Cherry Blossom - Kentucky - USA

Cherry Blossom Golf Club takes some pride in the low number of bunkers that players will experience during a round; just 38, with a mere 15 on the front nine. That said, a few of the ponds on the back will more than make up for what’s missing in sand.

Although the par five at No. 9 may have a small green-side pond, the first 11 holes will serve strategic golf without severe penalization for those who go off-line. No. 12 may be a shock to the system, an island green par three appearing after such a comfortable first half. No. 13 also features a sizable lake along the right side.

That lake makes a grand return during the closing hole, a 440-yard par four that features a forced carry, with the water remaining all along the right-hand side of the hole. Of the course’s minimal bunker total, nine of them will occur on this final hole. Clyde Johnston has designed many courses in the Hilton Head-area that display the tendency toward a plurality of bunkers and water hazards. He kept a humble mindset throughout the majority of Cherry Blossom, seemingly letting it all out on the final hole.