Johanne GC V2 by Stefan Højgaard [New Course]

[BrianZ111]

Course: Johanne GC V2 (35.8 MB)
Type: Fictional, Parkland
Designer: Stefan Højgaard
Date: 12/17/2012
Images: Sp, #6, #8, #17
Libraries Used: augusta2001, barrenhills, bethpage1, bullseye, denmark, neswild, wisconsinriver

[SteveHorn]

Yesterday I played Johanne G.C. . It was only my 2nd round of golf in the past six weeks and first in nearly a month since I ended my season play. I played a skins game and shot a lousy 79 but still won 5 skins. Johanne isn't my favorite golf course that Stefan has designed (2002 TPC at White Sands) is still my favorite course bar none but Johanne V-2 isn't far behind. This course has an excellent layout with lots of variety. The planting is superb and the course has plenty of bunkers that are well placed and designed. The greens are just as well made as the rest of the course with plenty of movement. The only minor complaint is there was a slightly on fair pin on #9. If you missed it rolled 15' by unless you got lucky and stoped it inside a foot. But that being said I've seen worst Fifteen feet isn't to far out of line. This is a top teir A list course in my book but it was only 1 round. Looking forward of takleing this course in season mode sometime in the near future I hope. GREAT WORK STEFAN

[Stefan]

Hey Steve - glad you liked it. And thanks for taking time to drop a couple of lines.

[bryce]

I liked this course very much. It's a little tough to putt on very dry greens, but still a fair test on dry. The layout is awesome, with no 2 holes the same. The plantings and textures fit well together and was very appealing to the eyes. Great course Stefan!

Glad to have you back.

Doron

[sandwedge]

Really busy but I wanted to post something - this course is even better than the first version. I love the changes and will probably keep version 2 on my hard drive. If you have never played one of Stefan's designs, download this one and get a feel for his style. I heartily recommend it!

[Stefan]

Hi bryce and sandwedge.

Thanks for the comments - I appreciate you taking the time.
I'm glad you liked the course and the changes I've made to it.

/Stefan

[DC#1]

I also liked v2 better. I love what you did on 16 and the subtle changes on 17. Some of the green are definitely tough on dry but I love fast greens. Thanks for the time on doing this update.

[ADC]

This is probably one of my favorite courses from the past year. It's varied, and wonderful. My only problem is that a few holes have stellar nature, and because of some awkward, planting, there is no option on certain shots. I'll go into more detail when I have more time, but I rate this one 4.5 stars out of 5.

[Stefan]

Thanks to you two also (DC#1 and ADC) for commenting on the course.

It's nice to see that you all seem to enjoy the course - it makes it worth while to have done the update.

[LinksLegend]

I had the choice this afternoon (as I had an hour's breathing room as son no.2 went for afternoon nap...) to carry on work with Abernathy or take the time to play Stefan's Johanne V2, and I'm very glad I chose the latter (and sorry it's been a while in coming Stef!).

I don't see this listed as a real course rendition but it has all the feel of one. The usual trade-off in fictional creations vs real renditions is that the former can benefit from wild undulation and spectacular vistas, and that real renditions normally manifest an attention to detail that is hard to 'create'. This course has both in spade-loads.

I'll start off with some comments about the textures which leverage all the experience accumulated over the years of pushing the envelope in the designer. The rough and cut grasses really 'pop' and the shorter grasses (tees/greens) are realistically muted. The subtle blends from rough to bunkers (for example) are subtle and very kind on the eye. The planting is also understated, well varied and overall gives the feeling that you are actually there. There's also a cracking little chipping green for those wanting to sharpend their skills.

There's no need to comment on the bunker work (which is consistently realistic and brilliant) or the global/local elevations as Stefan's talent and experience is well known.

Suffice it to say that at some point designers get to the stage where they can *only* produce dynamic and realistic variations in elevation and Stef went past that point years back. The outcome is spectacular without ever threatening to be unrealistic. Greens I thought offer lots of variation and a fair few are crowned in the Ross way which can turn a medium missed putt in to a longer chip back - but that puts the emphasis on course management and precise short game. My preferred option was to play this on medium speed rather than fast, but that's more of a refelection on the quality of my putting than the severity of the greens

To the course:
The view down the third is worth taking a moment to drink in, and complimented by a narrow tight drive off the 4th which shows Stef's ability to mix it up. Fourth tee:

None are better however than that at the 7th (for me) which offers a blind tee shot framed by bunkers and giant pines to dictate line - beautiful.

The drivable 11th for me was a true standout and reminds me of the 6th at Royal Cinque Ports (check it out if you haven't seen it Stef) - a great do or die hole, made no easier by laying up.
No hole shows the attention to detail apparent here better than the 12th where a stairway helps guide golfers across the dead ground separating the fairway from the green. It's only really noticable from the green and looking back down the hole showing again how much understated detail can be offered subtlety - lovely stuff.

13 is another standout with a relatively unassuming view of the flag fluttering tantalisingly away in the distance, but hides two streams that need to be crossed and a green nestled against a lake.
16 has a wonderfully elevated tee and tumbling fairway that climbs just as dramatically back to the green, whilst 17 is a spectacular par 5 where an aggressive and accurate tee shot can set up a great eagle chance to another green cut close to water and a safer bail out if your tee shot goes awry.
All of this leads to a strong finish on 18 with a demanding approach to a majestic elevated green site. A fitting end to a fabulous golf course.

Is there any constructive criticism I can offer? It feels a little like criticising a catwalk model for having small earlobes... Would i have preferred slightly smaller tee markers, possibly. But that's about it and only nit-picking. The fact is this is an absolute gift to the commmunity and right up there with the best Stefan - well done and thanks for all the hard work making it - I'll be coming back to this one regularly.

Cheers,
Duncan (LL)