Course 118: Old Sandwich:
Plymouth, Mass.
Played: Oct. 18, 2023
Yardage: 6,908/5,400
Tier: Momentous Dinner
Rating: 5
Without knowing that Old Sandwich has been open for 20 years, one might think it's a Golden Age masterpiece. The simplicity of the walk and the charm of the design make for an incredible experience.
Coore and Crenshaw utilized the land to create 18 excellent holes that all feel different. The mix of par 3s, 4s, and 5s gives players a chance to make birdies while also, at times, grinding for par or bogey.
The variety of approach shots matches the different holes. Long holes have some options to roll the ball onto the green, while bunkers and slopes protect the front of greens on short holes. There is plenty of space off the tee, and the greens are interesting. The club keeps them at a consistent speed that isn't too fast, but they are firm and tough to hold—a wonderful combination.
The five par 3s range in yardage from 131-244 yards from the back tees. The par 3 15th green might be the most diabolical on the course.
While the walk to the first tee is borderline mythical over a bridge, I am a fan of having the clubhouse close to the first tee and 18th green. That's not the case at Old Sandwich. But that choice makes the routing that much better, as there is no "getaway" hole on boring land.
The 7th is the signature hole. A short par 4 with a green almost completely surrounded by sand.
There are no bad holes on the course, but I quite liked the par 5 6th, which had echoes of the fifth at Pinehurst No. 2. A blind tee shot reveals a steady climb uphill to the green. The stretch of 3-7 is superb.
On the back nine, the 10th was another excellent par 5 with bunkers dotting the landing area of the lay-up on sloped land.
The closing stretch is exacting. It's almost as if the screw tightens with every step a player makes towards the 18th green. Starting with the approach into the short 14th, with a perched-up green protected by deep bunkers, the course grows tougher. Two par 3s (15 and 17) alternate with challenging par fours, punctuated by the 18th hole, a 498-yarder. It's quite the crescendo at one of the best courses in the state.
Comments