Glacier Club - Valley Course

Played twice over the past 10 days -- first time at Glacier Club. Fairways and greens were in great shape, rough was tended. Definitely played it better (and shaved several strokes) the second time through by knowing better where to hit. Some holes require proper targeting, and less than driver. Very friendly staff, nice clubhouse and restaurant. Look forward to playing again.

First off, this course has some fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains and some beautiful holes. It's in pretty good shape. And perhaps if I hadn't played the Mountain Course (recently completed) at Glacier Club, I wouldn't be so critical. But there are several holes on this course that don't make sense to me from a playability standpoint, and it starts with the first hole. While the second shot is gorgeous, the tee shot is uninspiring. Plus you have to lay up, and there's very little target with death (lost ball) both right and left. Not a good way to start a golf course. There are other holes that are too difficult for resort golf. The par-5 "Lone Pine" is one of them with too much heavy rough on the right (where it's impossible to chip back to the fairway) to that bothersome tree blocking the green. I would imagine 8 is the average score on this hole. The 14th is even worse. A short downhill dogleg right, you can't see the green, and it's almost impossible the first time out to figure out your line. That hole could be very good if it was cleaned up a little. And finally the 18th has two hazards on the right, except the second, which is quite reachable, is also quite blind. That hole is hard enough as it is without creating blind tee shots. There are other examples, too, too much tall grass real close to greens (I hit a shot pin high just off the green on the 10th only to have a lost ball and make double, while my playing partner hit his approach fat and short and was able to make par.) Some renovations here and there would really elevate this course.