Hickory Sticks Golf Club
Hole 3 | Par 5
Situated on alongside the Ohio River in California, Kentucky, Hickory Sticks Golf Club provides some of the most spectacular views in the tri-state area. With rolling hills and elevated tee boxes on many holes, golfers are able to capture every aspect of the undulating 18-hole course. The views, also, provide ample opportunities to capture the social media pic that will make your one buddy jealous they had to attend their child's 8 a.m. soccer game.
The par-71 golf course at Hickory Sticks Golf Club measures over 6100 yards from the back tees. However, don't let the length of the course deceive you. There are plenty of challenges that the short layout provide that will keep golfers of all handicaps entertained. With multiple lakes, nature preserves, and elevation changes, not many holes are as straight-forward as they appear. Take for example a couple of short par-4s in holes 2 and 15.
Hole 2 plays 288 yards from the elevated Gold tees (310 from the tips) and is the definition of "risk/reward". Long hitters can take advantage of the short distance and elect to use driver. However, trouble lies with deep woods lining the whole left side of the hole and a pond conveniently situated 20 yards in front of the green. To clear the pond you will need to carry every bit of 260 yards to ensure a safe second shot. Most players elect to lay up, setting themselves up with an "easy" approach shot over the water.
Hole 15 provides a similar "risk/reward" scenario, just an opposite landscape. Playing 261 yards from the Gold tees (283 from the tips), this uphill par 4 tempts players to get aggressive with the driver and go for the green in one. However, like hole 2 you'll have to deal with a few strategically placed obstacles to safely navigate this hole - one being the massive tree situated in the left part of the fairway about 235 yards out. Hit your drive just left of the tree and you could be looking at an eagle opportunity. Go directly over and you'll be happy with your shot at birdie. Slice or hook off the tee and you'll be lamenting to your partner about how you were this close to pulling out your trusty 7-iron and laying up - giving you an easy uphill approach with a short iron.
Challenging holes, impressive views, and affordable rates continue to make Hickory Sticks a popular choice for area golfers.
