Treyburn

Treyburn is a residential country club in the Durham area, with significant forest to defend the pricey homes in the neighborhood from golfers (and preserving the isolated feeling of the course).

Tom Fazio created the course during 1998 for members, with emphasis on its planned commitment to competition. Many of the greens are guarded by creeks at the fore, the decision to cross which may be the deciding factor for any given match. All of those creeks pale compared to the forced carry at No. 12, however, where players will need to hit over the Little River on their way to the green (every river is “little” until you need to hit a golf ball over it). At 476 yards from the back tees, two perfect shots will be needed to think about birdie. The carry across a gulch on the next hole, a par three, will seem simple after No. 12.

The par five at No. 4 features a similar idea but will require more thought, as the creek running down the fairway will be crossable for far more players who want to get closer to the green for their third shot. Although “no laying up” is a popular phrase among eager golfers these days, Treyburn will give them plenty of opportunity to reconsider.