Patrick:
Thanks for adding the Doak scale scores. I'm going to edit my original post to include them and hope people do so going forth.
Doesn't have to be Doak's score, just your own analysis using the 10 pt. scale.
Stemming from Mac's recent thread, someone made the comment that most of the folks on here generally play average courses.
Well, I'm going to blow this premise out of the water. My last ten:
The Renaissance Club (Sunday)
North Berwick West Links (Friday)
Crystal Downs (previous Sunday, and three other times this year)
Royal Melbourne (in July)
Country Club of Detroit (grand re-opening in June)
North Shore CC (grand re-opening in May)
Augusta National (with a client in January)
Lost Farm (grand opening last December)
Barnbougle Dunes
St. Andrews Beach
Well, I'm going to blow this premise out of the water. My last ten:
The Renaissance Club (Sunday)
North Berwick West Links (Friday)
Crystal Downs (previous Sunday, and three other times this year)
Royal Melbourne (in July)
Country Club of Detroit (grand re-opening in June)
North Shore CC (grand re-opening in May)
Augusta National (with a client in January)
Lost Farm (grand opening last December)
Barnbougle Dunes
St. Andrews Beach
I'm in the wrong business.
Well, I'm going to blow this premise out of the water. My last ten:
The Renaissance Club (Sunday)
North Berwick West Links (Friday)
Crystal Downs (previous Sunday, and three other times this year)
Royal Melbourne (in July)
Country Club of Detroit (grand re-opening in June)
North Shore CC (grand re-opening in May)
Augusta National (with a client in January)
Lost Farm (grand opening last December)
Barnbougle Dunes
St. Andrews Beach
I played a 9 and 7 in there as well, but can't disclose the courses
I played a 9 and 7 in there as well, but can't disclose the courses
Come on, the underlying purpose of this topic is to brag where we have played this summer ...
Other than my home club which I play all the time, my last 10 starting with the least recent includes
the golf club
tobacco road
southern pines
dormie club
seminole
elyria
oakmont
mayfield
scioto
kirtland
up next....canton brookside
I played a 9 and 7 in there as well, but can't disclose the courses
Come on, the underlying purpose of this topic is to brag where we have played this summer ...
Other than my home club which I play all the time, my last 10 starting with the least recent includes
the golf club
tobacco road
southern pines
dormie club
seminole
elyria
oakmont
mayfield
scioto
kirtland
up next....canton brookside
Looks like a group of Doak 2s and 3s to me.
I played a 9 and 7 in there as well, but can't disclose the courses
Come on, the underlying purpose of this topic is to brag where we have played this summer ...
It's not fair because they are not finished yet. Obviously he gives the new course at Dismal a 9 which means....Ouch. No shame in a 7.
Franconia (Springfield, MA)
Chicopee (Chicopee, MA)
Longmeadow (Longmeadow, MA)
Algonquin (Glendale, MO)
Wintonbury (Bloomfield, CT)
Far Oaks (Caseyville,IL)
Veterans (Springfield, MA)
Hampden (Hampden, MA)
Forest Park (St. Louis, MO)
Ruth Park (Univeristy City, MO)
Normandie Park (St. Louis, MO)
Friar's Head
Myopia Hunt Club
The Country Club
Trump National Bedminster (Old)
Shoreacres
Fishers Island
Wade Hampton
Mountaintop
Holston Hills
Seminole
Ron: are you, by chance, a pilot? :)
I rarely travel with clubs and am now arguing/debating with my buddy whether we will trek up to Pittsburgh for Oakmont and Laurel Valley during our trip to Morgantown for the West Virginia-LSU game at the end of September. I am a heavy "no" lean on the golf but looking at my list above... perhpas I should reconsider... you know... broaden my horizons and all.
Wow, just figured out my list and it rivals TD's!
Hackensack (my home course)
Sauon Valley Old
Saucon Valley Weyhill
Applebrook (Gil Hanse)
Pine Valley (with the owner of Hidden Creek, which led to some interesting GCA discussions!)
Cape Kidnappers
Barnbougle Dunes
Lost Farm
New South Wales
Royal Melbourne
These should be a bit different, geographically speaking.
North Sore Golf Club, Auckland ( many times )
Napier Golf Club
Kinloch ( Taupo )
Titirangi
Chamberlain Park
Omanu Golf Club
Gulf Harbour
Hope Island
Denerau
Natandola Bay
Wow, just figured out my list and it rivals TD's!
Hackensack (my home course)
Sauon Valley Old
Saucon Valley Weyhill
Applebrook (Gil Hanse)
Pine Valley (with the owner of Hidden Creek, which led to some interesting GCA discussions!)
Cape Kidnappers
Barnbougle Dunes
Lost Farm
New South Wales
Royal Melbourne
Bill, All the way to NZ and you only played the one course? Sorry to have missed you. Very nice list all the same
St. Ives
Rivermont
Sebonack
NGLA
Tallgrass
Baltusrol Lower
Golf Club of Georgia (Lakeside)
Kiawah Ocean
Lane Creek
White Columns
St. Ives
Rivermont
Sebonack
NGLA
Tallgrass
Baltusrol Lower
Golf Club of Georgia (Lakeside)
Kiawah Ocean
Lane Creek
White Columns
Mac, you have played all those SINCE Rock Creek??
St. Ives
Rivermont
Sebonack
NGLA
Tallgrass
Baltusrol Lower
Golf Club of Georgia (Lakeside)
Kiawah Ocean
Lane Creek
White Columns
Mac, you have played all those SINCE Rock Creek??
He's played all of those since July 15.
Stemming from Mac's recent thread, someone made the comment that most of the folks on here generally play average courses.
Stemming from Mac's recent thread, someone made the comment that most of the folks on here generally play average courses.
Sven,
I'm going to go out on a limb after these past 4 pages and say that whoever made the comment that "folks on here generally play average courses" was mistaken.
Mark,
I would hope that people on this site aren't posting their last ten to boast. Surely we have more intellectual integrity than that! ;D
Stemming from Mac's recent thread, someone made the comment that most of the folks on here generally play average courses.
Sven,
I'm going to go out on a limb after these past 4 pages and say that whoever made the comment that "folks on here generally play average courses" was mistaken.
Or perhaps those that do play average courses have no interest in posting with these lists that seem to all include the best courses in the country.
Stemming from Mac's recent thread, someone made the comment that most of the folks on here generally play average courses.
Sven,
I'm going to go out on a limb after these past 4 pages and say that whoever made the comment that "folks on here generally play average courses" was mistaken.
Or perhaps those that do play average courses have no interest in posting with these lists that seem to all include the best courses in the country.
Well,since it was I who said it...
There are over 1200 members of this DG.This is a small sampling--I think your comment is probably accurate.A poll such as this is a good excuse to boast.
Also,naming the last 10 courses you played is a lot different then naming where you played your last 100 rounds.
I'd also argue that most of those courses, even if considered average, are a lot of fun, especially Shepherd's Crook, Spring Valley, and Ravisloe.
Fred, Pat, JM,
My argument here--and on the "broadening" thread--is that I don't have the resources or time to play something I am not interested in. There have been plenty of places I have played that weren't great, but had elements of high expectation in them. I reckon my last 100 courses played would be on par with my last ten list. That is to say, it would be pretty loaded with quality golf.
Between deployments, flying, financial obligations, etc; I have few opportunities to get out there. When I do, I'm trying to make doubly sure that I am setting myself up to either learn something new and see something that will inspire me or hang out with friends and be entertained.
Life's too short to try and learn from poor courses that aren't very good. Just like life's too short to learn how to lead by being under bad bosses.
Shiloh Falls (3)
Grandfather Mountain - Mountain Springs (6)
Grandfather Mountain - Championship (7)
Mimossa Hills (5)
Temple Hills (2)
Farm Links (5)
Olde Macdonald (8.0)
Pacific Dunes (9.0)
Bandon Trails (8.5)
Bandon Dunes (6.5)
6.0 average is about what I'd expect.
Glad to see some love for Kilspindie, Fossil Trace, Aiken and LuLu.
Mike
Shhhh!. You just rattled off my go-to public list! 8) If you haven't yet, you should check out Highlands of Elgin. If you like Shepherd's Crook it should be right up your alley...
Shhhh!. You just rattled off my go-to public list! 8) If you haven't yet, you should check out Highlands of Elgin. If you like Shepherd's Crook it should be right up your alley...
I was up there with the GCA group last year. Made five birdies and still shot 76. I also played it the year before when it was half new, half old. That was an interesting experience. I'd like to get to Bowes Creek out there as well just to check it out.
I think the one day combination of Shepherd's Crook, Spring Valley, and Mars' Cheese Castle (to stock up on New Glarus) is going to become a bit more of a regular trip. Great way to spend the day. Still hoping to get down to West Lafayette sometime this year as well for Kampen and Coyote Crossing, but time is running out.
Shiloh Falls (3)
Grandfather Mountain - Mountain Springs (6)
Grandfather Mountain - Championship (7)
Mimossa Hills (5)
Temple Hills (2)
Farm Links (5)
Olde Macdonald (8.0)
Pacific Dunes (9.0)
Bandon Trails (8.5)
Bandon Dunes (6.5)
6.0 average is about what I'd expect.
Glad to see some love for Kilspindie, Fossil Trace, Aiken and LuLu.
Mike
That is a rather ringing endorsement for the "short" course at Grandfather... is that place a blast or what?
Country Club of Orlando
Beverly
Olympia Fields
Dunes Club
North Shore
Shoreacres
Edgewood Valley
Ruth Lake
All Four at Bandon Dunes
Safe to say...
I think the point of this thread has been sufficiently proved. The GCA.com crowd on average is very very far away from your average weekend muni-warrior.
I'll let people draw their own conclusions on these topics and others not mentioned, but I thoroughly enjoyed the various lists and the commentary.
There ya go:
- Bachgrund Nessie
- Jakobsberg
- Bad Ems
- Gernsheim
- Winnerod
- Taunus-Weilrod
- Oberzwieselau
- Bachgrund Happy Luck
- Bad Vilbel
- Bonn Godesberg
You're welcome!
Ulrich
JK,
Can't believe you skipped Carnoustie. Seems right up your alley and you can get a membership for your bar tab at the club... ;)
I count over 60% of the latest Golf Mag World Ranking in the lists posted.
Those not played fall into a couple of categories:
Remote - Hirono, Teeth of the Dog, Nine Bridges, Kawana, Nanea, Kauri Cliffs, Tokyo, Durban
Royal - you can figure them out
Private - Winged Foot, Chicago, San Francisco, Southern Hills, Valley Club
There were a few not yet mentioned that surprised me - Ballybunion, Lahinch, Whistling Straits, Harbour Town, Waterville.
Safe to say...
I think the point of this thread has been sufficiently proved. The GCA.com crowd on average is very very far away from your average weekend muni-warrior.
I don't understand why anyone would participate in a thread like this. It is an embarrassment, though I am curious to know which Doak client got him on Augusta National. If one of you who has speculated on IM would care to reveal who, please do. The one thing I learned about myself is that my Mother was most likely right, if all my friends jumped off a bridge I would have probably followed. I have had to fight the urge to list it up myself.
I so miss the days when guys like Huckaby and Gib would go on and on about how difficult it is to play those courses they didn't feel like visiting but did so for the good of the game. I know it was all part of the con but it made me feel like I was part of something special. Now I just feel dirty.
The last ten courses I didn't play for various reasons.
1. Castle Pines
2. Augusta National
3. Muirfield Village
4. The Old Course
5. Carnoustie
6. Colorado Golf Club
7. Rock Creek Cattle
8. Richland County Country Club
9. Los Angeles Country Club
10. Merion
Country Club of Orlando
Beverly
Olympia Fields
Dunes Club
North Shore
Shoreacres
Edgewood Valley
Ruth Lake
All Four at Bandon Dunes
Here are mine. Newest is on the bottom. Some really good. One really bad.
Hastings Country Club, Hastings, Minn.
Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska, Minn.
Highland National Golf Course, St. Paul, Minn.
Brackett’s Crossing Country Club, Lakeville, Minn.
TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn.
Blackberry Ridge Golf Club, Sartell, Minn.
Hawks Landing Golf Club, Verona, Wis.
Skokie Country Club, Glencoe, Ill.
Blue Mound Golf and Country Club, Wauwatosa, Wis.
Southview Country Club, West St. Paul, Minn.
Selfishness.
Here are mine. Newest is on the bottom. Some really good. One really bad.
Hastings Country Club, Hastings, Minn.
Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska, Minn.
Highland National Golf Course, St. Paul, Minn.
Brackett’s Crossing Country Club, Lakeville, Minn.
TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn.
Blackberry Ridge Golf Club, Sartell, Minn.
Hawks Landing Golf Club, Verona, Wis.
Skokie Country Club, Glencoe, Ill.
Blue Mound Golf and Country Club, Wauwatosa, Wis.
Southview Country Club, West St. Paul, Minn.
I see four potential candidates for "really bad" but am unsure of the winner.
Working backwards:
Crail Balcomie 4
Elie Sports Club (the 9 hole kids course, not the proper course at The Golf House Club) - Really unclassifiable, 2 as a course for us, 7 as a course for kids
New Zealand 6
Northumberland 4
Worplesdon 5
Gerrards Cross 3
Berkshire Red 7
Berkshire Blue 6
Brampton 4
Spring Valley, WI 4
Selfishness.
How?
Selfishness.
How?
Selfish only in the sense that people look like they are playing the courses that fill their needs without regard for those less fortunate.
Mark Pearce:
The Red a 7 and the Blue only a 6?
You have come across to the dark side? ;D
From most recent to last:
Tumble Creek
Sagebrush
Aldarra
Shadow Creek
Wynn GC
Claremont GC
North Berwick
Dunbar
Luffness New
Muirfield
Gullane 1
If you go to twelve I pick up:
Gullane 2
Pebble Beach
Selfishness.
How?
Selfish only in the sense that people look like they are playing the courses that fill their needs without regard for those less fortunate.
Define less fortunate, and how many less fortunate people do you know really reading these forums. Come play Muscatine Municipal or Gates Park with me sometime in Iowa. I'll introduce you to a few less fortunate who could care less about guys traveling to play the great courses of our world. This question was posed at the height of the golf season here and in the U.K. There is no surprise that members of the forum here have seen some great tracks over the last couple of months.
Ask the question in October or February and the tune would be a little different.
Some of these lists are pretty amazing. Mine is definitely more "average." Just goes to show that interest in gca isn't confined to those who play famous courses.
Last 10 with most recent first:
Pine Valley, Cllementon, NJ
Rolling Hills Golf Club, Springfield, PA
Lancaster CC, Lancaster, PA
Ballyhack, Roanoke, VA
Primland, Meadows of Dan, VA
New Bern CC, New Bern, NC
Emerald GC, New Bern, NC
Pete Dye GC, Bridgewater, WV
Pikewood National, Morgantown, WV
Sunnehanna, Johnstown, WV
Takes me AAALLLLL the way back to July 1st :)
Indian Pond, MA...yesterday
Tedesco, MA....lots of times
Wyantenuck, MA...5 times in the Mass. Am.
North Berwick, SCOT
Muirfield, SCOT
Royal Aberdeen, SCOT
Peterhead, SCOT
Cruden Bay, SCOT
Royal Dornoch, SCOT
Brora, SCOT
Takes me AAALLLLL the way back to July 1st :)
Have had a good year so far including my first hole in one :) two weeks ago....
National Golf Links NY Yesterday
Southampton Golf Club NY Repeatedly
Shinnecock Hills NY July
Sand Hills NE July
Pine Valley NJ July
Sebonack NY May
Winged Foot West NY May
Everglades Club FL April
Gulfstream FL April
Mountain Lake FL Feb
Cypress Point Club CA Jan
Palo Alto Hills CA Jan
National Golf Links NY Yesterday
Southampton Golf Club NY Repeatedly
Shinnecock Hills NY July
Sand Hills NE July
Pine Valley NJ July
Sebonack NY May
Winged Foot West NY May
Everglades Club FL April
Gulfstream FL April
Mountain Lake FL Feb
Cypress Point Club CA Jan
Palo Alto Hills CA Jan
For Tony:Working backwards:Thanks Mark, but I too think you are sparing with the marks. I don’t go as strong as others on here have on Balconie but I still see it as a 5.5 (6 if it were F&F). That’s a big gap between us.
Crail Balcomie 4
Elie Sports Club (the 9 hole kids course, not the proper course at The Golf House Club) - Really unclassifiable, 2 as a course for us, 7 as a course for kids
New Zealand 6
Northumberland 4
Worplesdon 5
Gerrards Cross 3
Berkshire Red 7
Berkshire Blue 6
Brampton 4
Spring Valley, WI 4
It’s quite a long time since I’ve been to The Berkshire and I’ve seen a lot of golf since then, however I think it’s interesting that after repeat plays they are slipping in your estimation. Supports my theory that too many opinions on here are based on not enough plays of a course. Take that to the logical conclusion and once a courses reputation is fixed why bother to think for yourself. Still it’s most interesting to get the opinions of those you’ve golfed and discussed a course with.
When I think about Golf courses I remember what I like and I have to stop myself awarding another (Normally hypothetical) point or two. I don’t dwell on their weaknesses too long once I’ve formed an overall opinion as to how keenly they fit my eye. Scoring them is just another way of apportioning some kind of priority system in setting doewnthe desire for a (return) visit.
Tony,
He didn't say they were slipping - he said his view of their respective merits had changed.
He used to think the Blue was better, now he favours the Red.
Scott,
Yes, I'm afraid to say that over the past couple of years my views of the respective merits of the two courses at the Berkshire have changed a little. Those scores might be a little harsh on the Blue. Call them both a 7.
John,
I'd have to play Worplesdon again before being persuaded it deserved a higher score but I'd be surprised if I did. I prefer to be a harsh scorer and I do feel Worpy struggles witha weak opening couple of holes.
Takes me AAALLLLL the way back to July 1st :)
Scores? No, not your Doak's, your card scores ...
Ian, Carne and Enniscrone worth the trip in the end?
Most recent first and some repeat plays, but there's 10 in the list:
Concra Wood (Irl.)
I'm not into rating courses, but what I have found with the above list, is that my impression of these courses has been more positive the second time around. I will post photo tours of many of these courses when I get a chance.
Most recent first and some repeat plays, but there's 10 in the list:
Concra Wood (Irl.)
I'm not into rating courses, but what I have found with the above list, is that my impression of these courses has been more positive the second time around. I will post photo tours of many of these courses when I get a chance.
Donal, what was Concra Wood like?
Some fun lists with great courses here.
Charleton Golf Course
Cheers!
Except of course for The Lakes, MT, which shits all over Royal Sydney. I'd even suggest The Aus is a better course than R. Syd.
I played Royal again yesterday and I really think that aside from 1-3, 7 and 16 it's an pretty poor golf course. 4, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15 and 17 are truly woeful holes.
But what do you find to be wrong with those holes you mentioned (4,8,12,14 and 15)? I think 4 is a very good hole, because you have to keep it down the middle to right hand side of the fairway, and hit a solid 2nd over a massive bunker to a nice greensite. It's a brute of a hole and is well needed after the 3 easy holes to start.
8 is a nice drivable par 4. At 269m you need to be absolutely precise with the distance because of the dropoffs, and if you want to layup off the tee you need to steer clear of the bunkers on the right.
12 is by far the worst hole on the course. It desperately needs some tree clearing on the right hand side of the fairway.
What's wrong with 14? I know you'll say the par 3's are repetitive, which they are, but as individual holes I really like them all.
15 is just a straighaway par 4 bunkered both sides of the green, but I do like the internal contours.
17!? Are you serious? The green has 3 distinct sections and deep bunkering that really make you think about your tee shot. Coupled with a bailout area to the left I think it is a fantastic hole.
Some fun lists with great courses here.
Charleton Golf Course
Cheers!
Kee-rist, Steve,
how in the freekin wide world of sports did charleton get itself onto your itinerary???
And WHAT did you make of it?
FBD.
Are you in Canada now, Mark, or Florida? Or in route to another golf trip? :D
David...any comments on the Pete Dye in French Lick? I'm interested to play it, but unsure if it is worth the trip. Comments?Yeah, I played the Ross in some pretty marginal conditions (very soft overall and the greens were slow and bumpy) so I will reserve judgment until I get a chance to play it again.
Scratch that...you said Ross. My bad.
From most recent to least:
Palmetto Golf Club, SC
Pinehurst #2, NC
Old Town Club, NC
Pinehurst #8, NC
Dormie Club, NC
Carolina GC, NC
Charlotte CC, NC
Sebonack GC, NY
Maidstone Club, NY
Shinnecock Hills GC, NY
Plainfield CC, NJ
Listed in order of preference
Kington
Burnham x 2
Southfield
Players Club Stranahan
Formby
Alwoodley
Seascale
Minchinhampton Old
Finham
I liked all the courses a load except for Minch Old and Finham. I won't be making any effort to go back to Finham, but I will give Minch Old another go - it has a certain appeal which is undeniable.
Ciao
From most recent to least:
Palmetto Golf Club, SC
Pinehurst #2, NC
Old Town Club, NC
Pinehurst #8, NC
Dormie Club, NC
Carolina GC, NC
Charlotte CC, NC
Sebonack GC, NY
Maidstone Club, NY
Shinnecock Hills GC, NY
Plainfield CC, NJ
Last 10, most recent first:
1. Olympia Fields - North
2. Butterfield CC (Red/White)
3. Olympia Fields - South
4. National Golf Links of America
5. Shinnecock Hills GC
6. Creek Club
7. Bethpage - Black
8. Essex County CC (LI)
9. Plainfield CC
10. Fishers Island
It was a good run, and one that will be very hard to duplicate!
Tall Grass
Bethpage Black
Bayonne
Atlantic
Westchester CC West
Richter Park
Wanumetonomy
National Golf Links
Hollow Brook
Columbia Country Club
Mac,
Played the day after Thanksgiving and the conditions were less than perfect. They had plugged the greens recently and were sodding 4 or 5 tees. I spoke with the pro after the round and he indicated they have hired a new superintendent and are working on improving the conditions and attempting to have the course play firm and fast. Let hope they do because if this course was in great shape it would be one of the best public options on Long Island.
Lou
John Nixon Try Sandy Pines, just a bit north in DeMotte, you might be pleasently surprised.
Tom Birkert wins this on the strength of his US courses alone. Wow.
A hat tip to Bill McBride on his English courses. Interesting group. A man of discerning tastes.
Bob
UNC - Finley
Dormie Club
Oak Hill West
Newport National
Captains _ Starboard
Captains - Port
Waverly Oaks
Misquamicut
Shelter Harbor
Champion Hills - Victor NY (not NC)
Only one round at home other than my club this year - that needs to get fixed next year
Bill is there a second New Zealand golf club in England? I played a very nice one yesterday in Surrey!How much golf do you play every year? New Zealand will have been tough in the wind yesterday.
Bill is there a second New Zealand golf club in England? I played a very nice one yesterday in Surrey!
Tom Birkert wins this on the strength of his US courses alone. Wow.
A hat tip to Bill McBride on his English courses. Interesting group. A man of discerning tastes.
Bob
This is everywhere I played in 2011... with# of times (if more than 1), from order of course visited most recent to oldest.
Broken Tee, Englewood, CO (x5)
Ballyneal, Holyoke, CO (x5)
Riverdale Dunes, Brighton, CO (x4)
Ridge at Castle Pines, Castle Pines North, CO
Maxinkuckee CC, Culver, IN (x10+)
Mystic Hills, Culver, IN (x2)
Buffalo Run, Commerce City, CO
Cog Hill Dubsdread, Lemont, IL
Dye Fore, Casa de Campo, DR (x2)
La Romana CC, Casa de Campo, DR
Teeth of the Dog, Casa de Campo, DR (x3)
The Links, Casa de Campo, DR
La Cana, Punta Cana, DR
Old Macdonald
Bandon Dunes
Bandon Trails
San francisco golf club
Olympic club
Berkshire Red
Royal Cinque Ports
Strandhill
Donegal
Sligo
The highlight of this ten and of my golfing life to date? The Bandon courses - absolutely incredible place - believe me, the Americans can do links golf! I thought I had seen some nice places but Bandon takes the biscuit for me. As a whole that is. 36 at Pacific Dunes tomorrow. I think I will be coming back here for many years to come.
Ross:
What's your take on Mystic Hills?
What are your thoughts on Shooting Star? Would it be worth a trip for someone from Atlanta, GA to make just to play Shooting Star?
