by DAVE FINN | FENTON FARMS

Fenton Farms proves that it’s not always the difficulty of the course or the famous designer who sculpted it that makes a course memorable. Sometimes the friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere sets it apart.

We had the fortunate opportunity of meeting Gerry Shane (Marshall a.k.a. Ambassador). It was a Saturday and the threesome ahead of us—mom, dad and son—were slow, but we were on a golf trip. How stressed out could we be? He assured us that he would let us by when the first opportunity arrives.  Gerry kept us entertained with great anecdotes and jokes until we politely played through.  A breath of fresh air from a Marshall that cared deeply about the enjoyment of his customers’ day.

The first hole that really caught
my eye was the 7th.. A narrow
par 3 that you have to hit a long
iron into a funnel of trees. Hit it
straight or beware of large
numbers!

On the backside, the 11th is a
relatively short par 5, but you
must be on the left side of the
fairway to have any chance at
going for this green in two.

This course is unique since it
offers three par 3s in four holes
on the back nine and still plays
to a 72.

The 12th is a relatively easy par 3 except for the fact that there is a tree guarding the left side of the green. No matter where the pin is, aim to the right side and take your chances at a two putt.

The 13th may be considered their signature hole. From the blues, you have to hit a long iron of 186 yards over the entire marshland. And if you don’t (which I did), the drop area may be shorter but you still have to contend with the swamp, trees and bunkers. P.S.: Make sure you hit enough club off the tee.

Accuracy off the tee is crucial on the 14th, a short par 4. Bust one past the fairway bunkers (or hit into them, as I did), which will leave you with a short iron over a deep-faced bunker that guards the front of the green.



















For more information on Fenton Farms you can visit their website @ www.fentonfarms.com or contact Rod Duffe (General Manager/Director of Golf)
@ 810 750 6098 or email him @ GM@fentonfarms.com

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Dave Finn is a contributing writer and is also co-publisher of golf-south.net