Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: mike_malone on November 27, 2022, 09:42:53 PM
-
Essex County
Inwood
Quaker Ridge
Mid Pines
Pine Needles
Southern Pines
Tobacco Road
Southport Ainsdale
Wallasey
Formby
Hillside
Lytham and St. Anne’s
Liverpool
West Lancs
Hollinwell
Woodhall Spa(2 courses)
Quaker Ridge was my favorite new US course and West Lancs was my favorite English course. Tobacco Road was an unique experience.
They had a variety of shots that I found fun.
-
My only new courses were in Ontario or through my lens.
Absolutely loved Niagara On The Lake golf club. It plays away from, then back to, the town. Wish the other nine holes had been preserved. Thrilled with the tree annihilation, that opened up all the vistas of Lake Ontario and the entirety of the course. Some internal tree removal would help, but those trees are all old hardwood and way more important than golf.
Absolutely loved Twenty Valley. Great rural Ontario course. If you've never met Canadian sportsfolk, you should. They find a way to imbue golf with their hockey mentality, with no checking, high sticking, or jerseying. Twenty Valley has crazy carries that look menacing, but are all manageable. The Scrambler hit one of the world's great drives on 18, but the 2nd eluded him. Alas...
I enjoyed Niagara National, Port Colborne, and Peninsula Lakes. I would recommend all of them as reliable places to enjoy your golf and be treated with great Maple Leaf cordiality.
As for photography, the opportunity to finally shoot Oak Hill West and East was unexpected, and had me salivating. Knowing that I would shoot the East just before it began its transformation into major championship site, was humbling. I was very happy with the resulting images. The West course is the essence of a classic, members course. It drifts and traipses across the same hills that parade through the East course, in a kinder way.
-
I've had a standout year for new courses:
Scotland
Archerfield Dirleton
Archerfield Fidra
Prestwick
Turnberry Ailsa
Askernish
Royal Troon Old
Panmure
England
Alwoodley
Woodhall Spa Hotchkin
Sunningdale Old
Sunningdale New
Royal Ashdown Forest Old
Bearwood Lakes
Hindhead
Woking
West Hill
St George’s Hill
Ireland
Royal Portrush - Valley course
Carne - Hackett
Carne - Wild Atlantic Dunes
Enniscrone
County Sligo
Strandhill
Rosapenna Old Tom Morris
Rosapenna Sandy Hills
RosapennaSt Patricks Links
Portsalon
Gran Canaria
Melanoras
Salobre Old
Add in return visits to Dunbar, Golspie, Muirfield, Gullane Nr 1, & Luffness New and 2022 has been a great year for golf. Retirement has a lot to recommend it ;D .
-
I was pretty lucky to get in 48 new courses this year. Covid cancelled some rounds and now another torn elbow tendon is causing me to cancel Streamsong Red and Black over New Years. A few rounds of PRP and I'll be ready in the Spring.
Charleston Municipal (SC)
Wild Dunes Links (SC)
Mossy Oak (MS)
Mississippi State GC (MS)
Pilot Knob CC (NC)
Stryker GC (NC)
Wilmington Municipal (NC)
Southern Dunes (IN)
Hickory Stick (IN)
Sewanee GC (TN)
Redstone Arsenal Warrior GC (AL)
Fighting Joe GC (AL)
Schoolmaster GC (AL)
Shelby GC (TN)
Widows Watch GC (KY)
Lancaster CC (OH)
Pfau GC (IN)
Sahm GC (IN)
South Grove GC (IN)
Fernbank GC (OH)
Culver Academy (IN)
Rock Hollow GC (IN)
Cedarbrook Red GC (PA)
Architect's GC (NJ)
Yale GC (CT)
Fenwick GC (CT)
Copake CC (NY)
Hotchkiss School GC (CT)
PB Dye GC (MD)
Columbus CC (OH)
Streamsong Blue (FL)
Crandon GC (FL)
Mid Carolina Club (SC)
Connemara GC (KY)
Links Lawsonia (WI)
Dakota Winds (ND)
Hawktree GC (ND)
Links North Dakota (ND)
Bully Pulpit (ND)
Elkhorn Ridge GC (SD)
Trout Club (OH)
Covered Bridge GC (IN)
Donald Ross French Lick (IN)
Maysville CC (KY)
Dayton CC (OH)
Urbana CC (OH)
Thoroughbred GC (KY)
Old Toccoa Farm (GA)
-
In terms of numbers I've had a relatively poor year which was largely due to recovering from a broken wrist over the first half of the year, however I'd like to think I made up for that with playing some wonderful courses;
St Bees (nine holer) - great fun. In no-ones Top 100 list but still very enjoyable.
