Beautifully brutal

Got a hole on your course that golfers particularly grieve over? Or interested in a way to draw new customers to your course? John Deere Credit has devised a contest that asks you to showcase your most beautifully brutal hole, and in return, it's supplying publicity tools and potentially a spot in its 2009-10 picture calendar.

And it's all free of charge! To enter John Deere Credit's "Beautifully Brutal Golf Holes" contest, submit an entry here and a photograph with a description of what makes the hole among the most challenging or brutal on your course. Consider factors like depth of rough, number and placement of bunkers, location of water, course slope, speed, undulation of greens and typical scores. Or how often you hear members in the clubhouse griping that a certain hole messed up their otherwise-perfect round.

Entries are posted on the contest Web site, and John Deere Credit will provide a press release per entry with info and a photo of the hole for you to present to local media. Eighteen winners will be selected from three categories: par-5, par-4 and par-3 holes, and will be highlighted in a picture calendar.

Deadlines are March 15 for par-5 entries; May 15 for par-4 entries; and July 15 for par-3 entries.