By BRADLEY S. RICHARDSON
The new Johnny Miller-designed golf course at Thanksgiving Point is now open and many golfers say it's the best in the state.
There are approximately 15,000 trees on the 18-hole golf course.
'It's been rated the hardest in the state,' said Colton Reading, pro shop assistant. 'It's over 7,700 yards long, which is the longest in the state.'
In comparison, other local 18-hole golf courses range from about 6,000 to 6,500 yards. Remember it's yards, not feet -- that means the Thanksgiving course is at least the length of an additional 12 football fields longer than nearby courses.
'It's in the top 25 of all courses,' said Kim Davis of Murray. Davis has played over 100 courses including Pebble Beach. 'I'd love to go back again.'
Many, like Davis, would want to go back and play the course another time, but with nice courses come high green fees.
Monday through Thursday before 3:30 p.m. costs $52 and for Friday and Saturday play it is $68. After 3:30 p.m. there is a twilight rate of $35. Green fees include a cart for all 18-holes.
Unlike other local courses, golfers at Thanksgiving Point can't just play the front or back nine, only green fees for all 18 holes may be purchased.
The course's dress code doesn't allow any denim and all shirts must have collars.
The big question for the course is whether they will host PGA golf tournaments because the course is currently closed Sundays.
'The Ashtons, who own it, don't want it to be open on Sundays,' Reading said. 'The major tournaments go Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.'
One possibility is Sunday play only during major tournaments, but nothing has officially been decided, Reading said.
The course was designed to challenge the golfer's skills -- particularly on the back nine.
'I liked the design,' Davis said. 'I thought the designs along the river were wonderful.'
Many of the holes have several water and sand traps. One in particular is surrounded by a river on three sides and has plenty of bunker.
Because the course is new, it may take some time to mature. In time the fairways will smooth out, Davis said.
'It will take three to five years,' Davis said. 'Time is proper care.'