I love these lists and thanks for the comments guys.
Andy...I am interested in hearing your thoughts on Eagle Point. Top 100 to you? What are its strengths/weaknesses? For reference, what are your Top 5 favorites?
Last ten different courses played:
Rivermont GC. (Atlanta)
Peachtree GC
The Honors Course
Maidstone GC
Atlanta Athletic Club
Berkeley Hills Country Club
Prairie Dunes GC
Capital City CC--Crabapple Course
Rivermont from forward tees with hickories and gutta percha ball
Golf Club of Georgia
Would only play four of the courses again if I was asked and it was free and can't wait for another round with the hickories!
I can't think back that far right now! But my last three [since the first of November] were:
Old Macdonald [Renaissance Cup]
Streamsong (Blue)
Gavea
All of them were great fun. I really ought to play golf more often. Alas, it's snowy again in Traverse City.
Newport - restore the greens
Sakonnet - not sure about Hanse new holes
Lahinch - class, how good is #13...
Lahinch castle - very Scottish
Tralee (walked) - horrid routing
Dingle - underrated
Waterville - great turf but more quirk please (for want of a better word)
Ballybunion Old - the best
Ballybunion new - start over
Maidstone - reserve judgment
I will update since I'm now in double digits of courses in 2012.
From oldest to newest:
Champions Golf Club (Jackrabbit), Houston, TX
Champions Golf Club (Cypress Creek), Houston TX -- a great 36-hole day. Super cool place.
The Club at Carlton Woods (Fazio), The Woodlands, TX -- pretty darn good Fazio. I know since I post here that I'm supposed to hate his stuff, but this is good.
Mississippi Dunes Golf Links, Cottage Grove, MN -- bad golf course, but it was the earliest in March I have ever played golf in Minnesota.
The Wilds Golf Club, Prior Lake, MN -- decent Weiskopf/Morrish CCFAD.
Ravisloe Country Club, Homewood, IL -- very fun. very cool green complexes.
Columbia-Edgewater Country Club, Portland, OR -- Very solid course. A few too many trees in some spots, but some fun holes.
Eugene Country Club, Eugene, OR -- Really, really good. A great mix of challenging, but still fun. You have to hit good shots, but it doesn't just beat you up.
North Oaks Golf Club, North Oaks, MN -- Stanley Thompson course that had work done by Tom Lehman et al in 2007. My first look at it since the work was done and I thought it was good. Better golf course than I remember with the exception of a couple of holes.
Southview Country Club, West St. Paul, MN -- home course. Fun sporty, but short course. Some good green complexes.
Absolutely nothing worth mentioning :P
Orchard Valley - witnessed hole-in-one by Jeff Tang!
Merion (East)
Prairie Landing
Bowes Creek
Pacific Dunes
Bandon Trails
Old Macdonald
Sheep Ranch
Somerset Hills
Ballyneal
Ron,
Jimbo was part of the group, but he was back on the 1st green fetching his left-behind wedge when the shot has occurred. We each had 1 ace coming into the round.
Jim
I did not play all of these, but these are the golf courses I've walked or played since May 1:
Crystal Downs
Ballyneal
Dismal River II
Old Macdonald
Bandon Preserve
Pacific Dunes
Sharp Park
San Francisco Golf Club
I'll probably add a couple of courses in New Zealand by the end of the month.
Brian...interesting mix, How was the Hamlet?...RHE
Absolutely nothing worth mentioning :P
That's why this thread is interesting! Out with it! :)
Absolutely nothing worth mentioning :P
That's why this thread is interesting! Out with it! :)
If you insist...
Park Hill
West Woods
Heritage at Westmoor
Indian Tree
Fossil Trace
Hyland Hills
Riverdale Dunes
Willis Case
Wellshire
Legacy Ridge
I guess it's not THAT bad.
I'm making the market on the unofficial Preserve rating 7/8... ;)
I'm making the market on the unofficial Preserve rating 7/8... ;)
Jud: The Doak scale does not deal in fractions.
If you were talking 7 OR 8 on the Doak scale, I've never seen a par-3 course that could rate that highly, and I really can't imagine one that would.
Just another piece of evidence why I do not trust "market makers" in the slightest.
Essex County (MA)
Oak Hill (MA)
Carnegie Abbey
Wanumetonomy
Sterling National
Wannamoisett
The Bayou Club
Belleview Biltmore
Ritz Carlton Members Club (Bradenton)
Sara Bay
Bill, Forsgate Palmer Course might be the three saddest words typed on this web-site in a long time.
Bogey
You got on Va-Jo-Wa? How many favors did that take?
First we had Dor-Al, now Va-Jo-Wa...I sense a trend shift in course naming.
Last 10 starting with most recent:
Mid Pines
Pine Valley
Chapel Hill CC
Frisco Lakes
The Tribute
Old American
Jimmie Austin
Dismal River
Prairie Club Horse
Prairie Club Dunes
Been a great summer!
oops! Simple oversight. Sorry Tim. We had a great day at yale. I think my brain is trying to block out the five hours i spent with cheech in the car. ;)
What happened to Yale? Is that a snub or just an absent minded oversight? :o
oops! Simple oversight. Sorry Tim. We had a great day at yale. I think my brain is trying to block out the five hours i spent with cheech in the car. ;)
What happened to Yale? Is that a snub or just an absent minded oversight? :o
oops! Simple oversight. Sorry Tim. We had a great day at yale. I think my brain is trying to block out the five hours i spent with cheech in the car. ;)
What happened to Yale? Is that a snub or just an absent minded oversight? :o
I'm standing right here... :'(
Stemming from Mac's recent thread, someone made the comment that most of the folks on here generally play average courses.
Might as well take a survey. What are the last ten courses you played?
Mine:
Ravisloe - 5
Thunderhawk - 5
Butler - 7
Shepherd's Crook - 6
Skokie - 7
Barnbougle Dunes - 9
Barnbougle Lost Farm - 8
Yarra Yarra - 6
St. Andrew's Beach - 8
Royal Melbourne West - 9
Last 10 starting with most recent:
Mid Pines
Pine Valley
Chapel Hill CC
Frisco Lakes
The Tribute
Old American
Jimmie Austin
Dismal River
Prairie Club Horse
Prairie Club Dunes
Been a great summer!
Old Sandwich
Fishers Island
TCC Composite
Kittansett
Baltusrol Upper
Baltusrol Lower
Sleepy Hollow
Bethpage Black
NGLA
Merion East
Old Sandwich
Fishers Island
TCC Composite
Kittansett
Baltusrol Upper
Baltusrol Lower
Sleepy Hollow
Bethpage Black
NGLA
Merion East
Damn! My favorite entry is "TCC - Composite".
Old Sandwich
Fishers Island
TCC Composite
Kittansett
Baltusrol Upper
Baltusrol Lower
Sleepy Hollow
Bethpage Black
NGLA
Merion East
Damn! My favorite entry is "TCC - Composite".
My favorite part of this is that his own home course isn't even on this list.
Damn! My favorite entry is "TCC - Composite".
Old Sandwich
Fishers Island
TCC Composite
Kittansett
Baltusrol Upper
Baltusrol Lower
Sleepy Hollow
Bethpage Black
NGLA
Merion East
Damn! My favorite entry is "TCC - Composite".
My favorite part of this is that his own home course isn't even on this list.
Wife - "I'm sick of all your old golf shirts"
Me - "Give me 3 weeks and I'll fix that"
Jeez, can't even bother to slum it at the home club? ::) ;DHome course was crawling with 10 year old's all last week! 147 of them to be exact!
Gullane No. 1
Kilspindie
Kingsbarns
Muirfield
Renaissance Club
Musselburgh Old
Trump Scotland
Royal Aberdeen
Cruden Bay (first time, loved it)
North Berwick
Trump, like it or not, is very cool. Unsurprisingly, money cant buy you time, so it needs a while to settle down. Heroic shots, great interaction with the dunes, nice bunkering but perhaps over-cooked on some of the par 5s like 4 and 18. The visuals are stunning. Far more playable than one might think by just looking at the pictures. It will unquestionably be one of the best courses in the UK, if not the world, once it has some good growth on the fairways, surrounds and the greens are up to speed. Very, very good indeed. It lives up to the big man's chat.
1. Medina CC (Minnesota)
2. Mississippi Dunes GC
3. Baker National
4. Highland National
5. Ballyneal
6. White Bear Yacht Club
7. Dellwood HIlls
8. St. Andrew's - Cedar Rapids, IA
9. Augusta National
10.Brooktree
8. St. Andrew's - Cedar Rapids, IA
9. Augusta National
10.Brooktree
This is impressive!
Sadly this assignment was rather hard work for me...
Cabo del Sol Ocean (Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico) - 8.5-9
Bahia de los Sueños (Los Planes, BCS, Mexico) - 6
Paraiso del Mar (LaPaz, BCS, Mexico) - 6
Cabo del Sol Desert (Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico) - 7
Diamante (Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico) - 8.5-9
Querencia (San Jose del Cabo, BCS, Mexico) - 5.5
Troon North - Pinnacle? (Scottsdale, AZ) - 6
Estrella Mountain Ranch (Scottsdale, AZ) - 6.5
Long Cove (Hilton Head, SC) - 7
May River (Bluffton, SC) - 7.5
I rarely travel with clubs and am now arguing/debating with my buddy whether we will trek up to Pittsburgh for Oakmont and Laurel Valley during our trip to Morgantown for the West Virginia-LSU game at the end of September. I am a heavy "no" lean on the golf but looking at my list above... perhpas I should reconsider... you know... broaden my horizons and all.
I must be doing something wrong :D Although I am proud of my list, and have a couple of really great courses on there, it pales in comparison to the lists that are being put up. Here is mine from most recent and not including replays.
1. Trysting Tree
2. The Reserve Vineyards (North)
3. Running Y Ranch
4. Eugene Country Club
5. Mallard Creek
6. The Golf Club of Oregon
7. Springhill CC
8. Wild Horse GC
9. Dismal River
10. Ballyneal
Paramount
Somerset Hills
Friars Head
Royal Dornoch (5X, but who's counting and I don't remember where they started or if they ever ended!)
Castle Stuart
Brora
Nairn
Moray Old
Royal Aberdeen
Trump Scotland (3x)
Like Simon Holt, I was quite impressed with Trump Scotland. Martin Hawtree succeeded on so many levels.
Next Ten:
Atlantic City Country Club
Hackensack (Hickories)
Essex Country Club
The Country Club Composite
Cabot Links
Shinnecock
Swinley Forest
Sunningdale Old & New
Queenwood
Golf Club Mennagio Cadenabbia/ Villa D'Este......haven't decided which to play for our Anniversary round ;D
Bear Trace @ Cumberland Mt. - Crossville, TN
Out of curiosity, how are you planning to play TCC Composite? What tournament will be there before the US Am?
Bear Trace @ Cumberland Mt. - Crossville, TN
Literally 10 minutes from my office! Did you drive in to town and eat at the Gondola afterwards?
This was good timing on this thread, and an easy one to come up with off the top of my head because the last 9 of these were in the last week. (yes I had a pretty good 5 day stretch last week)...
Eagle Point GC - Wilmington, NC
French Lick Resort (Ross)
French Lick Resort (Dye)
The Polo Fields CC - Louisville, KY
Louisville CC
Big Spring CC - Louisville, KY
The Club at Olde Stone - Bowling Green, KY
Kenny Perry’s Country Creek GC - Franklin, KY
Foxland Harbor G & CC - Nashville, TN
Bear Trace @ Cumberland Mt. - Crossville, TN
El Turberon,
No worries pal, just noting that I work very near that golf course. The Gondola Restaurant is a favorite for golfers visiting the Golf Capital. ;D
That mirror plant you mentioned is one of the larger employers in town. My company leases one of their buildings to them. Also, if you're talking about the stone building with the clock tower on Main St, that is the county courthouse.
What'd you think of Bear Trace? Mac Plumart is coming up this weekend and I thought about taking him to play there but opted for Stonehenge instead.
Don't any of you people ever play your home course ;D
Liscannor pitch and putt ("the only links pitch and putt in the world"?)
My last ten in order of fun.
All Nine courses played in Ireland
Ballyneal
Lawsonia
Prairie Dunes
Crystal Downs (25 mph winds or might be higher)
Flossmoor
Summerby
Ravisloe
George Dunne
Schaumburg
Prairie Club Pines
Priaire Club Dunes
Wild Horse
Red Sky Norman
Keystone Ranch
Keystone River
Half Moon Bay- Ocean
Pasatiempo
Cypress
Poppy Hills
Prairie Club Pines
Priaire Club Dunes
Wild Horse
Red Sky Norman
Keystone Ranch
Keystone River
Half Moon Bay- Ocean
Pasatiempo
Cypress
Poppy Hills
so the $50 million dollar question is...do you prefer the Ranch, or the River?...I love the River...
Royal Liverpool, England
Royal Birkdale, England
Cruden Bay, Scotland
Trump International Golf Links, Scotland
Hong Kong Golf Club
La Zagaleta, Spain
Los Barrancos, Spain
Wychwood Park, England
Rockliffe Hall, England
Hawkstone Park, England
Bro-Bålsta
Royal Birkdale
Southport & Ainsdale
Formby
Royal Lytham & St. Annes
Silloth-on-Solway
Windermere
Gweedore
Arlandastad GK
Älvkarleby GK
Rockliffe Hall, EnglandMarc,
Ok, here goes
Bethpage Black
NGLA
Maidstone
Baltusrol (Lower)
Sebonack
Pine Valley
Merion
Shinnecock Hills
The Meadow Club
North Adelaide Public
Pick the odd one out ;)
Quote from: Neil_Crafter on Yesterday at 07:28:44 AM
Ok, here goes
Bethpage Black
NGLA
Maidstone
Baltusrol (Lower)
Sebonack
Pine Valley
Merion
Shinnecock Hills
The Meadow Club
North Adelaide Public
Pick the odd one out ;)
Actually folks I would suggest Pine Valley is the odd one out due to their attitude toward women golfers in the year 2012
just saying....
Lyne
Franklin Hills 1*
UofM 1*
Birmingham CC recommended
Cleeve Cloud recommended
Kington 2*
Edgbaston recommended
Burnham & Berrow (x4) 1*
Ciao
Franklin Hills 1*
UofM 1*
Birmingham CC recommended
Cleeve Cloud recommended
Kington 2*
Edgbaston recommended
Burnham & Berrow (x4) 1*
Ciao
Sean what does you're 1*, 2* and recommended mean? Also I assume most list their last 10 courses, without considering replays.
Thanks pal. I have read John's write up and enjoyed it. Now we need to get Michael's input to see if you and I should make the trip!
My next ten should be the best ten-course run I've ever had in my 47 cycles of birth. This resplendent and venerable body will be the first to know, should I pull it off.
Not to threadjack, but Michael can you tell us a bit about Jack's Point? This is a course I am curious about.
Thanks!
And John's comments on his blog about the quirk factor, with planes taking off and the screams of skydivers heard thousands of feet up in the air are very valid.
Jack's Point is definitely worth seeing. Best views on any golf course I've played.
Southampton
Goat Hill
Tallgrass
Mountain Lake
Sreamsong Blue
Lekarica
Bartow
Streamsong Red
Streamsong Blue
Lake Wales
Pinecrest
Southampton
Goat Hill
Tallgrass
Mountain Lake
Sreamsong Blue
Lekarica
Bartow
Streamsong Red
Streamsong Blue
Lake Wales
Pinecrest
The other one that interests me in the area is Cleveland Heights, a Flynn but I'm told that only those very familiar with his work can see the remnants of what he did there. Have you played there before or did it receive consideration on this trip?
Your comments on Lake Wales seem luke warm.
SFGC
Charlie,
Guyan...Wasn't that Bill Campbell's home club? Is there a drop-shot par three of some renown?
I do believe it was Bill Campbell's home club. Very fun course to play. I am not sure if the sixth is considered a drop shot par three but it is shortish (wedge to 8 iron) with a difficult green. The next hole is a long par three 225-230ish. I think it was built in the 1920-1930 time frame.
Rancho Park GC (CA)
River Ridge GC (CA)
Seville Golf & Country Club (AZ)
Tucson National - both courses (AZ)
Anthem Golf & Country Club Ironwood (AZ)
Indian Wells Country Club - both courses (CA)
Mission Hills Country Club - Tournament and Dye (CA)
Santa Anita GC (CA)
Coto De Caza Golf & Racquet Club - North (CA)
Sandpiper Golf Course (CA)
[/quote
Id like to get your take on why Sandpiper is on the list
Dismal River (White)
Dismal River (Red)
Prairie Dunes
Ballyneal
Wolf Point
Atlantic
Shinnecock Hills
Sebonack
Sleepy Hollow
St. Davids
Some might seem that list sort of whorish ;)
Some might seem that list sort of whorish ;)
Well, as they say, when in Rome.. ;D
Some might seem that list sort of whorish ;)
Well, as they say, when in Rome.. ;D
Yes?...Please go on.
It's a Tillinghast in Eatontown, NJ.
It's a Tillinghast in Eatontown, NJ.
NO RAINCHECKS
NO BARTERING
NO DISCOUNTS
NO COMPS
I guess we know their rater policy!
How was it?
National Golf Links of America
Southampton Golf Club
Sand Hills Golf Club
Cypress Point
Pebble Beach
Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore)
Pasatiempo
San Francisco Golf Club
Pine Valley Golf Club
Shinnecock Hills
National Golf Links of America
Southampton Golf Club
Sand Hills Golf Club
Friars Head
Cypress Point
Pebble Beach
Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore)
Pasatiempo
San Francisco Golf Club
Pine Valley Golf Club
Shinnecock Hills
National Golf Links of America
Southampton Golf Club
Sand Hills Golf Club
Friars Head
Cypress Point
Pebble Beach
Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore)
Pasatiempo
San Francisco Golf Club
Pine Valley Golf Club
Shinnecock Hills
Stephen, Tim:Wow! No kidding. That is as impressive of a list as there could ever be! I am sure it is an experience that you will never forget.
I've been very fortunate over the years having played them all previously.
However, never so many greats one right after another.
It was like judging the Miss America contest!
Gene
National Golf Links of AmericaSTOP THE FIGHT! We have a winner!
Southampton Golf Club
Sand Hills Golf Club
Friars Head
Cypress Point
Pebble Beach
Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore)
Pasatiempo
San Francisco Golf Club
Pine Valley Golf Club
Shinnecock Hills
A reasonably well-travelled selection with Hankley Common having the greatest (positive) differential between expectations and actual experience.
1. Lahinch
2. The Island
3. Royal County Down
4. Hankley Common
5. Royal Cinque Ports
6. Doonbeg
7. Pinehurst #2
8, Dormie Club
9. Seminole
10. Streamsong Red / Blue
Patrick
A reasonably well-travelled selection with Hankley Common having the greatest (positive) differential between expectations and actual experience.
1. Lahinch
2. The Island
3. Royal County Down
4. Hankley Common
5. Royal Cinque Ports
6. Doonbeg
7. Pinehurst #2
8, Dormie Club
9. Seminole
10. Streamsong Red / Blue
Patrick
Patrick,
When we last spoke you hadn't played the Island previously, what did you think?
Bart
For instance, if you want to have a great discussion about the playability of sub-par daily fee courses...Gene Greco is not the guy to talk with on this topic. ;)
For instance, if you want to have a great discussion about the playability of sub-par daily fee courses...Gene Greco is not the guy to talk with on this topic. ;)
Mac:
Au contraire.
I would trade all of those experiences to go back in time and play golf with my son when he was a six year old. We used play at a course called Sandy Pond in Riverhead, NY which had an honor box in which you placed your green fee.
Course is very playable for beginning golfers and, of course, nondescript architecturally.
Again, would trade the time travel for play on any of the mightiest courses I have played recently.
Ideally, would be nice to see him play again at NGLA when he was 18 months!
Gene
1. Squaw Valley (Thompson)
2. Onondaga (Travis)
3. Glens Falls (Ross)
4. Lookout Point (Travis)
5. Cutten (Thompson)
6. Pennhills (Travis)
7. Spring Brook (Travis)
8. Tarandowah (Hawtree)
9. Indian Creek (Flynn)
10. Streamsong (Doak)
Interesting re Lookout Point. The league stays overnight there for something like $89/pp including 36 holes....
1. Squaw Valley (Thompson)
2. Onondaga (Travis)
3. Glens Falls (Ross)
4. Lookout Point (Travis)
5. Cutten (Thompson)
6. Pennhills (Travis)
7. Spring Brook (Travis)
8. Tarandowah (Hawtree)
9. Indian Creek (Flynn)
10. Streamsong (Doak)
Ian, doing the Travis trail are you?
Mine is quite similar to Jim Colton's this week:
The Renaissance Club (new holes only)
St Andrews New
Jubilee
Strathyrum
Eden
The Old Course
Balgove
Cullen
Castle Stuart
Trump International Aberdeen (!)
I always enjoy this thread, just to see how much my list sucks compared to everyone else's.Matthew, throw Cherry Hills, Commonground, Castle Pines and Colorado Golf Club on the list, it wouldn't be so bad. I hope to play Cherry Hills this fall. Played Colorado Golf Club a few years ago, I had to pass playing it yesterday for free, courtesy of Colorado PGA.
Colorado National
Hyland Hills (Par-3) - went around in 24 strokes
Flatiron GC
Thorncreek
Park Hill (x 3)
Hyland Hills (Gold)
Evergreen
Heritage at Eagle Bend
Plum Creek
Heritage at Westmoor
Thorncreek is probably the worst course in the Denver metro. It also happens to be the closest to my house, and the one that I paid the least amount of money to play (except the par-3).
I always enjoy this thread, just to see how much my list sucks compared to everyone else's.
Colorado National
Hyland Hills (Par-3) - went around in 24 strokes
Flatiron GC
Thorncreek
Park Hill (x 3)
Hyland Hills (Gold)
Evergreen
Heritage at Eagle Bend
Plum Creek
Heritage at Westmoor
Thorncreek is probably the worst course in the Denver metro. It also happens to be the closest to my house, and the one that I paid the least amount of money to play (except the par-3).
Come now, Mr. Rose. Have you played Aurora Hills?
Fraserburgh
Murcar Links
Stonehaven
Prestwick St Nicholas
Irvine Golf Club Bogside
Glasgow Gailes
Dundonald Links
Reddish Vale
Cavendish
Royal St Davids
QuoteCome now, Mr. Rose. Have you played Aurora Hills?
Once.
I remember there being one really stupid hole.... was it #10?
Isn't this supposed to be your last 10 courses, and not your last 10 rounds? Otherwise many of us would look something like this:
Kingsley (x10)
The original point of the exercise was to show that many here play unheralded, perhaps pedestrian courses for their bread and butter games. Of course now many who do feel intimidated by the fancy lists posted, so I'm not sure what's really being accomplished accept to see who just came back from a great trip...
Starting with the most recent
Wooster
Double Eagle
Elyria
Mayfield
The Golf Club
Scioto
The Golf Club
The Golf Club
New South Wales
Royal Melbourne West
....since Australia I've haven't been to too many places yet this year but they've been good ones.
Mark,
Barton Hills an 8?! Gonna have to check that place out now that I'll be a more frequent visitor...
Andrew,
What did you think of Quail Crossing?
Andrew,
What did you think of Quail Crossing?
Jud -
It really liked it, although I played it by accident -- my in-laws' club was closed for an event so my father-in-law booked what he described as "a decent course in a housing development, but one that permits walking."
After the first few holes, I had become curious about the architect and, upon flipping over the card, confirmed my suspicion that I was in fact "on a Doak."
Good variety of shots (short, long, uphill, downhill, bending left, bending right) and green sites, flowing land and turf firm enough to hit running approaches on several holes. The bucolic look and feel of the land, and the resulting fit of the holes onto said land, reminded me of both Beechtree and High Pointe -- in a very good way.
Net net, a very enjoyable course with nice greens, and a tremendous value with a walking rate of $32/round on weekends and $22/round on weekdays.
Cheers, Andrew
Andrew,
What did you think of Quail Crossing?
The good...the bad...the ugly...
my last 10:
Brookside G&CC (OH)
Rock Creek Cattle Co (MT)
Whitefish Lake GC South (MT)
North Shore CC (NY)
Brookville CC (NY)
LI National GC (NY)
Paramount CC (NY)
Pound Ridge GC (NY)
Course at Yale (CT)
Moraine CC (OH)
The good...the bad...the ugly...
my last 10:
Brookside G&CC (OH)
Rock Creek Cattle Co (MT)
Whitefish Lake GC South (MT)
North Shore CC (NY)
Brookville CC (NY)
LI National GC (NY)
Paramount CC (NY)
Pound Ridge GC (NY)
Course at Yale (CT)
Moraine CC (OH)
Brian,
In my world, there are no uglies. Golf is good...always!