Seascale - an unusual links in some respects but has some real highlights, well worth a play.
Portsalon - as above.
St Patricks - lots have already been said about this course and IMO the glowing reviews are spot on.
Old Tom front nine, Rosapenna - lovely, wished I'd time to play the back nine.
Here's hoping I get to play a lot more golf in 2023.
Niall
-
In terms of numbers I've had a relatively poor year which was largely due to recovering from a broken wrist over the first half of the year, however I'd like to think I made up for that with playing some wonderful courses;
St Bees (nine holer) - great fun. In no-ones Top 100 list but still very enjoyable.
Seascale - an unusual links in some respects but has some real highlights, well worth a play.
Portsalon - as above.
St Patricks - lots have already been said about this course and IMO the glowing reviews are spot on.
Old Tom front nine, Rosapenna - lovely, wished I'd time to play the back nine.
Here's hoping I get to play a lot more golf in 2023.
Niall
Interesting reading your thoughts on the courses. Thank you.
I skipped the lists above, did I miss anything? Where's JK when we need him? ;D
-
Bulls Bay (SC)
Rivertown (SC)
Grasslands Lakeland FL
The National at Ava Maria FL
Eagle Creek Naples FL
No particular order but Bulls Bay was by far the most impressive. I liked all of them. Grasslands was the biggest surprise. I expected Lakeland to be very remote and the golf course was in great shape and fun to play in a nice wind.
Ken Venturi lived on the 16th at Eagle Creek. It has a tough finish in 17 and 18. Arthur Hills but I heard Venturi helped with some modifications. To what extent I don’t know.
-
Here is my list of new courses played for 2022:
Camden SC
CC Birmingham (East) AL
CC Troy NY
Cherry Hill CAN
Coldstream OH
Dorset Field VT
Durban SA
European IE
Forest Hills GA
Frederica GA
Glens Falls NY
Hamilton (West/South) CAN
Hirono JP
Kawana (Fuji) JP
Lookout Point CAN
Mallard LA
Memphis TN
Mid Ocean BM
Naruo JP
Nine Bridges KR
Oakdale (Thompson/Knudsen) CAN
Oitavos Dunes PO
Pasadera CA
Port Royal BM
Rosedale CAN
Rutland VT
Sotogrande SP
Sunningdale (New) UK
Sunnyside (Par 3) NY
The Hay (Par 3) CA
Tokyo JP
Valderrama SP
Waterville IE
Zimbali SA
-
Here is my list of new courses played for 2022:
Camden SC
CC Birmingham (East) AL
CC Troy NY
Cherry Hill CAN
Coldstream OH
Dorset Field VT
Durban SA
European IE
Forest Hills GA
Frederica GA
Glens Falls NY
Hamilton (West/South) CAN
Hirono JP
Kawana (Fuji) JP
Lookout Point CAN
Mallard LA
Memphis TN
Mid Ocean BM
Naruo JP
Nine Bridges KR
Oakdale (Thompson/Knudsen) CAN
Oitavos Dunes PO
Pasadera CA
Port Royal BM
Rosedale CAN
Rutland VT
Sotogrande SP
Sunningdale (New) UK
Sunnyside (Par 3) NY
The Hay (Par 3) CA
Tokyo JP
Valderrama SP
Waterville IE
Zimbali SA
Paul, I thought I had an interesting year playing from Israel to Oregon, but England to Japan is pretty awesome. Kudos for getting Hirono. You certainly racked up miles.
