Briar Leaf Golf Club, ideally located and easy to get to from anywhere across the region, offers golfers a great test with its classic, ever-improving layout and the scenic, challenging holes that make this a must-play destination in La Porte County for golfers of all ability levels.
First opened in 1973, Briar Leaf has undergone a complete makeover recently, including the professional renovation of bunkering, the addition of strategically placed trees and the implementation of a comprehensive daily maintenance program that will provide golfers with excellent playing conditions every day.
With water on eight holes, an island green, rolling hills, trees and plenty of sand, Briar Leaf offers 18 memorable and challenging holes. The course plays a surprisingly difficult 6,579 yards from the medal tees with a slope rating of 133, providing a great test for the low-handicap players while three other sets of tees are on offer at 6,217, 5,861 and 4,804 yards. This allows golfers to “choose their challenge,” making the course enjoyable for all.
Here’s a look at some of Briar Leaf Golf Club’s most memorable holes:
Hole 3 – 130 yards – Par 3 – “Alcatraz”
The most famous, or infamous, hole at Briar Leaf is hole number three, nicknamed “Alcatraz.” Featuring an island green, #3 has been changed to a par 3. The short tee shot you’ll have to this green is sure to test your nerves.
Hole 4 – 529 yards – Par 5 – “Road”
How straight can you hit it? On this hole, hopefully your answer is “really straight!” Lined by trees with sand on the right and the road on the left, number four is a great straightforward par five. After you putt out, look back down the fairway and see how narrow it appears from this perspective.
Hole 9 – 419 yards – Par 4
Players must negotiate water on the right and woods on the left on this long bending par four. The second shot is uphill to a large green (thankfully!) and a par here is always a good score. Number nine is pictured below.
Hole 12 – 399 yards – Par 4
From an elevated tee, number 12 is laying out in front of you. Your tee shot must carry a pond and then avoid another water hazard on the left side of the fairway in the landing area. The green is tucked against a bunker on the left and O.B. on the right.
Hole 15 – 470 yards – Par 5
Although the yardage doesn’t suggest it, number 15 is a great risk-reward par 5. The fairway slopes dramatically from left to right and the green is guarded by a giant stand of oaks on the left side. This leaves you with a shot that is best suited for a right to left shot with a stance in the fairway that almost guarantees a left to right shot. Play safe and lay-up short of the creek, or “go for it” and try to knock it on it two.
Check out Brian Leaf Golf Club today and start making memories of your own.
Check out their website at: http://briarleaf.com/ or give them a call at (219) 326-1992 to book your next tee time!