That is a pretty good summation of Quail. Its fun to play, good greens. Worth a look if you are in town for another reason.
Andrew, were you going to play Rolling Hills? I like playing Quail better, but my buddy Marc swears by RH.
Blackhawk Country Club (Madison, WI)
Andrew,
What did you think of Quail Crossing?
Jud, Have you played Quail or were you thinking of playing it?
That is a pretty good summation of Quail. Its fun to play, good greens. Worth a look if you are in town for another reason.
Andrew, were you going to play Rolling Hills? I like playing Quail better, but my buddy Marc swears by RH.
Nigel -
"In-law golf" in the Evansville area typically involves Evansville Country Club or Victoria National.
I haven't played Rolling Hills, although I believe it shares an architectural lineage with ECC.
Best, Andrew
I will slightly amend this to my last trip:
Lahinch
Ballybunion Old
Royal County Down
Portmarnock
Sunningdale Old and New
Swinley Forest
Walton Heath Old
Sebonack
Merion East
Winged Foot West
NGLA
Friars Head
Winged Foot East
I cannot see any travel for golf for a very long time after this.
Innisfil Beach - Doak 0
Trehaven - 2
Ambassador - 2
Plum Hollow - 4
Rackham - 4
Barton Hills - 8
U of M - 6
Glencairn - 4
Emerald Hills - 3
Cedar Brae - 3
Oakmont
Fox Chapel
Prairie Dunes
Milwaukee CC
Cypress Point Club
SFGC
Yeamans Hall Club
Streamsong Red
Streamsong Blue
Pine Tree
Beverly CC
Still have a trip to Bandon in October and may head to NY in Sept- it's been a good year golfwise seeing a multitude of great architecture. Had to cancel a trip to Inverness in late June- hope to play it at a later date.
Stemming from Mac's recent thread, someone made the comment that most of the folks on here generally play average courses.
Might as well take a survey. What are the last ten courses you played?
Mine:
Ravisloe - 5
Thunderhawk - 5
Butler - 7
Shepherd's Crook - 6
Skokie - 7
Barnbougle Dunes - 9
Barnbougle Lost Farm - 8
Yarra Yarra - 6
St. Andrew's Beach - 8
Royal Melbourne West - 9
Sven, RMW a 9?? What keeps it from perfect 10 status?
Mark:
If I gave it a 10, there wouldn't be any room to rate the composite course higher.
Sven
Mark:
If I gave it a 10, there wouldn't be any room to rate the composite course higher.
Sven
Haven't you seen Spinal Tap?
This should be interesting:
Kiawah Island - Ocean Course
Aston Oaks (North Bend, OH)
Bandon Dunes
Pacific Dunes
Bandon Preserve
Chambers Bay
Elks Run (Batavia, OH)
A-Ga-Ming - Sundance (Kewadin, MI)
Bay Harbor - Quarry/Preserve
Otsego Club - The Tribute (Gaylord, MI)
This should be interesting:
Kiawah Island - Ocean Course
Aston Oaks (North Bend, OH)
Bandon Dunes
Pacific Dunes
Bandon Preserve
Chambers Bay
Elks Run (Batavia, OH)
A-Ga-Ming - Sundance (Kewadin, MI)
Bay Harbor - Quarry/Preserve
Otsego Club - The Tribute (Gaylord, MI)
Glad to see A-Ga-Ming make it on someone's list--what did you think? I've always found this to be one of my favorite courses in northern MI
Could we stop the whining about lack of access in America.
Victoria Naional
River Bend Links
The Links at Cottonwood
TPC Southwind
Streamsong Blue
Streamsong Red
Rolling Hills
Oak Meadow
Dismal Red
Dismal White
Oak Meadow is on top of their game. The new owner is spending boo koo bucks on drainage and the greens are top knotch.
A very kiwi list.... Have walked lots of courses lately and so this list goes back to the start of the year.
Kinloch (Nicklaus)
Ahipara
Carrington (Dye)
Ohope
Royal Wellington
Paraparaumu Beach
Royal Auckland
Oreti Sands
Millbrook
Jack's Point
From March 4-April 8 34 straight days
Vail
Beaver Creek
Breckenridge
Keystone
Arapahoe Basin
Heavenly
Kirkwood
Well, I'm going to blow this premise out of the water. My last ten:
The Renaissance Club (Sunday)
North Berwick West Links (Friday)
Crystal Downs (previous Sunday, and three other times this year)
Royal Melbourne (in July)
Country Club of Detroit (grand re-opening in June)
North Shore CC (grand re-opening in May)
Augusta National (with a client in January)
Lost Farm (grand opening last December)
Barnbougle Dunes
St. Andrews Beach
I'm in the wrong business.
Garland:
If you stop to consider that my list goes back to December -- because I've only played 9 rounds of golf between January 1 and August 2 -- you would understand the true nature of the golf business better.
14 this year since late March
Southampton
Willow Ridge
The Bridge
Muttontown x2
Southward Ho
Palmetto
Midland Valley x 4(Aiken)
Wykagyl
Pyle and Kenfig
Southerndown
Pennard
Ashburnham
Royal Porthcawl
Goat Hill
14 this year since late March
Southampton
Willow Ridge
The Bridge
Muttontown x2
Southward Ho
Palmetto
Midland Valley x 4(Aiken)
Wykagyl
Pyle and Kenfig
Southerndown
Pennard
Ashburnham
Royal Porthcawl
Goat Hill
Jeff, thoughts on Wykagyl? I've always thought it looks great in the pictures I've seen, but maybe it's overshadowed by WF, Quaker and Fenway just down the street?
How about the 'ho...southward ho, that is?
Formby
Royal Worlington and New Market
Burnham and Berrow
Saunton E/W
St. Enodoc
Tumble Creek
Pacific Dunes
Old Mac
Bandon Trails
Bandon Dunes
Views on Worlington?
Idle Hour
The Honors
Tennessee National
Holston Hills
Pinehurst 2
Pinehurst 4
The Irish - Kohler
Whistling Straights
Camargo
The Cardinal Club - Louisville
Whistling Straights
Whistling Straights
This opens up a whole new line of questioning: is this a new Broadway musical?
Idle Hour
The Honors
Tennessee National
Holston Hills
Pinehurst 2
Pinehurst 4
The Irish - Kohler
Whistling Straights
Camargo
The Cardinal Club - Louisville
Pete,
The million dollar question is whether you like Holston as much as Idle Hour?
Idle Hour
The Honors
Tennessee National
Holston Hills
Pinehurst 2
Pinehurst 4
The Irish - Kohler
Whistling Straights
Camargo
The Cardinal Club - Louisville
Pete,
The million dollar question is whether you like Holston as much as Idle Hour?
wow, that's like asking if you like chocolate ice cream more than vanilla? Both great and satisfying yet still hard to choose the best.......
Sunnehanna
Bedford Springs
Laurel Valley
Oakmont
Pikewood National
Kahkwa
Hudson National
Ballyowen
Bayonne
Paramount
Idle Hour
The Honors
Tennessee National
Holston Hills
Pinehurst 2
Pinehurst 4
The Irish - Kohler
Whistling Straights
Camargo
The Cardinal Club - Louisville
Pete,
The million dollar question is whether you like Holston as much as Idle Hour?
wow, that's like asking if you like chocolate ice cream more than vanilla? Both great and satisfying yet still hard to choose the best.......
Just thought I would put you on the spot. I really want to see both of them. Thurman swears Idle Hour is hands down the best in Kentucky and I just had someone say the same about Holston in Tennessee who had a vested interest in claiming The Honors.
Carl, how was Punta Espada?
The Harvester
Erin Hills
South Bend CC
Kirtland CC
Winged Foot West
Winged Foot East
Plainfield
Somerset Hills
Merion East
Lehigh CC
Last Dozen....it was an epic June.
Ballyneal
Dismal Red & White
Sand Hills
Wianno CC
Old Sandwich
Salem CC
Forest Dunes
ThreeTops
Shanty Creek
Crystal Downs
Kingsley
LeewoodJeff
Scarsdale
The Island x 2
Renaissance x 3
Kilspindie
Longniddry
TOC
Gailes Links x 4
The Bridge
Goat Hill
LeewoodJeff
Scarsdale
The Island x 2
Renaissance x 3
Kilspindie
Longniddry
TOC
Gailes Links x 4
The Bridge
Goat Hill
What did you think of Longniddry?
Ciao
Pacific Dunes
Old MacDonald (x2)
The Preserve
Bandon Dunes
Bandon Trails
Country Club of Colorado
Ballyneal
Dismal White (x2)
Dismal Red (x2)
Sand Hills (x2)
Whitty-You gotta get out more. ;)
Probably one of the best 10 round stretch of my career, except for Lost Marsh, which I did not really enjoy.
Not to pick on anyone in particular, but it's fairly ironic that Sven started this thread to prove that many guys play regular local tracks and it's rather unsurprisingly turned, for the most part, into something else.
Not to pick on anyone in particular, but it's fairly ironic that Sven started this thread to prove that many guys play regular local tracks and it's rather unsurprisingly turned, for the most part, into something else.
True ... but also entirely predictable from this group.
I can't really think back past my last trip:
Medinah #1 [in the grand opening]
Traigh
Isle of Harris
Askernish
The Renaissance Club
Beverly (GCA Day - thanks again to Terry and Andrew!)
Butler National
Flossmoor (x10)
Lawsonia (Links)
Long Beach CC (Indiana)
Harbor Shores
Forest Dunes (x3)
Riviera
Trump National (Los Angeles) :-\
Palos Verdes GC
Not to pick on anyone in particular, but it's fairly ironic that Sven started this thread to prove that many guys play regular local tracks and it's rather unsurprisingly turned, for the most part, into something else.
Not to pick on anyone in particular, but it's fairly ironic that Sven started this thread to prove that many guys play regular local tracks and it's rather unsurprisingly turned, for the most part, into something else.
True ... but also entirely predictable from this group.
I can't really think back past my last trip:
Medinah #1 [in the grand opening]
Traigh
Isle of Harris
Askernish
The Renaissance Club
Not to pick on anyone in particular, but it's fairly ironic that Sven started this thread to prove that many guys play regular local tracks and it's rather unsurprisingly turned, for the most part, into something else.
Not to pick on anyone in particular, but it's fairly ironic that Sven started this thread to prove that many guys play regular local tracks and it's rather unsurprisingly turned, for the most part, into something else.
Selection bias may be at work here.
Not to pick on anyone in particular, but it's fairly ironic that Sven started this thread to prove that many guys play regular local tracks and it's rather unsurprisingly turned, for the most part, into something else.
True ... but also entirely predictable from this group.
Well, I'm going to blow this premise out of the water. My last ten:
The Renaissance Club (Sunday)
North Berwick West Links (Friday)
Crystal Downs (previous Sunday, and three other times this year)
Royal Melbourne (in July)
Country Club of Detroit (grand re-opening in June)
North Shore CC (grand re-opening in May)
Augusta National (with a client in January)
Lost Farm (grand opening last December)
Barnbougle Dunes
St. Andrews Beach
If it's the last ten different courses I'm not sure I can remember that far back with any accuracy. If it's the last ten rounds that's easy: My club, my club, my club, my club, my club, my club, my club, my club, my club, my club. Was that 10? I can keep going for a while if necessary.
Let's see, working backwards through 2014...
1) Columbia Country Club (my home course)
2) Oak Hills Golf Club (local public)
3) Cobblestone Park (local semi-private)
4) Plantation Course at Edisto Beach (nearby resort course)
Now we're back in 2013...
5) Charwood Golf Club (local public)
6) Royal Cinque Ports (Deal)
7) Princes Golf Club (Sandwich)
8) Royal St. Georges (Sandwich)
9) Wilmslow Golf Club (Wilmslow)
And now I'm stuck. Not sure what the 10th-most-recent course would be. That would likely be some time in 2012. Could be any one of a dozen possibilities. The nine I've listed cover 18-24 months and 200+ rounds which is far as my memory can reach.
If it's the last ten different courses I'm not sure I can remember that far back with any accuracy. If it's the last ten rounds that's easy: My club, my club, my club, my club, my club, my club, my club, my club, my club, my club. Was that 10? I can keep going for a while if necessary.
Let's see, working backwards through 2014...
1) Columbia Country Club (my home course)
2) Oak Hills Golf Club (local public)
3) Cobblestone Park (local semi-private)
4) Plantation Course at Edisto Beach (nearby resort course)
Now we're back in 2013...
5) Charwood Golf Club (local public)
6) Royal Cinque Ports (Deal)
7) Princes Golf Club (Sandwich)
8) Royal St. Georges (Sandwich)
9) Wilmslow Golf Club (Wilmslow)
And now I'm stuck. Not sure what the 10th-most-recent course would be. That would likely be some time in 2012. Could be any one of a dozen possibilities. The nine I've listed cover 18-24 months and 200+ rounds which is far as my memory can reach.
Do you keep a handicap?
Not to pick on anyone in particular, but it's fairly ironic that Sven started this thread to prove that many guys play regular local tracks and it's rather unsurprisingly turned, for the most part, into something else.
Not to pick on anyone in particular, but it's fairly ironic that Sven started this thread to prove that many guys play regular local tracks and it's rather unsurprisingly turned, for the most part, into something else.
Not to pick on anyone in particular, but it's fairly ironic that Sven started this thread to prove that many guys play regular local tracks and it's rather unsurprisingly turned, for the most part, into something else.
Jud...
It seems like Sven wanted us to post the last ten courses we've played; the good, bad, and ugly. Some may cherry pick the times they post to, essentially, brag about where they've played. But, I just periodically post my last ten courses played...regardless of whether they are brag worthy or not. I was under the impression that was the idea behind the thread.
In reverse order of play
Riverside in Sardis Ohio
Preston Country Club in Kingwood WV
Country Club of York
Hershey West
Lancaster
Esquire Country Club Huntington WV (scramble)
Streamsong Red
Streamsong Blue
Aiken
Dormie Club
Mid Pines
Tobacco Road
Mid Pines
Canaan Valley State Park WV
Riverside
Preston
Hopeman
Ullapool
Reay
Tain
Golspie
Brora
Fortrose and Rosemarkie
Kennemer
De Pan
Royal Hague
Nordwijkse
Eindhoven
Swinkesche
St. Marys Golf Club WV
Tygart Valley
Wow, all of that in a twelve month period. I didn't realize how much I get around.
Hoping to add Moundsville Counry Club in WV and Williams in Weirton WV in the next couple of weeks. I've played Moundsville in the past, but not since they did some work on the back nine.
Not to pick on anyone in particular, but it's fairly ironic that Sven started this thread to prove that many guys play regular local tracks and it's rather unsurprisingly turned, for the most part, into something else.
Jud...
It seems like Sven wanted us to post the last ten courses we've played; the good, bad, and ugly. Some may cherry pick the times they post to, essentially, brag about where they've played. But, I just periodically post my last ten courses played...regardless of whether they are brag worthy or not. I was under the impression that was the idea behind the thread.
Wow, I've actually played ten rounds this year:
Timberline
Farm Links
Royal St. George's
Royal Cinque Ports
Sunningdale Old
Sunningdale New
Walton Heath Old
Huntercombe
Golf Club of TN
Princeton Golf & Country Club
Most recent first and all in the last four months;
Reddish Vale (Maybe 40 times this year so far)
Cavendish
Romiley
Worsley
Bramhall
Pleasington
Sandiway
Mere
Prestbury
Stockport
Delamere Forest
Manchester (Hopwood)
Quite a decent cross-section of north-west English inland courses...
Duncan, talk to me about Manchester.
Ciao
so far in 2014
George Wright GC (MA)
Cape Arundel GC (ME)
Otsego GC (NY)
Chautauqua GC (NY)
Ohio University GC (OH)
the last 5 from 2013
Tower Ridge CC (CT)
Oxford Greens GC (CT)
Craig Wood GC (NY)
Saranac GC (NY)
Port Jervis CC AKA Lynx at River's Bend GC (NY)
so far in 2014
George Wright GC (MA)
Cape Arundel GC (ME)
Otsego GC (NY)
Chautauqua GC (NY)
Ohio University GC (OH)
the last 5 from 2013
Tower Ridge CC (CT)
Oxford Greens GC (CT)
Craig Wood GC (NY)
Saranac GC (NY)
Port Jervis CC AKA Lynx at River's Bend GC (NY)
Rich-
Thoughts on Tower Ridge? It's in my hometown and was once a private, predominantly Jewish club called Cliffside.
Nissequogue
Southampton
The Bridge
Swinley Forest
Clyne (front 9)
Southerndown x 2
Pennard
Borth and Ynslas
Aberdovey
Fairview (7 holes rainout)
San Francisco
Olympic (Lake)
Pasatiempo
Pebble Beach
Monterey Peninsula (Shore)
Cypress Point
Dismal River (Red)
Dismal River (White)
Sand Hills
Ballyneal
More than ten, but there are five 9-holersSince then:
Reserve Vineyards (N) home track
Willamette Valley CC
Desert Peaks (9) Madras,OR
Bear Valley Meadows (9) Seneca,Or
Valley (9) Burns, Or
Country View (9) Ontario, Or (more on this later)
Ontario
Trail Ruts (9) Guernsey, Wy
Dismal River (Red)
Dismal River (White)
Prairie Club (Pines)
Prairie Club (Dunes)
Commonground
Fossil Trace
Commonground
Bayside
Dismal- White
Dismal- Red
Radrick Farms
U of M course
Philly Cricket - Militia
Merion - East
Merion - West
Bunker Hill - thanks to Kavanaugh for suggesting
Ballyneal
Not as good as Erics- but I am happy with it
Not the case at all, Jeff. Just two really great trips that made up the bulk of my play this summer.
Nissequogue
Southampton
The Bridge
Swinley Forest
Clyne (front 9)
Southerndown x 2
Pennard
Borth and Ynslas
Aberdovey
Fairview (7 holes rainout),
No Goat Jeff? What gives? Haha!
Va-Jo-Wa GC (ME)
Va-Jo-Wa GC (ME)
Is this a product from Proctor & Gamble? 8)
Golf de Sant-Cloud
Golf de Chantilly (Vineuil)
Golf de Morfontaine (Valliere)
Golf de Morfontaine (Le Grand)
Golf de Fountainebleau
Golf d'Hardelot (Les Pins)
Le Touquet (La Mer)
Golf de Belle Dune
Golf de Saint Germain
Prairie Dunes CC
Lake Lure Golf Club (9 Hole)
Old Fort Golf Course (9 Hole)
Lekarica
Martin County Golf & CC (Original Langford 9 Hole routing)
Streamsong Blue & Red Composite Course
Mount Dora Golf Club
Winter Park CC (9 Hole)
Rustic Canyon
Blue Mound G & CC
Lawsonia Links
Lake Lure Golf Club (9 Hole)
Old Fort Golf Course (9 Hole)
Lekarica
Martin County Golf & CC (Original Langford 9 Hole routing)
Streamsong Blue & Red Composite Course
Mount Dora Golf Club
Winter Park CC (9 Hole)
Rustic Canyon
Blue Mound G & CC
Lawsonia Links
Rees,
What was the composite course like? As good as either of the courses individually?
Quite the smattering:
Roy Kizer (Austin, TX)
Belvedere (Charlevoix, MI)
Kingsley Club (Kingsley, MI)
Verona Hills (Bad Axe, MI)
Ubly Heights (Ubly, MI)
Jimmy Clay (Austin, TX)
Riverside (Austin, TX)
Austin GC (Austin, TX)
Lions (Austin, TX)
Olympic (Ocean) (San Francisco, CA)
Last Ten
Fox Chapel
Oakmont
Flossmoor
Olympia Fields North
Dunes Club
Bob O'Link
Beverly
Knollwood Club
Exmoor
Northmoor
How do you like Kizer?
How do you like Kizer?
It's pretty decent. It's not going to win any architectural awards. But the holes are fairly solid (I can't think of any truly bad holes, though I'm not sure how I feel about #17), there are a variety of tees, the pace of play is good, and $35 walking on a weekend is a perfectly good value especially since it's a 10 minute drive for me.
It's very playable despite having water on probably 13 holes, but when the wind kicks up suddenly those wide playing corridors don't feel quite as wide.
Contrasted with Jimmy Clay, which is less expensive but has several just plain dumb holes, I think the extra $ is worth it to play Kizer.
How do you like Kizer?
It's pretty decent. It's not going to win any architectural awards. But the holes are fairly solid (I can't think of any truly bad holes, though I'm not sure how I feel about #17), there are a variety of tees, the pace of play is good, and $35 walking on a weekend is a perfectly good value especially since it's a 10 minute drive for me.
It's very playable despite having water on probably 13 holes, but when the wind kicks up suddenly those wide playing corridors don't feel quite as wide.
Contrasted with Jimmy Clay, which is less expensive but has several just plain dumb holes, I think the extra $ is worth it to play Kizer.
I agree on what you've said. I'm thinking, is 17 the short par 4? I think it's either 15, 16, or 17. What do you think of Riverside?
South Bend CC (IN)
I agree on what you've said. I'm thinking, is 17 the short par 4? I think it's either 15, 16, or 17. What do you think of Riverside?
Old Union
Cuscowilla
Sweetens Cove
Lookout Mountain
Mimosa Hills
Asheville Municipal
Hard Labor Creek
Washington Wilkes CC
Augusta CC
Aiken Golf Club
Guess I’ll do newest first… But this goes a long way back – I’ve played very little since the beginning of June:
Carne
Waterville
Portmarnock
Royal Dublin
Boat of Garten
Nairn Dunbar
Castle Stuart
Moray Old
Royal Dornoch
Golspie
Guess I’ll do newest first… But this goes a long way back – I’ve played very little since the beginning of June:
Carne
Waterville
Portmarnock
Royal Dublin
Boat of Garten
Nairn Dunbar
Castle Stuart
Moray Old
Royal Dornoch
Golspie
Ally
Waterville rather than Dooks? How would you play them in a split of 10?
Old Union
Cuscowilla
Sweetens Cove
Lookout Mountain
Mimosa Hills
Asheville Municipal
Hard Labor Creek
Washington Wilkes CC
Augusta CC
Aiken Golf Club
Rees tell me about Washington Wilkes CC.
Drove by it a hundred times on the way to Athens
Champions Golf Club
Westwood Golf Club
Austin Golf Club
Sand Hills Golf Club
Dismal River
Beverly CC
Houston CC
Olympia Fields CC
Butler National Golf Club
River Oaks CC
Champions Golf Club
Westwood Golf Club
Austin Golf Club
Sand Hills Golf Club
Dismal River
Beverly CC
Houston CC
Olympia Fields CC
Butler National Golf Club
River Oaks CC
No Prairie Dunes this season??!! Sorry I can't join y'all later this month!
Maketewah (Cincinnati)
Raven's Claw (Pottstown, Pennsylvania)
Makefield Highlands (Yardley, Pennsylvania)
Jeffersonville (Norristown, Pennsylvania)
Upper Dublin (Dresher, Pennsylvania)
French Lick (Indiana) - Pete Dye
French Lick (Indiana) - Donald Ross
Huntingdon Valley (Pennsylvania)
Malone (New York)
The Peninsula on The Indian River Bay (Millsboro, Delaware)
I want to work out my last 10 for the first time in ages, only because Iam likely to be appalled by how far back it takes me.
Bonnie Doon (Sep '14)
The Lakes (June '14)
Shelly Beach (April '14)
St Michael's (March '14)
Oatlands (Feb '14)
Springwood (Jan '14)
NSWGC (Dec '13)
Ellerston (Oct '13)
Newcastle (Oct '13)
Royal Adelaide (Oct '13)
Almost a year to rack up 10 separate courses. For shame!
Maketewah (Cincinnati)
Raven's Claw (Pottstown, Pennsylvania)
Makefield Highlands (Yardley, Pennsylvania)
Jeffersonville (Norristown, Pennsylvania)
Upper Dublin (Dresher, Pennsylvania)
French Lick (Indiana) - Pete Dye
French Lick (Indiana) - Donald Ross
Huntingdon Valley (Pennsylvania)
Malone (New York)
The Peninsula on The Indian River Bay (Millsboro, Delaware)
Matt-
Thoughts about Peninsula on The Indian River Bay?
