Furnace Creek Golf Course - Death Valley

- It’s the world’s lowest golf course. Originally opened in 1930, it was the first grass course to be developed in the California desert and to this day it holds the distinction of being the lowest grass course in the world at 214 feet below sea level. During its early years, the course was closed and leased to a cattle rancher for the summer and the fairways were kept mowed by a small flock of sheep in winter. “It” is the Furnace Creek Golf Course, in the heard of Death Valley where playing conditions are probably unlike anything you’ve played before. (Incidentally Death Valley got its name from the first emigrants who thought they’d found a shortcut to California. After suffering thirst and near starvation, they left the area after five weeks and one woman was heard saying “Goodbye Death Valley”)

These days, things are not quite so extreme. Golfers, however, will notice a distinct difference in how their golf balls respond to a swing, in relation to courses they may have played at sea level or higher elevations.
On the 6,215 yard, par 70 course, wind is thankfully not a big concern. Because the course is below sea level and surrounded by desert plateaus and mountains, it normally escapes the daily afternoon desert winds. However if the weather is moving in or out of the valley, it’s possible to experience a strong north or south wind. During these times, the front nine holes become more difficult because of the openness and exposure of the holes. The back nine holes are more protected with trees and are therefore less affected by the wind.

As you might expect of the desert, the terrain at Furnace Creek is relatively flat overall, but you’ll find most fairways and greens well mounded for separation and definition. The fairways are generally wide and open but the short fairway cut is usually narrow and the Bermuda roughs left long on this Peter Dye-designed course.

As for hazards, there are plenty. Every hole has either sand or grass bunkers around the greens and many fairways have grass or sand bunkers in the landing areas. Water comes into play on nine out of the eighteen holes either in the form of ponds or streams. Perhaps the most noticeable hazards on the course, however, are the dense stands of large salt cedar trees that come into play on every hole. Despite all this, all greens do give subtle breaks because of the gently northerly downhill grade of the course.

So what should the first-time player look out for? “Many of the Furnace Creek style par four holes are short and tights”, says the golf pro. “The first time golfer is tempted to drive up close to the green off the tee, but in doing so is usually penalized by water or trees. This Dye-designed course awards the smart player who places their tee shots into suitable landing areas off the tee, leaving them an excellent approach shot into the green.”

The most difficult hole is the 440 yard, par 4 sixth. Here the player must carry 200 yards over a lake from the back tees. Large mounds guard the right of the fairway and a large salt cedar guards the left approach to the green.

The most interesting hole, on the other hand, is the 178-yard par 3 second, the course’s signature hole. It presents a major challenge to any player. Coming out of a chute with trees on the left and a large mound on the right, the tee shot must be played to an undulating green guarded in front, to the left, and to the rear with a large pond. A deep sand bunker to the right lies in wait for pushed tee shots while a grassy basin in the rear catches those that are too strong.

The eighth hole is scenic but at only 153 yards is deceptively difficult. Errant tee shots will find water in front, water and trees to the left and grass bunkers to the back and to the right. The large, and seriously undulating green breaks away from the player to the rear.

Hole number 9, is a true Furnace Creek “Classic” par 4. This short 310 yard beauty temps the long hitters to go for it, but usually rewards those who play it wisely. The tree-lined fairway narrows immediately from the tee to a passageway about 250 yards out and then opens up again to a long, easily sloping green guarded on the left with a stream, to the rear with a pond, and to the right with tall and bushy salt cedars.

The challenge continues on hole 10 which has a stream and trees to the left and a pond filled with palm trees to the right. At 571 yards, this par 5 demands an accurate tee shot to begin the back nine. As the player negotiates towards the green, stately salt cedars guard the right of the fairway while large, grassy mounds guard the left. The large, beautifully contoured green accepts most approaches well, but those who fall short will find a deep sand bunker in front.

Breathtaking views of the surrounding Panamint Mountains can be seen from anywhere on the course. And when it comes to breathtaking in the shape of accommodations, look no further than the elegant mission style Furnace Creek Inn. Here, in addition to the golf course, there are two swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding and a ranch.

And when not golfing, there is still plenty to do. Death Valley might be a misnomer as there is actually plenty of life in this area. In fact, the Valley is home to more than 900 kinds of plants, desert wildlife and natural wonders unknown in other parts of the world. The dunes themselves are home to desert wildlife such as kangaroo rats, lizards, coyotes and kit fox. At 3.3 million acres, Death Valley is now the largest park in the continental United States and the rock layers visible throughout the park reveal an almost complete record of the Earth’s geological past. For the golfer, it’s an experience not to be missed.

In the area, it’s worth visiting: the Borax Museum, Badwater, Scotty’s Castle, Mushroom Rock, the overlook at Zabriskie Point and the ruins of the Harmony Borax World.

Furnace Creek Inn is at www.furnacecreekresort.com. Visit in the winter months when temperatures are most pleasant-the hottest summer temperature ever recorded was 134 degrees! It’s not for nothing Death Valley boasts being one of the hottest places in the world. Winter temperatures between October and April are mild and very pleasant however.