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Loch Dialgary 2K3
by Allen Cotton
| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 1165 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2002-11-24 |
62,896,930 bytes |
72 |
7440 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
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FICTIONAL |
PARKLAND |
Loch DialgaryV2.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
| 02111de514cf4a8db35d9850dae943db |
76867d64a03c6a22914f0422675a56a6 |
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LINKS CORNER REVIEW |
Reviewed by Rand Herron
December 2002
This is the second release of Loch Dialgary by Allen Cotton. The first course was built for 2001 but released for 2003. The '2003' is version two, and reworked by the designer for APCD 1.5. (see earlier review for Loch Dialgary's first release by Randy McMinn)
Overview:
Loch Dialgary 2003 is a Fictional/Parkland design but is clearly intended to look like a real course, providing cart paths as well as walkway paths. One of the most striking elements of the design is in the very prominent elevation changes and open feel. It is a course that blends extremely well with the surrounding parkland panorama. (see screen shot 1) The result is some very nice far off views and dynamic camera vistas. For a relatively new designer, Allen Cotton is fast becoming very proficient with APCD and has obviously improved his skills since the first release of this design.
The most unique feature of the course is obvious from the start with interesting scuffs and divots on the tees areas. (see screen shot 2) I like this concept, but they do seem to become repetitive through the entirety of the course. They are identical on every Tee. You will probably like them or hate them. Perhaps the designer may have considered making a few differing divot textures applying fewer and fewer divots on the long par 4's and 5's. Still, it is a bold and unique step that I think many might like. The course textures are pleasing to the eye. The unusual fairways are surrounded by 'edge cut' or rough, followed by a secondary rough, then a third 'deep rough' and a fourth 'tall grass' rough appears as well. It does not detract from the overall look however, and the colors seem to work well. There are however, some misplaced textures (lie icon not matching texture). Throughout the entire course, the fences and walls are very well done and natural looking - a fine aspect to the visual appeal.
Playability:
The best part of Loch Dialgary 2003 is in the challenging playability of the course. It's drastic elevation changes make you think, and, the designer seems to love making you choose- whether off the tee or on the approaches. Many of the par 4's insist you put your driver away but overall, the course plays very long. Especially the front nine which eats up a serious 4,074 yards of the overall 7,440 yards - from the back tees. There are three tee positions per hole. Plenty of risk/reward elements really make things interesting, and the plantings look to be a strong motivation in that regard. You will find trees placed in fairways in some cases, alternative fairways in others. In most cases though, you'll find (and I use the term affectionately) insane bunkers. On one of my favorite holes, the Par 4 - 510 yard 8th hole, there are actually a few bunkers that are almost vertical! (see screen shot 3) Those bunkers are placed along a wall of grass and plantings. The hole presents a split fairway, a teaser drive for an attempt at the main upper-level fairway, and an isolated green. This is directly followed by another difficult Par 4 - the 9th hole provides some interesting choices and a very deadly pond-side green. The 6th hole is an interesting 344 yard boomeranged shaped Par 4. It is drivable with a green surrounded by deep oval bunkers that will tempt you to look for eagle. There is not a lot of water on the course, but there are some holes where small and medium-sized ponds are very much in play, such as the 1st, 9th and 18th holes. The 18th is a monster-sized Par 5 that manoeuvres you around 3 water hazards. All of the Par 5's are long. There are some very compelling (and long) Par 3's as well. The greens are moderately difficult and also well done.
The Extras: Small readme file, Splash Screens, Cameo, and Hole previews.
*The hole previews are basic and lackluster, but clear and semi-informative.
*The hole markers are the standard stone markers that have been used on numerous courses. They are placed in relatively the same spot on each hole, right/front of tee.
Sounds: The ambient course sounds are well done and mostly bird sounds.
Lacking: Hole Handicaps, Buildings (clubhouse) and 3D plantings, spectators, tourney objects, and custom flags. *Many players find the lack of handicapping quite an annoying oversight.
APCD Comments:
The subtle use of seam blending is well done in most cases but there are far too many creases and noticeable seams on the course, especially for a second version. This is quite evident in some bunkers, like the 3rd hole green side bunker, and 15th fairway bunkers - to name a few. The blending seams can be seen here and they appear very untidy. (see screen shot 4) There are many creases and unnatural elevation areas around the course that an APCD designer would probably notice more readily then a player alone, but they are certainly not a disaster - just another unpolished element of the design. Aesthetically, the course is nice and open but once again, though improved a little, the plantings are unremarkable and utilitarian. Perhaps more scrub/bushes, some floral areas and background trees could have been added in the re-release. The course could have stood some serious beta-testing and outside input from some other designer(s) to help fix some of the serious anomalies. Though fairly time consuming, the sharp edges and bad angles (and a few plantings) could have been polished and I can't help but get the feeling that the 'new' version was rushed to completion - a major setback in the reviewer's opinion.
Overall, Loch Dialgary 2003 is a keeper for me and I hope you give it a look as well. It is a FUN course. Allen Cotton has come a long way and I sincerely hope he continues to work on his skills as a designer. He clearly has talent. Because of Loch Dialgary 2003, without a doubt, I will be looking for any future designs from him!
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