-
Japan was postponed for 3 years... Also went to South Africa a month after getting back from Japan. I am not flying for a while :-)
-
One conclusion I reached this year is that I would be very happy to play lesser-known courses in England and North Carolina on a regular basis.
New for 2022:
England
West Cornwall GC
Trevose GC
Perranporth GC
St. Enodoc (Church)
Bude & North Cornwall GC
Royal North Devon (Taylor)
Royal North Devon
Saunton GC - East
Saunton GC - West
Burnham & Berrow (Channel)
Burnham & Berrow (Championship)
Painswick GC
Minchinhampton Old
Cleeve Hill GC
Scotland
Irvine GC
Glasgow Gailes
Dundonald
Kilmarnock Barassie
Prestwick
Royal Troon (Old)
Turnberry (Robert the Bruce)
Turnberry (Ailsa)
Prestwick St. Nicholas
Western Gailes
West Kilbride
Shiskine
North Carolina
Alamance CC
Biltmore Forest
Cedarbrook CC
Cleveland Country Club
Forest Oaks CC
Kings Mountain CC
Knollwood Fairways
Old North State
Pinehurst #9
Rocky River GC
Siler City CC
Sunset Hills - Short Course
Other USA
Cape Arundel
Greenville CC - Chanticleer
Raptor Bay GC
Tiburon GC - Gold
-
One conclusion I reached this year is that I would be very happy to play lesser-known courses in England and North Carolina on a regular basis.
Shall we form a club?
Ciao
-
One conclusion I reached this year is that I would be very happy to play lesser-known courses in England and North Carolina on a regular basis.
Shall we form a club?
Ciao
That is my goal when I spend 5-6 months in England, Scotland and Ireland (both) when I retire in 3 years.
-
Prairie Dunes
Philly Cricket - Wissahickon
Harbor Town
Liberty National
Glens Falls
Mountain Ridge
Stotains Brae
Essex County Club
Pilgrims Run
The Mines
2022 was fantastic for discovery, hoping to see more in 2023.
-
One conclusion I reached this year is that I would be very happy to play lesser-known courses in England and North Carolina on a regular basis.
Shall we form a club?
Ciao
If only I could find a way to spend more time in the UK, I’d say absolutely yes.
-
One conclusion I reached this year is that I would be very happy to play lesser-known courses in England and North Carolina on a regular basis.
Shall we form a club?
Ciao
If only I could find a way to spend more time in the UK, I’d say absolutely yes.
I plan to continue going to UK once a year now that British Air has a direct flight from New Orleans to London.
-
I think I only played three rounds of golf this year, but two of them were new courses that I really enjoyed, both here in my new hometown of Grand Rapids:
The Mines
Kaufman
-
Stone Canyon Course conditions were simply amazing. What a scenic spot.
TPC Scottsdale - Stadium
We-Ko-Pa - Saguaro Scruffy around the edges but an exciting course
Ventana Canyon - Mountain
Dornick Hills Tom did fantastic work here
Kapalua - Plantation I wasn't expecting the course to be so demanding
Kapalua - Bay
Wild Horse Finally made it here and I'm glad I did. So fun!
Prairie Club - Dunes Big and bold with options galore
Prairie Club - Pines
Prairie Club - Horse
2022 was a very great year connecting with many good friends Looking forward to what 2023 may bring!
-
I either need to retire or get a job that requires me to travel. I also am in awe of the logistics that must be involved in some of your journeys. A weak transition to 2022 entailing only two new courses:
Sleepy Hollow—Even in 97 degree heat and 95 degree humidity, just a true pleasure. A couple of the holes up the hill were repetitive, but the overall variety was energizing. 17 and 18 get a bad rap; people must want the course to finish at 16.
Sheep Ranch—It could use a few bunkers. Seriously. Some really great holes (1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 17), but kind of generic except for the awesome setting.
