Si Mi Tai 2 has been chosen as the course of the month. This is a great course that was done by a legendary designer. The course was selected as the first course of the month to show the history of JNSE designing. It is a one of the better courses out there in my opinion and I am certain you will love this Bob Polin design.
The course starts with a short, easy par four. It doesn't look like much, but the tee shot is pretty tricky. Like almost every other hole on the course the green is canted toward the major hazard. On the first hole, there is a bunker in front of, and slightly toward the right of the green. This is also where the green is sloped toward, to ensure a difficult approach. This design feature makes the golfer think on every approach. Polin also used creative, and accurate placement of objects. An example of this would be the great wall. It is placed behind the seventh green, and just to the left of number 8 tee. The overhead views of these holes are exactly the same and the holes look great.
Probably the best feature of the course is the beautiful background and the objects that guide you perfectly down the holes. The two blend so well that it is easy to mistake where the background ends, and the objects begin. There is foilage all over the course, and everything blends and looks perfect. Number 16 is a prime example of the trees winding down the course, perfectly placed, and flowing into the background.
Polin was very clever with his object placement and in making his objects. He made one of the best, and possibly the most unique shots in all of JNSE golf. It is a great second shot over a group of workers. It can be viewed by almost any tee shot that is hit on number 18. It is put into play naturally and perfectly. He used this on more than one ocasion on the course, but 18 is by far the most obvious use of it.
I highly recommend playing Si Mi Tai. It will give you a glimpse at one of the best designers in JNSE history. If you're looking for April's Course of the Month, check Ben Wicks' JNSE site.
By: Michael J. Clark
