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The Front Nine

U.S. golf courses with the most terrifying names

Posted: Thursday March 3, 2005 12:08PM; Updated: Thursday March 3, 2005 4:04PM
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Ever been scared or intimidated by a golf course's name? For me, any course that has the word "water," "cliff" or "house" in its name sends a cold shiver down my spine -- especially if "house" is preceded by "expensive."

With the PGA Tour escaping the soggy West Coast for sunny Florida and the Ford Championship at Doral's Blue Monster, it's a good time to look at some courses that have terrifying names.

1.Purgatory Golf Club
Located in Noblesville, Ind., the course covers 218 acres and has six tees on each hole. When measured from the back tees, this par-72 course plays at a monstrous 7,700 yards -- making it the longest course in Indiana. With 125 bunkers and a 142 slope, Purgatory can madden even the best of golfers. The name itself conjures up images of overcoming obstacles to reach eternal happiness. Check it out on the course Web site: www.purgatorygolf.com.
2.The Devil's Claw at Whirlwind
Built in 2000, this par 71 with a slope of 131 measures just longer than 7,000 yards from the back tees. Located in Chandler, Ariz., Devil's Claw is a desert-style course with five sets of tees on each hole. With an abundance of sand waste areas, golfers better make sure they're staying in the fairway. Devil's Claw hosted the Gila River Classic (Nationwide Tour) in 2002. Where did the name come from? Devil's Claw is a plant that grows naturally on the lands that surround the course. The plant is said to resemble a devil's claw.
3.The Blue Monster at Doral
Built in 1961, the Blue Monster is one of five courses at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Fla. From the back tees, the Blue Monster plays at 7,125 yards with a slope of 130. Long fairways and eight water hazards make the Blue Monster one of the most recognizable courses around. This stop is the third oldest on the PGA Tour. The course's name rings true when playing the 18th hole, where water hugs the entire left side of the fairway and up to the green.
4.Hell's Point Golf Course
This par 72 built in 1982 in Virginia Beach, Va., features a number of surrounding lakes and 61 treacherous bunkers. From the back tees, Hell's Point measures 6,766 yards with a slope of 130. This course puts a premium on placement rather than power -- most parkland style courses are tough tests for the bombers who have a tendency to spray tee shots all over.
5.Deep Cliff Golf Course
Despite not being a full-size layout -- par 60 at 3,358 yards -- this Cupertino, Calif., course is still very demanding. Built in 1961, this course uses the surrounding mountains, lakes and creeks to its advantage. Though short, it's probably safe to assume the cliffs have sent a few Titleists to their watery graves.
6.Shark River Golf Course
Designed in the early 1900s in Neptune, N.J., this course takes its name from the neighboring Shark River. With narrow fairways and deep-faced bunkers, Shark River can be a steep challenge for all golfers. Although it's under 6,300 yards, this par-71 course still boasts a slope of 130, proving to be a worthy challenge for any players thinking they can overpower the short par-4s.
7.Devil's Lake Golf Course
With three major water hazards and 21 bunkers sprinkled around, this par 71 measures just over 6,000 yards from the back tees. Built in 1929 in Manitou Beach, Mich., Devil's Lake has is surrounded by steep hills -- giving golfers the look and feel of a links-style course. With its hilly landscape, there are a number of undulating greens.
8.The Monster Course at Concord
From the back tees, this par-72 course is indeed a monster at 7,650 yards. Monster features a par 5 that measures 632 yards and has water running the entire length of the hole. Built in 1964 in Kiamesha Lake, N.Y., this course touts a slope of 137. If you're a boomer off the tee and can keep the ball in the fairway more times than not, this course is for you -- slay the monster!
9.Bigfoot Golf & Country Club
This is a case of the course's name having more bite than the course itself. Built in 1960 in Willow Creek, Calif., Bigfoot is a 9-hole course measuring just 2,530 yards. Some of the tree-lined fairways are narrow and can pose a slight problem for erratic golfers, but it's a very scenic course. If you are expecting Bigfoot to give you an extreme rush of adrenaline or make you antsy with anticipation, you might be disappointed.
Just missed the cut: El Diablo Golf & Country Club; Dubsdread at Cog Hill; Anaconda Hills Golf Course; Quicksand Golf Course.

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