This has to be one of the longest golf course names I have ever played – Betty Allison Junior Golf Course at Oscar Blom. I can almost play the entire 1407 yards par 3 course in the same amount of time I can type…Betty Allison Junior Golf Course at Oscar Blom. Today I have driven 300 miles from Springfield, IL to Springfield, MO so this Springfield could play two par 3 courses that have a combined yardage (from the tips) of 2,211 yards. Call me crazy (I heard that), but I’m Grabbing my Sticks and Golfing Route 66.
I was able to walk right on as the course was almost empty today. That could have been because the temperature was trying to reach 100 degrees. Yes, I am a little crazy! Normally there are three sets of tees to choose from, however today the blue and white tees were together. So at Hole #1, I had to decide if the distance was either 131 or 157 yards. I chose the latter and air-mailed my shot over the green. You’ll find I-44 & Route 66 to the left at Hole #2. If you hook your tee shot, the ball will travel west down Route 66; if you are long, your next shot will be from the Days Inn parking lot.
Hole #3 is a short 116 yards and shares the green with hole #7. If your shot starts going long and left get ready to shout – Fore! Eyeing the Waffle House beyond Hole #4, I realized I had not eaten for some time – not too smart on a hot and humid day. All is going well so far as I am only one over after four holes.
Hole #5 is 207 yards with a bunker to the left of the green. From the blue tee boxes the hole distances range from 116 yards to 207 yards. The course is definitely a fair test of our iron game! After seeing the Waffle House and thinking about food, I was starting to feel a little light-headed after #5. Luckily there are a few shade trees that offered some relief from the high temperature, and fortunately I did have the good sense to carry water even though it was lukewarm at this point.
A huge green, a bunker, and a tree await your tee shot at Hole #6. I missed all three. I’m losing strength – where is the cart girl? Oh wait a minute, there are no carts, and no girls! I trudge my way up (yes uphill) toward the seventh green. I see two red flags up on this large green. Am I seeing double? Am I hallucinating because of lack of water and nourishment? I see sand but no water! Somehow I fight my way through brain fog and remember this is the shared green with #3, and I register my sixth straight par.
With my hands shaking as I gripped my 8-iron and putter, somehow I managed my only birdie of the day at Hole #8. The 163 yard ninth hole is a nice way to end the round. There is a creek to cross with your tee shot and trees and more water to the right of the green. Water? Is this a mirage or do I really see water?
Rating – Birdie (45 out of 60): I made it! I am alive and well, but Waffle House here I come! If you are looking for a quick round just off Route 66, this is a nice facility. The course was in good shape, and because of the wide variety of lengths I was able to use most of the irons in my bag. Looking for more of a challenge? Try the sister course next door – The Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course.
1825 E. Norton Road, Springfield, MO 65803; 417-833-9962; www.parkboardgolf.org
