Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Lou_Duran on December 25, 2004, 11:24:59 AM
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A friend sent me a most beautiful holiday season card from the USGA collection recently. It depicts a painting of PBGL's #8 from the perspective of looking toward the tee from the back of the green.
In my opinion, PBGL is a vastly overrated course. Yet, I can't think of a single hole anywhere that I may like better. The seaside blind tee shot, the chasm separating the landing area from the green, the slope and roll of the fairway, the angle of the green complex, the considerable movement of the putting surface, the serious trouble all over the place. It is a hole that not only has tremedous beauty and mystery, but it requires strategy and commitment to hitting three or four superb shots.
What are your favorite hole (s) and why?
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Favorite holes:
8th Pebble Beach
16th Cypress
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Any hole at Friar's head. ;D
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Best hole = #6 at The Creek; Pure risk/reward strategy off the tee with an awesome Punchbowl/Reverse Redan green complex. Also one of my favorites.
Cannot single out only 1 favorite. Cannot even get to 1 for many of 8 different categories (e.g. long par 4, short par 3, etc.)
#8 at Pebble is certainly right up there.
Will give the nod to #8 at Pine Valley for both best AND favorite short par 4.
All candidates are oft-mentioned on this DG from Merion, PV, Shinnecock, NGLA, Dornoch, Pebble, Cypress, etc. (except Sand Hills - haven't played yet.
Now back to my Christmas Day grog.
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Lou,
From the same course, picking a par 3, par 4 and par 5:
6 at NGLA
8 at NGLA
18 at NGLA
I could play them exclusively for the rest of my life and enjoy every experience.
Just look at the variety and strategy they present
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*Augusta National 13 - favorite
Pebble Beach 18
Harbour Town 17 & 18
Pine Valley 2, 8 (original green)
Pete Dye GC 7 (par 3)
Muirfield Village 14
Long Cove 3 & 15
Black Diamond Quarry 16
Haig Point 14
Secession 14
May River 6 &7
Cypress Point 17
Belfair-West 12
And many already mentioned.
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For years my favorite was the fourth at Cruden Bay, not just for the golf shot, but for the village across the inlet and the whole scene.
However, my new favorite might be the 13th at Barnbougle Dunes, a 205-yard par-3 with my interpretation of MacKenzie's "Sitwell Park" green. I've always wanted to do a green like that, and this was the perfect spot for it.
I have only played the hole twice now. The second time, playing with Don Placek and Bruce Hepner and Brian Slawnik [in the loser's flight of our intercompany tournament], I saw Brian land a four wood fifteen feet behind the hole on a ridge and I immediately said "That could go in." We all screamed and hollered at the ball for about ten seconds until it had stopped a foot behind the hole.
I can't wait to go back and try out another of the hole locations there.
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I don't know that anyone can pick just one...but one of my favorites that pops in my mind over and over is 7 at Crystal Downs.
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3rd at Macrihanish, when the sun is setting.
Just arriving at the top of the hill, with the golden light laying softly across all those humps and folds, a gentle breeze brushing your face, makes you glad you chose golf over tennis, or heaven forbid, cricket.
18th at Royal Porthcawl, because you get two spectaculars in the one hole. A sublime tee shot straight at the sea over the edge of a fairway, and another second straight toward the sea over a rough knoll to an away sloping green.
The car park at West Sussex
Just driving in and seeing the most gorgeous clubhouse on the planet is almost enough.
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3rd at Macrihanish, when the sun is setting.
Just arriving at the top of the hill, with the golden light laying softly across all those humps and folds, a gentle breeze brushing your face, makes you glad you chose golf over tennis, or heaven forbid, cricket.
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Mark,
Me too.
And don't forget the birds.
(http://home.earthlink.net/~neilregan/machrihanish/030802%20Machrihanish%20088%20%a92004%20nregan%203rd%20green%20900%20x%20575%20LEVEL%203.jpg)
(http://home.earthlink.net/~neilregan/machrihanish/machrihanish%202000%20DCP_0433%20%a92004%20nregan%203rd%20birds%20700%20X%20525%20LEVEL%203.jpg)
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Neil - Do you really copyright these photos, or is that mark just for show?
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Sean-
The copyright © is there more to protect the club.
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#5, Bethpage Black
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For years my favorite was the fourth at Cruden Bay, not just for the golf shot, but for the village across the inlet and the whole scene.
However, my new favorite might be the 13th at Barnbougle Dunes, a 205-yard par-3 with my interpretation of MacKenzie's "Sitwell Park" green. I've always wanted to do a green like that, and this was the perfect spot for it.
I have only played the hole twice now. The second time, playing with Don Placek and Bruce Hepner and Brian Slawnik [in the loser's flight of our intercompany tournament], I saw Brian land a four wood fifteen feet behind the hole on a ridge and I immediately said "That could go in." We all screamed and hollered at the ball for about ten seconds until it had stopped a foot behind the hole.
I can't wait to go back and try out another of the hole locations there.
Tom,
For those of us who are not entirely familiar with the "Sitwell Park" green (including myself), could you elaborate for us what is involved in the design and construction of one, and what the designer (i.e. yourself) is attempting to provide the golfer.
Thanks.
JJ
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Here is a picture of the Sitwell Park green (from a website called DesignMentor (http://www.designmentor.co.uk/golf/sitwell_park.htm))
(http://www.designmentor.co.uk/GCA/sitold.jpg)
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The Barnbougle version isn't quite as severe, but Tom and Mike did a wonderful job - its a GREAT hole. The kind of par-3 where you could spend hours hitting shots at the green, using the contours to bounce your ball around.
Then you could spend all day around the green chipping and putting!
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For years my favorite hole in the world was Maidstone's #9. It still is. It's a great drive, particularly in the wind, and an even better approach shot. Day in and day out there are many different ways of playing that hole, not to mention the fact it just looks so good too.
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I don't believe I've ever been so struck with a hole as Calamity #14 Royal Portrush. From the first time I walked onto the tee box until now years later the sight, the feel, the memory lingers on. When my golfing days are over I will still come back to 14 and replay it in my mind.
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A three-way tie between the following:
1) Sand Hills #17
Just my favorite short par 3 in the world (although there are quite a few that rise near to this level). The only negative thought that enters my mind is that the round is ending :'(
2) Royal Melbourne West #6
With all the great par 4's I've ever teed it up on, this still ranks the absolute best! ;D
3) Bethpage #4
Do many/any other par 5's extend out with this kind of polished beauty, strategy and demand for execution? Simply the best of them IMHO 8)
PS....Runner's up #9 at Myopia/#16 at Merion/#16 at Pine Valley
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Bill Weber:
I agree that the impression made when a golfer first arrives at the tee of "Calamity" is one that he will probably never forget. That hole is a good pick on your part.
