Spent Memorial Weekend at The American Club in Kohler, and on the last day of our stay, we played the Bull at Pinehurst Farms. I had heard from my boss that it was a great design (only Nicklaus course in Wisconsin). In addition, it was only about 10 minutes from Kohler, and the cost was very reasonable, especially when considered to the cost of playing the Kohler courses.
We arrived a little early, spent some time in the pro shop and on the range, and when we went to the starters shack, we found out that it would be only the two of us in our group. Although we enjoy playing golf with others and meeting new people, we also enjoy each others company enough, and besides; it gives me more opportunities for taking pictures. Here’s the only one I didn’t take at the course; one of Kate and I.
I remember reading somewhere that Nicklaus likes to start his courses with a practice hole, and the first hole could have been just that. Very straight-forward, not too long, and a green that undulated, but nothing serious. Here’s my approach.
Actually, through the first three holes (par 4, 4 and 3 respectively) I thought to myself, “Is this it?” I really wasn’t that impressed. Even as my fourth tee shot landed over a hill and out of sight (but still in the fairway) I wasn’t really impressed. And then I reached the top of said hill, and knew that I was in for something special. The second shot plays downhill to a very tight green. It’s large, but well guarded by bunkers. I chickened out, and gave myself a third shot approach of about 120.
Then came the fifth. It seems easy enough, for the uninitiated; a slight dogleg left, and just over 400 yards. From the tee, it’s a little difficult to see just how thin the fairway is. It’s all OB left, and a fence line with houses on the right. This is easily one of the toughest driving holes I’ve played. Even if you get a good poke off the tee, the approach is over a chasm of junk, with little room to bail. Nicklaus went from warm-up to world class in 5 holes. Here’s a shot from in front of the ladies tee (showing the thinness of the fairway) and a looking back from the green.
The 6th is an all-carry par 3, with bunkers on both sides of the green. The pin was front, making the landing area as tight as possible. It really made for a beautiful hole though.
This brings us to two details about The Bull; one I liked and one I disliked. Near the ladies tee on this hole, there was a “Personal Tee” marker from U.S. Kids Golf. These are placed on courses for beginner’s to use, and placed in such a position that the person playing may actually make a par. I’ve seen them on par 4’s from about 150 yards out. I LOVE this, and wish more courses would implement it. Very impressed.
Now for the dislike. The on-course restrooms are, in my opinion, an embarrassment for this course. The Bull is an impressive Nicklaus design, on par with the neighboring Meadows Valley and River Courses at Blackwolf Run, and easily one of my favorites in the Midwest. The on-course restrooms are porta-potties. For a course this nice, it is borderline unacceptable. What really surprised me was that there were houses within throwing distance of the porta-potties (note one in the background of the image below). Why didn’t they add the plumbing for on-course restrooms? It isn’t like there aren’t water lines running to these houses. I truly hope there’s a good reason, or that they are considering adding them at a future date.
The seventh is another wonderfully, tight hole. The tee shot has got to be precise to have any chance of hitting this elevated green. Also, your approach is basically blind. Be careful off the tee here.
As is often the case, the 9th works its way back to the clubhouse. Again, an uphill approach is in play, although not blind.
The tenth is relatively easy. I wonder if Nicklaus made this a “practice” hole too, for those playing only 9 holes. In any case, it’s a dogleg right, with some water on the right, but some room to bail on the left. This should be a par (although it was a bogey for me; stupid 3-jack.)
The 12th is a very scenic, long par 3. It’s 236 from the tips, and over 200 yards for all but the shortest set of tees. It’s a struggle to par here, with trouble everywhere. The water doesn’t really come into play, but there’s bunkers surrounding the green, and hitting it long is OB, so if anything, be a little short.
I really liked the 16th hole. It’s one of those holes that doesn’t reward the long hitter (which, ironically is me), but the accurate player (which, sadly is not me.) It’s a dogleg left, but a good tee shot can cut off a lot of the hole, so give it a shot. The green is pretty well guarded by bunkers (no surprise there), but there is room for bailing to the back right. I also like the 16th because I got one of my favorite pictures from this golf course on this hole. Note that the flags were US flags, to commemorate Memorial Day.
The 18thg hole is probably the toughest finishing hole I’ve ever played. It’s a 485 yard par 4 from the tips, and it’s all into the wind. That’s right; I said a 485 yard par 4. That’s US Open length, AND it’s into the wind. Even the tees I played were 462; a true monster. I played it as a three-shot hole, and hoped to one-putt (which I didn’t). I can imagine that tournaments played here are lost more often than won on this hole. Definitely something to remember.
I would be happy to play The Bull again. Once you play a course, you remember some of the nuances, and I think I’d probably have a better finishing score. I will say that I was disappointed with the on-course restrooms (more so for my wife than myself), but other than that single, minor issue, this is a must play.
If you are traveling to Kohler and planning to play some of the course there, I would consider including The Bull at Pinehurst farms in your travel plans. It’s less than 10 minutes away, a Nicklaus design, a shotmaker’s delight, and a fraction of the cost.
If you go, be sure to comment below with your thoughts.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Dan,
Thoroughly enjoyed this review. Nice to see that Nicklaus tightened the screws on a few tee shots here
The holes in the woods look absolutely gorgeous. I can only imagine what it would be like to play here with a bit of color in late September.
Just out of curiosity, how much did this one cost?
@David Mihm: If I remember correctly, it was $85 with cart, and I played on a holiday (Memorial Day).
Great review and beautiful pics! Hopefully you can make it down south and get on Sunset Hills at Edwardsville.
Loved the review and pics – your site in general is awesome, just discovered it today looking for something online about Makray (playing there Friday). I’ve played the Bull twice, good pricing, lots of deals – including $50 twilight after 4PM. Great course, rivals Kohler courses but different in character. Back nine is awesome, you skipped the 13th hole which is an awesome par 5, lots of space and if there’s no one out the most tranquil golfing experience you will encounter. If you can – play this course!
Being about a 10 hdcp golfer who doesn’t have loads of cash to blow on high-end courses, I had no idea what I was getting msyelf into when I found the $50 twilight deal. Before I even started, I really enjoyed the unlimited practice facility usage (which maybe is standard for championship courses??). I agree the 1st hole isn’t near as tough as most, but if you’re in the front bunker it’s no easy up and down. I abosutely love the 5th hole, even though I’ve never parred it. The 6th is also beautiful, and very demanding. I would have been interested to see your review of the par-5 8th hole, as it is one of the few holes I sort of dislike. That green side bunker short left on 9 is a killer as well! I agree that the back 9 is the harder and the more picturesque of the 2. #16 I believe has the hardest 2nd shot I’ve ever played, and the view from 17′s fairway is awesome. #18 is just brutal. I haven’t made less than 6 in 3 tries. Overall, a very humbling experience – but one that I have zero complaints about!