real 18 last week at an unfamiliar course. The Meadows in Littleton, CO is a municipal course. But located just short of the foothills of the mighty Rocky Mountains, the course offers pretty good views. What makes it even better is the course doesn't feel like a municipal course. Rarely are fairways adjacent to one another providing the great contrast of a well manicured course with a rough terrain. Another plus were the huge fairways and few trees. But don't be fooled, the course isn't a pushover. Several dramatic elevation changes and severe doglegs make you think about every shot. The greens were a little sandy and fast, but could hardly detract from the rest of the course.I made sure to get there a little early, eager to shake off the rust. I hit a small bucket and practiced some newly discovered chipping tips at the practice green. But alas, it just wasn't meant to be on the front 9. Although I hit 3 fairways, I had no greens in regulation and four 3-putts. Hardly the way I wanted to start things off, a 55 at the turn.
But with a renewed determination, the course was much friendlier on the back. On the 10th, I was in the rough the entire length of the hole but still managed to be putting for par. A bogey put me in good spirits. The 11th and 12th holes were both made in regulation with a bogey and par. But after a disappointing 7 on the 13th, I came to the 357, par 4 14th. A perfect drive left me 110 yards out and in perfect position. A nine iron approach put me within 10 feet of the cup and I was feeling good. Although I missed the birdie putt, the par left me feeling like I was actually improving. The rest of the back wasn't quite as spectacular but I did finish with a satisfying 49.So the Meadows Golf Club gets added as my #10 course. I couldn't in good faith bump Perry Park off the list, so #9 Oak Creek in Irvine, an overpriced course that borders an active railroad, gets bumped. Here's to Autumn golf!
