It is in a neighborhood and in a wooded area, but trees don’t really block any ideal lines and it’s not super tight. You can score if you’re playing well, and the greens are almost always pristine.
I think it’s a really good representation of good KC style golf. Shoal Creek for instance goes through woods and it seems like trees are everywhere during that stretch. Most of the courses mentioned on here are wooded courses with the exception of St. Andrews and Creekmore?
Shadow has some really good holes imo. A couple of drivable par 4s, a good mix of par 3s, and it’s always in good shape. I’m sure others have their own opinions, but it’s my favorite to play when I’m back in town. But, I’ve also probably played it more than the other private tracks.
After BCN opens. They come down, Swope (a Tillinghast), Hillcrest (‘All Inclusive Golf Facility’), Dub’s Dread (Ben Hogan & Jug McSpaden history). Parlay that into a visit out to Prairie Dunes (Maxwell).
Really need to give Swope another try. Was a top 10 worst golf experience for me last and only time I went. Everyone in here seems to be beating the drum for it.
I’ve played Shadow Glen maybe 5-6 times? Once was an inter-club match, once was a family member invite, and the others were prep and comp for HS golf one year.
It’s a challenging course, no doubt. I would love to play it again and see how much bail out there really was. There really isn’t a hole without a direct question and challenge to answer. If it isn’t a forced water carry, it’s a large elevation change or visual deception. The course hits you fast with a lot of varying holes, and doesn’t really let up. I love the stretch on the back nine that includes the drive-able par 4 (14?)…and the setting of 18 by the clubhouse patio is really cool.
It’s not a fantastic experience, but for me the course just had such a cool layout. #10 is one of my favorite holes I’ve played in KC.
But the clubhouse and course condition is pretty sad. I can’t figure out what the deal is with the bunkers out there, specifically on 5 and 9. They’re so lifeless!
Admittedly, the one time I played, I was far from #woke on GCA. Can’t think of a single hole besides the first. Started the round out with the starter (who was wearing a Canadian tuxedo) yelling at us to hit when other golfers were absolutely in range. My buddy hit anyways and flew the players ahead who promptly yelled back at us. At the turn we went to the pro shop and they told us this starter was known for these type of antics.
Basically the round started so bad and we were so jammed up that I never got into the mental space to enjoy the round. Will try again soon.
I agree with elevation change and visual deception, but there really isn’t much water on the course. 9 is a wedge or short iron partially over water and there’s a creek on 13. I enjoy the way they incorporate the rock formations and cliffs on the par 3s though. 250 downhill on 12 is a wild tee shot, but the green is massive.