FAIRWAY TO FUTILITY-Disney's Magnolia Course

[Gxgolfer]

By Steve Elling

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After rebuilding the greens and tacking on another 300 yards in length, the Mag reopened Sept. 22, better known as the autumnal equinox, wherein there are exactly 12 hours of daylight and sunlight. It seemed more like the summer solstice -- you know, the longest day of the year.

We emphasize long, as in 4.27 overall miles of raking, hacking, flailing and flogging that no amateur has any business attempting on even his best day. Rest assured, this was not our best day.

Disney invited a small cadre of folks to the Mag's ribbon cutting, including state golf officials and various Orlando-area industry types, and dared them to play from the tips. Head pro Kevin Weickel had three words of advice when he sent a preliminary e-mail to the Sentinel: "Bring a howitzer." Indeed, henceforth, Mag is officially shorthand for Magnum.

In terms of scores posted during the unveiling by some fairly competent amateurs, the Mag was not the Happiest Place on Earth -- probably because most of the planet was used to stretch the course. From the back tees, this is not your grandpa Walt's golf course anymore.

Top 10 Longest Courses

Tournament Yards
1. The International 7,619
2. Buick Invitational 7,568
3. Zurich Classic of New Orleans 7,520
4. Disney Funai Classic (Magnolia) 7,516
84 Lumber Classic 7,516
6. Houston Open 7,508
7. Reno-Tahoe Open 7,472
8. Honda Classic 7,468
9. Wachovia Championship 7,442
10. Deutsche Bank Championship 7,415
SOURCE: 2005 PGA Tour media guide