Have you ever heard the reaction of Gary Player when he arrived at that tee with some Portrush members? He looked down from the tee of "Calamity" at the entire stretch of the super-cool rough and broken topography of the Valley course below and proclaimed that that was a mess he could fix with an army of D-8s!!
For that remark those members aware of that story will probably never forgive him! Too bad the man's talent as a golf architect will never remotely match his talents as a world class tournament golfer! ;)
'That's a mess I could fix.....'
And coming from a non-American tournament golfer of all people. I could sort of understand it if the remark came from Scott Hoch, but from Gary Player who cut his teeth on the rough and tumble links courses of Europe???
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Pebble Beach #8
Royal Portrush #4
Doonbeg #18
Royal Portrush #14
And the winner is . . . .Royal Portrush #4 . Calamity is inspiring landscape, but for pure golf hole #4 has it!
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I don't have a new favorite hole (too many to choose from) but after 35 years of playing this game I was exposed last month to clearly the most difficult golf hole I have every seen.
Kidnappers 15th. In a stiff breeze this hole plays like a Hitchockian nightmare on steriods!
JC
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I am like BillV. My favorite can't be identified on any given day. Among them, as I sit here looking at the tundra, thinking about which hole I just wish I could play right now are; 15th Wild Horse, 7th or 8th Sand Hills, 17th Bayside, 13th Crystal Downs, 6th and 7th Lawsonia, 5th Arcadia Bluffs, 16th Rustic Canyon....
oh never mind, I can't do the exercise as presented! :-\ :o ::)
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2nd try - non U.S.
Old Course 15, 17
And many others across the pond (didn't make notes)that I can't remember the hole # - at courses like Cruden Bay, County Down, Portrush,
Ballybunion Old, Lahinch
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I'll go with 8th at Royal Troon.
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John
Excellent good call! Have you ever spoofed for drinks? What would be your favorite sequence of at least 4 links holes?
Ciao
Sean
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One immediate favorite played for the first time this year:
#17 Plantation Course Kapalua
The tee shot is nothing short of a blast to hit.
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Saen,
So glad you approve. I was hoping for that. Spoofing for drinks? Well, not by that name anyway. I gather its similar to liar's poker, with which I have considerable experience.
4 hole links stretch????
15-18 The Old Course
or
pick any 4 hole stretch between 10 thru 17 (inclusive) at North Berwick
or
1 thru 4 at Prestwick
I'll think some more. But this is Lou's thread, and I frown upon threadjacking.
Chow
Sarge
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My all-time favorite hole had to be the first at Cypress Point. The anticipation of the remainding, being the great aspect.
#9 is one I really want to have a repeat appearance on.
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So many holes, it is really impossible but here is my attempt
Favourite short par 3...#8 Troon
........... medium par 3..#12 Royal Birkdale
............ long par 3....#17 Merion/#5 Pine valley
Favourite short par 4.....#8 Pine Valley/#8 CPC
........... medium par 4....#17 Cypress Point
............long par 4......#16/18 Merion..#17 St Andrews..
favourite short par5...# 13 Augusta National
..............long par 5...# 15 Pine Valley
Best opening hole...#1 Royal Birkdale
Best Finishing hole..# 18 Merion
Best practice area...Briggs Ranch
Best cluhouse...The R&A
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The 5th at Crystal Downs.
It is a hole nobody will design today, and it is a hole without any clear way of playing it. At 355 yards you think it should be a pushover, but something about the hole is brilliant because it defies you at every turn.
I wish I had designed that hole.
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#9 at Yale
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Tom Doak said:
"However, my new favorite might be the 13th at Barnbougle Dunes, a 205-yard par-3 with my interpretation of MacKenzie's "Sitwell Park" green. I've always wanted to do a green like that, and this was the perfect spot for it.
I have only played the hole twice now. The second time, playing with Don Placek and Bruce Hepner and Brian Slawnik [in the loser's flight of our intercompany tournament], I saw Brian land a four wood fifteen feet behind the hole on a ridge and I immediately said "That could go in." We all screamed and hollered at the ball for about ten seconds until it had stopped a foot behind the hole."
TomD:
When you describe a green like that and also say it's your interpretation of a Mackenzie green at Sitwell Park, I assume you mean the incredibly radically contoured green that the course and Mackenzie became so infamous or famous for.
I'd like to know how you constructed something similiar to that today whereby the contours or the "transition grades" weren't so severe that it would be possible to transition a putt or a recovery shot from one section to another successfully. Is the 13th at Barnbougle an enormous greenspace?
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13 at N. Berwick
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#5 at Pinehurst No.2, best hole ever.
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The 4th at Fishers Island. Nothing like an Alps and Punchbowl combo-hole along the ocean. I can't recall a par four with more options.
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Must put in a word for my other home course. The three ocean par threes at Teeth of the Dog - #'s 5,7 and 16. Doak called them (with #13) the best set of par threes in the world. I can't imagine any better (with apologies to PV, Merion and Pac. Dunes).
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Mock me if you must, but if we are talking favorites, I have to go with #13 at Lido. I've played so much golf at Lido and I have so many great memories from that course, it would be tough to pick a favorite from anywhere else.
The only other hole that I would consider calling my favorite would be #4 at the Black. I've played a lot of golf there too, and that is one heck of a hole.
-Ted
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The fifth hole at Pinehurst #2.
It's not the world's most spectacularly beautiful hole, but visually good enough. But when it comes to requiring great ball striking off the tee and then into the green, acute recovery skills if you miss the green, and then a wonderful putting touch, I know of no hole that fairly examines one's game as well as this hole does.
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Somebody is going to laugh at me for this, but:
13 at Tobacco Road
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It as always 8 at Pebble and 15 at Cypress. But 11 at TOC, several at Mach and Cruden Bay, 13 at Pacific Dunes, 8 at Pacific Dunes, 6 at Bandon. The 7th and 8th at Troon, 5 and 15 at Turnberry, and it goes on and on.
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I don't have one all-time favorite.
One of my all-time favorites is NLE: the original 17th at Hazeltine -- a 345-yard (if memory serves) par-4, with a fairly sharply uphill tee shot to a narrow saddle (upside-down saddle, that is) of a landing area, with trees on the left and trees and a creek on the right, leading to a slightly uphill approach to a rolling green, with ponds left and short right (as they remain for the current par-3 17th).
I played Hazeltine often (and not well), in those days -- in the years just before and after Tony Jacklin won the U.S. Open there ... a victory that featured a beautiful running recovery shot from the woods to the left, between the ponds, up onto the green into birdie range. (If I remember correctly, it was the 3rd round -- and he made the putt.)
What I loved about the hole (and still do love about good short par-4s, in general) is that a high-school kid with a mid-level handicap could par (or birdie!) it with well-played shots, and a PGA Tour pro could double it with an inadequate drive or approach.
