Clearview – Hole-by-Hole

[Note: Featuring comments by Architect William Powell]

Hole 1

Yards: 360/345/325/320

Handicap: 10

Par: 4

What began as a par-3, was transformed by William Powell into an inviting par-4 opening hole. A lateral stream runs three-quarters the length of the hole. The green can be challenging dependent upon the position of the pin. Since the course is not long, it is intended to be more challenging, highlighted by undulating greens. A crimson maple was planted on the hole and on Hole 18, the handiwork of family friend Hugh Chronister. Though the maple has since passed on No. 18, the intent was to mark the beginning and end of a journey, while honoring the memory of Marcella Powell, wife of William, and matriarch of the Powell family.

Hole 2

Yards: 128/120/110/100

Handicap: 18

Par: 3

Featuring the largest green (16,000 square feet) on the course, where the pin placement is at a premium. It is not an easy birdie, and requires a golfer to be focused from the start.

Hole 3

Yards: 405/393/352/315

Handicap: 6

Par: 4

With a sloping fairway from right to left, the golfer is greeted by a challenging par-4 that gets one into the theme of understanding the importance of visualizing one’s approach shot. A stream crosses in front of the green. It is another challenging green, and with a front edge pin placement, an even more difficult task.

Hole 4

Yards: 489/441/333/328

Handicap: 15

Par: 5

A testy par-5 that features two greens from the old No. 2 in Mr. Powell’s original design. Women and senior golfers prefer the shorter “rollaway” green and one must approach with the proper loft to hold the putting surface. The second green is 50 yards further.

Hole 5

Yards: 330/315/285/265

Handicap: 8

Par: 4

Formerly a short par-3, this is now another challenging par-4 and was the former No. 3 hole in original routing. The sloping green into a prevailing wind is what the golfer must guard against from a three-putt experience. One of the smallest putting surfaces at Clearview, and what Mr. Powell called “one of the trickiest putting green on the course.”

Hole 6

Yards: 398/379/359/320

Handicap: 3

Par: 4

A deceiving par-4, and a new green from the former No. 4 hole in the original design. There is out of bounds on the right, and the golfer must approach with a lofted club to hold the putting surface of the shorter green, and a grassy knoll surrounds the back portion of the green. The second green, for those who enjoy a more challenging approach shot with a longer iron, may play to a green 100 yards further.

Hole 7

Yards: 415/365/325/305

Handicap: 11

Par: 4

A straightaway hole, and the former No. 5, requiring the golfer to cross a creek, and with out of bounds on the right. This can be a challenging hole, and has the flattest putting surface on the course.

Hole 8

Yards: 268/252/238/203

Handicap: 14

Par: 4

A short par-4 and the former No. 6 hole. This hole can be driven but pin placement again determines one’s scoring success. The golfer must be alerted against having an approach come to rest above the hole. It is one of the smallest and hardest greens on the course.

Hole 9

Yards: 410/398/364/300

Handicap: 1

Par: 4

Formerly the No. 7 hole, it is a severe dogleg right par-4 where one positions a drive either at the top of a hill or down into a flat area. The former choice requires a longer second shot or one can play from the flat at the bottom of the hill with a short iron to the green. Golfers must negotiate around a large oak tree on the corner of the creek.

Hole 10

Yards: 564/548/497/373

Handicap: 4

Par: 5

Begin the back side with a par-5 that was once a par-4 and the former No. 8 hole in Mr. Powell’s original design. Golfers prepare for a dogleg right over a pond and a large creek. What hasn’t changed is that this can be especially tough with prevailing wind. It still demands a solid approach where the golfer is rewarded with a large green that is easy to putt.

Hole 11

Yards: 459/444/384/315

Handicap:2

Par: 4

The former No. 9 hole is deceiving, presenting the golfer with a small stream running in front of a beautiful and large green. The tee shot must be accurate, as the golfer is playing out of a tree-framed chute and depending upon the tee shot, must negotiate two ponds.

Hole 12

Yards: 321/295/280/242

Handicap: 17

Par: 4

This is a green light hole for a big driver, with a string of maple trees framing on the right. It is one of Clearview’s smallest greens and can be difficult to putt. The golfer needs to study reading the green because the green speed can be slick. When driving, the golfer needs to stay close to the maple trees because the fairway slopes to the left.

Hole 13

Yards: 128/121/114/97

Handicap: 13

Par: 3

Built with a sloping front to the green and a level back side. As with other holes on the course, it can be transformed into a difficult par with select pin placements. This is a large and elongated green featuring a healthy supply of undulation and breaks to putts.

Hole 14

Yards: 290/274/255/226

Handicap: 9

Par: 4

This is one of most visitor’s favorite short holes. The view from the top of the hill inspired Mr. Powell to give Clearview its name. Club selection is essential off the tee to an elevated green that has its flat spots. The golfer must be prepared to place an approach carefully, otherwise the ball will easily run off the putting surface.

Hole 15

Yards: 425/410/369/333

Handicap: 5

Par: 4

This hole requires a well-placed drive downhill and an uphill approach to a large green with a variety of challenging pin placements. Woods border the entire left side, and a prevailing right wind will push many shots left. A difficult birdie, and a well-thought approach is necessary with one-third of the green sloping left and away from the tee.

Hole 16

Yards: 369/356/327/290

Handicap: 7

Par: 4

This hole rests on top of a hill, and with no out of bounds area, it remains a true test and what Mr. Powell calls “the most severe hole on the golf course.” If a golfer’s approach misses the green you will have to rely upon your pitching skills to salvage par.

Hole 17

Yards: 354/338/295/255

Handicap: 12

Par: 4

After enduring a severe test uphill one hole earlier, this is a new change in strategy with what appears to be a nice drive and pitch par-4 to a small green. However, this is one of the hardest greens to read on Clearview and it is very slick.

Hole 18

Yards: 365/346/314/290

Handicap: 16

Par: 4

A beautiful finishing hole, featuring what can be a most challenging pin placement to the left. Prepare for a slight dogleg left off the tee and an approach to a slightly elevated green. The left side of the green is a cavity back that slopes right and where balls roll severely to the right. It remains an enjoyable hole, and with Clearview staff hoping that you have enjoyed your time on this historic property.