Flint Hills National is often regarded as one of the finest golf courses in Kansas. This private course is known for its luscious vegetation, tallgrass prairie plateau, and course design. Though the landscape is not what most golfers imagine when thinking of a Kansas course, it’s still a welcomed oasis.
Review of Flint Hills National
Course Design & Features
Originally designed by Tom Fazio in 1997, the course at Flint Hills National boasts over 5,500 transplanted trees. The variety of trees (cedars, maples, pines, oaks, etc) makes players feel like they’re in different terrain depending on what tee box they are hitting off of. The long lakes present natural hazards on the course, especially on 1 and 18. Featuring slick and contoured landscape, the fairways and greens play faster than the average course. With its relaxed atmosphere and views, this course is certainly a mid-western classic.
The Jimmie James Course Review:
Jimmie James has teed-it-up at this course twice. The first time being his third stop on his Top 100 Courses in America accomplishment last year. As a part of our ongoing series, The Golfer’s Journey, our featured James had this to say about his latest experience at Flint Hills National.
“I so much enjoyed how Fazio carved the course out of the wilderness leaving a very natural feel that was compatible with the natural setting. Secondly, the members are like one big family bound by a common passion for the game.”
Jimmie’s Drive:
Let’s see how Jimmie played.
Date(s):
June 14th – 12:40 pm
June 15th – 9:00 am
Score:
June 14th – 92
June 15th – 96
Memorable Shots:
“My most memorable ones occurred on the same hole during both rounds. During my first round, I hit my tee shot on the 170-yard par three 8th hole, I hit my six iron dead at the flag. It dropped a few feet short and landed in the deep bunker off the front of the green. From that deep bunker, I almost holed out. During my second round, I hit my six iron again to a different pin position. The ball again sailed on a direct line to the flag. It landed a couple of feet below the flag, bounced up and hit the pin then rolled three feet away. I made the putt for a birdie.”
So Jimmie, What Stood Out About The Course?
“The course blends well with the natural setting. I also loved the log cabin design of the clubhouse. It was perfect for the setting.”
Last But Not Least… What Was Your Favorite Hole(s)?
“The 10th hole is a 150-yard par-three over water. The green is protected by bunkers off its left and right front, and framed by natural vegetation.”
“I also like the 526-yard par-five on the 1st hole because of the water along the left with the bunkers along the right. It is challenging enough to make you think about your shots, but it is also playable enough to allow you to open the round with a birdie.”
Stay tuned for the next edition of Golfer’s Journey with Ship Sticks.