By name alone the course sounds intimidating, and it's definitely more challenging than it's twin "The Highlands." It was designed to be a test. Stretching to over 7300 yards, it is one of the Midwest's longest courses. It also is a leader in putting surface area, with the average green size over 8,000 square feet. The maintenance on both courses is exceptional, but the meticulous attention to detail with the landscaping and gardening is far more evident on The Brute.

Hole #1 gives you a great taste of the awesome experience awaiting. And it only gets better. The 3rd hole was our favorite hole on the entire property. (After considerable debate involving 20 or so other contenders.) It's a beautiful Par 4 with a downhill tee shot between pond borders (yes, they line both sides). If you split the fairway you'll have a "simple," although delicate, shot in to a wide-open green. And the 4th hole is a Par 3 smaller replica of the 3rd. So very cool! The 6th is a fabulous downhill/uphill Par 5 (Lay up dude!) and the 9th completes an unforgettable "front" along the lake. Somehow at this point we thought we'd played 18, and not just because of our scores. There was just so much spectacular course in that front nine. But there was more. Far more.

There are views galore on the back. Take advantage of the comparatively "easy" 13th, and the Par 7 15th. (It was easier to par that way!) The last three holes are unbelievable. From the dramatic drop off the 16th and 17th tees, to all the water, including the river crossing on 17 and lakeside finish on 18, the course gives you everything it has. If you leave this place unsatisfied, it's your fault.

Latest Update: 11/10/2010