The Buzz: Originally, Tom Weiskopf got all the credit for the Pinnacle, but that changed in 2007, when Troon Golf decided to alter the golfscape by combining the original back nine of the Pinnacle with the original back nine of Monument. The good news was the switch seemed to strengthen the Pinnacle from a logistical standpoint, and many golf-magazine raters even felt it made for a better course. One thing is certain, the Pinnacle starts with a bang at the hole named “Mackenzie’’ for its false front that is backed spectacularly by a huge boulder and ends with an equally amazing experience at the signature hole named “Pinnacle’’ because it is backdropped by nearby Pinnacle Peak.
There is no letdown along the way with par 3s like “Saguaro’’ and “Postage Stamp,’’ a replica of the famous hole that used to be part of the British Open rotation. The big difference between the Pinnacle and Monument courses at Troon North is that the Pinnacle is much tighter off the tee. Translated: High handicappers will enjoy the Monument and its wide-open spaces just a tad more, although both are “to die for’’ rounds of golf.
Read “The Buzz” about sister course Troon North — Monument.