2. Hurdzan-Fry<\/strong>\u2014The dynamic design duo of Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry really began their stunning rise in golf course design with Naples National. Heretofore, Hurdzan was largely known within regional circles, respected and in-demand for his technical expertise in design, land usage, environmental practices and agronomy. Fry, who started in the business as a shaper with Tom Fazio, was an accomplished amateur competitor who brought a player\u2019s eye and insight into the design process. Their marriage of talents over 20 years ago delivered a progeny of smart, environmentally sensitive and intriguing holes at NNGC. More on that later. (Note: in my native Michigan, Hurdzan designed The Meadows at Grand Valley State University, host of seven NCAA national championships since 1994.)<\/p>\n A devilish delight: the par-three 6rth<\/p><\/div>\n 3. The lay of the land<\/strong>\u2014Although situated on 320 acres, the course efficiently commands only 40 acres of grass.\u00a0 And due to the club\u2019s original land permitting, 150 acres are set aside as a wetland preserve. As a tribute to its design strengths, although the land is as flat as downtown 5th Avenue (and equally walkable!) it still possesses an inviting and varied appearance due to preservation of native grasses, pines, and rustic cypress trees.<\/p>\n 4. Caddie program<\/strong>\u2014Pedro, my caddie, personified what\u2019s best about this inestimable service, integral to the club experience. A PGA teaching pro by training, Pedro was my sole companion when I played the course on a late Tuesday morning. Yet he imparted all the local knowledge, company, good humor and anecdotes needed to relish the course and its frequent challenges.\u00a0 He pointed out the gist of each hole, providing sound advice on the best approach to the flagstick. And in spite of my balky putter, he saved me several strokes on the greens due to his savvy reads.<\/p>\n 5. Where Eagles Dare<\/strong>\u2014Seeing exotic birds and wildlife is nothing new when playing in this part of the country. Still, the sightings here of juvenile bald eagles that nest on the property made for a special treat. According to staff, the eagles have been known to snatch a golf ball\u00a0 or two in its talons and fly off.\u00a0 Later in the day, Pedro pointed out another favorite raptor commonly seen on the course, a swallowed-tail kite.<\/p>\n 6. Rock of Ages<\/strong>\u2014At first, I was somewhat taken aback by the rock formations seen around some of the par-threes, tee areas and ponds. Candidly, they appeared overwrought and out of character. But later, I learned the coral rock was excavated during construction and Hurdzan-Fry decided to retain and use it as another indigenous feature of the course. On second thought, it works well and fits. A stone wall winds it way around the course, lending a touch of New England charm and antiquity. And as Pedro pointed out, it can play havoc with errant shots.<\/p>\n 7. Conditioning<\/strong>\u2014As expected, the conditioning and maintenance of fairways, bunkers, tees and waste areas were impeccable. And given the fact the greens were completely redone only this past summer, they were very impressive. In another year\u2019s time, they\u2019ll only improve and accept approach shots more consistently. Kudos to Golf Course Superintendent Jim Colo and his staff for their painstaking efforts in this major undertaking.<\/p>\n 8. Improvements<\/strong>\u2014The new, or should I say the \u201cold,\u201d greens result in another pleasing feature of the layout. Some of old greens are used admirably to create a number of new sod-faced bunkers around the course. Along with the aesthetics of late afternoon shadows, the renovated bunkers provide further definition and character to the green complexes. Several greens were re-contoured and slightly reshaped resulting in less penal run-offs and more pin positions.<\/p>\n 9. Favorite golf holes<\/strong>\u2014On the front side, I favored the par-three 6th hole, a little devil of delight at only 121 yards from the tips. The tee shot plays over the previously cited stone wall (nicely lowered this year for better sight lines) toward a slightly elevated green encircled by waste areas, grassy depressions and a yawning bunker. It doesn\u2019t sound too testing but it is, due to subtle ebb and flow of the green complex.<\/p>\n![\"hole6\"](\"http:\/\/theaposition.com\/teemoore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2014\/03\/hole6.jpg\")
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