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Copperhead at Old Works 2005
by Lacy Gearheart & Bob Hankla
| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 1614 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2005-09-20 |
67,502,080 bytes |
71 |
7179 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
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FICTIONAL |
PARKLAND |
copperhead_2005_locked.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
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| COURSE NOTES |
2005 Update by Bob Hankla
The items addressed in the update are as follows:
- New textures
- Seam blending
- Reworking the greens
- Touching up the planting |
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LINKS CORNER REVIEW |
Designer: Rather than this being a co-design update of the 2001 version of the course, Bob Hankla is instead updating Lacy Gearheart's original design by himself to that of a 2003 release.
Bob Hankla is no stranger to the community, as with four Links Corner Recommendations, he has released fictional courses in both Parkland and Woodland styles, while it's evident that with this update to Copperhead At Old Works, Bob has continued to maintain his high quality standards.
Lacy Gearheart's portfolio includes five different designs, including both Parkland and Woodland styles, with releases of both fictional and real courses. With two Links Corner Recommendations and some very unique courses, Lacy is an accomplished designer that is sure to be remembered within the community irregardless of whether he ever releases a course again.
Course: Being loosely based on a real course in Montana called 'Old Works', Copperhead is noted as being more of a fictional 'sister' course than anything close to that of a real design. Right off the first tee, the hole design in addition to the panorama and planting just emanates beauty, which thankfully is something that continues throughout the layout. The visuals off many of the tees are really outstanding, such as the Par 4 on Hole 2, and in many cases, the bunker and hole designs seem more artistic than golf like. The slag bunkers are truly unique, and you'd be hard pressed to find anything similar on another design, while the mountains, both within the course and in the panorama, look superb. Copperhead At Old Works offers the player both a challenge and a visual smorgasbord, and thankfully, it's not something that will ever get old, which is more than likely why this course was updated in the first place.
Favourite Hole: The Par 3 on Hole 17 was my favourite hole on the course, as even without wind, getting on in regulation is quite difficult due to both the bunker and green designs, while no matter what tee you decide to play off, the visuals are exceptionally good.
Playability: With as what Lacy describes as 'Snake Like' fairways, this is not a course where you can simply step up to the tee and hit the ball. It's very important to analyse the options presented off the tee, as driver is certainly not going to be the safest choice on every hole. The bunkers and water will definitely play a part in how you score if you don't maintain a high regulation percentage in the fairways, as with subtle elevation and undulation changes, no ball is guaranteed as being safe until it stops. The angle and distance variations really differ from tee to tee, as for instance if you naturally struggle on long Par 4's, then it may be a wise to play off a shorter tee, as if you are off the fairway on any of the lengthy and tough Par 4's, your almost guaranteed to score over par for the hole. Even if you don't play in windy conditions, each Par 3 has been designed with the wind in mind, so curving your ball into the pin is a smart method of play. Once on the greens, a challenge awaits, as each green has great curve and slope to it, while many of them have ridges in them, so don't get stuck on the wrong level or else you'll be facing more than a two putt. In regard to eagle opportunities, only the first Par 5 on Hole 4 is reachable, but even in the right conditions, making the green comfortably is still quite tough to actually do. The course doesn't look easy, nor does it give up birdies much, but if you really think about how you wish to play each hole before you tee off, scoring under par is easily attainable.
Technically: In regard to achieving what he set out to accomplish, Bob Hankla has certainly delivered, as this update to what was already a great 2001 course has been really well done. It's quite evident that all of the areas mentioned in the read-me that were going to be concentrated on have been modernized very well. The textures throughout the course look superb, especially that of the bunkers and rough, while the seam blending has really elevated the overall aesthetics of the design. The panorama matches the style of the hole designs perfectly, while the planting is what really forms the overall look of the course, as every bush, grass and tree looks great. The extras around the layout really add to the realism, with all of the ball washers, bridges, ducks, fences, hole signs, paths and rocks being great additions. With some exceptional hole previews, and a wonderful 3D clubhouse area, Lacy's original creations combine really well with the update by Bob. It's fantastic to see a quality update on such a well known design, and hopefully this is not the last course we will see given the magic touch from Bob Hankla.
Other: The courses includes a cameo, custom flag, handicaps, hole previews and a splash screen. Rather than simply commenting on what has been updated on the course, this review covers all the areas of the course, just like any other course release.
Download Value: At just fewer than 56mb, the course is a decent sized download for most users, but be aware that if you are looking for extras it only contains two read-me's within the zip file. Even though this is not a new design, it is a marvelous course to play, and so if you enjoyed the previous version, or are just a fan of either designer's work, then I'd suggest giving this course a look, as it is definitely a design I will be burning to CD.
Information:
Course Statistics:
2003 - Fictional Parkland - Par 71 - 5 Tees
7179yds (Back) - 6727yds (Forward)
Par 3's: 4 - Par 4's: 11 - Par 5's: 3
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CLIPNOTES by Ben Bateson (ousgg) |
Description
Fictional, parkland course. |
Location
TBC |
Conditions
TBC |
Concept 9/10
A wonderful idea, this. A golf course set in an old quarry could be a bizarre and awful idea, but this is made to work really well. The bunkers are filled with jet-black slag rather than sand, and the holes feel as if they run along vehicle tracks, such is the winding shape. It's perhaps not the course that everyone wants to play, but for those that do it provides a unique environment and experience. |
Appearance 9/10
The black bunkers really dominate the look of this course. Pretty they ain't, but if you scratch deeper beneath the surface, then some subtle planting and good elevation work (very reminiscent of slag heaps in a quarry) come to light. The panorama is reminiscent of the industrial heart of America and makes an unusual contrast to the usual forest scenes, although it fits the course well. Some of the heavy rough is a bit off-key, but otherwise, this is a surprising treat on the eyes. |
Playability 7/10
This course makes you work hard for your pars, and as such is something of a headache to play. The narrow fairways and frequent bunker escapes do become tiring after a while. Nevertheless, for the first couple of rounds the novelty of the environment is enough to pull you through, and if in the unlikely event that you clock a good score, you'll no doubt be straight back out there. |
Challenge 10/10
The challenge at Copperhead is perfectly pitched. Reaching the green in regulation is no mean feat (nigh on impossible if you find one of the myriad fairway bunkers). But the approaches are often reasonable, and the greens on the whole are realistically sloped and provide a modest, but not too-easy challenge. The course almost subconsciously steers you towards a Par round, which should be good enough for anyone. |
Technical 9/10
The only pick-up I found here is the deep-rough planting, which seemed a bit out of scale with the rest of the course. Barring this little nitpick, then the course has been superbly put together. Blends, even in the 2001 version, are very good, and custom textures are most apt when necessary. The planting will not stand out to many, but on closer observation you realise how subtly clever it really is. A lot of work must have gone into creating the alternative look here, and it's succeeded greatly. |
| Overall |
A course everyone should play once. It's pretty tough and won't appeal to everyone, but is extremely clever both in concept and execution. |
44/50 |
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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