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Built in 1998 along the Cal Sag Channel and owned by the Village of Worth, Water's Edge Golf Club melds woods, water and native grasses into a scenic and challenging test of golf. Centerstage Golf's review team played a 4-1/2 hour Saturday twilight round in mid-July 2003 behind two outings. Recent wet weather had resulted in a "Cart Paths Only" policy for that day; but the course is very walkable, with the exception of long hikes to the 2nd and 18th tees. Because of the dampness of the course, it played much longer than the listed yardage. (We played the Blues and would have been better off from the Whites.) From the first hole to the last, golfers will be faced with tough driving holes and plenty of trouble from tee to green. The greens are generally multi-level affairs and well protected by sand traps and gnarly rough. A great deal of natural areas are impenetrable and off limits. Best rule of thumb: Keep it in the short grass. The Par 4's are the strength of this Rick Robbins design (with Gary Koch, PGA Senior Tour player and TV analyst providing consultation). Half the 4-pars play at over 380 (most closer to 400) from the Blue Tees. No's. 2, 10 & 17 are brutes. The 18th is shorter (365), but with water along the right and close on the green, it is a very solid finishing hole. Number 7 is the best and longest (200 from the tips) 3-par. The 5-pars are all solid, but #11 (at 570 from the tips) gets Centerstage Golf's vote for the course's signature hole, an upside down "J" with water in play the length of the right side. Be sure to find the Halfway House tucked behind the 7th green and 9th greens. While settling up in the commodius clubhouse, let Cheryl (or the other friendly service staff from Kemper Sports Management) pour your favorite beverage. Centerstage Golf tip(s) for Water's Edge: (1) Bring plenty of balls; (2) play the tees recommended for your handicap. This is a tough golf course.
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