This past week, many of the best mens teams in the country convened in Williamsburg, Va., for the annual PING/Golfweek Preview. The Golden Horseshoes Gold course played host, and will do the same next spring for the National Championships. After looking at the scorecard, this layout didnt appear as it would be the test these young golfers would need for this week and next June.
Playing to just over 6,800 yards, this par-70 track looked like it would be taken apart by every player who teed it up. In an era where longer seems to be the norm when talking about golf courses, the Gold course held its own, and tested the top teams at every turn.
The Florida Gators were at the top by weeks end, as their 6-under-par total was good enough to win by three shots. Only three of the 15 schools in the field were able to break par.
Individually, Florida’s Billy Horschel captured medalist honors with a three-round total of 7 under. Dont get me wrong, there were some good scores to be had, as BYUs Daniel Summerhays carded a 60 on the final day, but keep in mind 20 putts will help you do that.
The consensus from many was similar to what I thought when I first arrived in Virginia. What you see on the surface is far from what you get by the time you hole out on the final green. The Gold course rewards good shots, but will jump up and grab you after a bad one.
With a great mix of short and long holes, along with demanding par-3s, the Golden Horseshoe proved its worth this week, and should likely do the same eight months from now. Its nice to see ball striking and course management once again become an integral part of the game after seemingly becoming a lost art.
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