LOCKE - Teeing up on the first hole at Fillmore Golf Course, you get a false sense of security. It's long. It's straight. It's flat. The only obstacle is a small bunker to the left of the green.

Sounds easy enough, right? Even the two of us were putting for par. For the record, we both missed, but that's not the point. The point is, we both walked to the second tee box thinking a low score was at least in the realm of possibility.

Not surprisingly, about 42 seconds later we were singing a different tune.

Nestled in the hills of Locke, Fillmore offers a roller-coaster terrain splashed with trees and ponds and plenty of streams.

There are water hazards on all but four holes - including three different opportunities for a swim on No. 2 - and a flat lie, whether in the rough or fairway, is difficult to come by.

But as much as Fillmore doesn't cater to our golf-course needs - meaning a flat, barren landscape where the greens funnel directly to the hole - it is a fun and delightful challenge.

There are blind tee shots, hidden ponds, and pine trees that swallow golf balls whole. There are plenty of opportunities to turn in a bogey but very few gimme pars. While your final tally may be a shot to your pride, Fillmore is as true a testament to your golfing ability as there is.

This course pulls no punches. The rough is easy enough to escape from. The greens aren't too slow or too fast. The distances aren't exceptionally long. Basically, you won't know what a challenge Fillmore is until you actually step out onto the course - and find yourself standing lopsided, swinging for par from 137 yards out.

There are some shots on this course you won't find anywhere else in the area.

Take No. 16 for example. While 233 yards is almost laughable for a par 4, the hole may leave you in tears. No. 16 is directly uphill, and we mean DIRECTLY. For first timers, you won't know whether to hit a 3-wood or 6-iron off the tee. If you go too far you're in the woods, too short you've got a giant tree blocking your path to the green. And don't forget there's a creek that runs 20 yards in front of the green.

Or try your luck on No. 7 - an uphill par-3 measuring 177 yards. Matching sixes aren't exactly impressive.

But its uniqueness makes it a thinker's course. It made us question our decisions and long for the advice of a caddy. Basically, it made us feel like pros, minus the low scores.

But if you spend as much time in the water as we did, you might as well bring a fishing pole. We hear there are some big bass in the ponds.

Fillmore Golf Course

Par: 71

Yardage: White 5,523

Red 4,374

Signature Hole: No. 6, Par 4, 251 yards. The green sits on a hill well above the tee box and a pond lurks just off the right side of the fairway. While the water hazard is no bigger than 25 feet across, it is hidden from view on your drive and any sliced tee shot could end up in the drink.

Our Tip: Hit the back of the green on No. 10. Anything short won't stay up - a birdie putt turned into a wedge out of the rough for par, accompanied by plenty of four-letter words.

Our Take: A level lie is a rarity. Be prepared to swing at a ball that is a couple inches above or below your feet, which always results in some interesting shots.