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Pine Trace G.C.
by Ron Watson
| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 1344 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2003-10-11 |
26,058,268 bytes |
72 |
7039 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
|
FICTIONAL |
PARKLAND |
pinetrace2003.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
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LINKS CORNER REVIEW |
Designer: Ron Watson is no beginner with designing in the links community, with his releases including Blue Marlin Bay Golf Course (Top 25%), Grand Pinacle Valley Desert Course (Top 50%), and his latest course after Pine Trace G.C., Sunchaser Golf Course. All of the designer's courses are under 30mb and have Difficulty Index's ranging from 0.95 to 1.10.
Course: From the first tee, the course doesn't immediately stand out, but as soon as you turn the corner, the water will instantly change your mind, and suddenly you realize that this course could turn out to be quite a gem. Some of the holes are very reminiscent of the style of holes found at Myrtle Beach Golf Resort (North Course) by Scott Osgood, with water waiting to punish bad shots on the majority of holes found around the course. Interesting aspects of this course include sand dunes, split fairways, and even a grass bunker on Hole 11 (Screenshot 4). Some holes have been exceptionally designed and the APCD techniques used are that of a high quality, while on many holes, the hole design and APCD features used are that of an average nature, and hopefully, the best work from this designer is still yet to come.
Favourite Hole: Hole 4 was my favourite hole, as it provided the golfer with a breathtaking view off the tee, was designed to make the golfer think about every shot, and is technically very well done (Screenshot 1).
Playability: With elevation changes, and in many places, tight fairways, drives have to be very accurate off the tee, while even if you shoot reasonably close to the pin, with curves and sloping on every green there is no such thing as an easy putt. Bunkers are placed defensively, so that if a player wishes to set themselves up for a chance at birdie, a lofted shot at the pin will be required in many cases, or else the ball will end up in the sand. All of the Par 3's are relatively straight forward, and the only concern would be in hitting the ball over the green due to the elevation changes off the tees. Depending on the strength and direction of the wind, there are multiple Par 4's that can be driven from the tee, especially Hole 5, and in many cases that may be your only chance for an Eagle, as with all of the Par 5's being quite long, and having been designed to challenge the golfer, an Eagle in a round at Pine Trace would be quite a rarity.
Technically: The majority of the textures chosen to use for this course were good choices, except the water on the front nine seemed to be quite unrealistic in the setting. Some holes have had advanced APCD techniques used on them, while a lot haven't, and one wonders why this was the case. For instance the bunkers on Hole 7 (Screenshot 2) were a lot different from those on Hole 14 (Screenshot 5). It also seemed as if there was different water textures used on the back nine compared to that of the front nine, and as there was no read-me in the zip file, I am unsure as to whether or not this was the case.
Other: The course comes equipped with the usual cameo and splash screen, and even though the splash screen doesn't jump out at you right away, after a closer inspection, it's quite nice. There were no Hole Previews or Handicaps, and no other files included with the download. All designers should at least include a read-me in the zip file, as after working for countless hours on a course, it is good to communicate with the people who download it, explaining what you put into the course, and what you would like people to get out of it.
Download Value: The download itself is relatively small at just under 25mb, and for a course of such good quality, it is a worthy download. However, if you are one to like extras, be it in the course or in the zip file, this course comes with neither. This course won't be staying on my hard drive, but will be burnt to CD, and I would recommend it to people who enjoy a challenging round on an aesthetically pleasing course, and don't mind there being no added frills.
Information:
Course Statistics:
2003 - Fictional Parkland - Par 72 - 3 Tees
7039yds (Back) - 5978yds (Forward)
Par 3's: 4 - Par 4's: 10 - Par 5's: 4
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