I think it was PJ Boatwright who, on the USGA's behalf, told the powers at Hazeltine that if they ever wanted to host another Open, that hole had to go.
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Par 3 - Shinny #11
Par 4 - Pebble #8
Par 5 - Plainfield #12
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#1 at Sand Hills and at Cypress Point........................
because I know at that point that the next three hours will be among the best which my life will have to offer.
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I have to say the 7th at Highlands Links, Killiecrankie, is the best par five I've ever played, even if some prefer the 6th.
I thought the 16th at Merion was amazing, and think the 4th at Pacific Dunes is awe inspiring in its simplicity and greatness
As for abroad, I've got to say I was dazzled by the 8th at Turnberry, the 8th at Dornoch, the 4th at Cruden Bay and the 12th at Kingsbarns.
Robert
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I must defend mine in advance,for many claim it weak.It doesn't have sand or rough.But it is the combination of a public park in front of a private building.In 100 years people will look at our pictures in front of the R & A just as we look at those 100 years ago.And there are always spectators to share the joy of the present.It's brought us Sanders and Rocco and Nicklaus.Go stand in the valley of sin on a summer midnight and see the glow of the last sun rays to the north.Anyone who prefers housing development cartball is ,I think ,missing the soul of the game.Sorry for the ramble.
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#17- Seminole- Tough as nails, pretty as a picture.
#17- Secession- " " ".
#17- Wade Hampton- " " ".
#17- TPC Sawgrass- " " ".
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Gene -
I was thinking the same thing about those two holes. Since one is a 4 and one is a 5 my favorite 3 is #10 at Friar's Head and just hope I started on the back 9 ;D.
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I must defend mine in advance,for many claim it weak.It doesn't have sand or rough.But it is the combination of a public park in front of a private building.In 100 years people will look at our pictures in front of the R & A just as we look at those 100 years ago.And there are always spectators to share the joy of the present.It's brought us Sanders and Rocco and Nicklaus.Go stand in the valley of sin on a summer midnight and see the glow of the last sun rays to the north.Anyone who prefers housing development cartball is ,I think ,missing the soul of the game.Sorry for the ramble.
Mike --
No need to defend or apologize! That's a GREAT choice.
I've been there only once -- in early November, with a very cold rain blowing hard into my face ... and it was my third, not my second, that my very cold hands bumped down through the Valley of Sin and back up onto the green, to about 4 feet. (Did I make the putt? I don't think I did -- but who cares? I didn't then, and I don't now!)
There was no one hanging over the fence -- but the guys over on the 1st tee gave that little runner a fine ovation. Which was nice.
Had I ever been there late on a summer's night, it might well be my favorite hole, too.
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Dan,those who applauded you at least had the decency to look away when I managed to snap hook it ob on #1.Yes Ian Baker-Finch isn't the only one.It just occurred to me that my most embarassing moment in golf really happened on my favorite hole,I just wasn't playing it at that time.I managed to hit my 4th shot with a 9 iron 23 yards thanks to a courteous partner stepping it off for historical purposes.The people on the rail would not make eye contact .Now ,with my pride gone,
I proceeded to have as good a ball striking round as I can remember.What an exposing game.
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Collective,
Revive this post!
It does an amazing job of juxtaposing strategy, setting, and tactical shot value much better than just talking about an entire course. I'd be interested to see what a lot of the more respected members say in reference to their favorite hole and why. I'll begin with my favorite that Ive played and favorite I haven't played:
#10 Bottle, Old MacDonald: The bunkering does exactly what he name implies, it creates a chute. The run-up game is only available from the left side of the fairway, which is obviously the side that is hardest to get to from the tee. If you are short and right, the green is protected by a large swale that runs up to what I'll now call a "no-front" on the front right of the green. The putting surface is connected to the green on #5 Short, which was the first dual green I'd ever played. It slopes back left to front right, so spinning a ball off the front is a real possibility. Freakin' unbelievable golf hole. Bandon Trails #15 is a close second
#5, Crystal Downs: I haven't played it, but it and the 10th at Riviera are my two all time wish lists for what a golf hole should be. #15 at Old Mac, and anything at NGLA are also on this list.
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Of courses I have played.....(in no particular order)
Number 16 at Bandon Dunes
Number 6 at Pacific Dunes
Number 13 at Pacific Dunes
Number 11 at Pacific Dunes
Number 11 at Pasatiempo
Number 16 at Pasatiempo
Number 11 at Los Angeles Country Club North
What will be number 8 at Old Macdonald
Number 7 at Ballyneal
Number 3 at Rustic Canyon
Number 12 at Rustic Canyon
Number 17 at Hualalai
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Thanks to Ben for reviving this thread. It was before my time on GCA and I've enjoyed reading it.
Mine has to be the first at NGLA. So many possibilities off the tee, challenging approach no matter the club, and an amazing green complex. Not to mention an incredible view and as in Gene's example the start of a sublime next few hours.
Runner up - could you ever tire of the walk up 18 at TOC?
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9 RCD
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The Long Hole #14 at the Old Course is still my favorite. So many ways to play it, so many obstacles. I love Dr Mackenzie's graphic of how players A, B, C and D can play the hole. Not sure what letter I am but I like to play the tee shot out to the left, avoiding the Beardies, then play left of Hell and hit a bump and run third up and ...........yes.........onto the green. Walking off the Long Hole with a par is a wonderful feeling. ;D
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Par 3 - #3 @ Pasatiempo
Par 4 - #12 @ Calusa Pines (Got engaged on this hole :) )
Par 5 - #9 @ Interlachen (18 for the Women's Open)
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OK Lou my friend I will have to agree with you that PB 8 is my favorite in all of golf. I even got engaged one time from the 9th tee overlooking the 8th green. AND It is still my favorte after the bitter divorce.
It is simply an awesome hole. Architects live for that landscape. I HAVE NEVER PARED the hole in about 15 attempts, but it is still my favorite hole in the world.
Anthony
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The 10th at Rock Creek Cattle Company and the 7th at Ekwanok...both offer everything you could want in a par 5..
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Number 11 at Pacific Dunes. Bliss. And a helluva hole too.
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Great thread !
Number 16 at Philadelphia Country Club before the rerouting, which makes it now the first hole, was the best in the Flynn routing for that finish.
It is lost to my now favorite, number 3 at Kittansett.
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My favorites are 2 short par-4s: Winged Foot West #6 and Quaker Ridge #11 for very different reasons. And a the par-3 #17 at Bandon Trails... I could hit tee shots at that hole forever!
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Let me take it one step further:
Par 3: Pacific Dunes #11
Par 4: Merion East #16
Par 5: Augusta National #13
Favorite hole I play often:
#2 at French Creek - one of the most beautiful inland holes I've ever played.
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I'll revise. Holes I've actually played
Par 3: #12, Bandon Dunes
Par 4: #10 Bottle, Old Mac
Par 5: #17, Stone Eagle
It looks as if I need more experience playing courses....