Maketewah (Cincinnati)
Raven's Claw (Pottstown, Pennsylvania)
Makefield Highlands (Yardley, Pennsylvania)
Jeffersonville (Norristown, Pennsylvania)
Upper Dublin (Dresher, Pennsylvania)
French Lick (Indiana) - Pete Dye
French Lick (Indiana) - Donald Ross
Huntingdon Valley (Pennsylvania)
Malone (New York)
The Peninsula on The Indian River Bay (Millsboro, Delaware)
Matt-
Thoughts about Peninsula on The Indian River Bay?
Carl: I enjoyed it. I played it with a bunch of our members while on our annual golf trip to the Ocean City, Maryland, area. It was one of the more moderate Nicklaus designs I've played. Architecturally, I preferred Bayside, but found The Peninsula much more playable. The members enjoyed The Peninsula more too because it wasn't as penal. Overall, it was a fun course...nothing spectacular , but enjoyable.
Maketewah (Cincinnati)
Raven's Claw (Pottstown, Pennsylvania)
Makefield Highlands (Yardley, Pennsylvania)
Jeffersonville (Norristown, Pennsylvania)
Upper Dublin (Dresher, Pennsylvania)
French Lick (Indiana) - Pete Dye
French Lick (Indiana) - Donald Ross
Huntingdon Valley (Pennsylvania)
Malone (New York)
The Peninsula on The Indian River Bay (Millsboro, Delaware)
Matt-
Thoughts about Peninsula on The Indian River Bay?
Carl: I enjoyed it. I played it with a bunch of our members while on our annual golf trip to the Ocean City, Maryland, area. It was one of the more moderate Nicklaus designs I've played. Architecturally, I preferred Bayside, but found The Peninsula much more playable. The members enjoyed The Peninsula more too because it wasn't as penal. Overall, it was a fun course...nothing spectacular , but enjoyable.
Matt:
I had a similar reaction the one time I played it. That was a few years ago -- they had already built some housing (both single family and condo buildings), but it looked like they had plans for a lot more. Is the housing now a big drawback?
Burnham
Evesham - typical awful course with one awesome hole!
Cavendish
Kington
Rosapenna Sandy Links
Rosapenna OTM Links
Portsalon
Narin & Portnoo
Renaissance x2
Ciao
Shoreacres
Olympia Fields North
Chicago Golf Club
Dunes Club
Lost Dunes
Bryn Mawr
Bob O'Link
Beverly
Oakmont
Fox Chapel
Shoreacres
Olympia Fields North
Chicago Golf Club
Dunes Club
Lost Dunes
Bryn Mawr
Bob O'Link
Beverly
Oakmont
Fox Chapel
Not counting my home course,
1. NGLA
2. Shinnecock
3. Maidstone
4. Friar's Head
5. Merion
6. Bev
7. Oly Fields North
8. Butler Nat'l
9. SFGC
10. Cal Club
Been a summer of a lifetime. One trip left on the schedule...will be at Seminole in Nov.
Burnham
Evesham - typical awful course with one awesome hole!
Cavendish
Kington
Rosapenna Sandy Links
Rosapenna OTM Links
Portsalon
Narin & Portnoo
Renaissance x2
Ciao
Which hole at Evesham, Sean?
Played it yesterday and one of the holes was probably the worst I've ever played. Interested if we're talking about the same hole.
Burnham
Evesham - typical awful course with one awesome hole!
Cavendish
Kington
Rosapenna Sandy Links
Rosapenna OTM Links
Portsalon
Narin & Portnoo
Renaissance x2
Ciao
Which hole at Evesham, Sean?
Played it yesterday and one of the holes was probably the worst I've ever played. Interested if we're talking about the same hole.
Ryan
It was the short par 4 after the river hole, #6 I think.
Ciao
My last 10 are not too special aside from blue mound: starting from most recent
Glencoe Golf Club (Tourney)
Ravisloe CC
Glencoe Golf Club (Tourney)
Shepards Crook
Steeple Chase
Harborside (Port)
Blue Mound
Green Acres CC
Green Acres CC
Mistwood
Not counting my home course,
1. NGLA
2. Shinnecock
3. Maidstone
4. Friar's Head
5. Merion
6. Bev
7. Oly Fields North
8. Butler Nat'l
9. SFGC
10. Cal Club
Been a summer of a lifetime. One trip left on the schedule...will be at Seminole in Nov.
SeanRyanEvesham - typical awful course with one awesome hole!Which hole at Evesham, Sean?
Played it yesterday and one of the holes was probably the worst I've ever played. Interested if we're talking about the same hole.
It was the short par 4 after the river hole, #6 I think.
Ciao
After the river hole is a short par 3.
7th/16th is the hole you mean I think.
Huge slope from left to right. Small green cut into the hill side. We are diametrically opposed in our tastes. The hole will be all I remember of the course it was truly one of the worst holes I've played. Nothing tee shot, that finishes in the same place no matter where you hit it. Followed by a shot up to a tiny green that repels the approach. Really didn't like it.
I have been treated very well by my golf friends and am appreciative.
Ravisloe CC
Chicago GC
Kankakee Elks
Shinnecock
NGLA
Calumet CC
Beverly CC
Black Sheep
South Shore CC (not bad but in major need of chainsaw and 2 blocks from work)
Olympia Fields South
Brian
What did you think of Detroit South?
Ciao
When I grow up I want to be Mark Chaplin!
I guess I will only be able to say this once in life: working backwards....
Bethpage Black
Quaker Ridge
Garden City
Winged Foot
Shinnecock
National Golf Links of America
Maidstone
Fisher's Island
The Bridge
Sebonack
Merion
One trip of a lifetime, just returned. May take some time to recover....and reflect!
I guess I will only be able to say this once in life: working backwards....
Bethpage Black
Quaker Ridge
Garden City
Winged Foot
Shinnecock
National Golf Links of America
Maidstone
Fisher's Island
The Bridge
Sebonack
Merion
One trip of a lifetime, just returned. May take some time to recover....and reflect!
Ooops, I forgot Hay Harbor on Fisher's Island too. Fun little 9 hole course.
I guess I will only be able to say this once in life: working backwards....
Bethpage Black
Quaker Ridge
Garden City
Winged Foot
Shinnecock
National Golf Links of America
Maidstone
Fisher's Island
The Bridge
Sebonack
Merion
One trip of a lifetime, just returned. May take some time to recover....and reflect!
Ooops, I forgot Hay Harbor on Fisher's Island too. Fun little 9 hole course.
and you drove RIGHT BY The Goat to get there!
The Shelter Island Golf Club
Island's End
Indian Island
Meadow Brook
NGLA (x 10)
Friar's Head (yesterday)
Montauk (today)
oops that's only 7 (don't get around much)
within the next few weeks
Laurel Links
Baiting Hallow Club
Played what was likely my last round of the season a couple of weeks ago...
Maidstone
Myopia Hunt Club
Essex County Club
Shinnecock Hills
Sand Hills
National Golf Links
Friars Head
Swinley Forest
Winged Foot East
Camargo Club
Great summer, including some of the best the Midwest has to offer:
Prairie Dunes
Forest Hills
Dunes Club
Olympia Fields North & South
Four Seasons
Fox Run
Blackwolf Run River & Meadow Valleys
Whistling - Straits
Tiburon
Victoria National
Friars Head
Fishers Island
Sleepy Hollow
Garden City
Ferry Point
Somerset Hills
Plainfield
CC of Fairfield
Crystal Downs
Kingsley Club
Friars Head
Fishers Island
Sleepy Hollow
Garden City
Ferry Point
Somerset Hills
Plainfield
CC of Fairfield
Crystal Downs
Kingsley Club
The list begs the question: Where is the last on this list (Kingsley) in your personal Top 50?
Judge,
I really enjoyed Kingsley and was fortunate to have played three rounds there a few weeks back. Of that list, it was the one I'd never played before. Each round was progressively revealing and enjoyable. It's a sporty course I could happily play multiple times in variable conditions and likely not tire of.
That said, I've been lucky and fortunate enough to have played many other courses that heartily compete with a place like Kingsley and probably just nudge it out of my Top 50. CrystalDowns, however, would easily fit well inside my Top 30.
Judge,
I really enjoyed Kingsley and was fortunate to have played three rounds there a few weeks back. Of that list, it was the one I'd never played before. Each round was progressively revealing and enjoyable. It's a sporty course I could happily play multiple times in variable conditions and likely not tire of.
That said, I've been lucky and fortunate enough to have played many other courses that heartily compete with a place like Kingsley and probably just nudge it out of my Top 50. CrystalDowns, however, would easily fit well inside my Top 30.
I haven't made it up to Kingsley, not for lack of invitation, but I was legitimately curious if it would squeeze in your Top 50, knowing the notched-up nature of your golf belt. Sorry if Jones feels tweaked. Not my intent. I'm sure that Kingsley will make my Top 50, as long as I get there before I do the New York/Long Island/Philly combo platter I've been fantasizing about!
Mountain Park (The Cliffs)
The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards
Currahee
Sharp Park
Reunion
Sand Ridge
The Golf Club
Rivermont
East Lake
Dunes Club (MI)
Brian...
Sand Ridge was a gorgeous place to play golf. It lacked a bit of strategy until some of the later holes...but even then it wasn't an epic type of golfing experience where you had to think prior to hitting every shot. It is a nice place to play and makes for an enjoyable day. I think that lovers of strategic golf courses might not care for it. But, if your love the relaxing round in a great setting...you'll love Sand Ridge.
You played it? What do you think?
If I were you, I wouldn't get around much either.
If I were you, I wouldn't get around much either.
Honest to God, how long has Cavalier been on this site? If he is still in his first year, then he gets my vote for Rookie Of The Year. Either he's making me envious with his photography or he's making me laugh with his quips. Thanks for this one, Jon. Chuck has a little secret stashed away.
I'm going for "least impressive last 10;" let's see how I stack up:that list is awesome!
- The Hills - Signature (Nicklaus)
- Shadow Glen (Roy Bechtol, Randy Russell)
- Morris Williams (Leon Howard), 4x
- Teravista Golf Club (Clifton-Ezell-Clifton)
- Falconhead (PGA Tour Design Center)
- Jimmy Clay (Joe Finger), 2x
- The Quarry (Keith Foster)
- Willow Springs (Emil Loeffler, John McGlynn)
- Bluebonnet Hill (Jeff Brauer), 2x
- Barton Creek - Crenshaw Cliffside (Crenshaw, Coore)
My favorite course among these—by far—was The Quarry. Keith Foster is an underrated architect, IMO. I've never played so many <400yd par 4s (from the tips) that had so much character and invited so much strategy off the tee.
Haha, Sam Morrow...
The architects of my last 10 aren't bad, but those courses aren't world-beaters by any stretch of the imagination. That said, I've been impressed by the quality of public courses in central Texas, and I'm looking forward to knocking out a few more, especially Tilly's Brackenridge Park in San Antonio.
Regarding Keith Foster, I find it interesting that he's chosen to focus on restorations/renovations since 2000, after completing many original projects of his own. It seems to me that Foster was/is ahead of the curve in noticing the decline of golf and focusing on improving the resources we already have, as opposed to taking the ego-driven route and pumping out more original designs.
This is purely conjecture, but perhaps he grew to dislike a new "standard" in proposals characterized by real estate developments coupled with residential course routings. I would love to hear his take on why he redirected his career in this manner. For what it's worth, I really enjoy his work and think it has a flair and consideration that I've found lacking on many modern courses.
Belmont Hills
Mid Ocean Club
Turtle Hill
Tucker's Point
Port Royal
Riddel's Bay
Weston
Laval sur Le Lac (Green)
Laval sur Le Lac (Blue)
Mount Bruno
Belmont Hills
Mid Ocean Club
Turtle Hill
Tucker's Point
Port Royal
Riddel's Bay
Weston
Laval sur Le Lac (Green)
Laval sur Le Lac (Blue)
Mount Bruno
Mark,
Tucker's or Port Royal?
What is Turtle Hill? (old Ocean View?)
Streamsong Blue
Streamsong Red
Squire Creek
Mystic Creek
Bayou Desiard
Prairie Dunes
Salina CC
Wildhorse
Sand Hills
Ballyneal
Streamsong Blue
Streamsong Red
Squire Creek
Mystic Creek
Bayou Desiard
Prairie Dunes
Salina CC
Wildhorse
Sand Hills
Ballyneal
Why all the way there and no Dismal?
Streamsong Blue
Streamsong Red
Squire Creek
Mystic Creek
Bayou Desiard
Prairie Dunes
Salina CC
Wildhorse
Sand Hills
Ballyneal
2015 is looking much more promising.
How about Scottish Heights? That's along Route 119 in PA, correct? On the way to Punxsutawney? I've seen the sign, but we've always been on a mission from God.
Yeamans Hall ClubThoughts re Belfairs and Berkeleys?
Chechessee Creek Club
Long Cove Club
Ocean Forest GC
Ford Plantation
Wexford Plantation
Belfair East
Berkeley Hall South
Berkeley Hall North
Belfair West
Walton Health the standout here, but after playing Chambers Bay recently, I'm intrigued to see how they will pull off the US Open next June.
......Thoughts re Belfairs and Berkeleys?
Belfair East
Berkeley Hall South
Berkeley Hall North
Belfair West
Brunswick CC
Streamsong Blue
Streamsong Red
Victoria Hills
Highlands Reserve
Winter Park CC
World Woods Rolling Oaks
World Woods Pine Barrens
Mountain Lake
Timuquana
Brunswick CC
Streamsong Blue
Streamsong Red
Victoria Hills
Highlands Reserve
Winter Park CC
World Woods Rolling Oaks
World Woods Pine Barrens
Mountain Lake
Timuquana
Now didn't I just read you played Fort Myers? ;)
Brunswick CC
Streamsong Blue
Streamsong Red
Victoria Hills
Highlands Reserve
Winter Park CC
World Woods Rolling Oaks
World Woods Pine Barrens
Mountain Lake
Timuquana
Now didn't I just read you played Fort Myers? ;)
I'm saving that for my next group :)
Brunswick CC
Streamsong Blue
Streamsong Red
Victoria Hills
Highlands Reserve
Winter Park CC
World Woods Rolling Oaks
World Woods Pine Barrens
Mountain Lake
Timuquana
Now didn't I just read you played Fort Myers? ;)
I'm saving that for my next group :)
Might want to pencil in Clewiston for Feb 2nd ;)
Quantity may make some jealous.. Quality likely won't. Last ten played in last 7 days...
Quantity may make some jealous.. Quality likely won't. Last ten played in last 7 days...
The Florida Club
Doral Red Tiger
Club at Emerald Hills
Palm Cove
Martin Downs
Gator Trace
The Saints at Port St Lucie
St Lucie Trail
Boca Raton Municipal
Davie
Hollywood Beach
Best experience--Bay Hill. Just not a lot of places you can run into Arnold Palmer
Sugarcane Golf Club
Clewiston Golf Course
Fort Myers CC
Pinehurst #2
Mid Pines
Forest Creek North
Pine Needles
Deltona Club
Miami Springs Golf & CC
Suwannee Country Club
Lake Wales CC
Ocala Golf Club
Great Dunes
Sugarcane Golf Club
Clewiston Golf Course
Fort Myers CC
Pinehurst #2
Mid Pines
Forest Creek North
Pine Needles
Deltona Club
Miami Springs Golf & CC
Suwannee Country Club
Lake Wales CC
Ocala Golf Club
Great Dunes
With the exception of the Pinehurst area, that might be the best value list I've seen(other than the money you lost to Mike at deltona)-especially with the rest of the country under snow.
Where's Sugarcane? and how is it?
Sugarcane Golf Club
Clewiston Golf Course
Fort Myers CC
Pinehurst #2
Mid Pines
Forest Creek North
Pine Needles
Deltona Club
Miami Springs Golf & CC
Suwannee Country Club
Lake Wales CC
Ocala Golf Club
Great Dunes
With the exception of the Pinehurst area, that might be the best value list I've seen(other than the money you lost to Mike at deltona)-especially with the rest of the country under snow.
Where's Sugarcane? and how is it?
Sugarcane is the course in Belle Glade, FL, about 15-20 minutes from the Clewiston course and has 9 holes that haven't changed much since they were built in the late 30's.. Excluding the NC courses, I spent maybe $200 on FL golf since New Years. I was able to work out almost all of them around work travels, which helps.
Sugarcane Golf Club
Clewiston Golf Course
Fort Myers CC
Pinehurst #2
Mid Pines
Forest Creek North
Pine Needles
Deltona Club
Miami Springs Golf & CC
Suwannee Country Club
Lake Wales CC
Ocala Golf Club
Great Dunes
With the exception of the Pinehurst area, that might be the best value list I've seen(other than the money you lost to Mike at deltona)-especially with the rest of the country under snow.
Where's Sugarcane? and how is it?
Sugarcane is the course in Belle Glade, FL, about 15-20 minutes from the Clewiston course and has 9 holes that haven't changed much since they were built in the late 30's.. Excluding the NC courses, I spent maybe $200 on FL golf since New Years. I was able to work out almost all of them around work travels, which helps.
Rees, I've seen Sugarcane advertised on GolfNow. It says it's 18 holes by Gary Player I think. What am I missing?
Sugarcane Golf Club
Clewiston Golf Course
Fort Myers CC
Pinehurst #2
Mid Pines
Forest Creek North
Pine Needles
Deltona Club
Miami Springs Golf & CC
Suwannee Country Club
Lake Wales CC
Ocala Golf Club
Great Dunes
With the exception of the Pinehurst area, that might be the best value list I've seen(other than the money you lost to Mike at deltona)-especially with the rest of the country under snow.
Where's Sugarcane? and how is it?
Sugarcane is the course in Belle Glade, FL, about 15-20 minutes from the Clewiston course and has 9 holes that haven't changed much since they were built in the late 30's.. Excluding the NC courses, I spent maybe $200 on FL golf since New Years. I was able to work out almost all of them around work travels, which helps.
Rees, I've seen Sugarcane advertised on GolfNow. It says it's 18 holes by Gary Player I think. What am I missing?
Only play the 9 that are next to the dam, those are the original 9 from the late 30's and not much has changed since then. The Player group added another 9 sometime in either the late 80's or early 90's and I haven't ever bothered playing them since I like to play the original 9 and then drive to Clewiston and play the original 9 that Stiles and Van Kleek did there.
A few more than 10
Titirangi
Kinloch
St. Andrews Beach
The Dunes Golf Links
Peninsula Club North
Barnbougle Dunes
Lost Farm
Kingston Heath
Royal Melbourne East
Cape Wickam
Metropolitan Club
Victoria
The Hills
Jack's Point
Arrowtown
Daryl, how did you like Titirangi? The club's website says Alister Mackenzie designed it.
I don't see Royal Melbourne West on your list.
Andrew
What is Lonnie Poole like? Whats good/bad about the course?
Ciao
I could'nt agree more. I thought it was a really nice course and a wonderful walk
The biggest surprise was Naples National- not sure I've seen a course with such impeccable detailing and conditioning. Terrific layout that should merit top 100 Modern status. I suspect it gets overlooked with Calusa just down the road,
Melrose @ Daufuskie Island
Last ten SNOWSTORMS or golf courses?
Golf courses Gene.
A bit of travel to start the year but I most likely will stay close to home the rest of the season.
Mississaugua G&CC, Ontario, CAN
St. Catharines G&CC, Ontario, CAN
Old Town Club, NC
Mid Pines, NC
Dormie Club, NC
Pinehurst #2, NC
Carolina GC, NC
Walden on Lake Conroe, TX
Wolf Point, TX
Champions GC - Cypress Creek, TX
A bit of travel to start the year but I most likely will stay close to home the rest of the season.
Mississaugua G&CC, Ontario, CAN
St. Catharines G&CC, Ontario, CAN
Old Town Club, NC
Mid Pines, NC
Dormie Club, NC
Pinehurst #2, NC
Carolina GC, NC
Walden on Lake Conroe, TX
Wolf Point, TX
Champions GC - Cypress Creek, TX
Matt, So is TX a GCA wasteland?
Here are my last ten. Oldest to newest.
Washington National GC, Auburn, WA
Champions Golf Club (Cypress Creek), Houston, TX
Walden GC on Lake Conroe, Montgomery, TX
FarmLinks, Sylacauga, AL
Ross Bridge, Birmingham, AL
Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, KY
Olympia Fields Country Club (North), Olympia Fields, IL
Olympia Fields Country Club (South), Olympia Fields, IL
The Minikahda Club, Minneapolis, MN
Midland Hills Country Club, Roseville, MN
I do enjoy Sean's rating scale but if I applied the same I'd likely hyper-ventilate given some of the courses I've played lately. ;)
Instead, I'll use the Doak Scale and try to assign numbers accordingly
Old York (NJ) - 0
CC of Little Rock, AR
Alotian, AR
Spring Creek Ranch, TN
Memphis CC, TN
Bellerive CC, MO
Boone Valley, MO
CC of St Albans (Lewis & Clark), MO
CC of St Albans (Tavern Creek), MO
St Louis CC, MO
Seminole, FL
I hope I started a trend by applying my own Doak Scale ratings and it's good to see others opinions. I particularly enjoyed seeing Jason's 6 for Texas Star which I'm in agreement with.
I hope Tom doesn't mind.
Tom (or anyone else), care to explain the "Doak Scale" to a newbie?
I don't mind a bit. In fact, I wish more people would do this. It provides some real information to the thread, instead of just showing off where someone has been; and it also provides some real information about the reporter, and whether I should trust his or her ratings in the future. :)
Unfortunately, you seem to have jinxed it, as no one has posted any 0-10 ratings since your post. So, I will start, with a report from my trip last week [the last one for Volume 2 of The Confidential Guide]. Note that I did not play all of these courses, as there was a LOT of rain in the area last week:
Tom (or anyone else), care to explain the "Doak Scale" to a newbie?
I don't mind a bit. In fact, I wish more people would do this. It provides some real information to the thread, instead of just showing off where someone has been; and it also provides some real information about the reporter, and whether I should trust his or her ratings in the future. :)
Unfortunately, you seem to have jinxed it, as no one has posted any 0-10 ratings since your post. So, I will start, with a report from my trip last week [the last one for Volume 2 of The Confidential Guide]. Note that I did not play all of these courses, as there was a LOT of rain in the area last week:
Tom (or anyone else), care to explain the "Doak Scale" to a newbie?
I don't mind a bit. In fact, I wish more people would do this. It provides some real information to the thread, instead of just showing off where someone has been; and it also provides some real information about the reporter, and whether I should trust his or her ratings in the future. :)
Unfortunately, you seem to have jinxed it, as no one has posted any 0-10 ratings since your post. So, I will start, with a report from my trip last week [the last one for Volume 2 of The Confidential Guide]. Note that I did not play all of these courses, as there was a LOT of rain in the area last week:
http://www.linksmagazine.com/best_of_golf/the-doak-scale
JStewart...Calusa Pines was fantastic (No. 3 in Florida per Golf Digest). Immaculate conditioning, a nice variety of holes (challenging but playable), and some elevation change which is rare for this part of the state.
Any pleasant surprises in that mix?
Whistling Straits (9) One of my all-time favorites...love every hole, yes even #5
Whistling Straits (9) One of my all-time favorites...love every hole, yes even #5
Even #18?
Finally got to 10 different for the year:
Broadmoor (5) My home course (possibly a homer rating). Some potentially boring holes, but I think the greens make up for a lot of things.
Brickyard Crossing (5) I love this course too. Totally unique setting, a few really unique Dye holes, but a few very similar.
Woodland Country Club (6) Was really suprised by this place. Great variety and some cool holes
Blackwolf Run River (Eight) Awesome course, really great set of par 5s
Whistling Straits (9) One of my all-time favorites...love every hole, yes even #5
Trophy Club (4) very unique for the Indy area, just a few "blah" holes that bring it down slightly, really fun though
Wolf Run (7) incredibly hard, but incredibly unique - probably 6 - 8 holes you will find nowhere else
Quintero (0) hated everything about this abysmal cart-ball course. Should never have been built
Talking Stick North (5) would love to play this every day. Great example of a non-penal desert course
Scottsdale National (4) If you like desert golf I think you'll like this place...I just am not a fan of desert golf I've found. Some very good greens a couple really memorable holes - especially the "mine shaft" on hole 15
Josh, interested to hear more about Woodland.
