K-State's new school of hard knocks : The 600-yard, par-5 seventh at Colbert Hills, Manhattan, Kan - Brief Article

Golf Digest, August, 2000 by Ron Whitten

Great Plains, great golf

They call Manhattan, Kan., where the only skyscrapers are grain elevators, "The Little Apple." But in golf, it has planted more seeds than the big one. LPGA player Deb Richard was raised here. Senior tour player Joe Jimenez spent seven years as pro at the local country club. His buddy Jim Colbert is a Kansas State alumnus.

All returned recently to open the Colbert Hills Golf Course, a new daily-fee owned by a foundation of Kansas State University and spearheaded by Colbert. With Colbert's input, architect Jeff Brauer created a sprawling 18, routed down existing draws and across ravines with minimal disturbance to its Flint Hills locale. A little earth, and a lot of rock, was moved mainly to cradle greens and install four ponds and 104 bunkers. From the "Black & Blue" back markers, it's a bruiser at 7,525 yards, par 72, sloped at 152, rated at 77.5.

In a region where $20 still covers a green fee and cart, Colbert Hills' $79 fee has triggered sticker shock. But the club offers discounted standby rates to walk-ons and a par-3 course (honoring Tiger's dad, Earl Woods, a 1953 K-State grad) for $9.

Locals will come around. A decade ago, they couldn't give away tickets to Wildcats football games. Now fans pay a premium to watch one of college football's best teams. They'll soon recognize they've also got a winner in Colbert Hills.

Getting on: $59 Mon.-Thurs., $79 Fri.-Sun. (Includes cart.) Standby rate, $35-$45. Walking allowed anytime. Call 785-776-6475.