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Ben,
I've never played Augusta, but I've been there for the tun-a-mint.
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Funny I started reading this thread as if it were a new one. Thinking the whole time about the 9th @ cpc. Now its a toss up with the combos of 8 and 9 @ cypress with the 7th and 8th @ Ballyneal. Those new clean bunker lines near Carmel clearly give the edge to Holyoke.
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I see a lot of favorite holes being mentioned but not too much detail input as to why... ???
I think we can do much better. How about some meat to explaining why these are favorite holes?
As for any favorite of my own ... I'm not sure at this point. I tend to prefer and favor a sequence of holes. I'll have to think a little on this one.
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My favorites are 2 short par-4s: Winged Foot West #6 and Quaker Ridge #11 for very different reasons. And a the par-3 #17 at Bandon Trails... I could hit tee shots at that hole forever!
Jaeger:
I'm curious for your thinking behind WFW #6. A pretty good hole on a great course, certainly, but your favorite hole (or at least one of your top 3) of all time? It's neither my favorite hole at WFW (#10 is my favorite, and I like others over #6) nor my favorite short par 4 of those I've played (I prefer at least Pac Dunes #6, Cuscowilla #5, and Merion #10)....
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Patrick,
PB 8 is visually stuning and demanding. The forced carry secound shot is the greatest in the world. The views from the tee and green are secound to none that I have played.
Anthony
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Carl - WFW #6.... I spent a few days sitting up on the tee during the last open there, watching tons of groups come through, and just loved it! I loved watching the pros make bogie or worse from 20 yards on a regular basis. I think what I really enjoyed the most about it though was the interactions between a few of the pros and the gallery during the practice rounds, in particular watching Darren Clark trying to pull a guy out of the crowd to hit a drive, after he gave Darren some $hit for not reaching once in a doze tries..... This past week I actually found one of Darren's lost balls at his home course outside london, Taylor red #60 (his lowest round ever) and has a clover as well.
So this hole just brings back some great memories for me, but if I had to pick one of my short par 4's to play over and over again, it would be #11 at Quaker.
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a very fun topic, but very difficult to choose...I'll have to go with my favorite hole from my 5 favorite courses and a couple of other great ones
no order
1. #4 Royal County Down
2. #11 Ballybunion
3. #13 Pacific Dunes
4. #8 Prairie Dunes
5. #14 Royal Dornoch
Other honorable mentions
1. #17 Sand Hills
2. #5 Bethpage
3. #12 Kingsbarns
4. #13 Muirfield
5. #14 Portrush
6. #14 St. Andrew's
6. #12 - Minikahda Club - Minneapolis - definitely one of the best par 5's I've ever played.
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My justifications are the sexyness and multiple options.
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When I saw this and thought to myself, "Just one hole? Are they serious?", I forgot it was an old thread and I'd already answered it.
Worse yet, I have not been back to Barnbougle in 4 1/2 years to play my choice again, so it was not the first hole I thought of this time.
For a "best" golf hole, I think I would nominate the 8th at Crystal Downs. I've never seen a hole that rewarded position play so well without resorting to bunkers. (There are a couple of bunkers up at the green, but they are pretty inconsequential.) The one big tree in the corner of the dogleg does help, though.
But for a pure "favorite" I would go with The Pit, #13 at North Berwick. Simple ingenuity and use of a native feature at its finest. And it's a very easy hole, but you can still muck it up big-time.
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Wow- what a tough call, Par 3 - 15th at Ballybunion, Par 4- 11th at Merion, Par 5 - 18th at Beverly-sentimental choice -but a very fine test as 3 shotters go. The list could go on and on. Jack
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How about my top five?
#12 at Franklin Hills
#4 at Old Elm
#13 at Augusta
#10 at Merion
#14 at Olympia Fields
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When I saw this and thought to myself, "Just one hole? Are they serious?", I forgot it was an old thread and I'd already answered it.
Worse yet, I have not been back to Barnbougle in 4 1/2 years to play my choice again, so it was not the first hole I thought of this time.
For a "best" golf hole, I think I would nominate the 8th at Crystal Downs. I've never seen a hole that rewarded position play so well without resorting to bunkers. (There are a couple of bunkers up at the green, but they are pretty inconsequential.) The one big tree in the corner of the dogleg does help, though.
But for a pure "favorite" I would go with The Pit, #13 at North Berwick. Simple ingenuity and use of a native feature at its finest. And it's a very easy hole, but you can still muck it up big-time.
Tom, Interesting that you choose 8 over 1, 5, 6 or 7 at CD. The bunker to the right of the green is inconsequential only if you are not in it. I unfortunately was. Too many great holes at CD to pick the best in my Opinion. Jack
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# 1 at TOC- besides the obvious, because it's the gateway to the next 17.
# 4 at BPB- absent an ocean vista, are there many cooler views than walking down the slope after putting out on #3 and seeing the entire 4th open up in front of you?
CD
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Some of my favorites (too hard to pick just one)
Oakmont #9 (H.M. #3) - the green is one of the coolest things I've seen
Crystal Downs #13 (H.M. #5) - one of the most severe green complexes I've played, but oh so much fun
Kingsley Club #4 (H.M. #13) - I have yet so see a fairway with more movement than this hole...looks like ocean waves ricocheting off a breakwall. And then there is the green! 60 yds long with multiple "areas" and half blind from most spots in the fairway. Awesome
Franklin Hills #9 (H.M. #14) - Just an awsome looking Ross par 3. Happens to play pretty well too
Pacific Dunes #13 (H.M. #18) - Best setting in golf at sunset?
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For years my favorite was the fourth at Cruden Bay, not just for the golf shot, but for the village across the inlet and the whole scene.
However, my new favorite might be the 13th at Barnbougle Dunes, a 205-yard par-3 with my interpretation of MacKenzie's "Sitwell Park" green. I've always wanted to do a green like that, and this was the perfect spot for it.
I have only played the hole twice now. The second time, playing with Don Placek and Bruce Hepner and Brian Slawnik [in the loser's flight of our intercompany tournament], I saw Brian land a four wood fifteen feet behind the hole on a ridge and I immediately said "That could go in." We all screamed and hollered at the ball for about ten seconds until it had stopped a foot behind the hole.
I can't wait to go back and try out another of the hole locations there.
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/bunkersb/DSC01790.jpg)
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/bunkersb/DSC01791.jpg)
Good choice Tom
Having read about this green prior to playing it I thought it may be one of those creations that was going to be a bit forced and contrived however I was pleasantly surprised and it couldn't have been more the opposite. It is an incredibly clever piece of work (as is all the greens complexes at Barnbougle). I played it three times over the two days and on my second round I had a similar experience to Brian but with a three iron to the pictured front right pin. Another round I went to the left portion of the green and the only way to putt it close was to run it (as pictured above in the close up) left to right across the green, off the green and up the slope letting it run back and settle in the bowl next to the pin. The thing I enjoyed with the complexes is that there was always a way and it was not always the most conventional or obvious. Each time after we had finished out on this hole we probably kicked around on it for about 10 minutes trying out the various routes to the pin (for which there were infinite possibilities).
