Kokopelli Golf Club in Marion, Illinois

The first decade of existence for Kokopelli Golf Club in Marion, Ill. has been one of soaring highs and sinking lows. Literally.

Opened in 1997 to great acclaim and anticipation, the Steve Smyers-designed golf course takes full advantage of the 176-acre property. A former coal strip-mine, the land heaves and falls, and a gaping ravine wrecks havoc on wayward shots through a good portion of the back nine.

The unique topography, along with the difficult grass-growing climate and soil type, however, engendered problems early on. There were also man-made faults in the course construction, which worsened over time.

The absolute low point was when half the green complex at the signature 146-yard 14th collapsed and sank into the deep water that has filled the former strip-mine pit.

Now, under new ownership that includes Smyers, the promising southern Illinois layout is finally reaching its full potential as a true destination course. New bunkers, revamped greens, and better turf make Kokopelli worth the trip from anywhere in the state.