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