As for my favorite? Many! Anything purely strategic. I love the short par 4s. 4th and 12th at Barnbougle, 15e (prior to the redevelopment), 10e at Royal Melbourne or of the longer 4s I have played, beauties such as 6w RM or 17th Paraparaumu Beach. You can play each of these holes differently each time you play them depending on wind, form and pin placement.
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Is there not a more spectacular hole then 16 at Cypress Point!? What a wonderful golf hole.
The eighth and eighteenth at Pebble aren't so bad either. I love the eighteenth.
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From the time I was 13 years old, the 11th hole at Merion has always started my heart a-fluttering.
The main hazard is about 6-8 feet wide, it's a shortish par four, and truthfully, I wish there were still more tall trees left as backdrop setting to the green complex (there were certainly a number removed in recent years for understandable agronomic reasons), yet, I've never seen a picture of the hole that's failed to captivate me, I've never played it where reaching the tee doesn't speed the pulse, and there is no hole on the planet I take greater satisfaction from playing with any degree of competence.
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Did I miss something or did no one mention Riviera #10? Is there anything more reliably fun in golf than the short Par 4? And is there a better short Par 4 in the world?
I have another nominee, that I like for purposes of discussion because it is never mentioned on anybody's list of great holes; Number 6 at Muirfield. Like Tom Doak's characteristically thoughtful choice of The Pit hole at North Berwick-West, Number 6 at Muirfield also features a stone wall, although it is not much in play. Still, my memory of that hole on a glorious East Lothian day was, "This is heaven on earth. This is a place I'd like as my final resting place. Like Gus McRae wanting to be buried under the pecan tree."
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#9 at RCD. Slieve Donard in the background and the thrill as you climb over the dune to see the fairway below.
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Alas, one of my all time favorites is NLE.....the original Colt and Allison's Seaside #7....as superb a par four if ever there was.
An incredible combination of risk reward positioning combined with green size and options.....it remains firmly planted in my minds playbook.
I'm almost afraid to use it because I don't want to mess it up....preferring instead to let it rest there untarnished as a wonderful memory.
....but maybe one of these days before I myself become one......
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But for a pure "favorite" I would go with The Pit, #13 at North Berwick. Simple ingenuity and use of a native feature at its finest. And it's a very easy hole, but you can still muck it up big-time.
You haven't lived a full life if you have never hit a wall at North Berwick.
I've lived one fuller than most as I've hit the wall on #3 and on #13 too, both with second shots.
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#9 at RCD. Slieve Donard in the background and the thrill as you climb over the dune to see the fairway below.
Nice choice Jamie for all the good reasons.
Anthony
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#16 at NGLA . . . . .
Can anybody guess why?
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I cast another vote for #9 at RCD. When you crest the dune with three good friends and stand there looking at the bay, the mountains, and the fairway below rolling away towards the town it has to stir the soul of any golfer. Then you descend to face a terrific second shot between two bunkers to a wonderfully situated green in the hollow of some low dunes. And, you are in Ireland!
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#16 at NGLA . . . . .
Can anybody guess why?
Can't be the windmill because you see it on #2.
You're a sucker for punchbowl greens? ;)
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;D 8) ;D
For me it's got to be the 5th at Portrush!
To the left there is Calamity , behind you is the nasty par four aptly named Fred Daly . In front of you is a stuning vista of sea and the old castle and one of the coolest links holes you could ever design.
Knock it over all the gorse and flora to a fairway just the perfect distance below and you can walk the right walk path, a trip straight out the movie Brigadoon. As I took the trek I half expected a leprecaun to jump out of the flowers .
It 's a stunning hole , and the memories are vivid.....
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For years my favorite was the fourth at Cruden Bay, not just for the golf shot, but for the village across the inlet and the whole scene.
However, my new favorite might be the 13th at Barnbougle Dunes, a 205-yard par-3 with my interpretation of MacKenzie's "Sitwell Park" green. I've always wanted to do a green like that, and this was the perfect spot for it.
I have only played the hole twice now. The second time, playing with Don Placek and Bruce Hepner and Brian Slawnik [in the loser's flight of our intercompany tournament], I saw Brian land a four wood fifteen feet behind the hole on a ridge and I immediately said "That could go in." We all screamed and hollered at the ball for about ten seconds until it had stopped a foot behind the hole.
I can't wait to go back and try out another of the hole locations there.
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/bunkersb/DSC01790.jpg)
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/bunkersb/DSC01791.jpg)
Good choice Tom
Having read about this green prior to playing it I thought it may be one of those creations that was going to be a bit forced and contrived however I was pleasantly surprised and it couldn't have been more the opposite. It is an incredibly clever piece of work (as is all the greens complexes at Barnbougle). I played it three times over the two days and on my second round I had a similar experience to Brian but with a three iron to the pictured front right pin. Another round I went to the left portion of the green and the only way to putt it close was to run it (as pictured above in the close up) left to right across the green, off the green and up the slope letting it run back and settle in the bowl next to the pin. The thing I enjoyed with the complexes is that there was always a way and it was not always the most conventional or obvious. Each time after we had finished out on this hole we probably kicked around on it for about 10 minutes trying out the various routes to the pin (for which there were infinite possibilities).
As for my favorite? Many! Anything purely strategic. I love the short par 4s. 4th and 12th at Barnbougle, 15e (prior to the redevelopment), 10e at Royal Melbourne or of the longer 4s I have played, beauties such as 6w RM or 17th Paraparaumu Beach. You can play each of these holes differently each time you play them depending on wind, form and pin placement.
Leo,
Welcome and thanks for the love for Cruden Bay.
Anthony
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Is there not a more spectacular hole then 16 at Cypress Point!? What a wonderful golf hole.
The eighth and eighteenth at Pebble aren't so bad either. I love the eighteenth.
I immediately thought of the 8th and 18th at Pebble too. I have not played the 16 at Cypress yet but I am sure that would jump to the top of my list.
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Can't wait until the 2015 US Open when the golf world learns that one of the best views in all of golf can be had from the 9th tee at Chambers Bay.
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favourite hole: 3 at deal. i don't think i will ever master that hole but regardless it will always be fun.
best 4 links holes:
13,14,15,16 again at deal.
yes i am clearly biased. ;D
best 4 non links:
bethpage black 10-13
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The first hole that came to me was #12 at Augusta.
