I got a lot of puzzled looks this past spring when friends broached the topic of the destination for this summer’s annual golf trip.
Past trips have included Branson, Pinehurst, Myrtle Beach and Bandon Dunes. And there’s not a one in the bunch that could be considered an odd choice. This time, though, was different.
“We’re going to Nebraska,” I’d say.
“Nebraska? “Really?” folks quizzed, seemingly puzzled by the choice of a state that is not known for its golf.
My answer was always the same – “I’m going to find out if it is as good as what I have heard and read.”
he way things turned out – my sampling of golf in Nebraska turned out to be better than what had been rumored. If you hit the right spots, golf in Nebraska is better than good. It’s outstanding, and it’s totally different from what we have here in Alabama.
Part of the rationale for the trip is due in part to having played Sweetens Cove in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, numerous times. That quaint nine-holer in the Sequatchie Valley that has reached mythical proportions in the golf kingdom features outlandish greens complexes and a vibe that emphasizes having a good time over what you shoot.
It’s the product of Rob Collins and Tad King, who currently are one of the hottest design teams in the business. I fell in love with Sweetens the moment I walked up to the shed/clubhouse to check in and moments later had my first chip shot roll back down to my feet when I couldn’t cover the false front green on the second hole.
So, when I heard the King/Collins team was creating something special in some out-of-the-way outpost in Homer, Nebraska, it was a no-brainer to make the trek north from Florence, Alabama.
Landmand, the name of their Nebraska course, opened in late 2022 to rave reviews. Golf Digest rated it the No. 1 new public course that year. Golfweek proclaimed it No. 26 on its list of best modern courses. More
