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Lost Lake Legend
by Bob Hankla
| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 1416 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2004-03-16 |
41,664,512 bytes |
73 |
7302 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
|
FICTIONAL |
MOUNTAIN |
lostlakelegend.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
| cc50f8f75e094f1982fa3f6eda6f5188 |
5a72941e277f93be4dd17268e9423c27 |
|
LINKS CORNER REVIEW |
About Bob Hankla:
This is his 3rd release here on LC. His first release Lava Rock is a top 50 course, but most players remember him for the infamous Forest Legend @ Kiss Tours.
Information from the readme file:
In the mid to late 20th century, a group of wealthy eccentric businessmen, who happened to love to play golf, grew extremely tired of their busy daily lives and never-ending schedules. While commiserating together after yet another long day, one of the gentlemen mentioned that he had inherited this piece of seemingly useless property in a mountain valley out in the Rockies somewhere, though he didn't know exactly where. One thing led to another, and they eventually hatched this plan to build their own mountain retreat on this seemingly useless land. This retreat came to include several cabins and their own private golf course. In order to protect their privacy, they told no one of this retreat. It had no telephones or other 'modern' conveniences. Because they could tell no one of this place, the golf course they built also had none of the modern conveniences. No clubhouses, carts, cart paths, or fancy landscaping could be found. It was basically 18 holes mowed out of the deep grass in the valley, with some bunkers, bridges, and retaining walls used. Trees were only removed if they were directly in the line of play. It had no renowned architect, so it was built with one thing in mind, to have fun. To this end, they built the course around three lakes found in the valley, and laid out several holes with some very daring shots available. On several occasions, the score wasn't as important as the side games as to who could pull off some of these shots.
Well, as these gentlemen grew older, their retreat was used less and less, and eventually fell into neglect. After many years, the owner's grandson happened to stumble across some old papers concerning the retreat. His curiosity peaking, he dug around until he found the location of the retreat. He immediately went to find the retreat and immediately fell in love with the place. He was so taken with the beauty of the place that he decided to continue the tradition of his grandfather. The remains of the cabins were cleared away and the tees, fairways, and greens mowed out as they were years before. The only change he made was that no buildings would be built within view of the course so as not to spoil the natural beauty. There are few weekends that he and selected friends are not up at the retreat playing golf. This weekend, you are invited to join them. WELCOME TO LOST LAKE LEGEND!
Technical Aspects:
A very solid effort from Mr. Hankla. I liked the way he sculpted his bunkers. The textures and shapes were well done and fit the holes very nicely. The planting on this course was superb. The grasses used around the fairways matched the deep rough textures and the mixture of tall trees as well as old rustic looking pine trees added an "aged" look to the golf course.
Imagination with Hole Design:
What I liked about the course was the variances in yardages, strategic sand traps, and the water hazards that were also used to give the inaccurate driver a headache throughout the round. With two par 4s on the course less than 300 yards, the designer gives the player a few opportunities for an eagle. In a match play situation this could be crucial. In my opinion, this course has a lot of similarities to Augusta National. The 9th green for example, is very similar to the 13th at Augusta.
Shot Value:
The first thing that I must mention are the greens. Each green has variations in elevation with slopes that are similar to those at Augusta National. Water is the trouble that is to be avoided on most of the holes so accuracy is a premium. A mixture of power, intelligence, and finesse are just some of the assets you must possess to play this course well. Shot shaping was key here. A fade or draw off the tee could set up the apporach with a better angle than someone who just hits the ball 275 down the middle on every hole. The elevation changes were also a good addition. Taking a club or two more to make sure you reach the green and sometimes you needed the extra bad to fly a slope on the green.
Playability:
Very playable. I suggest that you have windy or breezy conditions. With no wind, you really don't get to see the pure challenge that each hole provides.
