The Front Nine
Nine-hole round — front nine only
Hickory Hill is a nice course, and the first thing that gets you is the scenery. It’s a pretty piece of property, and there were more than a few times we stopped and looked around before hitting. The fairways are open and forgiving, which we appreciated — if you’re the kind of golfer who sprays one off the tee now and then, and we are, you’re usually still going to find your ball and have a shot at it.
One thing to know before you tee off: the first hole runs right along the driving range, and the only thing between them is a net. Miss it that way and you’re standing there picking through a field of range balls trying to work out which one is yours. Odds are you don’t find it. It’s an odd way to open a round, and it’s the first thing we’d warn a buddy about.
The greens themselves were okay — big, and kept up well enough, but nothing special. A few of them had rough patches you had to read around, and while none of it cost us a hole, it’s the kind of thing you notice when you’re standing over a putt. They’re just not what you’ll remember about the place. Now the cart — that’s four thumbs down from us. There was nowhere to keep your balls and tees. No tray, no slot, nothing. So you’re either digging through your pockets on every tee box or letting them roll around loose on the seat. It’s a small thing, but it’s the kind of small thing you notice on all nine holes.
Watch the Round
Watch on YouTube
Course Photos
The Verdict
We’re coming back to Hickory Hill — and not just for another nine. Walking off, the thing we kept saying was that we’d only seen half of it. Open fairways and scenery that’s worth the trip on its own added up to the kind of round where you’re already thinking about the next one before you’ve put the clubs away. Next time we’re here we’re playing the full eighteen and giving you the back nine too. The cart is still four thumbs down and we stand by that, but a place to set your tees isn’t what keeps you off a golf course. This one earned a return trip.