Just back from an amazing spring tour where I played my last 10.
Royal Liverpool (Hoylake) (6)
Royal Lytham & St. Anne (8)
Formby (7)
Royal Birkdale (8)
North Berwick (9) (for me a 9.6 but you can't round up to a 10 no more than you can give a 3 ft eagle putt.
Renaissance Club (7)
Castle Course (6)
Old Course (8) but it does slowly grow on me so maybe every time I play I will find it more interesting.
Turnberry (7)
Prestwick (9)
Troon (8)
Dundonald Links (5)
ok, last 12 but it was one trip so there. A truly great run of courses and links golf.
Arcadia Bluffs (5) if beautiful views are your thing it's a 8 or 9 as far as golf courses with views go.The only thing about Arcadia that is a little out of hand are the greens. Otherwise I think Smith/Henderson have a pretty solid layout (though the views do carry the day there). And curious to hear you elaborate on OHCC's "maintenance/course set up."
Oakland Hills South (7) very solid architecture but just not my thing from a maintenance, course set up perspective.
Broadmoor (5) My home course (possibly a homer rating). Some potentially boring holes, but I think the greens make up for a lot of things.
Arcadia Bluffs (5) if beautiful views are your thing it's a 8 or 9 as far as golf courses with views go.The only thing about Arcadia that is a little out of hand are the greens. Otherwise I think Smith/Henderson have a pretty solid layout (though the views do carry the day there). And curious to hear you elaborate on OHCC's "maintenance/course set up."
Oakland Hills South (7) very solid architecture but just not my thing from a maintenance, course set up perspective.
Broadmoor (5) My home course (possibly a homer rating). Some potentially boring holes, but I think the greens make up for a lot of things.
Josh:
You are not being a homer at all here. Broadmoor is at least a 5 and some would give it a 6. Your application of the Doak scale seems to be more in line than subsequent posters ... if Nairn is a 9 the scale would need to go up to fifteen!
That's fair. Was it your first time out or have you played it a few times and seen those conditions consistently? I feel like especially early and and late in the season you can catch the course differently just depending on the weather.Arcadia Bluffs (5) if beautiful views are your thing it's a 8 or 9 as far as golf courses with views go.The only thing about Arcadia that is a little out of hand are the greens. Otherwise I think Smith/Henderson have a pretty solid layout (though the views do carry the day there). And curious to hear you elaborate on OHCC's "maintenance/course set up."
Oakland Hills South (7) very solid architecture but just not my thing from a maintenance, course set up perspective.
OHS - it's a great course, however, it's the opposite of the firm and fast that I love. It's over seeded, over watered with extremely fast soft and receptive greens. Narrow fairways with 6 inch rough as the norm. Way too hard for the average member thus losing a lot of playing pleasure. It's immaculate not a strand of grass out of place. Almost perfect in that respect. However, it could be so much more fun for the members if they created width and various angles of approach (tough to do with fairways that are but a few paces wide in places). More strategy more fun for 5 hcp on up players and less searching for balls that are a couple feet off the fairway.
Just my opinion. If that was done the course would rate higher for me.
Arcadia Bluffs (5) if beautiful views are your thing it's a 8 or 9 as far as golf courses with views go.The only thing about Arcadia that is a little out of hand are the greens. Otherwise I think Smith/Henderson have a pretty solid layout (though the views do carry the day there). And curious to hear you elaborate on OHCC's "maintenance/course set up."
Oakland Hills South (7) very solid architecture but just not my thing from a maintenance, course set up perspective.
OHS - it's a great course, however, it's the opposite of the firm and fast that I love. It's over seeded, over watered with extremely fast soft and receptive greens. Narrow fairways with 6 inch rough as the norm. Way too hard for the average member thus losing a lot of playing pleasure. It's immaculate not a strand of grass out of place. Almost perfect in that respect. However, it could be so much more fun for the members if they created width and various angles of approach (tough to do with fairways that are but a few paces wide in places). More strategy more fun for 5 hcp on up players and less searching for balls that are a couple feet off the fairway.
Just my opinion. If that was done the course would rate higher for me.
Following Colin's lead here's my last ten complete with Doak score's and thoughts on each course;Niall
Killermont (Glasgow GC) – 5 - Old Tom’s last 18 hole design from 1903 with only minor changes from Braid and a redo of bunkering by Dave Thomas in his usual fashion. Layout has changed little since 1903 hence a lot of half par holes which adds to the fun. Very fine parkland course, shame about the bunker style.
Panmure – 7/8 – fine old links. For me the first half dozen holes were the best. Reminded me of the start at Formby. Not sure of some of the holes at the Monifieth end mind you. Generally the green contours are fantastic.
Glasgow Gailes – 8 - better course than its near neighbour Western Gailes. Lots of small changes in recent years have made a big improvement.
Leven – 6 – tends to get overlooked by near neighbour but as I haven’t played Lundin I can’t really compare but from a quick glance over the wall, Lundin perhaps has a richer pallet in terms of colour with all its gorse. That said, Leven is a solid fun course (if that’s not a contradiction) without any real clunker holes.
Whinhill Greenock – 4/5 – muni overlooking town and with some panoramic views. 9 holes by Fernie (1906) and the rest by Braid (1920’s ?) on fine moorland turf, no bunkers, benched greens and a number of “burns” ranging from drainage ditches to babbling brooks. A real step back in time and at just over 5,000 yards its great fun.
Formby – 7/8 –A variety of terrain from fairly flat to heaving dunescape, as well as heathland to links. Overall it works well with some terrific holes. Probably a bit harsh suggesting this course might be a 7.
Formby Ladies – 5/6 – shorter version of the big course although some of the holes certainly wouldn’t be out of place on its neighbour.
Stranraer – 5/6 – Braids last design. Some good solid design as you might expect from Braid with excellent use of the terrain.
Machrihanish Dunes – 7/8 – clearly they have resolved some of the playability issues and still a bit raw but some of the greens live up to MacKenzies description of the old Machrihanish greens.
Renaissance – 7/8 – top notch modern design. As good as the new holes are I still prefer the original holes, particularly the first, which reminds me of the starts at Formby and Panmure. Unlike some I don’t have an issue with the width the management have the fairways at but instead suggest that they could temper some of the gunge off the fairways.
Ryan,
Surprised about your Royal Porthcawl comments. Was the weather your main issue the first time you played? Between the understated clubhouse filled with history and a great mix of par-4's and 3's, I think it should be up there with RCD.
Best,
Gordon
St Georges Hill...jeepers, its hard to imagine this isn't the best heathland course...absolute delight...between 8 and 7 so in Doak fashion a 7...my score 1*...give me more plays and I could see this course rising to 8...need to understand the greens better
Burnham & Berrow x4 7 (real Doak 5, but he is mistaken :D)...my score 1*
Castle Stuart...best modern course I have seen and one of the few I would like to see again...8 (real Doak 7)...my score 1*
Carnegie Links...very surprised by this course as it is better than I imagined. Only real issue holding it back from a 7 is the back to back water holes on 11 & 12...bad mistake design-wise...6 (real Doak 5)...my score NR (way too expensive)
Dornoch...I will never see this course as a 9 or 10...the greens are too similar for that sort of distinction, the 16th is an abomination and the finish after 14 is far from stellar...7 (real Doak 10)...my score 1*
Harborne....very fine...6 (Real Doak 5)...my score R
Blackwell...very fine...6 (no Doak...should be Doaked)...my score r
3* Don’t Miss For Any Reason...consider playing only this course the entire trip
2* Plan A Trip Around This Course...play it more than once
1* Worth An Unscheduled Overnight Detour
R Worth A Significant Daytrip (rule of thumb is to never spend more time in the car than it takes to play and have drinks)
r A Good Fall Back On Course If Nearby
NR Not recommended
Ciao
Bandon Dunes
Bandon Trails
Pacific Dunes
Old Macdonald
Olympia Fields South
Olympia Foelds North
Bryn Mawr (Chicago)
Beverly CC
Glen View Club
Knollwood Club
Judge, nice list- token public and Jewish Clubs. Sprinkle in Jackson Park and Onwentsia and I'm spearheading your Aldermanic run... :o
I'm on tour and having too much fun.
Muirfield - in a proper gale, putter along the ground went as far as a 5 iron. 36 hole foursomes match decided by a four footer on the last.
Gullane 1 - incredible condition. Three ball play meant a great experience. Interesting to see the Scottish Open changes
Askernish - 4 loops in 24 hours. A must visit for the purist.
Traigh - only a couple of shots with a 9 iron. Three memorable green complexes in this 9 hole course.
Shiskine - seriously fun 12 hole course. Twice has 3 par 3's in a row but they're widely varied. The blind steeply uphill 3rd is very unique!
Prestwick - refer to Ran's review which captures it perfectly.
North Berwick - unscheduled evening round. Refer to Sean Arble's comments. Playing slower than other courses above at present.
Titirangi - 3 hour round on a Mackenzie course wearing short sleeves in the middle of winter
Tara Iti - twilight nine. Blown away.
Muriwai - decent course but certainly a missed opportunity on excellent links land.
Next game is in a couple of hours and I'd exchange it for all of the above...
Colin
I used to think Western was better than Gailes until I played them both a few times and then my opinion switched. Glasgow is certainly the preferred course for most pro’s and first class players although don’t hold that against it !
For folks who do a quick hit and run it’s easy to see why Western is preferred given the sea views dunescape etc while Glasgow is a bit more of a slow burn. The more you play it the more you appreciate it.
With Glasgow being the Open Qualifier it is getting a good amount of visitor play and most of the comment seems to be positive. There’s no doubt Glasgow has improved in terms of conditioning and playability although it’s still not a course for novices.
Mach Dunes – it was a spur of the moment thing where I decided at lunchtime to drive round from Glasgow and take advantage of their twilight deal and then drive back. Not having played it before and having heard some horror stories I was pleasantly surprised by how playable it was. I’m probably one of the ones Tom refers to as perverting his scale and this regard I plead guilty. Mach Dunes isn’t in good enough condition to merit an 7/8 by strict definition but it seems perverse to me to give it anything less given the quality of the design.
As an aside, unknown to me, my brother played Machrihanish for the first time that same day.
Niall
St Georges Hill...jeepers, its hard to imagine this isn't the best heathland course...absolute delight...between 8 and 7 so in Doak fashion a 7...my score 1*...give me more plays and I could see this course rising to 8...need to understand the greens better
Burnham & Berrow x4 7 (real Doak 5, but he is mistaken :D)...my score 1*
Castle Stuart...best modern course I have seen and one of the few I would like to see again...8 (real Doak 7)...my score 1*
Carnegie Links...very surprised by this course as it is better than I imagined. Only real issue holding it back from a 7 is the back to back water holes on 11 & 12...bad mistake design-wise...6 (real Doak 5)...my score NR (way too expensive)
Dornoch...I will never see this course as a 9 or 10...the greens are too similar for that sort of distinction, the 16th is an abomination and the finish after 14 is far from stellar...7 (real Doak 10)...my score 1*
Harborne....very fine...6 (Real Doak 5)...my score R
Blackwell...very fine...6 (no Doak...should be Doaked)...my score r
3* Don’t Miss For Any Reason...consider playing only this course the entire trip
2* Plan A Trip Around This Course...play it more than once
1* Worth An Unscheduled Overnight Detour
R Worth A Significant Daytrip (rule of thumb is to never spend more time in the car than it takes to play and have drinks)
r A Good Fall Back On Course If Nearby
NR Not recommended
Ciao
Sean
I'm still fighting for Dornoch!
Surely its worth planning a trip around and worth seeing again, therefore must be 2*?
Who the hell goes on an unscheduled overnight detour to Dornoch?
Just finished up June's golf coast-to-coast golf adventuring. I need a nap...
The Country Club at Brookline
Boston Golf Club
Old Sandwich
Essex County Club
Pasatiempo
The Fort
Hyde Park G&CC
Camargo Club
The Donald Ross Course at French Lick
Harrison Hills G&CC
Was this your first visit to the Ross at French Lick? What did you think?
Here's my last 10:Eqwanok and CC of Troy are both fantastic examples of Travis's work. CC of Troy is a pretty challenging site and yet Travis routed a beauty. As far as a Glens Falls I was awed by what Ross presented and have to say that if not underrated then most certainly under the radar. Point Judith started with two good holes but left me with a feeling that the land was sort of blah and there are a couple of holes early on the inward nine that are a bit shoved in. With such a strong showing for Ross in tiny golf rich RI I don't think Point Judith is top tier.
Point Judith
Agawam Hunt
CC of Troy
Glens Falls
Kent
Flossmoor
Kingsley
Ekwanok
Hyannisport
Old American
Favorite was Ekwanok--such a great setting for a golf course. Hyannisport was a nice surprise--it plays like a true links. Glens Falls and Troy are great gems
Old Elm- 8 plus- May be the best track now in Chicago? Greens and bunkering are simply outstanding.
Here's my last 10:
Point Judith
Agawam Hunt
CC of Troy
Glens Falls
Kent
Flossmoor
Kingsley
Ekwanok
Hyannisport
Old American
Favorite was Ekwanok--such a great setting for a golf course. Hyannisport was a nice surprise--it plays like a true links. Glens Falls and Troy are great gems
Old American has so much potential to me. I played it in March before the flooding in Dallas, and I don't know if it's still growing in, but it was so fast and firm that the ball just did not stop running until it found a hazard of sorts be it long grass, bunker or water.
Sean, what Doak grade do you give Trump Aberdeen?
The Golf Club
Baltusrol Lower
Baltusrol Upper
Plainfield
Westchester
Quaker Ridge
CC Rochester
CC Buffalo
Shaker Heights
Black Sheep
Sean: do you think 7-9 at Formby are great holes?
I've played there a few times now. I like the course more and more except for those holes.
The Berkshire Red
Crudeness Bay
Royal Aberdeen
Trump Aberdeen
Royal Dornoch twice
Castle Stuart twice
St Enodoc twice
Long flight home to come.
Tigerman,
Just because you believe that Kingsley is a 9 you shouldn't punish the other courses you play. The Dunes Club is at least an 8 by every definition of the word. It is a life changing experience for every golfer whose eyes are too big for his britches.
Look, I get it, you can't win including your home course in this type of evaluation. If Kingsley wasn't in your last 10 it would be news. Embrace your love of the course, don't run from it.
Nine so far this year:Jud,
Barton Hills- 7 Surprisingly good track with some old school Ross and fairly severe elevations. The fact that a stick like Saltzman and a hack like me can both rave about it speaks volumes. Between this, the U of M course and Zingerman's a man could be pretty happy camping out in A squared for quite a while. The greens had some difficulty over the winter but that hardly detracted from the pleasant surprise.
Olympia Fields South- 5 1/2 Finally got to see O'Fields "weaker" sister as part of the Chicago Golf Historical Society event (which included a great presentation on the club's very interesting history). A fairly stern test in and of itself and probably my new favorite Bendelow, which however isn't saying much. A great club with 2 really good courses is something you don't see every day. The presence of the creek on 11 holes would be enough to lead me to strong drink even sooner than usual if I were a member though.
Kingsley Club- 8 If you haven't been there yet, what the hell are you waiting for? New cottage is open, new look on #4, most underrated living GCA on the planet and the best turf this side of the Atlantic...
Streamsong Red- 6 A bit too many blind and penal holes for my taste, particularly for a resort course. Sticks will like it better. Not sure of the lineage but it seems like Bill may have been a bit too generous in negotiating the routing with Tom here. As said elsewhere the place is very pricey and corporate in feel, but it's easily the best golf I've played in Florida, though I haven't seen Indianwood or Seminole. There are a couple of great short 4's as you'd expect from this duo.
Streamsong Blue- 7 Unsurprisingly I preferred the Doak course given that he designs so the stern test is at the green and hacks like me with a half way decent short game can bunt it around and have fun. Classic anecdote- I was playing as a single and another local single caught up to me as I was waiting on the group in front. He wasn't happy as he hit it pretty well and wasn't scoring. His quote was "whoever designed these greens is an a**hole". 8) I was cartballing it in 95 degree heat and 100% humidity so I wasn't as bothered about the routing for walking as JC was. My caddie was shocked at my ability to chip with a 4-wood. As a result I surmised that the majority of the guests haven't played much F&F golf...
Lost Dunes- 6 1/2 Would be a 7 if they ever maintained it as it was designed to play. Always seems a bit too green and soft for a sandy site. A great job with a difficult property, but there's no getting around the highway and the disjointed walk with several shuttles included. Love that 4th green though...
Dunes Club- 7 Great track, great club, ideal clubhouse. Those 2 trees on 8 have gotta go though. Get on that Judge...
Beverly CC- 6 Just once I'd like to play here when it hasn't poured the day before. The best club in Chicago by a fairly wide margin if not the best course (that would be Shoreacres). If they weren't intent on being a Championship track, lost a couple hundred more trees and hacked the rough down a bit it'd be even better and more fun. Some really good greens that have stood the test of time.
Spring Valley CC- 5 If this place were private, had the intended bunkering and was in tip top condition people here would be soiling their jockeys to get on. Best golf value I've ever seen for $18 all day walking rate, period. Next year we need to organize a 54 hole outing on the summer solstice. Yes youngsters, Langford is indeed the man...
This past month has been one of my better golf months in recent memory. Here are my last 10.
This is also my very first post, so very excited to be a part of the community!
Riverside Golf and Country Club
Cal Club
Pebble Beach
Spyglass Hill
Half Moon Bay Ocean
Half Moon Bay Old
Pasatiempo
Plainfield
Maidstone
Atlantic
Mr. Kavanaugh and others,
What is so great about the Dunes Club that it should be rated an 7/8 or higher? Are we just so excited to play an extremely private 9 hole course that most people think it is so amazing?
Thank you in advance,
chris
Grizzly Ranch
Clear Creek
Lahontan
Martis Camp
Indian Creek
Gulph Mills
Bellerive
BCC (east)
Austin GC
Royal Links
Terry,My list of the top 3 would be: Chicago Golf, Shoreacres and Olympia North. Right below would be Skokie, Butler and Medinah.
How many 8's are in Chicagoland? If we agree on three I have the Dunes in the group. Sure it's nine holes but don't discount the benefits of fewer holes and members.
Forgot about Chicago Golf. I shouldn't play rating games.
This past month has been one of my better golf months in recent memory. Here are my last 10.
This is also my very first post, so very excited to be a part of the community!
Riverside Golf and Country Club
Cal Club
Pebble Beach
Spyglass Hill
Half Moon Bay Ocean
Half Moon Bay Old
Pasatiempo
Plainfield
Maidstone
Atlantic
Welcome. And nice little run you're on there. HMB Ocean is an amazing property. It's too bad they let Arthur Hills have at it. Could have been a truly special golf experience.
Guys,
There are far too many folks getting their panties in a bunch about subjective ratings of 5, 6 or 7 which in any non-grade-inflated world are good to great courses. There's a legit argument for OF South to get a 6, which I might in fact come to on repeat plays. FYI- The Dunes got a 6 and the Bev got a 5 in the original Confidential Guide. I can also understand how some might see Kingsley as a 7. For reference, courses that have been given these "lowly" ratings in the past which I consider wonderful and fun:
5- Westhampton, Pine Needles, Belvedere, U of M, Old Elm
6- Harrison Hills, Lawsonia Links, County Louth
7- Shoreacres, Portmarnock, Fishers Island
Get a grip...
Terry,John , the recently restored Old Elm is right there in the mix- I don't see a noticeable difference between it and Chicago Golf Club. Dunes Club is also very good and improving with yearly tree clearing.
How many 8's are in Chicagoland? If we agree on three I have the Dunes in the group. Sure it's nine holes but don't discount the benefits of fewer holes and members.
Just got back from a trip to England and these were the 12 courses I played (in order):
West Sussex
Broadstone
Yelverton
Mullion
Perranporth
Trevose
St. Enodoc
Westward Ho!
Saunton East
Burnham & Berrow
Bath
Huntercombe
The only course I might skip if I did the same trip again was Mullion but even it had a few pretty good holes as you got towards the water.
Here are my last 10 from oldest to newest, it has been a good last month or so.
The Wisconsin Club, Milwaukee, WI
Crooked Stick Golf Club, Carmel, IN
Broadmoor Country Club, Indianapolis, IN
Olympia Fields (North), Olympia Fields, IL
Olympia Fields (South), Olympia Fields, IL
Mendakota Country Club, Mendota Heights, MN
Midland Hills Country Club, Roseville, MN
Stillwater Country Club, Stillwater, MN
Orchard Lake Country Club, West Bloomfield Township, MI
Crystal Downs Country Club, Frankfort, MI
Kingsley Club, Kingsley, MI
Old ElmAnd the winner is...Hinsdale! Seriously Judge, what are your thoughts on Medinah #1?
Chicago Golf
North Shore
Knollwood
Medinah #1
Dunes Club
Shoreacres
Beverly
Olympia Fields South
Hinsdale
Old Elm
Chicago Golf
North Shore
Knollwood
Medinah #1
Dunes Club
Shoreacres
Beverly
Olympia Fields South
Hinsdale
Mark
I am somewhat surprised by the 6 rating for most Swinley. I think its a bit low, but not outlandish so. However most GCAers go ga ga over Swinley. I am also surprised by the 6 for Painswick because I thought you were big into width...which Painswick has practically none of.
Ciao
Course One allows the word "fun" to be uttered when talking about golf at Medinah. I'm a fan.
Just got back from a trip to England and these were the 12 courses I played (in order):
West Sussex
Broadstone
Yelverton
Mullion
Perranporth
Trevose
St. Enodoc
Westward Ho!
Saunton East
Burnham & Berrow
Bath
Huntercombe
The only course I might skip if I did the same trip again was Mullion but even it had a few pretty good holes as you got towards the water.
Minchampton (Old) (5)
Painswick (6)
Swinley Forest (6)
Cleeve Hill (5)
Kington (7)
Huntercombe (6)
Bond Head (North) (3)
Fenway (7)
Winged Foot (West) (6)
Sleepy Hollow (8 )
Shattuck (NH)
Windham Country Club (NH)
Sky Meadows (NH)
Nashua (NH)
Vespers (NH)
Scottish Highlands (NH)
Breaking out of my Chicago rut, I recently returned from a trip to Ireland with two other GCA'ers in which we played exactly ten courses-- and managed to meet another GCA'er for dinner and pints in his hometown (cheers, Patrick!).
We knew the quality would be of the highest degree. But we were not prepared for the incredible variety -- both from course to course and within a given course -- and prevailing "heroic" nature of the layouts. The latter point proved very relevant in the five matches one of the others and I played with hickories...Royal County Down from 6300 yards with 100-year-old clubs is quite the test!
I had read very little on the courses prior to traveling over, and now greatly look forward to sifting through older threads in the coming weeks as a way of locking in memories of a fantastic trip.
The list, in reverse-chronological order:
-Portmarnock
-The Island
-Royal Portrush, Valley
-Royal Portrush, Dunluce
-Royal County Down, Championship (x2)
-Co. Louth
-Lahinch, Old
-Dooks
-Ballybunion, Old (x2)
-Tralee
Shattuck (NH)
Windham Country Club (NH)
Sky Meadows (NH)
Nashua (NH)
Vespers (NH)
Scottish Highlands (NH)
I've walked four courses in New Hampshire the past two days and they were all much more interesting than I expected. You missed all the good ones!
Did you make it to Bald Peak?
I did ... though sadly I did not have time to play that morning. What a beautiful place it is! In fact, all four courses I saw in New Hampshire exceeded my expectations by varying degrees.
Made my first and certainly not last trip to the sandhills of NC last month... last 10:
- Highlands Ranch GC (CO)
- Ballyneal (CO)
- Tobacco Road (NC)
- Dormie Club (NC)
- Southern Pines (NC)
- Pinehurst #2 (NC)
- Pine Needles (NC)
- Red Hawk Ridge (CO)
- Crooked Stick (IN)
- Mystic Hills (IN)
With all due respect to the above courses, the highlight of this last stretch for me was what I saw (and the 6 holes I got to play) at Sand Valley. Oh my...
Jason--Give us some more on Sand Valley--how'd you end up there, what'd you think, how far along is it, etc.?
Jason--Give us some more on Sand Valley--how'd you end up there, what'd you think, how far along is it, etc.?
Jason,
Jason--Give us some more on Sand Valley--how'd you end up there, what'd you think, how far along is it, etc.?
I ended up there because I am a lucky chump, and I was generally blown away. There is a post on my blog about the visit -> GeekedOnGolf.com
Did you make it to Bald Peak?
