Link's at Land's End

Lake Fork’s premier golf facility is appropriately named–it’s located in what seems like the middle of the lake where two peninsulas come together. Half of the holes play along these peninsulas. Since October 2001 the course has had 18 holes.

The most difficult hole on the front nine, and the signature hole of the course, is the scenic par 5 that takes you away from the trees and introduces you to the lake. Despite the average length, the hole plays long because of the wind, and is definitely a three-shot hole since you’re forced to lay up at about 150 yards out. Aim the tee shot to the right of the fairway, and beware of the deceptively uphill approach.

On the back be sure to manage your game on hole 11, a painstakingly long par 4 with the lake running down the left side of the fairway. The drive needs to be perfect here, with the lake looming left and any shot to the right being blocked by trees. Since the lake juts in front of the green, the safe play on the approach is to steer right. This isn’t the hole to be aggressive on, so the average hacker should play for bogey.

Other notes: Complete with detailed tips for how to play every hole, along with pictures, hole diagrams, and yardages, the course’s Web site is one of the most comprehensive you’ll find. We definitely recommend spending a few minutes on the site before your trip.

Getting there : From Dallas, take Hwy 19 off 80 to Emory. Turn right towards Mineola on Hwy 69. Look for the Lake Fork sign and FM 515 (bears right). Go 10 miles and cross the bridge. There’s a Phillips 66 on the right 2 miles past bridge. Find County Road 1970, turn right, then turn left at the T. Follow 1970 and the course is on the left.