
What about the changes since 2013?Īs Flesher indicated, architect Rees Jones renovated Bellerive in 2006, when the course underwent an extensive tree-management program, and returned in 2013 to rebuild the bunkers and make other alterations. New sand in all bunkers presents an Augusta-like visual. The smart decision to remove trees and relocate dirt has resulted in a much more open feel and improved hole-to-hole flow. Good execution is rewarded and poor execution is penalized. Greg Flesher, Tucson: Bellerive is a course that is mostly right in front of you and doesn’t resort to trickery. … I characterized it as “big and brawny,” which I think is a reasonably accurate conclusion. Josh Asher, Scottsdale, Ariz: It is vintage RTJ – long, runway tees, well-defined, manicured fairways bordered by thick, penal rough and large greens complexes guarded by deep, ominous-looking sand traps. … I grew up at Winged Foot, so I regarded Bellerive as “Winged Foot with less personality.” I know his mantra was “hard par, easy bogey,” but he had just enough water that a poorly struck shot was going to yield something worse. What I recall was a typical Trent Jones golf course of the period when he was building really challenging, lengthy courses. Yet … Bellerive remains somewhat forgotten and, in my view, underrated by even knowledgeable golf fans.īob Stuart, Westhampton Beach, N.Y.: I played in the first U.S.
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Open only five years after it opened, but so many other major championships at the professional and amateur level. Randy Seiner, Leawood, Kan.: Bellerive intrigues me from the standpoint it not only hosted the 1965 U.S.

There is an aura of grandeur with the large tee boxes, wide fairways and contoured greens. Gordon Lawson, Warrenton, Va.: Bellerive is a great championship test and feels like it was built to host a major. Long and difficult are the two words I would use to describe Bellerive. Peter Clement, Chattanooga, Tenn.: It’s a big golf course right from the start. From the start it was a very demanding layout – it opened in 1960 with six par 4s longer than 450 yards and par 5s measuring 580 and 606 yards, with a total yardage of 7,200 on a par of 70 – that required both power and strategy. He was especially pleased with his routing of the course, taking advantage of a beautiful winding creek and adding two ponds, bringing water into play on 11 holes. considered Bellerive to be one of his best layouts and, although it’s not my favorite Trent Jones course, it is certainly in my top five. Hansen, Auburn, Ala.: Robert Trent Jones Sr. and the Making of Modern Golf.” What the Golfweek Raters have to say: Hansen, professor emeritus of history at Auburn and author of the 2014 biography “ A Difficult Par: Robert Trent Jones Sr.

We asked some members of Golfweek’s course-ratings panel to share their thoughts on Bellerive. In subsequent years, it also hosted the U.S. In 1965, Bellerive became the youngest course to host a U.S. design that opened in 1960 and was known as the “Green Monster of Ladue.” That nickname offers some insight into Jones’ design work. Nick Price won the first of his three major championships.īellerive is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. It’s the first time since 1992 this major was held at this venue. The PGA Championship begins at Bellerive Country Club Thursday in St. Top 50 Modern Courses in Great Britain & Ireland.Top 50 Classic Courses in Great Britain & Ireland.Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic islands, Central America.
