Rounding Out the Course: Holes 12-18

It's taken all semester, but considering the nice weather we're having in Western PA, there still may be a chance to hit the links for one last time in 2015. (Yes, even in December.) But, as we're now working our way through the back nine, it's time to look at holes 12-18 as we wrap up the ultimate 18 holes in Butler.

Hole #12: Conley's-- Par 4, 380 Yards

This one was difficult to pick out. As I was scanning all the number 12's in Butler, I realized there weren't too many picturesque holes. I decided on Conley's because it of its interesting design. I think the 380 is deceptive because you probably aren't hitting driver off the tee. With a sharp left turn a little more than 200 yards out, it takes an accurate shot to attack to the green on a second shot.

With woods and out of bounds on the left, it's nearly impossible to cut the corner. Instead, make sure to accurately drop you tee shot right down the middle, because of various trees that lay on your right. Too far, and you're on #13 trying to hit over a pine tree.

With all of the adventures #12 at Conley's presents, it's enough to warrant their first placement on the ultimate 18.

Honorable Mention: Hilands-- Par 4, 364 Yards

Hole #13: Stoughton Acres-- Par 5, 502 Yards

A beautiful setting for a golf hole. Stoughton's #13 is one of the 

finest in Butler.

It's literally all down hill. From a tee shot across the road until you reach the pond at the bottom, #13 is the signature hole at Stoughton Acres. And it's a lot of fun. It's reachable in two shots if you get enough behind your tee shot (and it
's a dry day). There are some hazards naturally on a hole like this.

Trees line the fairways and could create a number of difficult shots if you're off a little to the right, or especially a little to the left. A large tree that sits at the bottom of the hill and could possibly interfere with you thinking about an eagle on #13.

And don't forget about the pond. It's distance remains a mystery to everyone except Jeannie at the front desk. On the other side of that dreaded pond is a very tight green that drifts toward the water hazard. A slowly rising hill that sits behind the green could provide a difficult chip shot onto the green if your're sitting above the hole.

This is easily one of the Stoughton's best kept and fun holes to play. Add in the carved wooden bears that stand guard on each side of the green-- and this hole fully embodies what Stoughton Acres is all about.

Honorable Mention: Aubrey's-- Par 5, 540 Yards

Hole #14: Hilands-- Par 4, 416 Yards

At least one person in your foursome will try to cut the corner-- it's almost a guarantee. A dogleg right, with a sand bunker that is by-far-and-away the largest in Butler creates a number of difficult shots. An nice and easy tee shot could put you anywhere from 150-165 yards away from the green. Those who get a little more creative, and confident, with their tee shot can be at times 100-120 yards away.

A pond sits to the left of the cart path on #14 at Hilands. 

It shouldn't come into play on the hole. If it does, your round 

probably isn't going that well anyways.

Now, if it was an easy green, this hole could be easily par-able. But, if you've played this hole, you know that you'll have your work cut out for you. It seems every putt goes up and down, left and right no matter where you are on the green. Even from two feet, there's just no easy putt. With additional dangers lurking all around #14, just hitting a shot a little deep, or left or to the right, you could be in the woods, rolling down a hill, and if it's in August and they're keeping the grass short on the hillside-- in the pond.

If you get a par, count your blessings.


Honorable Mention: Lake Arthur-- Par 4, 414 Yards

Hole #15: Conley's-- Par 4, 290 Yards

It's a drive-able par four...need I say more? It's one of the holes visible from Route 8 and it's also a lot of fun. It's an elevated tee, tucked backed into some trees on a hillside. But, the green is a straightaway shot.

There are a few hazards that could come into play. Three bunkers protect the green and a small pond (that may be an understatement) that sits to the right. If you can pound the ball off the tee, I'd advise going down a club because you could go across the road and be on #1. There's no penalty for being short-- as hard as it sometimes is to not want to go for it all.

The green is two tiered, which could lead to a difficult putt if you find yourself in the wrong position. But, other than that it is a very easy hole in which you could get some strokes back. In fact, it's Conley's 18 on their handicap.

Pull out the driver and go for it all.

Honorable Mention: Aubrey's-- Par 4, 400 Yards

Hole #16: Aubrey's Dubbs Dred-- Par 5, 590 Yards

A lot of things can go wrong on this hole. There's a hill that could've been used as a fort during the Revolutionary War on the left, and then there's the trees that go downhill on your right. In between, somehow they managed to put in a fairway. Make sure you hit it straight. There are no other options.