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I’m going to revive an old thread for my first post because I agree with Ben Sims when he said “it does an amazing job of juxtaposing strategy, setting, and tactical shot value much better than just talking about an entire course.” Further I think when a favorite hole is described it provides insight into what an individual values in a hole. I hope some more folks will provide their favorite holes and likely expect some who previously posted to have an updated all time favorite hole (maybe Tom Doak will provide a 3rd different all time favorite hole).
My favorite hole is the 8th at Pebble Beach. Unfortunately I’m not bringing anything new to this thread with that answer. As I count 8 at Pebble has been listed in the thread 9 times (Merion 16 and AGNC 13 both listed 4 times) and listed as a top favorite five times (RCD 9 listed three times, Machrihanish 3, North Berwick 13, Old Course 1 and Pinehurst 5 and all listed two times).
So why is 8 at Pebble my favorite hole? I think it is a combination of scenic beauty, nostalgia, history, great design, and honestly probably the fact that others regard it highly.
Anytime I stand on the tee with a driver in hand and a giant cliff/ocean on the right I hesitate as my miss with a driver is to the right (like most). In reality with the line that I try to play the ocean isn’t really in play on the tee shot unless I put a serious slice on the ball. The first time I played the hole I missed right of my desired line, due to a bit of a fade, and the rough held my ball from going over the cliff which (a 250ish drive if I’m not mistaken).
Every time I walk up to my ball after the tee shot I can’t help but have a huge smile on my face. The approach at 8 is probably my favorite shot in golf. The green looks to be surrounded by bunkers (I never played out of any of the bunkers in the six times I’ve played) and I always had a mid-long iron in hand. For some reason I feel like the shot looks longer than it really is and certainly it looks longer than it plays (I assume due to the small size of the green and the loss of elevation). Despite the fact that I miss my tee shots right I miss my irons left. A miss long left can be a real problem as I found out on my second round. The shot left me in some ugly rough, downhill lie to a small green sloping away. Once on the green finishing is no cake walk.
My favorite part of the hole is when it’s done and you look back to the tee. The view is my favorite view on any golf course, there really isn’t anything I can say to do it justice. I spent almost an entire day during the practice rounds of the 2010 US Open sitting in the grandstand behind the green at 8 with my wife enjoying the view.
To summarize: I'm simple minded and like pretty things but also want to be challenged.
As a side note in my rough tabulation of the information in this thread I thought it was interesting an 8th hole was listed 26 times (followed by a 17th hole listed 18 times). I’ve read that the ideal design builds through a climax to end each 9 similar to a great classical music composition. When looking at the single favorite hole a 9th hole is listed most with eight single favorite references (a 5th, 8th and 13th are listed six times each as the single favorite hole). No one lists an 18th hole as their single favorite hole and the second hole seems to be the neglected hole (not a single person lists a second hole as their favorite and 2nd holes received the fewest mentions of any hole with only 2 mentioned).
When reviewing courses mentioned Pebble (12), Cypress(11) and Pacific (10) are the three course that reach double digit mentions. The Old Course, Pacific Dunes and Cypress each had six different holes listed (NGLA, Pine Valley and Merion each had five different holes).
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As of right now, 16 at Askernish is my favorite.
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The 10th at Turnberry Ailsa.
Unlike the tee shots of Ailsa 9 and Pebble 8, both of which I found mildly disappointing, the 10th is fully blooded and bluidy braw. The angle off the tee conspires with the visible green and outright length of the hole to tempt one down the dangerous left side.
Two centerline bunkers narrow this left-side tiger route the farther one drives, but the payoff for a successful drive is an easier second shot: a reverse Woking 4 strategy.
Even if you've succeed down the left, there's still plenty that can go wrong: even from the left, the second shot is "fun," in the Presbyterian sense.
The fundamental choice, then, in either match or medal, is to risk the left side on both shots for a great score, or take the higher road to the right. I imagine more than one golfer has claimed the hole with a 5. Or 6.
What makes the hole my favorite, though, goes well beyond the architecture. The setting alone is godsmacking beautiful, a testament as good as any to whatever, wherever, whoever you believe in. Natural (Ailsa Craig, sea, coast) and manmade (golf holes, lighthouse).
And then -- best of all perhaps -- the history! Here is history every way you could want it. There's Robert the Bruce, hero to the Scottish people. Duel in the Sun in '77 and Watson waking the echoes in '09.
Lastly, as you walk up 10 you notice the monument on the hill to the right. And if you climb that hill you will find it's a memorial, to those who died on this land while training to be pilots in war.
So there's great golf on this hole and at the same time there's so much more going on. Take it all in: when you walk the 10th, you'll never walk alone.
PS, did I mention the brook laddie? http://www.bruichladdich-collection.com/2011/04/23/bruichladdich-links-series-four-turnberry-10th/
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(http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/230/2341/1600/P1010068.1.jpg)
The 6th at The Creek Club
Someone mentioned that we should explain why, so......
The tee shot appears fairly simple because there is tons of room out on the right and the bunker barely comes into play. The problem with that play is from that angle you’re pretty much dead. You really need to be on the left to have a reasonable chance at approaching the green. The forest on the left of the hole defends the ideal line and a shot into the forest is a lost shot. Therefore you must hit a light draw around the tree line to gain position on the flatter plateau for the approach.
The approach is a stunner. The green is a reverse redan (falling hard to the back and right) and Raynor has lifted the surrounds to create a punchbowl setting for the green too. This is the most unique and wonderful green complex I know. The shot is a fade into the throat in front of the green to access the front pin, or a play to the front of the green to access the back pin position. The ball will release and run a long way from both spots. The joy of the hole is that it uses the rambling hillside to define the locations of the landing area and then a perfect natural ridge to find the green site. Since the hole goes with the grade the whole way everything blends in magnificently.
Why this one... becuae Raynor had the audacity to go one very blod step further than anyone lese would dare and it made the green site magical. I wish I designed this hole.
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I'm mentioned this before, but the Par 5 8th hole at Crystal Downs is one of the very few Par 5s I have ever liked, the only one I've ever loved, and probably the best golf hole I have ever played. The length seems to me just the right length for a Par 5; the dogleg seems to be just the right angle; the uphill-ness of the second (and third shots) and the rumpled fairway adds interest and challenge and charm; the small but wonderful green and surrounds fit just right with the hole, and would be a fine green/surround on just about any hole, anywhere; and the strategy-demands-beauty-naturalness equation seems, well, perfect, and perfectly balanced.
Peter
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couldnt get down to one. Top 5 (in no particular order)
#7 At Princeville
#18 at Butler National
#16 at Kauai Lagoons (hole number may have changed with the remodel)
#16 at Hazeltine
#14 at Bandon Trails
Honorable Mention / Guilty Pleaure: #3 at Chaska Town Course
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Runner Up: St. Andrew Beach #10
All Time Favorite: Ballybunion, #17 Cashen
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# 1 at TOC- besides the obvious, because it's the gateway to the next 17.
