| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 605 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2001-10-15 |
11,153,874 bytes |
72 |
7174 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
|
FICTIONAL |
WOODLAND |
Hillwood Country Club.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
| ac805bd2c7b74cb3b2cb4f553854d8ac |
e489368f75efcba866857fdc9664bf7f |
|
LINKS CORNER REVIEW |
Reviewed by Matt Lilly
February 2002
Expectations: Here is what the ReadMe says:
'Hillwood Country Club is a Fictional course designed on the basic design concepts of a standard course. This course features extreme elevation changes with demanding greens that take this course from the standard golf course to a fictional course designed for the computer golfer who hits 300+ yard drives. I hope you enjoy the challenge that I have created.'
I'm not sure what to take away from this, other than that there will be a good amount of elevation change. We will see if that is done effectively throughout the design.
Views from the First: I was very disappointed when the course booted up to see neither a cameo or splash screen. I still do not understand why some designers do not bother to add such a simple feature that adds so much to a course. This creates a first impression on the player, so I am somewhat disappointed with that. As for the hole; the elevation factor has already been introduced, with the fairway sliding drastically off to the right, but does not come into play too much. This appears to be a woodland course. A lot of dark shadows surround the green, although the putting surface is fairly reasonable. The slopes feel natural, and it isn't too tough to sink a long one here.
Hole 2: Well, I can see what Tim was referring to when he spoke of 'extreme elevation.' The tee is perched above a very wavy fairway. The slopes are very unnatural, causing this course to lean more towards the fantasy category.
Hole 3: An opening is created in the pines surrounding the tee, which leads to a narrow fairway. This hole is more natural than its predecessor, and presents a nice challenge. Some bunkers have lips that are a bit overdone, and some odd dips and gullies dot the area around the fringe.
Hole 4: Something I've noticed is that the panorama seems to be changing (if that is possible). Hole 1 began with an ocean, and I am now faced with a background that looks like it is from El Escorpion. The hole itself is actually very pretty, with wild grass and flowers off to the left. The approach shot is over a small stream.
Hole 5: Wildflowers are present on both sides of this split fairway par 3. Again, bunker lips are somewhat high. However, it creates a wonderful feeling being surrounded by all of these flowers while putting. It creates a type of prairie feel that is very relaxing.
Hole 8: Punishment awaits those who play this hole long. If you overshoot the green, the ball will wind up 12 feet below the green, straight up. This seems a bit unfair.
Hole 11: This par 3 is a mixed bag. The rock work is very well done around the brook, although there is a lot of 'dead space' in the background. Planting some trees behind the green would help this problem. The view from the tee is pretty, but unfortunately, in some reverse view angles, more problems arise. There is some quirky elevation near the green. If you miss the green, you may somehow wind up 75 feet below the hole. This happened to me and I don't even know how I got there! Also, the waterfall should use a different texture to distinguish itself from the rest of the lake and stream.
Hole 15: Here's your chance to haul off a 350 yard drive with the elevation factor from the tee. There are some sharp edges along the fairway. The green presents gentle, subtle breaks.
Hole 18: A par 5 dogleg right, with water on the right as well. Bunkers dot both sides of the fairway. The rolling fairway returns, and that makes for some strange bounces.
Good Points: Tim seems to have a good grasp of the APCD. The basics have been covered and some holes had very nice planting.
What Needs Work: This seemed like a course that lacked direction. At one point it is fantasy, at another point it is traditional, etc. The elevation theme came and went. In all actuality, I think the course would have been much better if it wasn't even present and was just presented as a normal course. Also, I would consider adding a cameo and splash screen in the future.
Final Thoughts: While the download size is small and the course does show through on some holes, I can not seriously recommend this course. Tim did a great job with planting flowers and wild grass, and I would encourage him to keep designing. The first few courses are always a learning experience and it takes a great deal of perseverance to continue along the learning curve.
Course Info :
ReadMe: Yes
Splash: No
Cameo: No
Hole Previews: No
|
This course is available as a FREE download.
|
|
Download course
|
Please support Links Corner
|