I did ... though sadly I did not have time to play that morning. What a beautiful place it is! In fact, all four courses I saw in New Hampshire exceeded my expectations by varying degrees.
Last ten I actually played [updated from last month]:
Chambers Bay, WA
Tumble Creek, WA
Gamble Sands, WA
Wine Valley, WA
Valley of the Eagles, Alaska
York Golf & Tennis, ME
Rutland CC, VT
Hooper GC, NH
Lake Sunapee, NH
Belgrade Lakes, ME
Northeast Harbor, ME
I am up to 54 rounds this year ... I cannot remember the last year I played that many rounds of golf.
Can't hardly tell the difference between mine and Tom's...
WannamoisettEastward Ho!
Cabot Cliffs
Cabot Links
Quaker Ridge
Plymouth CC
Fenway GC
Engineers
Piping Rock
Wanumetonomy
Favorite was Piping Rock until I visited Cabot Cliffs which rivals most anywhere. Biggest surprise was either Engineers or Plymouth
What have y'all been up to so far this year? Highlights thus far?
Just returned from quite an adventure:
The Bluffs, Vietnam
Ayodhya Links, Thailand
Stone Forest, China
Spring City Lake and Mountain, China
Blackstone and Lava Fields, Mission Hills - Haikou, China
Shanqin Bay - China
The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula - China
Nine Bridges - South Korea
South Cape Owners Club - South Korea
Jack Nicklaus Seoul - South Korea
Naruo - Japan
Hirono - Japan
Kawana - Japan
Tokyo - Japan
Now I'm tired but feeling culturally more enlightened. ;D
I only played one of these courses - Harvester - due to chilly windy weather across the midwest, and that was the windiest and coldest day of the bunch. But here's what I saw for Volume 3 on my most recent trip:
Rochester G & CC, Minnesota
Sand Valley
Lawsonia
Davenport CC, Iowa
TPC at Deere Run
Spirit Hollow
Amana Colonies
Cedar Rapids CC
Harvester
Veenker Memorial GC
Waveland
Des Moines G & CC
Wakonda
Ballyneal
Bet you can't guess correctly which two will appear in the Gourmet's Choice section.
Glen View Club
Rochester Golf & Country Club, MN
The Minikahda Club, MN
Interlachen Country Club, MN
Island View Golf Club, MN
Southview Country Club, MN
Keller Golf Club, MN
Big Fish Golf Club, WI
Northland Country Club, MN
Old Elm Club: Blue x 2
Shoreacres: Black, IL
I only played one of these courses - Harvester - due to chilly windy weather across the midwest, and that was the windiest and coldest day of the bunch. But here's what I saw for Volume 3 on my most recent trip:Wakonda and Rochester would be my guesses but that would seem too obvious --assuming one of the other editors picks Ballyneal. My guess is that there's not enough Maxwell left at Veenker but there are some seriously quirky holes there. If it is Waveland, Topp and I might have a parade!
Rochester G & CC, Minnesota
Sand Valley
Lawsonia
Davenport CC, Iowa
TPC at Deere Run
Spirit Hollow
Amana Colonies
Cedar Rapids CC
Harvester
Veenker Memorial GC
Waveland
Des Moines G & CC
Wakonda
Ballyneal
Bet you can't guess correctly which two will appear in the Gourmet's Choice section.
I only played one of these courses - Harvester - due to chilly windy weather across the midwest, and that was the windiest and coldest day of the bunch. But here's what I saw for Volume 3 on my most recent trip:
Rochester G & CC, Minnesota
Sand Valley
Lawsonia
Davenport CC, Iowa
TPC at Deere Run
Spirit Hollow
Amana Colonies
Cedar Rapids CC
Harvester
Veenker Memorial GC
Waveland
Des Moines G & CC
Wakonda
Ballyneal
Bet you can't guess correctly which two will appear in the Gourmet's Choice section.
what did you think of Rochester?
Very anxious to read your thoughts on that whole list. I think Iowa was just barely represented in the last edition --Wakonda, DM Golf and Sidney? Don't have it handy.
what did you think of Rochester?
I am consulting at Rochester, actually; I'd played the course many years ago.
We are wrangling over the scope of the master plan right now, so best not to comment just at the moment. They're a different client than most I've had lately ... the members haven't seen many other courses go under the knife, and they're very concerned about closing the course for any length of time to do anything.
What did you think of the work at GVC?
Thanks for the bump, Jason. Best to you and all the folks helping with the Canal Shores project. I've been reading about it a lot lately and am duly impressed. I'm also long overdue for a golf adventure to Chicago and this is one I've wanted to see since back when Shivas and Co. were playing it in reverse through tunnels and sh*t. ;) ;D
Just returned from quite an adventure:Wow, that is an amazing list. David, if you have a minute would you drop me a PM and tell me a little about Japan. I am considering a trip there this fall.
The Bluffs, Vietnam
Ayodhya Links, Thailand
Stone Forest, China
Spring City Lake and Mountain, China
Blackstone and Lava Fields, Mission Hills - Haikou, China
Shanqin Bay - China
The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula - China
Nine Bridges - South Korea
South Cape Owners Club - South Korea
Jack Nicklaus Seoul - South Korea
Naruo - Japan
Hirono - Japan
Kawana - Japan
Tokyo - Japan
Now I'm tired but feeling culturally more enlightened. ;D
Davenport CC, Iowa
Spirit Hollow
Amana Colonies
Cedar Rapids CC
Harvester
Veenker Memorial GC
Waveland
Des Moines G & CC
Wakonda
Overall, I was quite surprised and impressed with the quality of courses I saw.
I only played one of these courses - Harvester - due to chilly windy weather across the midwest, and that was the windiest and coldest day of the bunch. But here's what I saw for Volume 3 on my most recent trip:Cedar Rapids CC - a recently restored Ross with terrific elevation changes and a pretty cool volcano hole, #14 short par 4. Davenport CC- recently restored Allison design. Another hidden gem. Wakonda is a what if kind of course- a restoration could put it top 100 US Classic.
Rochester G & CC, Minnesota
Sand Valley
Lawsonia
Davenport CC, Iowa
TPC at Deere Run
Spirit Hollow
Amana Colonies
Cedar Rapids CC
Harvester
Veenker Memorial GC
Waveland
Des Moines G & CC
Wakonda
Ballyneal
Bet you can't guess correctly which two will appear in the Gourmet's Choice section.
Most recent first....
Fenway
Quaker Ridge
NGLA
Southampton
Somerset Hills
Pepper Pike Club
Valley Club
Bel-Air
LACC
Riviera
Tara Iti x 3.5
North Shore ( Auckland ) many times
Ocean Dunes
Cape Wickham x 3
Fun start to the year. Here's hoping for more of the same!
Prestwick
TOC
Luffness
Montrose GC
Harding Park
Cal Club
Olympic Cliffs
Olympic Lake
PB
Riviera
LACC North
Wilshire
One slightly heretical footnote: I have now played four times at Pennard, in visits spanning nearly thirty years, and I still don't quite get the profound love shared by many friends on this site. It's partly that on recent visits conditioning seems to have crossed the line from 'pleasingly shaggy and natural' to 'frankly, a bit of a mess', but it's not just that. Within Wales, Pennard does have a bit of a marmite reputation as a course about which people seem to have strong views, one way or the other, and I guess that for once I find myself on the wrong side of a GCA enthusiasm. I would equate it, on my personal principality chart, with Southerndown, another elevated course of natural charm where the greens last month were not good after a tough winter, and need to come on greatly over the next few weeks in readiness for the Welsh Amateur Championship later this summer. I continue to think that both Porthcawl and Harlech are in a quite different league and not just because (on the evidence of the past few weeks) the greens at both are currently terrific. But I am not a remotely neutral observer.
I have not played as much so far this year as I did last year. I've seen quite a few courses, but also a lot of rain and cold weather and wind, so I've walked more than I've hit it around. Still, it's a diverse list [from most recent]:
Mt. Bruno
Royal Montreal (Blue)
Laval Sur-Le-Lac (Blue)
Forest Dunes (The Loop - front nine of Black course, then backwards on the same holes)
Idle Hour
Old Silo
Inverness
Barton Hills
Harvester
Pacific Dunes
Two weeks from tomorrow, Forest Dunes is going to be on here a lot : we're playing three rounds in each direction for the Hundred Hole Hike!
One of the above needs some work, glad I don't have a horse in that race.
One of the above needs some work, glad I don't have a horse in that race.
Yes, Old Silo really appears to be struggling. It didn't look like they had maintained the bunkers in a year, the floors were mostly dirt or gravel. And, unfortunately for them, there are a LOT of bunkers, as they were supposed to be a primary feature of the course.
I would be interested to hear your thoughts on having so many bunkers on an upscale public course? One prominent member here made the comment to me that it was architectural malpractice to expect Old Silo could maintain that many bunkers given their location and business model. I would be curious to see if an architect would somewhat agree.
Richard
Interesting comments on why you prefer the two Royal courses over the other two courses that are generally GCA favourites. I haven't played any of them but what struck me was the difference between local taste and visitor/GCA taste, which is something I see in this part of the country as well. I think what it highlights, as your post suggests, is the difference between once and done and repeated play.
Niall
I have not played as much so far this year as I did last year. I've seen quite a few courses, but also a lot of rain and cold weather and wind, so I've walked more than I've hit it around. Still, it's a diverse list [from most recent]:
Mt. Bruno
Royal Montreal (Blue)
Laval Sur-Le-Lac (Blue)
Forest Dunes (The Loop - front nine of Black course, then backwards on the same holes)
Idle Hour
Old Silo
Inverness
Barton Hills
Harvester
Pacific Dunes
Two weeks from tomorrow, Forest Dunes is going to be on here a lot : we're playing three rounds in each direction for the Hundred Hole Hike!
Ganton
Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin)
Hollinwell
Rye
Royal St George's
Royal Cinque Ports
Walton Heath (New)
All local, as I didn't play this off-season:
Bob O'Link
Beverly
Chicago Golf
Shoreacres
Olympia North
Olympia South
Knollwood
Evanston
Bryn Mawr
Old Elm
When I used to oversee the GOLF Magazine rankings, it was amazing how many European panelists rated everything in America much higher, which I presumed then had a lot to do with the level of conditioning.
Let's see:
Tedesco, Marblehead, MA (about 15 times within this set of "last 10")
Woodland GC, Newton, MA
Salem CC, Peabody, MA
President's GC, Quincy, MA (2 rounds)
Charles River, Newton, MA
GC of Houston (Tourney Course), Humble, TX
Moody Gardens, Galveston, TX
Sleepy Hollow Muni, Cleveland area, OH
Granville GC, Denison, OH
Donald Ross GC, Ft. Wayne, IN...probably the worst Ross-attributed course I have played?!
Next 3 over the next 5 days: Ekwanok, Equinox, George Wright!
Ganton
Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin)
Hollinwell
Rye
Royal St George's
Royal Cinque Ports
Walton Heath (New)
Ah yes, the tour of the English countryside...what happened to the Sacred 9?
Ganton
Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin)
Hollinwell
Rye
Royal St George's
Royal Cinque Ports
Walton Heath (New)
Ah yes, the tour of the English countryside...what happened to the Sacred 9?
Sean,
We realized that trying to fit it in the morning we drove from Deal to Hollinwell would be insane.
Ganton
Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin)
Hollinwell
Rye
Royal St George's
Royal Cinque Ports
Walton Heath (New)
Ah yes, the tour of the English countryside...what happened to the Sacred 9?
Sean,
We realized that trying to fit it in the morning we drove from Deal to Hollinwell would be insane.
Eric
I am losing my faith in you :D
Favourite course? Best Course? Biggest Surprise?
Ciao
Blackstone
Lookout Mountain (Phoenix)
Troon North - Monument Course
TPC Scottsdale - Stadium Course
Boulders - South Course
Indian Wells - Celebrity Course
La Quinta - Mountain Course
PGA West - TPC Stadium Course
Shadow Ridge
GC at Estrella
Matthew - you played quite a few courses that have multiple 18's. Had you played the other "option" before? What was your deciding factor on which 18 to play? Several (all) of those are on my list to play, but I've always just assumed it would be a 36-hole day.
Blackstone
Lookout Mountain (Phoenix)
Troon North - Monument Course
TPC Scottsdale - Stadium Course
Boulders - South Course
Indian Wells - Celebrity Course
La Quinta - Mountain Course
PGA West - TPC Stadium Course
Shadow Ridge
GC at Estrella
Matthew - you played quite a few courses that have multiple 18's. Had you played the other "option" before? What was your deciding factor on which 18 to play? Several (all) of those are on my list to play, but I've always just assumed it would be a 36-hole day.
Ellerston
Shanqin Bay
Cypress Point
Sand Hills
Domaine Laforest
NGLA
Pine Valley
ANGC
Seminole
Morfontaine
Ellerston
Shanqin Bay
Cypress Point
Sand Hills
Domaine Laforest
NGLA
Pine Valley
ANGC
Seminole
Morfontaine
Ellerston
Shanqin Bay
Cypress Point
Sand Hills
Domaine Laforest
NGLA
Pine Valley
ANGC
Seminole
Morfontaine
Ellerston
Shanqin Bay
Cypress Point
Sand Hills
Domaine Laforest
NGLA
Pine Valley
ANGC
Seminole
Morfontaine
Sorry, I call BS. Nothing between any of those jewels? It's last ten not last best ten.
Ellerston
Shanqin Bay
Cypress Point
Sand Hills
Domaine Laforest
NGLA
Pine Valley
ANGC
Seminole
Morfontaine
It is, but I was rained out at Ayodhya Links, which was put a damper on my Asia trip.
Ellerston
Shanqin Bay
Cypress Point
Sand Hills
Domaine Laforest
NGLA
Pine Valley
ANGC
Seminole
Morfontaine
Rees,
Great list - as possibly one of the only ones on this site to have seen Domaine Laforest, did you enjoy the course? Any small details to share?
Leaving out my "home" courses...Tim-Shuttle Meadow is awesome. A great mix of holes with plenty of cool Willie Park Jr. features. Best in Hartford County for my money.
Lost Tree
Interlachen (the Orlando one)
Orange Tree
Sapelo Hammock
UNC - Finley
Lexington G&CC
Vero Beach CC
Hartford GC (Green/Red nines)
Forest Hill Field Club
Shuttle Meadow
Most of the next ten coming together nicely.
Atypical good spell recently, not counting home course,
Kilspindie
Baberton
Dunaverty
Machrihanish Dunes
Machrihanish
Carnoustie Burnside
Carnoustie
Trump Aberdeen
Murcar
Cruden Bay
Coyote Crossing - West Lafayette, IN (Hale Irwin)
Kampen Course at Purdue - West Lafayette, IN (Pete Dye)
Ackerman Hills Course at Purdue - West Lafayette, IN (Bill Diddel/Larry Packard)
Harrison Hills - Attica, IN (Langford & Moreau/Tim Liddy)
Cantigny - Wheaton, IL (Roger Packard)
Palm Valley GC - Goodyear, AZ (Arthur Hills)
Tuscany Falls GC - Goodyear, AZ (Dick Bailey)
Flossmoor CC - Flossmoor, IL (H.J. Tweedie/Ray Hearn)
Old Wayne GC - West Chicago, IL (Charles Maddox)
Highlands of Elgin - Elgin, IL (Keith Foster/Art Schaupeter)
Ellerston
Shanqin Bay
Cypress Point
Sand Hills
Domaine Laforest
NGLA
Pine Valley
ANGC
Seminole
Morfontaine
From most recent...
Oitavos
Sleepy Hollow
Quaker
Shinny
Friars
Pine Valley
Bali Hai
Medalist
Kingston Heath
Barnbougle Dunes
No wonder I have so many frequent flyer miles.
Ellerston
Shanqin Bay
Cypress Point
Sand Hills
Domaine Laforest
NGLA
Pine Valley
ANGC
Seminole
Morfontaine
When did you play ANGC? I thought it was closed mid-May to mid-October. You don't play much if that is in your last 10.
Ellerston
Shanqin Bay
Cypress Point
Sand Hills
Domaine Laforest
NGLA
Pine Valley
ANGC
Seminole
Morfontaine
When did you play ANGC? I thought it was closed mid-May to mid-October. You don't play much if that is in your last 10.
I take the quality over quantity approach to golf and life in general.
OK, I forgot Elie......How could you?
OK, I forgot Elie......How could you?
Northumberland
Finca Cortesin
San Roque
Rio Real
Marbella Club
Portstewart
Ballyliffin Glashedy
Narin & Portnoo
Cruit Island
Strandhill
OK, I forgot Elie......How could you?
Northumberland
Finca Cortesin
San Roque
Rio Real
Marbella Club
Portstewart
Ballyliffin Glashedy
Narin & Portnoo
Cruit Island
Strandhill
The Creek
Five Farms
Hawktree
Sutton Bay
Dismal Red
Dismal White
Prairie Club Dunes
Prairie Club Pines
Sand Hills
Wild Horse
Playing The Loop next week. Can't wait.
We Ko Pa (Saguaro)
College Fields
Crystal Downs
Oakland University (Katke)
The Grande
Muskegon CC
Oakland University (Sharf)
Bahle Farms
Red Hawk
Lakewood Shores (Gailes)
Eagle Eye
These are the last 10 that are first time plays for me.
Nirwana Bali
Delaware Springs Municipal
The Loop
Forrest Dunes
Kingsley Club
The Warren Course at Notre Dame
Kingsley Club
Baltimore Country Club
Wilmington Municipal
Lost Farms
Barnbougle Dunes
If it is true last 10 I have to pull off Tasmania and insert a couple of Maryland Munis I played for Nostalgia on my Summer Trip. Needwood Golf Course and NW Park in Montgomery County Maryland.
Brahan
Fort Augustus
Tain
Invergordon
Golspie
Grantown-on-Spey
Ullapool
Brora
Tarbat (Portmahomac)
Fortrose & Rosemarkie
Rick,Still short, fun and quirky. I walked by myself in the mid-morning and they let me off the back. I played in 2.5 hours and three putted the 9th green to shoot even par 70. After playing other places I forgot how easy it is. No exec. Unfortunately and I didn't see a single person who was there when I was working there. I asked the assistant, starter, and snack bar guy about some of the old employees I knew and they hadn't heard of any of them.
How was Needwood? Did you play the Exec as well? Was Chan still behind the snack bar?? I can't wait to play it again. If there is no snow on the ground at Christmas, I will be there for a game!
Spring Creek (9) Hershey (PA)
University of Michigan (MI)
Radrick Farms (MI)
Ottawa Park (OH)
Inverness (OH)
Sylvania (OH)
Tomassos (NY)
DJs Par 3 (9) (NY)
Caves Valley (MD)
Lehigh (PA)
These are the last 10 that are first time plays for me.
Nirwana Bali
Delaware Springs Municipal
The Loop
Forrest Dunes
Kingsley Club
The Warren Course at Notre Dame
Kingsley Club
Baltimore Country Club
Wilmington Municipal
Lost Farms
Barnbougle Dunes
If it is true last 10 I have to pull off Tasmania and insert a couple of Maryland Munis I played for Nostalgia on my Summer Trip. Needwood Golf Course and NW Park in Montgomery County Maryland.
Kingsley
Arcadia Bluffs
Boston Golf Club
Highland Links
Exmoor
Erin Hills
Whitinsville
George Wright
Oakmont
Ballyneal
Sand Hills
Wilmington was so much fun. It was especially good for the money. I remember the weekday rate was in the 20 something dollar range. It has a lot of parallel holes and a few of the holes next to one another are very similar 1 and 10 are parallel longer uphill par 4's with the upslope in the fairway that makes them play longer. Also the downhill and back uphill 9 and 18. [size=78%]and there are also two parallel par fives playing the same direction over the same little stream as a second shot hazard. Its mainly flat except for the really cool back corner of the property on the other side of the road. With the amazing uphill downhill blind tee shot to raised green par 4 followed by the crazy volcano plateau par three. I think it was #3 and 4. The restored bunkers were amazing. They are true hazards. [/size]
Rick
How was Wilmington?
Ciao
Mike
Glad to see you came out and played Spring Creek. What were your thoughts on it. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 are original McCarthy, the rest was rerouted and built in 2004 or so.
I love walking a quick nine there by myself as the first person out. Really fun course. When I was playing it a lot I would leave clubs out of my bag to force different lengths into the greens. Driving with a 4-iron or leaving the sand wedges out and figuring out what length to leave myself.
"Stemming from Mac's recent thread, someone made the comment that most of the folks on here generally play average courses."
This was taken from the original post. After over five years, and 61 pages later...I'd have to say that this premise was incorrect.
Ten and then some.
County Louth, Baltray, Ireland
Bushfoot, Portballintrae, NI
Royal Portrush Dunluce, Portrush, NI
Royal Portrush Valley, Portrush, NI
Portstewart Old, Portstewart, NI
Portstewart Strand, Portstewart, NI
Castlerock Bann, Castlerock, NI
Castlerock Mussenden, Castlerock, NI
Portstewart River, Portstewart, NI
North West Golf Club, Buncrana, Ireland
Dunfanaghy, Dunfanaghy, Ireland
Portsalon, Portsalon, Ireland
Rosapenna Old Tom Morris, Carrigart, Ireland
Narin & Portnoo, Portnoo, Ireland
Donegal Golf Club, Murvagh, Ireland
Strandhill Golf Club, Strandhill, Ireland
County Sligo, Rosses Point, Ireland
Enniscrone, Enniscrone, Ireland
Enniscrone Scurmore, Ennniscrone, Ireland
Carne Hackett, Belmullet, Ireland
Carne Killmore, Belmullet, Ireland
Mulranny, Mularanny, Ireland
Brahan
Fort Augustus
Tain
Invergordon
Golspie
Grantown-on-Spey
Ullapool
Brora
Tarbat (Portmahomac)
Fortrose & Rosemarkie
Nice listing. Rather envious😊
Atb
there is a lot of very enjoyable lower tier course golf up here. It is a shame so few take the trouble to play the odd one or two during their big name golf trips. They really miss what true Scottish golf is all about. :'(
Still, their loss is someone else's gain :)
Jon
Love the George Wright outlier. ;) :)
Garland
How was Bushfoot?
Ciao
Love the George Wright outlier. ;) :)
I know you're ribbing Mike, but seriously, I'm not sure that I would call George Wright the outlier in that bunch. That place was awesome - the land, the architecture, the history. I loved it. Right up there with Bethpage Black for me.
Interesting comments about playing average courses. My preferences tend toward the ends of the spectrum. I obviously dig the premium just like anyone, but I also like 9-holers, super-old quirky courses, country courses, short courses, and the like. That is what appeals to me about Canal Shores. Give me a good old fashioned dog track where I can just sling it around any day.
Ok just back from the Fall Circuit ;D why do golf trips have to come to an end....?David,
In this order, not 10 but one trip:
Chicago Golf Club
Bandon (all courses except Bandon Dunes (my least favorite)
Portland Golf Club
Meadow Club
Cal Club
San Francisco Golf Club
Cypress Point
MPCC Dunes
Valley Club of Montecito
LACC (North & South)
Riviera
Links at Terranea
Quivira
Diamante Dunes & El Cardonal
Cabo Del Sol
Nice to visit the sun for a while.
Ok just back from the Fall Circuit ;D why do golf trips have to come to an end....?David,
In this order, not 10 but one trip:
Chicago Golf Club
Bandon (all courses except Bandon Dunes (my least favorite)
Portland Golf Club
Meadow Club
Cal Club
San Francisco Golf Club
Cypress Point
MPCC Dunes
Valley Club of Montecito
LACC (North & South)
Riviera
Links at Terranea
Quivira
Diamante Dunes & El Cardonal
Cabo Del Sol
Nice to visit the sun for a while.
I'm planning a trip back to Cabo soon. I've played Cabo del Sol (Ocean, not to be confused with Desert) and would gladly play it several more times. What are your thoughts on the Diamante courses? Would I be missing out to not include them. I wrestle with sticking with what I know vs. trying something new. Granted, I don't think I could go wrong with Diamante, but lodging prices will go up considerably to get access. BTW if you go back to Cabo, you have to try Los Tres Gallos!
