I had every intension of going to the 2012 Ryder Cup tournament over the weekend, but unfortunately was unable to make it.  I wasn’t going to miss the action so I decided to attend one of the practice rounds, and I’m glad i did.  It was an opportunity for me to get a great view of the course and an up close view of the golfers in a more laid back relaxed atmosphere.  Even though it was a practice round the fans were still electric and plentiful.  It looked amazing through the TV over the weekend, but I can only imagine what the atmosphere was like in person.

I decided to get there early because I wanted to walk around before the golfers took to the course.  I know several people who have played the No. 3 course at Medinah, and have heard great things.  This course really lived up to the accolades.  It is  apparent why Medinah No. 3 is ranked #2 in Illinois, and #23 in America according to Golf Digest.  With all the heat we had this summer the grounds crew really had their work cut out for them, and they did a unbelievable job making the course look the way it did.  The course was in absolute pristine condition.  I took some great photos of the course and shared a few of my favorites below.  Enjoy!

1st Hole:  Par 4, 433yds

2nd Hole:  Par 3, 192yds

Hole 4:  Par 4, 463yds

7th Hole: Par 5, 617yds

12th Hole: Par 4, 476yds.  This was probably one of my favorite holes on the course.  From watching the tournament it added to plenty of drama with the slope off to the right of the green.  Just a great golf hole.

13th Hole:  Par 3, 245yds.  This hole was plain and simply a beast.  I was standing right next to the tee box, and loved watching the golfers reaction when they took a look at this hole from the tips.  I captured a great photo (below) of Jim Furyk and Brandt Snedeker reacting to this hole.  Furyk was looking at Bubba Watson, and both we like “wow”….but then Bubba grabbed a 2 or 3 iron and knocked it right on the green….unreal.

14th Hole: Par 5, 609yds

15th Hole: Par 4, 391yds.  This was the driveable par 4, and added plenty of excitement during the tournament.

16th Hole: Par 4, 482yds.  The first photo is a look at 16 from the green at 15.  It is tought to tell from the second photo but the elevation from the fairway to the green was very drastic.  I also went looking for the tree that Sergio Garcia hit is miracle shot from, but learned they removed it as the widened the fairway.  This was a great hole and very difficult.

17th Hole: Par 3, 193yds.  The first picture was the view across Lake Kadijah from the 14th fairway.

18th Hole: Par 4, 449yds.  Love the giant flag pole behind the 18th green.  I think all golf courses in America should have one.