The distance on the card seems a little overestimated. It's possible to hit the green in two, especially when the fairways are dry. If that's not the case though, get an accurate drive out there off the tee, and then layup. Aubrey's put in a nice landing spot to layup in, which is about the only break they give you on this hole. Because after you layup, your next goal is to try and hit a green that you wonder how someone even is able to mow the grass around it.

There are postage stamps that are bigger than #16's green. At least a postage stamp is flatter too. Birdies are a rarity. Pars are blessings. Take what you can get, and don't let your cart roll down hill.

Honorable Mention: Hilands-- Par 4, 285 Yards

Hole #17: Oakview-- Par 4, 301 Yards

The green on #17 is surrounded by bunkers and woods, making you need

an exact second shot to have a chance at birdie, or par for that matter.

If you're hitting from the white tees, there's a chance for you to roll down into the valley and being left with a shot that's only about 10-15 yards away from the green.

This is a fun little hole. With an elevated tee shot, it's actually a very straight hole. No bends, curves, doglegs. Nothing. Just three bunkers that surround the green. There are some trees that could give you difficult shots if you're a little off to the right, or to the left. Like most courses, if you keep in on the fairway, you shouldn't have a problem. #17 should be an easy par.

Honorable Mention: Aubrey's Dubbs Dred-- Par 3, 165 Yards

Hole #18: Lake Arthur-- Par 4, 442 Yards

BC3 golf coach Chuck Dunaway described this hole as the best 18th hole in Butler. So, naturally we had to place it on the list.

Dunaway's reasoning, and mine, is that it forces each player to analyze where they're at against their opponent and how they want to approach the hole. It could easily pass as a par 5, making some players who have a lead on their opponent, consider just settling for bogey. But, if you're down, you have to try and fire a 170 yard shot onto the green, with two ponds surrounding the second shot.

Even the tee shot can present a challenge. One of the previously mentioned ponds is in driving range, making you consider pulling out the 3-wood and "laying up," or risking the driver and try to make an easier second shot.

This is the hardest hole on the course, and is a great way to wrap up a round.

Honorable Mention: Hilands-- Par 4, 446 Yards.

Best 19th Hole: Hilands...they've got a pretty good bar with some nice bar food. Lake Arthur and Aubrey's are honorable mentions.

Butler's Ultimate 18: 8-11

We keep rolling through the ultimate 18 in Butler. Today we'll tackle holes 8-11 and it starts with one of my favorites...

 #8: Krendale West; Par 3 130 Yards

 How could you not like an island green? That's what you get on Krendale's West. A short 130 yards, it should be an easy shot. But there's water everywhere. Pull it left, push it right and you're in the drink.

 Again, this hole would be very cool if Krendale would really maintain it's course but there's no way I'm leaving the island green off my ultimate 18.

 #9: Stoughton Acres; Par 5, 491 Yards

 It's an interesting Par 5 that presents a challenging tee shot. I don't think there are too many terrific #9's in Butler but I always thought if you're playing a 9 hole round against someone, #9 at Stoughton's really makes you think. You could get aggressive and be successful, but really for the first two shots you've got to be concerned about the pine trees lining the fairway.

 A nice drive on the left side of the fairway with a straight second shot we'll have you in good position to be looking for a birdie after your third shot. Accuracy is key on #9...and a word to the wise-- if you're winning, just try to get the par.

 #10: Oakview; Par 4, 300 Yards

 It was between this and Lake Arthur. Ultimately, Oakview prevails. I'm a big fan of their #10. Fairly short-- even driveable-- and really there are no obstacles. It's just a straight par 4 that's fun to play. A nice and easy drive will set you up in position to attack the green on the second shot.

There is a gully with trees on the right side but it really shouldn't come into play. The green isn't too tricky, just don't go over on your second shot because you'll either be in the bunker or out of play. Like most holes-- keep it straight and par won't be a problem. #11: Aubrey's This one has caused me quite a few headaches. I've put the tee shot on the green before, and then settled for par.