It seems unlikely I will add many (any?) more in 2016, so here are my last 10 (oldest to newest)
Wayzata Country Club, Wayzata MN
Windsong Farm Golf Club, Independence, MN
Bunker Hills Golf Club, Coon Rapids, MN
Atlanta Country Club, Marietta, GA
Sweetens Cove Golf Club, South Pittsburg, TN
Chattanooga Golf and Country Club, Chattanooga, TN
Red Run Golf Club, Royal Oak, MI
North Shore Country Club, Glen Head, NY
Golden Valley Golf and Country Club, Golden Valley, MN
Midland Hills Country Club, Roseville, MN
Feel fortunate to have played 33 different courses this year and nearly all have been at least pretty good.
my last 10 (oldest to newest)
Rusper
Reigate Heath
Princes (Shore & Dunes)
LittleHampton
Swinley Forest
Walton Heath (Old)
Walton Heath (New)
Renaissance
North Berwick
Dunbar
my last 10 (oldest to newest)
Rusper
Reigate Heath
Princes (Shore & Dunes)
LittleHampton
Swinley Forest
Walton Heath (Old)
Walton Heath (New)
Renaissance
North Berwick
Dunbar
How did you find Dunbar, Sam ? Any tangles with the walls or outbuildings?
Ian
1. Irish Course at Whistling Straits
2. Geneva National - Palmer
3. Sand Valley
4. University Ridge
5. SentryWorld
6. Geneva National - Player
7. Brightondale Links
8. Geneva National - Trevino
9. Bowes Creek
10. Strawberry Creek
It seems unlikely I will add many (any?) more in 2016, so here are my last 10 (oldest to newest)
Wayzata Country Club, Wayzata MN
Windsong Farm Golf Club, Independence, MN
Bunker Hills Golf Club, Coon Rapids, MN
Atlanta Country Club, Marietta, GA
Sweetens Cove Golf Club, South Pittsburg, TN
Chattanooga Golf and Country Club, Chattanooga, TN
Red Run Golf Club, Royal Oak, MI
North Shore Country Club, Glen Head, NY
Golden Valley Golf and Country Club, Golden Valley, MN
Midland Hills Country Club, Roseville, MN
Feel fortunate to have played 33 different courses this year and nearly all have been at least pretty good.
Jeff-Looks like you swapped out Rockaway Hunting Club for North Shore. What were your impressions?
Canyon West G.C. |
Fossil Creek Golf Club |
Coyote Ridge Golf Club |
Riverside Golf Club |
WestRidge Golf Club |
Lake Arlington |
Mansfield National |
Frisco Trails |
Bridlewood Golf Club |
The Tribute All in the DFW area and all public. One of my favorites are Canyon West - out in the country and very QUIET with a dozen fun/interesting golf holes. The other is The Tribute with replica holes from Scotland/Ireland. The "Postage Stamp" and 1,17,18 from TOC are good, faithful replicas. |
Finally home & played Lahinch today - in reverse order:
Lahinch
Portmarnock
Cal
Oakmont
Orchard Lake
Franklin Hills
Bethpage Black
Creek Club
Garden City
Maidstone
Shinnecock*
Friars Head
National
Fishers Island
Philadelphia Cricket Club
Merion
Admittedly more than 10, but all within the last month. My take away that surprised me most from the trip was the amazing depth of quality golf on Long Island.
1. Irish Course at Whistling Straits
2. Geneva National - Palmer
3. Sand Valley
4. University Ridge
5. SentryWorld
6. Geneva National - Player
7. Brightondale Links
8. Geneva National - Trevino
9. Bowes Creek
10. Strawberry Creek
How do you like Strawberry Creek, John? I have been meaning to get out there for the past two years.
Green Meadows CC
Augusta CC
Hamilton Farm (Highlands)
Hamilton Farm (Hickory)
Minebrook GC
Shawnee on Delaware
Warren Course at ND
Kewanee Dunes
Metamora Fields
Augusta National
Town and Country Club - MN
I love T&C. Such a creative use of the the land and now urban terrain especially for the time. Holes #2 and #3 par 3's always play like sucker pins to me, so close yet so elusive. (IMHO I think the bunkering work is great. The #15,16,17 stretch of par 5's require both strategic and physical pacing to get home. I recall my first time playing one hot summer day (Another Par 5?! Are you kidding me?)
Town and Country Club - MN
Hi Vaughn,
What did you think of Town & Country?
Mcirba...
While I love going back in time when I visit Shawnee...the course on Washington road is pretty nice
Tim,
What did you think of Diamond Springs? Was it soft, med, or Firm?
Athens CC
Rivermont
Peachtree
Legends at Chateau Elan
May River
Ford Plantation
Savannah Golf Club
Oldfield
TPC Sugarloaf
Achasta
Good Spring and early Summer:
Membership courses
Hershey CC West (multiple)
Hershey CC East (multiple)
Hershey Spring Creek
Hunt Valley GC (multiple)
Others
County Sligo x2
Strandhill x2
Enniscrone
Carne x2
Mulranny
Lahinch
Greenspring Valley Hunt Club
CC of Maryland
Silver Creek CC (Ross in PA)
Green Pond CC (Findlay in PA)
Of this set I thought Sligo and Greenspring Valley were exceptional. I also love the 18 Ross holes at Silver Creek. Mulranny's turf really is that nice to hit off of. Strandhill is very good and if value for money is added into the equation it's great.
Beverly
Bob O'Link
Chicago Golf Club
Old Elm
Shoreacres
Bandon Dunes
Bandon Preserve
Bandon Trails
Pacific Dunes
Old MacDonald
Good Spring and early Summer:
Membership courses
Hershey CC West (multiple)
Hershey CC East (multiple)
Hershey Spring Creek
Hunt Valley GC (multiple)
Others
County Sligo x2
Strandhill x2
Enniscrone
Carne x2
Mulranny
Lahinch
Greenspring Valley Hunt Club
CC of Maryland
Silver Creek CC (Ross in PA)
Green Pond CC (Findlay in PA)
Of this set I thought Sligo and Greenspring Valley were exceptional. I also love the 18 Ross holes at Silver Creek. Mulranny's turf really is that nice to hit off of. Strandhill is very good and if value for money is added into the equation it's great.
Nice list, Jim.
I do wish Silver Creek put the Ross rotation in play more often. I've yet to play the Hill nine (Ross) as they have their 27 divided into the "Championship" (nine Ross and nine Wm/David Gordon) course and "Hill" nine, probably in deference to the severity of the terrain for the members, as you know. The few Hill nine holes I was able to see looked compelling.
CC of Maryland (Herbert Strong) seems like a neat place. Is it worth a visit?
2017 looks to be a Banner Year so far;
Pomona (NJ) (9) - James "Sonny" Fraser/Bill Spence 1947
Honeybrook (PA) (18) - James Blaukovitch 2000
Karakung (PA) (18) - Alan Corson/Ab Smith 1927, Alan Corson/Ed Clarey 1939
Walnut Lane (PA) (18) - Alex Findlay 1941
Glen Brook (PA) (18) - Robert White 1924
Rolling Road (MD) (18) - Willie Park, Jr. 1919
Twin Oaks (PA) (9) - Charles Volack 1967
Lehman (PA) (9) - Samuel Spencer 1953
Coatesville (PA) (18) - Alex Findlay 1921, Cyril Hughes 1924, Joe Valentine/Ed Clarey 1928, Jim Nagle 2016
Skyway (NJ) (9) - Roy Case/Jeff Grossman 2016
I had a strange last 10...in reverse order
Kington
Burnham & Berrow
Baltray
Laytown & Bettystown
Corballis
The Island
Burnham & Berrow
Cleeve Cloud
Minch Old
Casa de Campo Madrid Negro
Ciao
I had a strange last 10...in reverse order
Kington
Burnham & Berrow
Baltray
Laytown & Bettystown
Corballis
The Island
Burnham & Berrow
Cleeve Cloud
Minch Old
Casa de Campo Madrid Negro
Ciao
How many courses would you play on an Ireland trip before you include The Island?
How did you like Rolling Road? Park got the most out of a tight piece of property. It has a wonderful set of greens.
Mike
CC of Maryland was worth a play. Very tight routing on a land-locked site. Good movement and a real interesting set of Herbert Strong greens that looked to be pretty original except for the 6th and 14th looking pretty out of place. The 9th is real interesting with a big green whose back 2/3 is 3 feet or so below the first third. I hear they are re-surfacing the greens this summer (may have already started) and really hope they keep them as they were. From memory the 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 15th and 17th were pretty special.
Silver Creek's Hill 9 is awesome fun! Every hole other than the drop shot 9th has something of interest going on with 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8 are all very good. 1 and 4 as good as anything in the Lehigh Valley. Architecturally I think the Silver Creek's Ross 18 is far better than any of the the Saucon courses and slightly better than Lehigh, and I place both Lehigh and the pre-renovation Saucon Old course very highly. The Hill has not been maintained adequately since I first played it in the early 80's and would require a pretty significant investment to clear out the woods adequately for the average player the consider it 'fair'. The 6th at the top of the hill might just be too extreme for modern sentiments. While the Gordon 9 across the street is a perfectly fine set of holes they pale in comparison to the Hill in my opinion. And yes I have walked it and other than the straight uphill third it is very walkable in my opinion. A buddy of mine has taken some great photos of the club and I will have to post a Ross 18 photo tour soon.
Rackham
Tyrone Hills
UofM
Heatherdowns
Meadowbrook
Monroe
Flossmoor
Ravisloe
UofM
Jackal
Rackham
Tyrone Hills
UofM
Heatherdowns
Meadowbrook
Monroe
Flossmoor
Ravisloe
UofM
Jackal
How is Tyrone Hills?
Ciao I
University of Michigan
TPC Michigan
NCR South
NCR North
Glen Abbey Golf Club
Lahinch (was planning to play a bit more on this trip to Ireland but was admitted to the hospital for a couple days immediately before the trip...took my admission band off the wrist and went to the airport...figured if I was gonna die on a course this one might be worth it)
River Crossing
Gateway Hills
Brookside Canton
Pete Dye Golf Club
Westwood, St. Louis (multiple)
Old Macdonald
Bandon Trails
Pacific Dunes
Bandon Dunes
Sunningdale Old (multiple)
Sunningdale New
Gulph Mills (multiple)
St. Louis
Bellerive
North Shore, Auckland
Hinsdale
Chicago GC
Sand Valley
Mammoth Dunes 6 hole preview
NGLA
Cabot Links
Cabot Cliffs
Maidstone
Shinnecock
Winged Foot West
Sand Hills
NGLA
Pebble Beach
Merion East
Oakmont
Shinnecock
Cypress Point
ANGC
Pine Valley
As long as they are all GD top 25, I feel ok. ;DWinged Foot WestBrian,
Sand Hills
NGLA
Pebble Beach
Merion East
Oakmont
Shinnecock
Cypress Point
ANGC
Pine Valley
I'm assuming the list reads from most recent first. If so you played them in the wrong order. Perhaps next year.....
Winged Foot West
Sand Hills
NGLA
Pebble Beach
Merion East
Oakmont
Shinnecock
Cypress Point
ANGC
Pine Valley
What did u think of Canton Brookside and UofM?
National Golf Links
Southampton
Oakmont
Sand Hills
Sagamore
Baltusrol lower
Pine Valley
Yale
Fishers Island
Wade Hampton
Peachtree
Dr. Greco, the Georgia Prophets hold Peachtree in the highest regard, perhaps a notch better than Augusta National Golf Club. The repeated requirement of aerial approaches knocks it down a very slight notch for this hacker. Your opinion?
Bogey
Dr. Greco, the Georgia Prophets hold Peachtree in the highest regard, perhaps a notch better than Augusta National Golf Club. The repeated requirement of aerial approaches knocks it down a very slight notch for this hacker. Your opinion?
Bogey
Bogero
Two buds and me bid on an accompanied round there through First Tee and loved Peachtree so much we did so again last year.
A pure golf experience it's a course I could play everyday, has great variety of holes with pristine conditions.
Hard par easy bogey (no pun) for me with ample opportunity for recovery.
Seemed more open this time but could have been just my imagination.
Peachtree and Mountain Lake are my two favorite places in the southeast to play the game.
Best,
Gene
Of all the posts, not sure why with this one i felt compelled to reply:
Metropolis - NY metro area (home course, so multiple rounds)
Laurel Valley - Greater Pittsburgh
Wildwood - Greater Pittsburgh
Westmoreland - Greater Pittsburgh
Bethpage Black - You know where
Trump Links at Ferry Point - Queens, NYC
Links at Unionvale - Greater Poughkeepsie :)
Sea Island - Seaside - St Simmons Island, GA
Sea Island - Plantation - St Simmons Island, GA
Van Cortland Park - Bronx, NYC
Sean, what were your thoughts about Barton Hills?
Hello David,
You have had an epic year! How would you rate your last ten against themselves and against some of the more known courses you have played for comparison?
I want to golf in South America, but it seems the gca is better in a lot of other places.
Thanks,
chris
Wow Tim !!
good "work"
I would love to hear your thoughts on Thorny Lea and Maidstone
North Berwick
Royal Dornoch
Pronghorn Fazio
Mammoth Dunes (9)
Gamble Sands
Sand Valley
Erin Hills
Pronghorn Nicklaus
Chambers Bay
St Andrews Jubilee
Michael,
My list is rating.
Pine Valley
Lu Lu
St Davids
CC of York
Stream Song - Black
Stream Song - Red
Stream Song - Blue
Lord’s Valley
CC of Scranton
Lancaster CC
Pine Valley
Shoreacres
Sand Valley
Mammoth Dunes
Dismal River (White)
Dismal River (Red)
Colorado
National Golf Links
Victoria National
Sweetens Cove
Oldest to most recent (new ones with *)
Misquamicut*
Metacomet*
Wannamoisett*
Saucon Valley (Weyhill)
McCall Golf & CC
LedgeRock
Wynding Brook*
Newfoundland* and Cricket Hill* (twofer)
Hideaway Hills
White Deer (Heritage)*
Philly Cricket (Wissahickon)
Is that ten? Close enough.
River Course @ Kiawah
I really enjoyed it, and would be very happy to play it frequently. It's among the 3 or 4 best Fazio courses I have played (and I am not a Fazio hater at all). It's a great walk, had plenty of variety, and offered opportunities to score without being a pushover. I'd put the course in a similar class to Secession and Chechessee Creek, two other low-country gems I'd love to visit often.River Course @ KiawahWhat did you think of the River Course, Brian?
Oldest to most recent (new ones with *)
Misquamicut*
Metacomet*
Wannamoisett*
Saucon Valley (Weyhill)
McCall Golf & CC
LedgeRock
Wynding Brook*
Newfoundland* and Cricket Hill* (twofer)
Hideaway Hills
White Deer (Heritage)*
Philly Cricket (Wissahickon)
Is that ten? Close enough.
Los Angeles Country Club - South
Brazelle's Creek Golf Course
Bacon Park Golf Course
Camargo Club
Audubon Country Club
Memphis Country Club
Mountain Lake
Redland Golf & Country Club
The Lookout Mountain Club
Winter Park 9
Los Angeles Country Club - South
Brazelle's Creek Golf Course
Bacon Park Golf Course
Camargo Club
Audubon Country Club
Memphis Country Club
Mountain Lake
Redland Golf & Country Club
The Lookout Mountain Club
Winter Park 9
What did you think about Memphis CC? Had you played it before Kris Spence started working there?
Los Angeles Country Club - South
Brazelle's Creek Golf Course
Bacon Park Golf Course
Camargo Club
Audubon Country Club
Memphis Country Club
Mountain Lake
Redland Golf & Country Club
The Lookout Mountain Club
Winter Park 9
Los Angeles Country Club - South
Brazelle's Creek Golf Course
Bacon Park Golf Course
Camargo Club
Audubon Country Club
Memphis Country Club
Mountain Lake
Redland Golf & Country Club
The Lookout Mountain Club
Winter Park 9
Is that Audubon in Louisville?
Cypress Point
Spyglass
Fishers Island
Rolling Green
Bedford Springs
Merion
Pine Valley
Oakmont
Baltusrol
Huntingdon Valley
Oldest to most recent (new ones with *)
Misquamicut*
Metacomet*
Wannamoisett*
Saucon Valley (Weyhill)
McCall Golf & CC
LedgeRock
Wynding Brook*
Newfoundland* and Cricket Hill* (twofer)
Hideaway Hills
White Deer (Heritage)*
Philly Cricket (Wissahickon)
Is that ten? Close enough.
Mike - no Shelter Harbor?? Next time you are through, do not miss it
With the following rounding out a strong Autumn showing:
Orchard Lake
Meadowbrook
Country Club of Detroit
Moraine
Spotted this bumper sticker this week: Honk if you've played Pine Valley.
Sean, I am willing to take a two week vacation to come to Huntercombe if someone will provide a chainsaw if it's a matter of money. Frankly, the trees and brush don't detract at all from the architecture but I'm sure it would help open up vistas and improve turf conditions and most of all - shut you up! :-*
Not that I'm bitter over my narrow loss to you there a few years ago. Not at all.
Bogey
After my Holland and England trip, I have to say I'm pretty excited to share this list! Links are to the course photos on my Flickr profile.
Gamble Sands
UGC de Pan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/120118148@N03/albums/72157687640575693)
Hilversumsche (https://www.flickr.com/photos/120118148@N03/albums/72157689163278216)
Kennember (B & C Courses) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/120118148@N03/albums/72157686897450171)
Noordwijske (https://www.flickr.com/photos/120118148@N03/albums/72157665467280439)
Royal Hague (https://www.flickr.com/photos/120118148@N03/albums/72157687877978253)
Royal Antwerp (https://www.flickr.com/photos/120118148@N03/albums/72157665467403149)
Eindhovensche (https://www.flickr.com/photos/120118148@N03/albums/72157687414216280)
Woking (https://www.flickr.com/photos/120118148@N03/albums/72157661919265678)
Liphook (https://www.flickr.com/photos/120118148@N03/albums/72157687588187661)
Jordon,
Great list indeed. Very curious what you thought of the Dutch Courses given that's my home. Did you play Noordwijkse from the back tees in windorce 6? That's as tough a day out as you will ever find. You posted a partial card, what happened on #7? Did you make a 2, 4, 6 or 9. All are possible though the latter two scores more likely I'm afraid.
Hope NL was good to you. What was your favorites?
Royal County Down, N. Ireland, 8: Royal County Down is, of course, ranked as one of the very best golf courses in the world....One of the best courses I have played, for sure
Highlands Links, Nova Scotia, 8: My first trip to Highlands Links--once my favorite course in the world--in eight years was filled with anticipation. I was amazed to see the contours of many of the greens, most of which I'd forgotten over the years. (2 and 7 were particularly remarkable in this regard; 5 is unforgettable.) Ian Andrew has done a great job of clearing out trees and opening up views on some holes; however, the course is still quite tight and there's little hope of finding one's ball once it's off the mown grass. Most surprising of all were the conditions in August 2016--as firm and fast as any true links, which only added to the challenge.
That's a nice 10 Chris.
Give me a shout next time you're in the neighborhood.
Philadelphia Cricket (Wissahickon) - Tillinghast, Foster - 8
Berkleigh - Robert White - 5
Forest Hill Field Club - Tillinghast - 4.5
Cobb's Creek - Wilson, Crump, Smith & Others - TBD
Frosty Valley - William/David Gordon - 3
Old Memorial - Smyers - 6.5
Cleveland Heights - Flynn, Garl - 4
Streamsong Black - Hanse/Wagner - 8.5
Streamsong Blue - Doak - 8.5
TPC Sawgrass - Dye, Wenzloff - 7.5
Mike, care to rank the three Streamsong courses?
Mike
Black was all that and also deemed/designed as "the championship" layout? Need to see it!!!
NBWL
Portmadog
Abersoch
Glenbervie
Goswick
West Linton
Baberton
Aberdour
Muckhart
Elie
Torwoodlee
Gullane Nr 1
The Machrie
A quite parochial list compared to many on here!
In no particular order:
Thendara
Inlet
Sadaquada
St. Davids GC
Chester Valley GC
Aronimink
Huntingdon Valley
Misquamicut
Shelter Harbor
Waynesborough
NBWL
Portmadog
Abersoch
Glenbervie
Goswick
West Linton
Baberton
Aberdour
Muckhart
Elie
Torwoodlee
Gullane Nr 1
The Machrie
A quite parochial list compared to many on here!
Ian,
Interesting list and a few I've never heard of. Any worth going out of the way to play besides the usual suspects?
NBWL
Portmadog
Abersoch
Glenbervie
Goswick
West Linton
Baberton
Aberdour
Muckhart
Elie
Torwoodlee
Gullane Nr 1
The Machrie
A quite parochial list compared to many on here!
Ian,
Interesting list and a few I've never heard of. Any worth going out of the way to play besides the usual suspects?
Prairie Landing
Arcadia Bluffs - South
Black Sheep
Pinehurst No. 4
Pinehurst No. 2
Tobacco Road
Old Town
Mid Pines
Pine Needles
Chechessee Creek
Upcoming: Bluejack National, Steamsong Black, John's Island West
Tim - Misquamicut. Primarily for the greens which I observed have tons of movement. And, holes 11 - 17 a bit less interesting than the earlier holes. Nothing wrong with Shelter Harbor, however, and I could play that course everyday and not get tired.
Probably Royal Melbourne is not open due to Presidents cup.
Heron Lakes Greenback
Reserve Vineyards North
Reserve Vineyards South
Algonquin
Green Gables
Cabot Cliffs
Cabot Links
Tetherow
Pronghorn-Nicklaus
Excluding locals the next ten will be
Barnbougle Links
Lost Farm
Cape Wickham
Ocean Dunes
Kingswood Peninsula North
Kingswood Peninsula South
The Woodlands
National Gunnamatta
St Andrews Beach
RACV Healesville
Jeff,Probably Royal Melbourne is not open due to Presidents cup.
Heron Lakes Greenback
Reserve Vineyards North
Reserve Vineyards South
Algonquin
Green Gables
Cabot Cliffs
Cabot Links
Tetherow
Pronghorn-Nicklaus
Excluding locals the next ten will be
Barnbougle Links
Lost Farm
Cape Wickham
Ocean Dunes
Kingswood Peninsula North
Kingswood Peninsula South
The Woodlands
National Gunnamatta
St Andrews Beach
RACV Healesville
How about Kingston Heath?Going for the Presidents Cup?
My list, all a function of where I’m working:
Ohoopee Match Club
Sunningdale CC, Westchester version
The Loop, clockwise
The Loop, cc
Pasatiempo
Bandon Trails
Old MacDonald
Bandon Dunes
Pacific Dunes
Winged Foot, West
Now, I feel like I need to take a shower.....
NBWL
Portmadog
Abersoch
Glenbervie
Goswick
West Linton
Baberton
Aberdour
Muckhart
Elie
Torwoodlee
Gullane Nr 1
The Machrie
A quite parochial list compared to many on here!
Ian,
Interesting list and a few I've never heard of. Any worth going out of the way to play besides the usual suspects?
Tim, Abersoch and Portmadog (Braid) are rather similar in that they both have a run of excellent old links holes which have been extended by the addition of a neighbouring 'pasture'. If you could merge the front 9 at Abersoch with the back 9 at Portmadog you would have a real fun 18. I particularly enjoyed the wild holes in the big dunes at Portmadog, 10-15 are really challenging in the wind with long par 3s and short par 4s - probably worth the green fee alone if you're in the area.
West Linton is another Braid course high in the moorland south of Edinburgh, very exposed though with the payoff of great open views in every direction. A good mix of holes and decent condition with a brutal up hill par 3 to finish. A few holes which are a bit samey laid out on similar terrain but I'd happily go back for another visit - (also the clubhouse is nice and friendly with a very extensive & tasty menu).
Muckhart has 3 nines all of which loop back to the clubhouse. We played the Arndean and Cowden loops. The Arndean seemed to be about 7 holes up the hill and 2 back down again which unfortunately got a bit monotonous. It was pretty soggy underfoot which didn't help. The Cowden 9 had quite a bit more character and variety to the holes but was also pretty wet. I don't think we'll be rushing back again when Auchterarder is just up the road.
Torwoodlee is another Braids design nestled just outside Galashiels. I actually made two trips there this summer one at the invitation of a friend and the other with my wife as I thought she'd enjoy the course. It does have a few steep climbs but otherwise than that it is a very enjoyable, perhaps typical, local Braids course. Not unlike nearby Peebles or Aberdour. The signature hole is a drivable par 4 from high on the hill and the direct 'tiger' line is over a forest down below you to the green. If you can carry the ball 200 on the flat it is doable and great fun.
