There is nothing in sport quite like the risk/reward decision, and no sport where that decision is so common than golf, except maybe horse racing. The two sports of kings come together in that passion for challenge nowhere quite like Windy Knoll Golf Club , just on the north side of Springfield. The former world class
thoroughbred horse farm that was home to Avatar, Native Uproar and
other Derby-quality horses has matured into its fifth season as the
home to a Scottish links-quality layout that dares you to seize the
roses if you’re willing to risk the thorns of failure.
Ances on the rolling, heather-covered pastureland with considerable mounding and undulating greens. And the name Windy Knoll? It’s as much a tribute to the most important element you’ll face than it is to any reference to horses. As with any true links course, the breezes are always a factor at Windy Knoll, making, for example, the par-5 18th a possible driver/6-iron with the wind at your back, and a three-shot monster into a stiff northeast breeze, with out of bounds right off the tee and water left at the green to add a little more risk to a decision that could be rewarded with eagle, or double-bogey.
Eighteen, the course’s longest par-5, is nicknamed “Final Furlong” for obvious reasons. The shortest par-5, the 504-yard-from-the-tips third hole is nicknamed “Four-Ten” for a couple of very different reasons. First is to honor one of the old farm’s more well-known thoroughbreds, who legend has it is also buried somewhere under the 10th hole.
The second has nothing to do with the distance of the hole, but the range of scores possible, depending on how you play the second and third shots into a narrowing approach with a creek to the left and behind and OB just to the right. From 4 to 10. Conquering the third could be a big 10-4 to the rest of your round!
Other acknowledgements to the equine history of Windy Knoll are the full-sized steel horse sculptures cast by Ohio’s Mike Smith, the several miles of black rail fencing, horseshoe tee markers and original stable buildings that have been converted into the cart barn, and the clubhouse that has room for outings and special events seating up to 150, fully catered on-site through the Restaurant at Windy Knoll.
With its accessible par-5s and even a unique 19th hole to break any ties, Windy Knoll is a fun outing course. The flexibility of the professional staff at Windy Knoll will work to make your outing the best it can be. That same flexibility is woven into its membership and rate structure. Unlimited golf, season passes and advance play books are available for frequent golfers and their Web site, www.windyknollgolfclub.com, is a great place to check out last-minute specials, and even book your tee time online.
For more information on this one-of-a-kind golf adventure, visit their complete Web site, or call (937) 390-8898 for a round full of rewards, for very little genuine risk.