Chase Oaks Golf Club Blackjack Course: Play It Smart And Leave The Driver In The Bag

By David R. Holland, Contributor

PLANO, TX -- Demanding. Unique. Strategic.

When the Chase Oaks Blackjack Course opened these were some of the descriptive words used. Designed by Robert von Hagge and Bruce Devlin, this is a course to leave the driver in the bag and leave the beginners at the driving range.

Water, water, traps, traps ... this course will get a banana ball in trouble real quick. Play smart, aim for the targets (that expansive green stuff down the middle) and don't overswing.

If you aren't thinking on the day you play at Blackjack, you are going to be in triple-bogey hell all day.

From the back this course plays only 6,773 yards at par 72. You will find 12 holes with water and that includes the liquid-surrounded par-3 No. 4, which is 187 from the back. There's a little bailout to the right, but not much.

On the par-4, 5th hole, at 403 yards, drive it right because of the water left and the slope that funnels that way. There's also woods to the left and behind the green is a lateral hazard.

The 6th hole is the No. 1 handicap hole. It's 450 yards from the back played into the prevailing south wind. The two-tiered green demands an accurate approach.

All three remaining par-3 beauties require shots over water -- at 7, 10 and 14. These are fun holes, but that's where this course qualifies as not beginner-friendly.

Blackjack is an award-winner for its design. But that's all. On this day there was very little sand in the "dirt" traps. The greens were bumpy and grainy and putted like a Harlem Globetrotter's dribble.

"This course is a challenging and attractive addition to any golfer's experience log, but it will be tough for beginners," said Don Marr. "There's a nice variety of doglegs, water carries, blind shots, etc., to keep the day interesting and enjoyable. On this particular day, a hot morning, the weather had reeked havoc on the greens and they were in poor shape. I don't know where this course should rank with the best in Texas as there are too many I haven't played yet, but in retrospect, it provided me with a good, solid, enjoyable round and I'll definitely be back."

"I don't consider this a top course," said Steve Carter. "From the tips it is challenging only if you insist on forcing a driver. If you just lay back, it is not a difficult course at all. Leave your ego at home, take a 3 wood, 5 wood or 2 iron off the tee. If you keep it relatively straight, you will post a good score. Using this method I usually shoot 3-5 strokes under my handicap (8.5). The staff is very friendly and helpful."

Chase Oaks Golf Club
7201 Chase Oaks Boulevard
Plano, TX 75025

Telephone: 972-517-7777.

Internet: http://www.chaseoaks.com/map.htm.
E-mail: airmail@chaseoaks.com

Green Fees: Call for any specials or discounts. Monday to Thursday, $49. Friday $59. Weekend $69. Includes cart. Seniors (55) and Juniors (18 and under), Monday to Thursday, $42. Friday $52. Weekend $62. Twilight fees available call for details. Sawtooth Course, $32, seven days a week. Call for Twilight fees.

Directions: Chase Oaks is conveniently located in Plano on the west side of North Central Expressway. Exit 32 Legacy, turn North on Chase Oaks Boulevard and proceed north 1/2 mile. From the West, take 121 to the Legacy Exit. Proceed 9 miles to Chase Oaks Blvd.