The essence of great golf course architecture lies in providing players with an increasing array of strategic choices as they approach the green. This design philosophy tests the skills of accomplished golfers, demanding precision in shot selection from a diverse set of short-game options. Simultaneously, it accommodates higher-handicap players by offering varied routes to navigate the challenges, aligning with their less refined short-game arsenals. However, at Dancing Rabbit’s Azaleas course, this principle seems to be inverted, most notably exemplified at the par-3 16th hole.
This standard par 3 is guarded by a formidable sand trap that effectively isolates the green. My own experience at this hole perfectly illustrates the course’s peculiar design. Despite a well-struck 8-iron, misjudging the headwind led my ball to land precariously on a small, steep patch of rough between the bunker and the putting surface. From a mere five feet from the green, my options vanished. A putt was impossible, and a bump-and-run was equally unfeasible. The only recourse was a high-risk wedge shot, praying to avoid blading it into the adjacent woods. (Incredibly, I salvaged par.) This scenario encapsulates the frustrating reality of the Azaleas course: closer to the pin, fewer choices emerge. This is a stark contrast to renowned courses like Augusta National, where thoughtful design enriches gameplay with strategic diversity around the greens.
Despite this fundamental flaw in design philosophy, the Azaleas course at Dancing Rabbit isn’t without its merits. Its secluded location ensures it’s rarely overcrowded, offering a tranquil golfing experience. Furthermore, the course is undeniably scenic, and remarkably affordable given its excellent maintenance standards.
Yet, these positive attributes are equally present at its sister course within the same resort, Dancing Rabbit Oaks. Opened just two years after the Azaleas, the Oaks course occupies similar terrain but embodies a radically different architectural approach. Its fairways are more generous, welcoming a broader spectrum of shot shapes, and the areas surrounding its greens are designed to offer more shot-making versatility. Ultimately, the Oaks course is simply more enjoyable to play. It features two reachable par 4s, and its bunkering is less penal, contributing to a more forgiving and engaging round of golf.
The Dancing Rabbit Oaks course may not be Augusta, but it doesn’t aspire to be. And in its own right, it presents a far more compelling and player-friendly golfing experience than the Azaleas, offering a valuable lesson in course design that the Azaleas seems to have missed.
