| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 966 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2002-07-11 |
16,747,941 bytes |
70 |
7093 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
|
FICTIONAL |
WOODLAND |
Bacc2.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
| 1115e410b7e34aa0a603c722942336ac |
908f0a22010a7c9a10ae8aa69c69d677 |
|
LINKS CORNER REVIEW |
Reviewed by
Chuck Clark
August 2002
Background: Dominique Bois is well known in the Links community. His version of Bethpage Black is one of the best real course renditions ever done. He completed it in time for the US Open and the fact that we all could play that course right along with the pros was much appreciated by everyone (including me). Although there were a few people in the community who complained about some yardages, I thought it was a fantastic job of recreation and he should have been applauded. Broken Arrow is the only other course released to Links Corner by Mr. Bois. Although the name doesn't suggest it, this is an updated version of a course released almost one year ago today. Here are some notes from the read-me by Mr. Bois:
'Release notes for Version 2:
I have done this release for Mark Hulka at Links Country Club who needs it to play a competition on this course. As I found that the first release was to many crowded with horrible mistake, I decided to release a corrected version. The routing was not changed, only the 18th plays shorter.
The changes are:
· No more "steel" weed rough
· Hard edges on green fixed
· 18th hole plays shorter
· Fairway extended on the 6th to tease a little more
· Some green contours smoothed.
I hope you will enjoy this course. I find it plays a little easier than the first version but the challenge is fairest. '
Overall Impression: This course has received very little notice in the Links community since its release, but I could not tell you why. This is a fantastic golf course! It is nice to look at, but it is even better to play. This is one of the best and most fascinating layouts I have ever seen. This course seems to be placed in the Smokey Mountains or somewhere similar. The planting and textures blend so well with the pano, it is hard to see where one starts and the other stops. You are playing in hilly meadows surrounded by dark foreboding forests. Believe it or not, there aren't any water hazards on the entire course. This was actually kind of refreshing for a change of pace. I am so used to playing courses with island greens and lakes everywhere. This course had none, but it was still fascinating to play and lots of fun to look at. I really enjoyed playing this course.
Playability: This course is generally very playable. The greens are on the small side and generally pretty shallow. It is a good tip to aim for the middle of the greens and forget about the pins. It is very easy to hit through the greens if you get too aggressive. The course is laid out over very hilly and interesting terrain. The fairways are nicely shaped and can be hit, if you plan each of your shots. There were a few slanty greens, but most people would not mind them at all.
Shot Values: This is one of the better APCD courses I have ever played from the standpoint of shot values. There are many interesting shots asked of you. Broken Arrow twists and turns up and down many hills. Aiming and yardages are critically important on each shot. You never have to worry about losing a ball in a lake; but you do have to watch out for which side of the fairway you are hitting and staying away from the deep bunkers scattered throughout the course.
Visuals: This course has a very interesting and realistic look to it. As stated above, the pano fits perfectly and the course looks totally natural. I loved the double-wheel track dirt road running throughout the course. This back country road look was a perfect touch! The planting was top notch as well! The deep and foreboding forests were not really in play, but the deep wispy grasses certainly were. The bunkers here were unusual as well. Instead of the sand running right up to the lips, there was a sloping dirt texture (see picture) surrounding the sand in every bunker. This is a very different look and I don't know if I have ever seen anything like this in real life. Despite this, I thought it looked good; and these bunkers were deep because of this.
Technique: There were basically no errors on this course and nothing out of the ordinary that a casual round would reveal. The only small quibble I would have are those dirt sided bunkers and the mapping of the dirt. I am not sure what it was, but I thought the mapping on the dirt could have been done a little better. It did look tilted and pulled in a few spots.
Summary: As I am writing this review, this course is only getting 3 stars in the user reviews. I can't think of a reason why, because this course has everything you should need. It is beautiful to look at, fascinating to play, creatively sloped, fantastically planted and quite a bit of fun. On top of all this it is a very small download too. I heartily recommend downloading and playing it for everyone involved. A few people may not like the smallish and sloping greens, but everyone else should love it. What are you waiting for, go download it now!
I am both a player and a designer. I review courses primarily from the standpoint of fun and playability. I appreciate courses that are beautiful to look at, but first and foremost I want a fun experience. I have spent many hours designing courses myself, so I understand the blood, sweat and tears that go into the design process. Any critical comments made here are meant to be constructive and helpful.
Included/Not Included:
Cameo: Yes
Splash Screen: Yes
Hole Previews: Yes
Tee Signs: No
Custom Tee Markers: No
Custom Flags: No
Read-Me: Yes
Handicaps: No
Custom or added Sounds: No? |
This course is available as a FREE download.
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