I've gone up the hillside on the right and I'm fairly sure I've got a Titelist sitting somewhere on Route 422. Like I said, it's a driveable par 4, but there are so many obstacles to overcome, you're ready to just get out of there. However, I think this hole-- in theory -- is a lot of fun. A relatively short par 4,the smart play would be to keep the driver in the bag.

However, I'm not a smart player. The green is where things get funky. Saying #11 green is sloped would be an understatement. There are so many twists and turns on this green it makes putt-putt golf look like nothing. So, if you get anything else than a par here, go turn pro. That's an accomplishment

Butler's Ultimate 18: Holes 4-7

We keep on rolling through the ultimate 18 holes in Butler. Again, some of the criteria I'm judging is the creativeness of the hole, the level of fun, and the degree of difficulty. How nice the course actually is, doesn't really come into consideration because the public courses fluctuate so much.

Anyways here are holes four through seven...


#4: Krendale North; Par 4, 275 Yards

Again, I'll say Krendale is not the nicest course in Butler, but these selections I'm making are based off hole design and level of fun. Krendale North's #4 hits all of those categories. It's a relative short par four that most players don't want to use driver on-- unless you're feeling greedy. With a trees lining the fairway to the left and the right, an accurate tee shot, aiming for the left side of the fairway-- is a necessity. Your 2nd shot should only be about 125-100 yards if not
shorter.

There are two bunkers that sit behind the green and a hillside that will eat up a shot that goes long. Also, on the left is a pond that shouldn't come into play unless you shank your 2nd shot, or crush your drive. However, be careful on the green, it slopes away from you and most putts won't be simple.

It may not be the longest par four, but danger is ever present. So be wary-- and not too aggressive-- and a par is definitely within reach.

Honorable Mention: Stoughton Acres Par 4, 392 Yards

#5: Oakview; Par 4, 385 Yards

The signature hole at one of the nicest public courses in Butler. The hole itself isn't to imaginative with a very slight bend to the right that gives you an opportunity to drop a drive with a nice little fade into the middle of the fairway.

Just off to the right of the fairway is a tree that is the basis for Oakview's logo. With limbs that touch the ground, nature doesn't offer too many other prettier sights on a golf course.

With an open 2nd shot, par is definitely within reason, but some tricky slopes on the green may force you into a dreaded three putt.


Honorable Mention: Krendale West; Par 4, 349 Yds.

#6: Lake Arthur; Par 5, 463 Yards

Well you can't see the green from the tee box. This hole is the definition of a dog leg left with a sharp left turn about 250 yards out. If you're like me, you try and get greedy and cut the corner-- which is possible-- but it's definitely a risky shot. There's about 50 trees you need to clear to get it over the top
and in great position. If you hit a simple shot down the middle of the fairway-- like we all should-- you're about 220 yards out on a par five, which is pretty good.

But, if you do cut the corner, there's the possibility of sitting only 175 yards out on a par five, and that's a lot more fun. With a large green to hit, we can start the discussion about an eagle. But, keep in mind that par is never a bad thing, and this hole should be a nice fit on your scorecard.

Also, this is hole has one of the better background settings. Once you get to the green--especially in the springtime-- there are some beautiful rhododendrons that accent the green wonderfully. One of Lake Arthur's best holes, without a doubt.

Honorable Mention: Hilands; Par 4, 375 Yards

#7: Aubrey's Dubbs Dred; Par 4, 310 Yards

 It reads 310 yards on the scorecard, but everyone will tell you it plays shorter than that. So pull out the driver and see if you can hit the green. But, you'll have no idea if you hit it until you get off the tee box, because this is one of the hardest tee shot's you'll have in Butler. The tee box sits below a hill so you need to elevate your tee shot. If that's not hard enough, there are some tree limbs hanging right in the middle of where your tee shot needs to go.

But, if you play it to the right and fade it to the right you'll be in great shape. Just be careful though not to push it too far to the right or your ball will head down a steep hill onto hole 16's fairway. Other than that, a nice easy 30-50 yard shot will give you a chance for a birdie on your third shot.

Honorable Mention: Krendale South; Par 3, 194 Yards

Best Holes in Butler County: 1-3

Ever since I started golfing in the 9th grade, I realized golf is a sport that I always could be better at. Even on my best days, I still leave the course going, "I should've made those two putts." There's no other sport that begins with supposed relaxation and ends with sheer frustration.

