The challenge of Pinehurst #9 comes right from the very beginning. The opening hole is quite testing. Players have to work the ball right-to-left for the optimum angle and then face a daunting aerial approach to the elevated target. Precision is central -- especially when the pin is cut in the far right corner.

The 2nd is a quality par-3 with a fronting penalty area. At the par-4 3rd you encounter a challenging uphill hole that turns right. Although not overly long when looking at the scorecard, the elevation adds to the pressure. You then have to deal with a pressure-oriented tee shot at the downhill par-5 4th. A penalty area lurks right if the slightest push is executed. The green is well-protected and has an array of internal contours to add to the demands. And then you face the rigors of the slight-turning to the right par-4 5th. Beware of a tenacious as a creek cutting in front of the elevated target.

Now with all that momentum going -- one would think the course would be hitting its stride. Sadly, the next three holes are just mediocre. They actually undercuts all the golf juices you faced with the initial five holes. It's akin to letting all the stored air in a balloon become deflated..

The par-3 9th helps stems the slide somewhat -- but only when the pin is cut in the far-left corner with a penalty area situated close by.

The inward half starts off in a stunning fashion with the ultimate risk/reward par-5 10th. Just a superb hole because so much is in play numbers wise.

Unfortunately, the 11th and 12th are fairly pedestrian. Matters are helped with the par-4 duo at the 13th and 14th as each move in different directions. The next three holes are sufficient but they fail to really add anything to the flow. The 18th is a good closing hole but it's more scenic than anything really strategic.

Pinehurst #9 is worth checking out because when it's good -- it's really good. Much of the upside is helped by terrain that adds to the visual dimension when coupled with the strategic calculations players must decide upon. Turf conditions were also good and there was a bit of a bounce on the fairways.

But the weight of the less than thrilling holes holds back an even more glowing account of what Nicklaus created.

A pity indeed.