No. 9 at Klein Creek intimidating, demanding
With four sets of tees ranging from 4,900 to 6,700 yards, the Dick Nugent-designed Klein Creek Golf Club in Winfield offers challenges to players of any ability.
General manager and superintendent Brad Johnsen has been there every step of the way in transforming this relatively flat, 230-acre stretch of land into a gem.
One hole at Klein Creek that requires every bit of your attention is No. 9, a 453-yard par 4. It isn't listed as the No. 1 handicap hole for nothing.
The hole has two water hazards in play and doglegs to the right, so accurate shotmaking is a must.
No matter what tees you use, the water surrounds the fairway on both sides, making it a very intimidating first shot. The hole plays at 429 yards from the blues tees, 371 from the whites, and 323 yards from the red tees.
Your aiming point is the large willow trees straight ahead, but make sure you keep it on that line. Any shots to the right are all but a memory with water running the entire way from 270 yards in. Tee shots that miss left, if short of the other water hazard, will likely end up in a large bunker that runs along the fairway.
"The tee shot is so demanding," head professional Matte Allman said. "You have to put something into play, so choose your best club off the tee."
Your second shot could be what makes or breaks this hole. To the green you will have a long and uphill shot that must carry water in order to have a rare putt at birdie.
There is little room for error directly ahead of you because the fairway narrows as it doglegs to the right.
More likely than not, you will find yourself with a long iron into the green with wind in your face.
There is no shame in being short of this green or even hitting into one of the two bunkers that guard the front half.
It's important to hit a club that will get you down toward the green. Anything left will be wet, and waiting on the right is more trouble as trees limit your room for a landing area.
A chip and a 1-putt may be your best shot a par. The green is not all that difficult, so feel free to chip right at the pin.
"A par or a birdie will definitely set you up for the back nine," Johnsen said.
When you're done with your round, look back at your scorecard.
"Your entire round can be dictated by how you score on No. 9," Allman said.
If you go
What: Klein Creek Golf Club, 1N333 Pleasant Hill Road, Winfield
The course: 18-hole public course; 6,701 yards from the tips; four sets of tees, lots of water, prairie grass, strategically placed bunkers; Dick Nugent design
Head PGA pro: Matte Allman
Greens fees (with cart): Monday-Thursday: $59 before 9:30 a.m., $69 after 9:30 a.m.; Friday: $69 before 9:30 a.m., $79 after 9:30 a.m.; Saturday-Sunday: $79; Twilight and senior rates also available.
Directions: 5 miles west of I-355; Route 64 to Pleasant Hill Road and go south
Contact: (630) 690-0101 or visit kleincreek.com
Our golf tour
Editor's note: This golf season, the Daily Herald is taking you on an 18-hole tour of some of our favorite holes in the Chicago area. Today is the 13th installment. We're limiting our list to public courses, and we'd like your input on other great holes. Please e-mail your suggestions to sportstalk@dailyherald.com and include some comment with your name, hometown and phone number.
May 9: Makray Memorial No. 11
May 16: Prairie Landing No. 12
May 23: Schaumburg Players No. 6
May 30: Chalet Hills No. 17
June 6: Stonewall Orchard No. 8
June 13: Cantigny Lakeside No. 9
June 20: White Deer Run No. 9
June 27: Golf Club of Illinois No. 11
July 4: Indian Lakes Blackhawk Trace No. 9
July 11: Mill Creek No. 18
July 18: Hilldale No. 13
July 25: Pine Meadow No. 15