Anyways, golf is my best sport. I wouldn't necessarily call it my favorite sport, best it's been my most successful. It combined my ability to walk casually and swing easy. Every other sport you have to "be in shape for." Not golf...that's why it's my favorite.

#13 at Stoughton Acres in Butler. Will it make the list?

If you're a golfer in the Butler area, I sometimes think we don't realize how nice we have it in terms of golf selection. Here's all the public courses inside the county

• Aubrey's Dubbs Dred
• Hilands Golf Course
• Krendale
• Oakview
• Stoughton Acres
• Conley's Resort
• Lake Vue North
• Cranberry Highlands
• Buffalo Golf Club
• Strawberry Ridge
• Suncrest 
• Lake Arthur
• Rittswood

Fair Warning: I have played at least nine holes at a majority of these courses, with Lake Vue North being the exception. Some of them though (Rittswood, Cranberry Highlands, Strawberry Ridge) I only played once and have a hard time remembering. 

With that being said, over the course of this blog I am going to list my ultimate 18 hole Butler County Course. Instead of just my top 18 holes, I am going to rank the best holes according to which hole. I know that sentence doesn't sound right but let me put it this way. I'm going to rank which first hole is the best in the county. And then which second hole is the best and then down the line. 

Also of note: I'm hoping to have pictures accompanying the holes each hole at some point. Today's post will concentrate on holes 1-3. With that, let's tee off

#1: Lake Arthur (Par 4, 334 Yards)

The first hole is supposed to be a relatively easy start to a round. Most are a straight ahead par 4. Lake Arthur is no different, if your tee shot is straight, this hole should be no problem. But, with a series of pine trees lining both sides of the fairway and a pond that sits in drive-able distance, a pull or slice could prove deadly. I've had pars here...and I've had triple bogeys. 

Also the green is not easy either. Semi-crowned with bunkers protecting it on the left and right side, really makes accuracy key in the earliest stage of your round. Keep it straight and you'll be alright.

Honorable Mention: Hilands #1 (Par 4, 287 Yards)

#2: Hilands (Par 4, 295 Yards)

Lined by trees on the right, #2 at Hilands is an exciting hole
golfers who can get off to a hot start for their round.

The first two holes at Hilands are both under 300 yards, which makes them drive-able to some. 

These holes allow a golfer to ease into their round, but #2 can be somewhat dangerous.

It'll be a recurring theme, but if you're accurate off the tee the hole becomes much easier. A blind tee shot has a slight dogleg to the left. And a little further to the left is a series of pine trees that could be a mess if you get caught underneath them. But a good drive on a dry day could put your tee shot less than 20 yard away from the green. 

The green rises from the bottom to the top, so pin placement is always an important aspect. The left side of the green slopes into a large bunker so it's best to be right on the green and hitting up at the hole.

A lot of fun and definitely a birdie hole. The first two holes at Hilands allow for a quick and easy start for golfers.

Honorable Mention: Stoughton Acres (Par 4, 348 Yards)

#3: Krendale South (Par 4, 398 Yards)

Krendale houses 27 holes, which limits their ability to make it onto the list, because I'm treating them as all 1-9, thus losing a 10-18. But nonetheless, they still crack the list. Krendale is not the nicest course. Not by any means, but they do have some fun holes. Of the 27 holes, they have the West, North, and the South. The South is my least favorite. It's got some creative holes to say the least. I've always said it's like someone made mini-golf full size. 

Anyways, #3 on the South is Krendale's signature hole. They do maintain this one fairly well too. Especially when the waterfall is working. It's very picturesque and provides a challenge for golfers. 

Listed as 398 yards from the white tees, it feels like it plays longer than that. The fairway is flat, but it's the surroundings that could cause some trouble. Again, a straight drive is the best. A slice to the right could send it onto a completely different nine, and a shot left takes it into the trees.

It also has a tight green to hit, with not much room to miss. A short shot is likely to find its way into the water and a shot too deep could wind up on South Benbrook Road. Too far to the left any you could find the trees and cart path. If you can't hit the green on the second shot, it's best to lay up on the left side and try to one putt for the par. 

When it's at its best, this hole is the best #3 in Butler but it rarely sees those days unfortunately.

Honorable Mention: Oakview #3 (Par 4, 305 Yards)

Next Post: Holes 4-6...