Grandover (East)

The Grandover Resort and Spa features 36 holes of golf, all designed by Gary Panks and David Graham (both a U.S. Open and PGA Championship winner). The East course at the resort is the more celebrated and the more muscular (7,250 yards) layout.

The course defends par with yardage and rolling terrain more so than penalty areas, but water still plays its role on the front nine. At No. 6, a creek runs about 75 yards out from the par five’s green. Although going for the green in two will be unlikely for all but the strongest players, choosing whether to lay up short of the creek or try to make the crossing should weigh on the mind after a good drive. The next hole takes the opposite tack: At 190 yards from the back tees, this fairly long par three will require carrying the creek running in front of the green, which is built above the water by railroad ties.

The back nine concludes with a stiff trio of holes, measuring 230, 440 and 570 yards, respectively, with a pond defending the final approach of the round.

The resort added a second 18, the West course, a year after the East.