Finally I was lucky enough to have a 36 hole day at Glenbervie near Falkirk, yet another Braid parkland course but one that I always enjoy. It is set amongst mature trees but is mostly wide enough you are not hemmed in. A good set of par 3's and some long par 4s. Greens were excellent when we were there (August). One unusual feature is on the 17th were there are some trees parked in the middle of the fairway. Locals argue that it is our challenge to manoeuvre around them (it's a par 5) but I just find them too awkward and irritating to buy that. Likely that's a sign my skills need improved. On the whole perhaps every course would be enriched by the existence of one feature which splits opinion!
Sean, I'm surprised you've not been to Aberdour given its location. I've played there quite a lot over the years and besides the excellent views over the Forth and the novelty of starting with 2 par 3s is a very pleasant parkland course. They have done quite a bit of work improving the bunkering and the drainage over the last few years which has paid off. I won't pretend it is a top quality parkland in the league of Burgess or Mortonhall, but I enjoy it regularly and it is short/open enough to be enjoyable for players who haven't been playing very long. The greens are a bit plain-Jane but some are quite small so no pushover.
Probably more words than you were looking for but the conclusion (again) is that there is plenty of decent golf to be found off the beaten track if you have the time to try it out.
My list, all a function of where I’m working:
Ohoopee Match Club
Sunningdale CC, Westchester version
The Loop, clockwise
The Loop, cc
Pasatiempo
Bandon Trails
Old MacDonald
Bandon Dunes
Pacific Dunes
Winged Foot, West
Now, I feel like I need to take a shower.....
Or at least smoke a cigarette...
Since getting to SOCA for Winter.John you are having a great winter. How did you like Plantation? I just won a charity auction for it and heard it is very nice and all male? Let me know your thoughts.
Plantation Golf Club (Indio)
Mission Hills Tournament
Mission Hills Dye
Mission Hills Palmer
Indian Wells CC Cove
Indian Wells CC Classic
Riviera CC !
Bel-Air CC !
Lakeside CC !
Rustic Canyon GC !
Since getting to SOCA for Winter.John you are having a great winter. How did you like Plantation? I just won a charity auction for it and heard it is very nice and all male? Let me know your thoughts.
Plantation Golf Club (Indio)
Mission Hills Tournament
Mission Hills Dye
Mission Hills Palmer
Indian Wells CC Cove
Indian Wells CC Classic
Riviera CC !
Bel-Air CC !
Lakeside CC !
Rustic Canyon GC !
Most recent firstGood down under lineup. How did you think Cape Wickham stacked up? I personally had it as my favorite course in OZ as it is just stunning and uses width, a few blind shots, elevation changes. Wonderful piece of land as long as the wind doesn't blow you away. The longer it is around and the more people who play it, CW I predict will be a top 25 course worldwide.
Indoor Bonus Room Net Trackman and Ping-Pong Club-April
The Bridge-March 30th (closed now to all play)
Anglesea-Feb 27th
The National (Guanamatta x3)
St Andrew's Beach
Royal Melbourne
Lost Farm x 2
Barnbougle Dunes x 2
Tarraleah
Wynard-(walked 9 not played)
Cape Wickham
Ocean Dunes
King Island GC
Pretty varied group for my last 10, except geographically...
Charles T. Myers GC
Mid Pines
Yeamans Hall
Midland CC
Mid South GC
Heron Point GC
Eagles Pointe GC
Monroe CC
Charles Sifford GC
Carolina GC (only course played since stay at home order)
Philadelphia CC
Philadelphia Cricket Club
Whitemarsh Valley
Stonewall North
Manufacturers
Trenton CC
St. David's GC
Rolling Green GC
Galen Hall
Baltimore CC
Reynolds Park GC
(plus Carolina GC, home)
I really enjoyed it. The biggest critique I heard about the course was the OB right on as many as 12 holes, but with my shot shape, I did not see the right side of many holes after the first couple, once my back loosened up. I thought the more severe terrain was navigated pretty nicely, including a couple of strong par 3s at 12 and 16. With the tremendous quality of golf in the area, I understand how it gets overlooked. The fact that I played at least 5 courses I consider better on this one trip (and that excludes the biggest names in the GAP) is pretty incredible. Prior to this trip, I had only played LuLu and Stonewall Old in the area, but I am already planning a return trip to Philadelphia in 2021. I was especially enamored with the Flynn courses (I had only played one previously), most notably Rolling Green. This is what got me reading The Nature Faker, and I am enjoying learning more about Flynn and his career in agronomy, construction, and design.Philadelphia CC
Philadelphia Cricket Club
Whitemarsh Valley
Stonewall North
Manufacturers
Trenton CC
St. David's GC
Rolling Green GC
Galen Hall
Baltimore CC
Reynolds Park GC
(plus Carolina GC, home)
Brian-I think Whitemarsh Valley is terrific and probably an unsung hero in the GAP.
I really enjoyed it. The biggest critique I heard about the course was the OB right on as many as 12 holes, but with my shot shape, I did not see the right side of many holes after the first couple, once my back loosened up. I thought the more severe terrain was navigated pretty nicely, including a couple of strong par 3s at 12 and 16. With the tremendous quality of golf in the area, I understand how it gets overlooked. The fact that I played at least 5 courses I consider better on this one trip (and that excludes the biggest names in the GAP) is pretty incredible. Prior to this trip, I had only played LuLu and Stonewall Old in the area, but I am already planning a return trip to Philadelphia in 2021. I was especially enamored with the Flynn courses (I had only played one previously), most notably Rolling Green. This is what got me reading The Nature Faker, and I am enjoying learning more about Flynn and his career in agronomy, construction, and design.Philadelphia CC
Philadelphia Cricket Club
Whitemarsh Valley
Stonewall North
Manufacturers
Trenton CC
St. David's GC
Rolling Green GC
Galen Hall
Baltimore CC
Reynolds Park GC
(plus Carolina GC, home)
Brian-I think Whitemarsh Valley is terrific and probably an unsung hero in the GAP.
Due to Covid, this list covers the last 8 months.
First time plays*, played before**, hole in one!!
Hastings Golf Club NZ *
Cape Kidnappers NZ *
Napier Golf Club NZ ** !!
Wilderness Club *
Gamble Sands *
Bully Pulpit **
Hawktree **
Links of North Dakota **
Minot Country Club **
Yellowstone Country Club **
Ocean Dunes
Cape Wickham
Lost Farms
Barnbougle Dunes.
The National- Gunnamatta.
Peninsula North
Peninsula South
St Andrews Beach Gunnamatta,
Woodlands
RACV Healesville
The Mrs. and I managed to play some of our old favorites as well as a few new ones for her, before her recent cancer diagnosis. I'm playing CGC later today with Mr. Oden so not counting CGC my last ten are:Pretty varied group for my last 10, except geographically...
Charles T. Myers GC
Mid Pines
Yeamans Hall
Midland CC
Mid South GC
Heron Point GC
Eagles Pointe GC
Monroe CC
Charles Sifford GC
Carolina GC (only course played since stay at home order)
Good to see you've been exploring locally... My last ten goes all the way back to the last four courses of the six played in Ireland in early October...
Carolina Golf Club
CC of Landfall - Dye
CC of Landfall - Nicklaus
Caledonia
Dunes Golf & Beach Club
Cowans Ford
Rosapenna - Tom Morris
Enniscrone
Carne
Lahinch
This year to date I've played 70 courses (30 new and 40 repeats). My last ten (with new ones asterisked) are:
Woodstone (PA)
Stamford* (NY)
Coatesville (PA)
Moselem Springs (PA)
Towanda* (PA)
Valley (PA)
Jeffersonville (PA)
Wemberly Hills (PA)
Lyndon* (NY)
Onondaga* (NY)
In Order, most recent on back-
1. White Bear Yacht Club
2. Francis A. Gross Golf Club
3. Quail Lodge
4. Pacific Grove Golf Links
5. Pasatiempo
6. MPCC - Shore Course
7. Spanish Bay
8. Pebble Beach
9. Spyglass Hill
10. Tehama Golf Club
All in all, not a bad stretch.
ok, I'll bite ... all pretty local ones this year
Renaissance
Royal Aberdeen
Cruden Bay
Fraserburgh
Newmacher Swailend
Fortrose & Rosemarkie
Muirfield
Luffness New
Dunbar
Mortonhall
Gifford
Really enjoyed my first visit to Fraserburgh a lot - definitely worth the time you are up that way.
Ian
Glad to have been able to travel more after most of my 2020 plans got "COVID-ed". This year has been a combo of the "Bob Ford Retirement Circuit" as well as a Seth Raynor deep dive architectural study.Brad- what were your thoughts on Blue Mound?
Seminole
Valhalla
Oakmont
Fox Chapel
Yeaman's Hall
Blue Mound
Shoreacres
Inverness
Wykagyl
Fisher's Island
Glad to have been able to travel more after most of my 2020 plans got "COVID-ed". This year has been a combo of the "Bob Ford Retirement Circuit" as well as a Seth Raynor deep dive architectural study.Brad- what were your thoughts on Blue Mound?
Seminole
Valhalla
Oakmont
Fox Chapel
Yeaman's Hall
Blue Mound
Shoreacres
Inverness
Wykagyl
Fisher's Island
Brad, Thanks for the response. I agree with just about all of your observations. I'm not sure if you've played BM once or several times but it is interesting how the holes on the flattish ground are often overlooked or under appreciated. At BM I find the 2nd green, double plateau and the 10th green, Raynors Prize to be the 2 most sophisticated greens on the property. That being said I also believe that the green complexes are the equal to CGC and collectively better than YHC. In fact I would consider the green complexes to be amongst my top 3 of CBM/Raynor/Banks. Fishers and Camargo would be my others favorites. It's interesting how preferences/views differ- kind of like blonds, brunettes and red heads.......
My high level takeaway was that if Scioto and Camargo had a baby, the result would be Blue Mound (course, clubhouse, property, etc).
Starting with the Road Hole 5th and running through the 9th hole (as well as the 12th and 13th on the back), I thought there were a lot of great holes on the East side of the property where there was a little more land movement trundling down toward the Menomonee River. The 8th hole may be one of the more unique Punchbowl holes I've played. From the clubhouse patio, the green looks like a collapsed volcano!
The West side of the property had some good holes (1-4), but also some just okay holes (10,11,16,17,18) where the land was a little flatter and some of the greens/holes felt a little more repetitive. A lack of interesting land movement tee to green isn't necessarily a death sentence (see Chicago Golf, Yeaman's, etc.), however, the thing that distinguishes those two courses above Blue Mound is their greens are in another class.
Overall, I found Blue Mound to be a very strong track that I could play every day. Not necessarily "elite", but being a Doak 6 or 7 is nothing to sneeze at!Glad to have been able to travel more after most of my 2020 plans got "COVID-ed". This year has been a combo of the "Bob Ford Retirement Circuit" as well as a Seth Raynor deep dive architectural study.Brad- what were your thoughts on Blue Mound?
Seminole
Valhalla
Oakmont
Fox Chapel
Yeaman's Hall
Blue Mound
Shoreacres
Inverness
Wykagyl
Fisher's Island
Brad, Thanks for the response. I agree with just about all of your observations. I'm not sure if you've played BM once or several times but it is interesting how the holes on the flattish ground are often overlooked or under appreciated. At BM I find the 2nd green, double plateau and the 10th green, Raynors Prize to be the 2 most sophisticated greens on the property. That being said I also believe that the green complexes are the equal to CGC and collectively better than YHC. In fact I would consider the green complexes to be amongst my top 3 of CBM/Raynor/Banks. Fishers and Camargo would be my others favorites. It's interesting how preferences/views differ- kind of like blonds, brunettes and red heads.......
My high level takeaway was that if Scioto and Camargo had a baby, the result would be Blue Mound (course, clubhouse, property, etc).
Starting with the Road Hole 5th and running through the 9th hole (as well as the 12th and 13th on the back), I thought there were a lot of great holes on the East side of the property where there was a little more land movement trundling down toward the Menomonee River. The 8th hole may be one of the more unique Punchbowl holes I've played. From the clubhouse patio, the green looks like a collapsed volcano!
The West side of the property had some good holes (1-4), but also some just okay holes (10,11,16,17,18) where the land was a little flatter and some of the greens/holes felt a little more repetitive. A lack of interesting land movement tee to green isn't necessarily a death sentence (see Chicago Golf, Yeaman's, etc.), however, the thing that distinguishes those two courses above Blue Mound is their greens are in another class.
Overall, I found Blue Mound to be a very strong track that I could play every day. Not necessarily "elite", but being a Doak 6 or 7 is nothing to sneeze at!Glad to have been able to travel more after most of my 2020 plans got "COVID-ed". This year has been a combo of the "Bob Ford Retirement Circuit" as well as a Seth Raynor deep dive architectural study.Brad- what were your thoughts on Blue Mound?
Seminole
Valhalla
Oakmont
Fox Chapel
Yeaman's Hall
Blue Mound
Shoreacres
Inverness
Wykagyl
Fisher's Island
The 10th green at Blue Mound is tickety boo and totally disco.Michael- what in the world does that mean? I must be showing my advanced age.........
Bogey
Joel
Log Cabin?
Will give this a shot (last 10 courses, not rounds):Sure wish I could figure out how to get on Holston Hills someday.......
Midland Trail
Beverly
Medinah 1
Davenport
Cedar Rapids
Harvester
Big Spring
Ozaukee
Milwaukee
Harmony Landing
Seven of the ten were with friends I've met through GCA. Sadly, Holston Hills has been neglected of late but that's to be remedied on Friday.
Will give this a shot (last 10 courses, not rounds):Sure wish I could figure out how to get on Holston Hills someday.......
Midland Trail
Beverly
Medinah 1
Davenport
Cedar Rapids
Harvester
Big Spring
Ozaukee
Milwaukee
Harmony Landing
Seven of the ten were with friends I've met through GCA. Sadly, Holston Hills has been neglected of late but that's to be remedied on Friday.
Mayhugh knows me well enough to not invite me...... ;)Will give this a shot (last 10 courses, not rounds):Sure wish I could figure out how to get on Holston Hills someday.......
Midland Trail
Beverly
Medinah 1
Davenport
Cedar Rapids
Harvester
Big Spring
Ozaukee
Milwaukee
Harmony Landing
Seven of the ten were with friends I've met through GCA. Sadly, Holston Hills has been neglected of late but that's to be remedied on Friday.
Jack-A beautiful access play. ;D
Atlantic City
Bidermann
Algonquin NB
Fundy Park NB
Ashburn (Old) NS
Highland Links NS
Grindstone
North East Harbor
Castine
Megunticook
Wawenock
I did the Down East Maine/Canadian Atlantic Provinces trip.
Stemming from Mac's recent thread, someone made the comment that most of the folks on here generally play average courses.
Atlantic City
Bidermann
Algonquin NB
Fundy Park NB
Ashburn (Old) NS
Highland Links NS
Grindstone
North East Harbor
Castine
Megunticook
Wawenock
I did the Down East Maine/Canadian Atlantic Provinces trip.
Mike Worth,
Great list.
I really enjoyed Wawenock and Castine was about as primitive as golf gets in the United States.
I found myself wishing I liked Northeast Harbor more than I did.
National
Maidstone
Shinnecock
Hooper
Keney Park
Red Tail
Newport CC
Ledges Golf Club
Myopia
The Country Club
National
Maidstone
Shinnecock
Hooper
Keney Park
Red Tail
Newport CC
Ledges Golf Club
Myopia
The Country Club
After not seeing many new courses this year, I had a nice trip to England a couple of weeks ago.
Wallasey
Royal Liverpool
Formby
Royal Lytham & St. Anne's
Southport & Ainsdale
Hillside
West Lancashire
Formby Ladies
Pleasington
Royal Birkdale
The quality of golf in this roughly 40 mile stretch is astounding to me. It was a somewhat last minute trip, planned when I wasn't able to make it to upper Michigan with my regular group, and I am so glad it worked out.
The more links golf I play, the more links golf I want to play.
How was Pleasington, Brian? It’s in tough company on that list! I used to be a member there and have fond memories but heard a few years ago that the condition had really gone down hill.I really enjoyed Pleasington. As you well know, there is some nice land for golf there, with plenty of elevation change, as well as some gentler rolls. I found the conditions to be good. The greens rolled true and fairways were generally pretty firm with solid grass coverage in all but a few spots (mainly under large, old trees - always a tough spot to grow grass). Some tree thinning / trimming might really benefit the turf in places, and open up a couple of holes that felt a bit tight. I don't know what the general expectation was there, in terms of conditions, but I had no issues at all. They are doing work on 7-8-9, although I am unsure of what exactly. I'd gladly return.
Shelby Park GC (TN)
Schoolmaster (AL)
Fighting Joe (AL)
Links at Redstone Arsenal (AL)
Sewanee (TN)
Wilmington Municipal (NC)
Stryker GC (NC)
Pilot Knob Park GC (NC)
Mississippi State University GC (MS)
Mossy Oak (MS)
I can't even think of a close second.
Grindstone Neck
Nonesuch River
Mingo Springs
Great Chebeague
Mars Hill
Barren View
Causeway
Salmon Falls
Sunday River
Blink Bonnie
Don't make me do it!
Shelby Park GC (TN)
Schoolmaster (AL)
Fighting Joe (AL)
Links at Redstone Arsenal (AL)
Sewanee (TN)
Wilmington Municipal (NC)
Stryker GC (NC)
Pilot Knob Park GC (NC)
Mississippi State University GC (MS)
Mossy Oak (MS)
Shelby Park GC (TN)
Schoolmaster (AL)
Fighting Joe (AL)
Links at Redstone Arsenal (AL)
Sewanee (TN)
Wilmington Municipal (NC)
Stryker GC (NC)
Pilot Knob Park GC (NC)
Mississippi State University GC (MS)
Mossy Oak (MS)
How is Redstone Arsenal? I used to do some work on base and passed that course quite a few times.
Jeff
Re:Sunningdale
I assume you played the pre-version. I love the work there though I never saw the original. Any thoughts?
North Fork CC
Shelter Island CC goat hill
Baiting Hollow
Tobacco Road
Mid Pines
Southern Pines
Pinehurst no. 2
Friar’s Head
Rock Spring
North Fork CC
Shelter Island CC goat hill
Baiting Hollow
Tobacco Road
Mid Pines
Southern Pines
Pinehurst no. 2
Friar’s Head
Rock Spring
Cal-What was your impression of Baiting Hollow?
Stemming from Mac's recent thread, someone made the comment that most of the folks on here generally play average courses.
Might as well take a survey. What are the last ten courses you played?
Mine:
Ravisloe - 5
Thunderhawk - 5
Butler - 7
Shepherd's Crook - 6
Skokie - 7
Barnbougle Dunes - 9
Barnbougle Lost Farm - 8
Yarra Yarra - 6
St. Andrew's Beach - 8
Royal Melbourne West - 9
Stemming from Mac's recent thread, someone made the comment that most of the folks on here generally play average courses.
Might as well take a survey. What are the last ten courses you played?
Mine:
Ravisloe - 5
Thunderhawk - 5
Butler - 7
Shepherd's Crook - 6
Skokie - 7
Barnbougle Dunes - 9
Barnbougle Lost Farm - 8
Yarra Yarra - 6
St. Andrew's Beach - 8
Royal Melbourne West - 9
Pine Valley - yesterday
Belleair CC East Course
Old Town
Augusta National
Belleair CC East Course
Peachtree
LACC
Bel-Air
Riviera
Belleair CC East Course
Working backwards:
Dornick Hills
Tara Iti - 5x
Te Arai (South)
Ohoopee - 2x
Riomar
Stone Eagle - 3x
Memorial Park
Schoolhouse Nine
Streamsong (Blue)
World Woods (Pine Barrens)
Tom,
Have you given a public opinion of Ohoopee?
Tom,
Have you given a public opinion of Ohoopee?
No, but I was impressed. I thought it was Gil's best work that I have seen. [I still have never seen Boston Golf Club.] Most of what I'd read about it focused on the experience rather than the golf, so I did not go in with super-high expectations, but the golf is very very good.
Finally returned to Bandon in Sept after 21 years so in the interest of completeness here's my last 15.
Gearhart (OR)
Bandon Crossings (OR)
Bandon Trails (OR)
Pacific Dunes (OR)
Bandon Preserve (OR)
Sheep Ranch (OR)
Old Macdonald (OR)
Bandon Dunes (OR)
Eastmoreland (OR)
Hershey (West) (PA)
North Jersey (NJ)
Lancaster (PA)
Philmont (PA)
Hideaway Hills (PA)
Thanks for playing Bandon Crossings. Shows a true dedication to your craft.
Mike-That’s a terrific line up. I would be interested to hear about North Jersey CC. The Travis greens are always a highlight.
Mike-That’s a terrific line up. I would be interested to hear about North Jersey CC. The Travis greens are always a highlight.
Tim,
North Jersey is undergoing a resto/renovation by Brian Schneider to bring Walter Travis's original design back as much as possible, given the number of green(s) changes over the decades. The front nine is complete and is excellent, and work has just started on the back nine to reopen next summer I believe. I think it's going to be transformational in a great way on a course where a lot of different cooks were part of changes, clearly not all for the best.
The greens are fantastic on the front nine.
Ganton GC
Hollinwell (Notts GC)
Woodhall Spa - Bracken Course
Woodhall Spa - Hotchkins Course
Hunstanton Golf Club
Royal West Norfolk GC (Brancaster)
Royal Worlington & Newmarket (Sacred Nine)
Liphook GC
Walton Heath New
Furman University Golf Club
I had a very good late summer and autumn.
Quixote
Caesarea GC (Israel)
Lofoten Links (Norway)
Coldstream
Camargo
Midlothian
Arbor Links
Landman
CC of Scranton
Metedeconk
Baltusrol Upper & Lower
Friar's Head
The Bridge
Ballyhack
I am making my first trip to Bandon next week.
I had a very good late summer and autumn.
Quixote
Caesarea GC (Israel)
Lofoten Links (Norway)
Coldstream
Camargo
Midlothian
Arbor Links
Landman
CC of Scranton
Metedeconk
Baltusrol Upper & Lower
Friar's Head
The Bridge
Ballyhack
I am making my first trip to Bandon next week.
Tom. And for anyone else who has done this, how did you travel to Lofoten?
I was in Europe for several weeks this summer but couldn’t make a trip there work. I think I’m going to Europe again next year and I seek advice on the best way to get there.
As JK said in a different thread, no one cares where I played, but I do.Ira no Old Mac??? ???
Southern Pines
Pine Needles
Mid Pines
Kenwood (Maryland)
Hope Valley
Pac Dunes
Bandon Trails
Bandon Preserve
Sheep Ranch
Bandon Dunes
Yale
Sleepy Hollow
It was a good year even in year three of Covid.
Yale is the best of a very good bunch.
As JK said in a different thread, no one cares where I played, but I do.Ira no Old Mac??? ???
Southern Pines
Pine Needles
Mid Pines
Kenwood (Maryland)
Hope Valley
Pac Dunes
Bandon Trails
Bandon Preserve
Sheep Ranch
Bandon Dunes
Yale
Sleepy Hollow
It was a good year even in year three of Covid.
Yale is the best of a very good bunch.
Last 10 new courses:Always like to see where DD is playing.
Ullna
Visby
Svartinge
Djursholm
Adare Manor
Rock Creek Cattle Co
Cap Rock Ranch
The Prairie Club
Beaverbrook
West Lancashire Golf Club
Last 10 new courses:Always like to see where DD is playing.
Ullna
Visby
Svartinge
Djursholm
Adare Manor
Rock Creek Cattle Co
Cap Rock Ranch
The Prairie Club
Beaverbrook
West Lancashire Golf Club
Ganton GCA very high class 9. Oh, and the Bracken.
Hollinwell (Notts GC)
Woodhall Spa - Bracken Course
Woodhall Spa - Hotchkins Course
Hunstanton Golf Club
Royal West Norfolk GC (Brancaster)
Royal Worlington & Newmarket (Sacred Nine)
Liphook GC
Walton Heath New
Furman University Golf Club
Keney Park GC
Eastward Ho CC
Pine Orchard Yacht & CC
Shuttle Meadow CC
Essex County Club
Salem CC
Yale GC
Rutland CC
GC at Equinox
Tedesco CC
Keney Park GC
Eastward Ho CC
Pine Orchard Yacht & CC
Shuttle Meadow CC
Essex County Club
Salem CC
Yale GC
Rutland CC
GC at Equinox
Tedesco CC
Is Salem as interesting as I imagine, Tim?