Canyata Golf Club – Played August 2023
- Rankings: Golf Digest #37
- Location: 18240 East 2150 Road, Marshall, Illinois
- Year: 2004
- Architect: Michael Benkusky
- Course Access: Private
- Walking Rules: Carts Available
Score Card Information:
- Gold: 7,287 yards, Par 72, 76.1 Rating/150 Slope
- Black: 6,797 yards, Par 72, 73.6 Rating/143 Slope
- Blue: 6,212 yards, Par 72, 71.0 Rating/136 Slope
- White: 5,695 yards, Par 72, 78.6 Rating/130 Slope (Men’s), 73.5 Rating/136 Slope (Women’s)
- Red: 4,883 yards, Par 72, 69.0 Rating/126 Slope
Canyata Golf Club is a course you might not have heard of unless you are deep into the golf travel/architecture space. Luckily for you, it’s been on my radar for a while. While it’s a private course built for the owner, this one is more accessible than some of the other exclusive playgrounds in America.
Canyata (pronounced can-YAY-tuh) was originally conceived to be a three-hole course in Marshall, Illinois on the family farmland of Gerald Forsythe. From this original vision, the course expanded to 18 holes in 2004.
Marshall is a farming town a little over 3 hours from Chicago. And believe me when I say this course is off the beaten path. My GPS was off by about a mile so I just keep driving until I saw the gate below. With that, let’s get on with the tour.
Limited public play is available and the staff tries to make sure you have the whole course to yourself. I was there on a “busy” day with 10-12 other people.
On wet days it might not be possible to get to the clubhouse!
Hole 1 – 322 yards – Par 4
I started on the 14th hole so I wouldn’t run into other groups, but we’ll go in the normal order for the tour. The first hole plays to a wide fairway where you can challenge the bunkers up the left.
After the tee shot, the hole bends to the left and leaves you with this short approach shot.
Hole 2 – 554 yards – Par 5
You must carry the ravine with the tee shot. Any line inside the right bunker should leave you in a good spot.
Multiple bunkers on the left closer to the green will factor into your plans for the second shot.
Keep an eye on the pin position because you do not want to have to putt through the big valley in the green.
Hole 3 – 176 yards – Par 3
From this elevated tee you get a nice view to more of the property. Don’t miss right on this downhill shot.
Hole 4 – 383 yards – Par 4
This hole is a bear that plays severely uphill to a difficult landing area. You can play farther back but that makes the approach more difficult.
From this angle behind the green, it’s readily apparent that missing right is almost always a lost ball. Walking away with a par here is a win.
Hole 5 – 377 yards – Par 4
What goes up must come down and that is the truth on this hole. Keep your tee ball center or slightly left to avoid any tree trouble.
The severity of the slope comes into focus in the photo below.
Hole 6 – 475 yards – Par 5
With the length of this par five, birdie should definitely be a thought. The left side of the fairway is flatter and bunkers dot each side.
With ample slope around the green, you need to be accurate with your second or third shot.
Hole 7 – 266 yards – Par 4
This hole begs for you to take on the green. The putting surface is small, but aside from the bunkers and tall grass way off line, it is open.
Hole 8 – 173 yards – Par 3
This is a pretty big target but sand and native grass await if your are wild off the tee. Once you get to the green you are met with a very sloped putting surface.
Hole 9 – 385 yards – Par 4
This tee shot can be tough for drawers and faders. For me, moving it right to left, the bunkers come into play unless you challenge the water. Time to find that straight ball!
The green is slightly elevated and protected by a couple of bunkers.
Hole 10 – 492 yards – Par 5
Water plays a factor on this hole after the drive with the hazard going along the left side. From these tees the hole is gettable, but the other sets were much farther back.
Taking on this green is a bit of a hero shot. The sensible play is to favor the right side.
Hole 11 – 397 yards – Par 4
The eleventh is a tough one from the start. It plays slightly uphill and favors a fade from the tee. The angle to the green is best from the left side of the fairway.
Hole 12 – 183 yards – Par 3
You absolutely have to hit a good shot with the big ravine here. The green is angled to the tee and surrounded by bunkers. There is a bit of a backboard on the back section of the green.
Hole 13 – 302 yards – Par 4
This is a short hole, but unlike seven, this green is a little tougher to go for. There is more trouble for sure.
You don’t want to miss long.
Hole 14 – 380 yards – Par 4
Keeping the tee shot up the right side is the smart play here. It makes for a longer second shot, but you’ll be dry.
Hole 15 – 513 yards – Par 5
This hard dogleg left sets up really well for a draw. Keep the tee shot inside the left bunkers and you are in good shape.
There’s no water to worry about on the approach, just some rough and sand. A miss right is better than left.
Hole 16 – 277 yards – Par 4
Decisions are on offer with this tee shot. Whatever you do, try to steer clear of the large tree in the middle of the photo below. It can make a short shot very tricky.
See what I mean?
Hole 17 – 162 yards – Par 3
This green is perched and has a distinct lower right section. Left pins will be difficult to access without precise tee shots.
Hole 18 – 395 yards – Par 4
Canyata Golf Club finishes with the most narrow fairway on property. Left is worse than right, but only slightly.
If you hit the fairway, the approach plays to green guarded by a ravine and trees. Don’t miss!
Canyata Golf Club offers a peaceful round in a pristine setting. You’ll feel at one with nature because you won’t see many other people during the round. The small but friendly staff will make you feel at home in this playground.