# 4 at BPB- absent an ocean vista, are there many cooler views than walking down the slope after putting out on #3 and seeing the entire 4th open up in front of you?
CD
I could not agree more regarding #4 at BPB. It may not be the most strategic hole on the course, and certainly is not the toughest, but no hole in golf excites me like this one. I always feel as though the round is really under way walking down to the 4th tee (usually already several over par)...
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Pacific Dunes #6 at Bandon Golf Resort...
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc296/firstteeindoorgolf/PacDuneshole6par-4288yards.jpg)
Short par 4.
Fun for everybody, regardless of length or ability.
Multiple options off the tee.
Amazing 20 foot deep greenside bunker.
Narrow green demanding a great short game.
Etc.
Etc.
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USA - 12 Chicago Golf
Australia - 6 Royal Melbourne West
New Zealand - 16 Paraparaumu Beach
England - 16 Royal Cinque Ports
Scotland - 3 Prestwick
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USA - 12 Chicago Golf
Australia - 6 Royal Melbourne West
New Zealand - 16 Paraparaumu Beach
England - 16 Royal Cinque Ports
Scotland - 3 Prestwick
What,no Japan?You need to get out more. ;D
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Choosing one single hole as my all-time favorite was a fairly difficult task. Difficult due to the fact that it took up way too much of my time trying to select the one true favorite. But, I already spend a lot of time with the trappings of this website so I jumped in and wrestled around with more than a few great ones and the one that rises to the top is #8 at Ballyneal.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AlnfPifveBU/S3MteAEN4XI/AAAAAAAAAk8/mMSfVR5aKzI/s640/Ballyneal_08-06.jpg)
From wegoblogger31.com
From the tee shot to the next, nowhere I've seen will a ball on the ground move as much as on this hole. I'm a sucker for a reachable par 5 (definitely my favorite type of hole) and this one begs the golfer to reach back and send it sailing towards the flagstick with his second. Problem is, there's a party in the ground lying ahead, where your trajectory, spin and angle of attack will make all the difference between whether or not you're going to be around, or more importantly, below the hole. I've yet to par the damn thing in three plays, each time walking off the green shaking my head, wondering 'what if', with all of the options made available to get it near the hole. Watching John Lyon eagle it in the twilight hour a couple of weeks ago was one of the many highlights of our day spent at Ballyneal.
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Eric,
Cool post, and yes, Ballyneal's 8th is an awesome par five. I loved the halfpipe fairway, the Sahara bunker complex, the bunker short left of the green that guards the best landing area for the second shot, and, above all, the green. That green is brilliant. It looks very complicated, but it simply slopes one direction, with three tiny pimples placed perfectly to befuddle golfers. The collection area right of the green is superb as well.
However, 8th at Ballyneal is not my all-time favorite hole (despite my 3 there). In fact, it's not even my favorite hole on that nine! That would 7, the great short par four with my favorite green complex of the year.
My all-time favorite hole? I'll have to think about that one for awhile. 7 and 13 Ballyneal are certainly contenders, but there are other ones in the running as well.
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#8 Prairie Dunes
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In fact, it's not even my favorite hole on that nine! That would 7, the great short par four with my favorite green complex of the year.
Too short. ;) If you recall, I nearly stone cold murdered Mac and/or his caddy on this one!
No doubt, the seventh is brilliant and a contender on my favorites list.
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In fact, it's not even my favorite hole on that nine! That would 7, the great short par four with my favorite green complex of the year.
Too short. ;) If you recall, I nearly stone cold murdered Mac and/or his caddy on this one!
No doubt, the seventh is brilliant and a contender on my favorites list.
Classic! Of course, we were only playing from the middle of the teeing area, and there is nothing, especially not tee markers, preventing players from moving back on that hole.
Question: what was more epic, my eagle on 8, or the post-round hijinks that later ensued?
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I cannot specify without breaking down by the par of the hole.
Par 5 - Muirfield Village #11 - great risk/reward, cool highly elevated tee box and still challenging approach even from 100 yards out.
Par 4 - Oakmont #18 - something about walking up next to the pro's house and pro shop and seeing the gorgeous clubhouse in the background. Best finishing hole that I have ever played or seen in person.
Par 3 - Calusa Pines #11 - Redan with water deep and multiple collection areas on front and right on possibly the fastest greens in Florida.
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Question: what was more epic, my eagle on 8, or the post-round hijinks that later ensued?
After all that fun, why you ordered the Captain I'll never understand.
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To me the most fun and memorable holes are great short par 4's. Probably Pac Dunes # 6 by a nose over Ballybunion #6 or Kingsley #13...
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4th at Barnbougle Dunes, a perfect hole.
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Lou,
From the same course, picking a par 3, par 4 and par 5:
6 at NGLA
8 at NGLA
18 at NGLA
I could play them exclusively for the rest of my life and enjoy every experience.
Just look at the variety and strategy they present
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Mine very well might be the 15th at TPC River Highlands. I just love the heck out of that hole. Perfect drivable par four.
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*Augusta National 13 - favorite
Pebble Beach 18
Harbour Town 17 & 18
Pine Valley 2, 8 (original green)
Pete Dye GC 7 (par 3)
Muirfield Village 14
Long Cove 3 & 15
Black Diamond Quarry 16
Haig Point 14
Secession 14
May River 6 &7
Cypress Point 17
Belfair-West 12
And many already mentioned.
R.I.P. My friend. Reading your words quite by accident today took me back to better days.
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Holes that I both see genius in and think are very fun holes:
#6 at Palmetto
#7 at Ballyneal
#10 at Old Mac
#5 at Crystal Downs
#15 at Bandon Trails
#10 at Riviera
#4 at Pine Valley
#3 at Oakmont
#14 at Friars Head
#3 at Kingsley
#13 at Wolf Point
#16 at Plainfield
#2 at Talking Stick North
Off the top of my head those are my favorites. The winner out of that bunch is either #14 at Friars Head or #7 at Ballyneal as my favorite in golf.
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Nothing new from me but just to join in.
4 at Barnbougle (including the walk to the 5th tee)
6 at Royal Melbourne West.
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I only walked it but the 9th at Cypress Point would be my favourite hole seen or played so far
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The short par 4, 7th at Sand Hills is my favorite. I have been lucky enough to play it a dozen or so times, and still can't figure out the best way. If I were offered the opportunity to go to Sand Hills, but with the caveat that I could only play one hole over and over again, I would still make the trek and spend my time trying to birdie 7.
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The short par 4, 7th at Sand Hills is my favorite. I have been lucky enough to play it a dozen or so times, and still can't figure out the best way. If I were offered the opportunity to go to Sand Hills, but with the caveat that I could only play one hole over and over again, I would still make the trek and spend my time trying to birdie 7.
Can you drive the green in optimum conditions? Of all the holes at Sand Hills I would guess the 7th requires the most talent to exploit.
