Players will need it too, because Duck Creek can very easily play much longer than it's seemingly short 5,463 listed yards despite having no bunkers.

The terrain is such that golfers will need to keep the ball to the left side of the fairway on most holes. Balls hit even 2 or 3 yards off the fairway in either direction are extremely tough to find on some parts of the course.

There are also a few holes where shorter hitters will be forced to layup in order to avoid hitting into an oddly shaped valley or hillside where the lies are dreadful to hit from.

The main hole where golfers need to use this strategy is 17, a 450 yard par 5. A wide, deep, valley comes into play around 375 yards from the tees. Golfers will need to hit a driver or 3-wood to around 240, then layup with a pitching wedge or 9-iron. From there, they will have a short wedge shot into the green. If golfers can avoid the ditch area, they will have a great chance for birdie.

A local golfer who plays Duck Creek several times every summer said he loves Duck Creek because "it's helps me improve my game by forcing me to make good decisions about what clubs to hit."

This is especially true for players hitting the ball to greens below their elevation. The area around the greens is dry and hard, and golfers will get a ton of roll, so it is best to hit one or two clubs below normal for the distance, choose a landing area 10 to 15 yards in front of the green, and then let it roll up onto the surface. This should leave golfers with a manageable putt.

Overall, Duck Creek is a fun course for mid to low handicappers to try at least once, yet it is still easy enough that hackers and higher handicap players will find plenty of scoring chances.

Latest Update: 3/16/2011