From the moment you arrive, you'll feel quite welcomed by the entire staff. Be sure to take advantage of the power carts at this course. The course features many elevated tees, and from the first tee to the last green features uninterrupted blacktop cart paths. Not that the course isn't walkable, but the carts roll down the paved paths so nicely. Speaking of the paths, besides a large wooden post at the side of the fairway that clearly states the 150 mark, the 200 and 100 yards are painted across the cart path.

After some warm-up at the range and putting green next to the clubhouse, the first tee is only steps away. The view from a tee box that sits 75 feet or so above the fairway is a relaxing way to begin the round. Be careful though of the pond quietly sitting just off the right side of the fairway. It's just the right distance to make a slightly fading tee shot become a penalty shot to start a round. Hole 3 is also an elevated tee shot that you need to be careful with, the 163 yard par 3 has a large pond behind the green and you definitely don't want to be long. Then off to holes 5 and 6, keep your drive straight or the water off the right side of the fairway will dampen your round. There is water on 7 of the 9 holes, but it isn't overwhelming.

The woods 9 is as it sounds, more wooded, but still has water on 3 holes. The last two holes of this 9 are quite tricky. Both have a large white flag marking the 150 yard marker in the middle of the fairway. Aim there, and hopefully hit there, as the placement of the tee shot near here is mandatory to make the holes manageable. A tip sheet would be great the first time you play here.

They have a full service clubhouse and restaurant here, and with 45 holes of quality golf, plenty to see and do in the area, Kettle Hills can definitely justify a 2 day trip.

Latest Update: 11/25/2010