Jaycee course presents a challenging design

If you enjoy a challenging layout, yet reasonably priced, then Cape Jaycee Municipal Golf Course should be a nice fit.

Opened in the late 1970s, the 18-hole, par-70 public course features hilly, tree-lined fairways, small elevated greens and water on six holes.

Although only 5,616 yards in length from the back tees, the small elevated greens, six doglegged holes and potential tree trouble throughout the course place a premium on shotmaking and ball placement.

The women's tees set the course length at 4,492 yards while the seniors' are slightly less.

Golfers at Cape Municipal don't have to wait long to face a challenge.

The specter of a large pond looming straight ahead off the first tee, although not an especially long carry, can be an intimidating sight, particularly for that first swing of the day.

The par-four fifth hole, a severe dogleg-left measuring 349 yards, should play even tougher this season. A pond along the left side of the fairway has been expanded over the winter and will become even more of a factor. An errant approach shot into an uphill green could roll back down the hill to a watery grave.

The Bermuda grass greens and fairways present a bit of a shortfall, albeit a minor one, for this course. Since Bermuda is dependent on hot weather for full maturation, the course may not provide optimum playing conditions early in the spring golf season.

Regular greens are now in play, replacing the temporaries used throughout the fall and winter months.

Series of improvements

Other improvements in progress at Cape Municipal include enlarging the practice putting green, adding undulations and seeding with a different strain of Bermuda.

The tee boxes on the eighth and 14th holes are also being made larger while sand bunkers will replace grass bunkers on the seventh and 17th holes.

Electric carts are available for those who prefer to ride. But the course, despite the hilly terrain, is not an overly difficult walk.

Highlights of this year's tournament schedule include three men's open scrambles, as well as several members-only events.

llewis@semissourian.com

(573) 335-6611, extension 171