In New England, it doesn't get much more dramatic than The Shattuck

The Shattuck in an unusual name for a highly unusual golf course in an unusually remote location in southern New Hampshire. During my annual New England summer sojourn, I occasionally return to this funhouse of a golf course with some of my old running buddies. A recent visit, just a few days after the 4th of July, stirred up some fond memories.

How to best describe the golf course? Try this: One’s handicap is in relative correlation to the number of golf balls likely to be disappearing into the underbrush, forest and vegetation (or swamps, ponds and similar water hazards) that encroach from all angles and directions. So, while a scratch player might get around with only one ball (odds not much shorter than a hole-in-one, in this correspondent’s opinion) a low single digit player will probably donate a sleeve or more, a typical 10 will contribute the better part of a dozen, and woe be it to the 20-plus handicap hacker. He will almost assuredly be making a pro shop pilgrimage at the turn, (assuming he can last that long) for another 18-pack of Pinnacles.

But despite its perils The Shattuck is more than a ball-hawker’s bonanza. It requires precise shot-making, both off the tee and on the approach. It requires judicious use of the driver, as the blue tees are less than 6,100 yards, but with a sky-high 141 slope rating. It also requires the ability to concentrate in a precision manner that most courses do not. This goes beyond the “kill or be killed” sensibility on virtually every full shot one encounters. It’s the bucolic surroundings, with every fairway in virtual isolation, with gorgeous views of nearby Mount Monadnock looming over different parts of the acreage. It’s the abundant wildlife swarming the course, including mink, fox, deer, moose, beaver, otter and great blue herons. It’s the Jurassic Park-themed swampland midway through the inward nine. It’s the rock outcroppings, island greens and classic New England farmhouses dotting the property. Enjoy the unique surroundings, but keep your eye on the ball. Because The Shattuck is part beauty, but mostly beast.