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Any of the par 3's at Camargo. The variety of the par 3's, and the enormity of the green complexes there, i could play any of them all day, and certainly never get bored. So many different shots to hit with different clubs(3 club difference on some holes from back to front pin locations) that it is always interesting, not to mention the lovely 50 foot putts you are left with when we all have that rare mishit ;)
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JNC, A bit of a nit, BUT... The 8th at BN does have a counter slope. The left side does slope towards the center. One can play a bump shot, starting left edge and have it break right. Avoiding the most left fronting pimple, a ball can get to my favorite pin position there, the middle back, just in front of the rear bunker, from the left. Good choice anyway.
My favorite... is of course, my next.
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JK,
I am not sure if you are asking me personally, but I think in optimal conditions the green can be reached. I am not sure whether the green can be held though. There is a huge front bunker that is in the direct line and makes going for the green all carry. I presume that a well played draw could get you close, but the slope to the right of the green would probably deflect the ball on the ground. I tried to drive it once, and buried myself in the huge front bunker. After about 3 sand attempts, I crossed using driver off of MY reasonable options. Luckily, there are many more options.
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I only walked it but the 9th at Cypress Point would be my favourite hole seen or played so far
It's a great hole. But not as good as the hole immediately before.
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I have a tie. My two (from the back tees) are:
Sand Hills #4. Long, great approach, great green, 3 story bunker for approach shots missed left...almost fatal. Ground game open in front. Elevated green pitched from back to front. Backstop for shots missed right. Par is a victory! VCH = Very Challenging Hole
Dismal River #18 Visually outstanding! Long uphill drive, leaves opportunity (even for us old guys) for long uphill second shot to reach her in two, or a layup. Ground game open to right and rear. Downwind - a 4-1/2. Great ending. VFH = Very Fun Hole.
Both can go from relatively easy to excruciating where par is a challenge, mostly due to wind. Multiple personalities!
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As of now, No. 2 at Ardglass. Par three, 160/167, uphill, over doom and generally against the wind.
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JME - no desire to visit Japan. I need to do some of the older European courses and visit Ireland. Six times to Australia but never visited Ireland.
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PB 8 takes the prize for me,but there is no greater joy in golf than playing the first at TOC.
Anthony
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Tough to narrow it down to one, so here goes a dozen:
Lahinch - 6
Ballyneal - 7
RMW - 3
Kingsley - 13
Barnbougle - 4
PB - 8
Pac Dunes - 11
RCD - 9
Bandon Trails - 15
Old Mac - 3
Lost Farm - 5
Yale - 10
[and of course, Prairie Bluffs - 6 (site of my only ace)]
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Choosing one single hole as my all-time favorite was a fairly difficult task. Difficult due to the fact that it took up way too much of my time trying to select the one true favorite. But, I already spend a lot of time with the trappings of this website so I jumped in and wrestled around with more than a few great ones and the one that rises to the top is #8 at Ballyneal.
Eric - that is a great Picture - it looks fun.. If we had a green like that, I'd be hung by the members here! Ridiculous!
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The short par 4, 7th at Sand Hills is my favorite. I have been lucky enough to play it a dozen or so times, and still can't figure out the best way. If I were offered the opportunity to go to Sand Hills, but with the caveat that I could only play one hole over and over again, I would still make the trek and spend my time trying to birdie 7.
Can you drive the green in optimum conditions? Of all the holes at Sand Hills I would guess the 7th requires the most talent to exploit.
I drove the green with 3 wood before. Actually the ball was just off the back. I have hit the ball in the high stuff over too. JK, you certainly could reach the green. Favorite hole there.
I still like #7 at Rock Creek better though.
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I only walked it but the 9th at Cypress Point would be my favourite hole seen or played so far
It's a great hole. But not as good as the hole immediately before.
8 looked pretty good as well, but the 9th is my favourite (not best) hole I've seen.
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I like the par-3/4/5 format on courses I have played...including two per category distinguished by length
Par 3
Long - #16 Cypress Point - great beauty, tremendous strategy with VERY different options, extremely varying conditions, and the greatest golf architect of all time had to be convinced of it's feasibility by a woman!
Short - #10 Pacific Dunes - hard to beat oceanside short holes; caddied for players needing 5-iron one day and punch 9 the next; great green complex.
Par 4
Long - #16 Deal (as a 4 par) - maybe the greatest green complex in the UK - you must THINK very carefully on every shot; unbelievable match play hole in that 5 might be a great score into a gust (while 6 might very well win the hole!).
Short - #9 Cypress Point - again, per the Doctor, strategy is king - driver or 4-iron?
Par 5
Long - #7 Ekwanok (sans cart path!) - you really can't believe your eyes stepping on the tee; main drawback is lack of risk/reward in going for green in two as it cannot be reached.
Short - #15 Highland Links - tough to find a par 5 that gets the heart pumping any more on the tee where hopes are so high; tremendous view and unbelievable terrain; wonderful strategic hole as well.
I'm sure I'll change my mind in the next 5 minutes...
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Today, I'm loving Sand Hills #17 - This is one of the best par 3's I've ever seen. Genius....
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Today, I'm loving Sand Hills #17 - This is one of the best par 3's I've ever seen. Genius....
Genius? Why? I get beautiful but it seems to have one option, hit the green.
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3rd at National Golf Links of America
17th at The Old Course
12th at The Old Course (Love/Hate)
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11th at Ballybunion.
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Adopting Will's (very sensible approach):
Short par 3: 15 at CPC (runner up, by a fine hair, 13 at Muirfield, as a short par 3)
Long par 3: 13 at Crail Balcomie
Short par : 8 at CPC (runner up, also by a fine hair, 14 at Ganton)
Long par 4: 17 at TOC
Short par 5: 16 at RCP
Long par 5: 5 at Muirfield
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It would be too hard for me to pick my clear favorite hole, but IMO the best underated golf hole which really surprised me was the 8th hole Turnberry Kintyre. Its a fairly narrow chute to the green with 2 great spectacle bunkers, a great green site in the cove, and an AWESOME view out to the sea. I played when the sun was setting and it was fabulous.
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It feels nearly impossible to cut it down to just one hole but if I am pushed at this moment in time I would have to say the winner is;
14th at Royal Dornoch
The placement of the green in the dunes combined with the angle of the tee shot just seems like the work of genius, so simple yet it makes the hole so interesting, challenging and fun!
Others than come close would be;
Par 3's - 2nd Royal Dornoch
7th Sherwood Forest
7th Barnbougle Dunes
8th Royal Aberdeen
11th St Andrews Old
15th Kingston Heath
Par 4's - 2nd Notts
3rd Kingston Heath
4th Woodlands
4th Barnbougle Dunes
12th St Andrews Old
13th North Berwick
Par 5's - 6th Carnoustie
14th St Andrews Old