Extras:
Cameo Screen,Splash Screens,Hole Previews, Readme file, 3d custom objects,
Key Holes to Note:
The par 3, 3rd hole. Probably my favorite hole on the entire golf course. An uphill par 3 that is about 215 yards in length. An accurate tee shot that uses the contours on the green is required to make a birdie on the hole. A bunker on the right is in play if you have a bad snap or misjudge the wind.
Another hole is the par 4, 5th hole. A 290 yard drivable par 4 that most players will attempt to drive. A draw that starts at the large mound is required to reach the green with your tee shot. However, there is plenty of room to the right if your snap is a little less than perfect.
Hole 10 is a 493 yard par 4 that is probably the signature hole on the course. A downhill tee shot with water left and right will leave you with an uphill second shot that requires a well played long iron. There are only 2 bunkers on this hole, one on the right side of the fairway and one by the green. So you can be a little wayward on this hole and get away with it. A birdie is a realistic score on this beautiful par 4. Another favorite of mine.
Probably the most gorgeous par 3 I have ever seen is the par 3, 11th hole. A par 3 similar to the 13th at Sawgrass, this hole plays about 180 yards. The green is probably one of the flattest on the course so birdie is realistic here. Take a moment to look at this hole.
My overall impression of Lost Lake Legend:
I personally like the way the design was laid out. There were a mixture of long, short, and mid range holes that not only challenged you off the tee, but required a keen touch around the greens and accurate iron play. The planting on the course was perfect. As I played, I felt as if I were playing a round of golf at my home golf club. A very solid effort by Mr. Hankla that will be on my hard drive for a long time. Each time I play the course, I find more things about it that makes it more special than the last time I played it. I enjoyed playing this course from my opening tee shot on the 1st tee to the last putt on the 18th green. It's a great addition to the Links Corner collection. A must have.
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CLIPNOTES by Ben Bateson (ousgg) |
Description
Fictional, lakeside course |
Location
TBA |
Conditions
TBA |
Concept 10/10
Wow. This is a step ahead of 95% of the courses out there. Not only does
have a wonderful and fun fictional background, it plays like a dream.
Nearly all holes offer you a challenging option; the water is rarely out of
play; and even just one marginally misplaced shot will cost strokes.
Certain holes, such as the 11th, 15th and 17th, are out of this world in terms
of ingenuity and innovation. First class! |
Appearance 10/10
Lost Lake Legend lives up to its Utopian ideal by being absolutely visually flawless. The bunkers blend well, and the heavy woodland
regions are immaculately planted. The panorama is understated and complements the course without detracting from it. There are
some heavy elevations without at any point being unconvincing. Again, first class! |
Playability 9/10
The sheer volume of play options here should keep anyone engaged. It's a very tough course on hard settings, butplayed
conservatively, it should prove to be exceedingly enjoyable. Perhaps the gameplay is ever so slightly tainted by the fact that the greens
are easy to hit and will hold your ball, meaning the lovingly-carved bunkers will not come into play very often, and the slower-thanaverage
rendering times. |
Challenge 6/10
The course seems to have trouble settling for a happy medium. On hard settings and advanced swing types, it is nigh on impossible.
You will need to clear an awful lot of water in order to hit what could be rather small fairway target areas. On easier settings, it might
prove a touch too easy: birdies are certainly not out of the question on the back nine. The Par 5 holes are superb and easily the most
testing, but still enjoyable that I've seen. |
Technical 10/10
Flawless. Custom objects are used prolifically and professionally; the elevation work is done as naturally as possible, given the fantasy
nature of the course. Planting is superb and varied and the textures blends are brilliant, especially the awkward ones on the side of
slopes. |
| Overall |
One of the elite group of courses, without a doubt. Stunning to look at, amazing to
play and (given you use the right settings) hard to score well on. |
45/50 |
Please remember that Clipnote reviews are the opinion of one person and do not constitute an 'Official' Links Corner review of the course. |
This course is available as a FREE download.
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