right will catch those who steer away from the pond, leaving a delicate recovery shot. This strong finisher is a signature hole, since everyone can take in all the beauty and action from the clubhouse dining areas.
Hole #18
The 18th hole can provide drama at the conclusion of a match or a tournament because a birdie is a genuine possibility for those who can control their nerves and execute two solid shots. The short par 4 requires a slightly uphill tee shot that avoids a left side bunker. From there, the putting surface will look vaguely familiar, for it is essentially the same green complex as on the former hole. However, now players will approach from ninety degrees to the left and will be able to see all of the target area. Bunkering surrounding most of the green will add to the fun as fellow members cheer you on to victory from the nearby terrace.
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