Ira
-
I always enjoy these year end threads seeing where everybody went and what they liked.
I saw a lot of great GCA this year that's well worth studying.
Courses that I saw for the first time this year:
Frederica
Blue Mound
Whistling Straits
Renditions
Yale
Somerset Hills
Wannamoisett
Eastward Ho
Myopia
Plainfield
Woodall Spa Hotchkin
Woodall Spa Bracken
Seacroft
Sunnigdale Old
Sunningdale New
West Essex
Addington
Charleston Muni
Country Club of Charleston
Old Town
My top two courses were Sunningdale Old and Somerset Hills. There's probably four or five courses depending on the day that I would put third.
-
One conclusion I reached this year is that I would be very happy to play lesser-known courses in England and North Carolina on a regular basis.
Shall we form a club?
Ciao
Sign me up!
Didn't play much due to the final stretch of injury recovery but the rounds I did were very high quality.
New- Spanish Bay
Spyglass Hill
The Hay
Soule Park
Sahalee
Chambers Bay
Formby Ladies
Southport & Ainsdale
Formby
Royal Birkdale
Woodhall Spa Hotchkin
Ganton
-
For a variety of reasons I played fewer new courses (24) this year than any time I can recall since age 30, and most I played in bunches over a few days on a trip. Hoping to add a few more the last week of December while visiting family in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Don't cry for me, though...I also made return visits to 34 previously played courses, many of them stellar.
Rackham (MI)
Stonycroft Hills (MI)
Oakland Hills (South) (MI)
Franklin Hills (MI)
Washtenaw (MI)
Hammock Beach (Conservatory) (FL)
Mount Dora (FL)
Ocala (FL)
Hammock Beach (Ocean) (FL)
Ocean Palms (FL)
World Golf Village (King & Bear) (FL)
Hopewell Valley (NJ)
Sandy Run (PA)
Huntingdon Valley (Centennial Nine) (PA)
Rochester (NY)
Gearhart (OR)
Bandon Crossings (OR)
Bandon Trails (OR)
Bandon Preserve (OR)
Old Macdonald (OR)
Eastmoreland (OR)
North Jersey (NJ)
Eagle Rock (Executive) (PA)
Sherwood Forest (MD)
-
New courses for me in 2022 that were awesome………… 100% St Patrick’s!
atb
-
My new courses spanned the range from among the best in the world to the most rudimentary. All yielded worthwhile experiences but the hilight was the tour associated with BUDA that Mayhugh organized but could not attend:
San Diego Country Club – great setting, fantastically difficult greens. Tree removal makes this course worth a re-visit for those who have not been there in awhile.
The Lights at Indio – rudimentary par three course. I primarily used its practice range. Saw Mac O”Grady hitting balls one evening and enjoyed the league groups headed out in the evening. .
Gallery North -Tucson – beautiful target golf
Bulrush, MN – convoluted course with ugly humps and some very tight tree tunnels. Routing only made sense when one realized that the clubhouse has not been built. When it is it will make more sense.
Lac La Belle (WI)– stretches the concept of lumpy greens to the limit. Pretty penal on a day when I had lost my golf swing. For that reason, I would like to see it again with a better game.
Rochester G&CC (MN) –had played before removal of thousands of trees. Pretty severe site with some quite interesting golf holes.
Gentle Creek (TX) – visited Lou Duran and Greg Clark on way to F1 Race in Austin. Great conditioned course with plenty of interest but not the best visuals. Finisher is memorable – not sure it is in a good way.
Hollinwell – very pleasant 9 hole course used by Cambridge golf team. Perfect first course off the plane. Plenty of interest an plenty of room for wayward shots. Tough greens.
Brancaster – some goofy golf near the turn but one of the more memorable locations for a golf course I have ever visited. I have never had to wait for the tide to go out before I could leave a golf course.
Woodhall Spa –feels a bit like visiting a stern protestant church. Every shot is imminently playable but the punishment for sin is severe. Hole variation and great green complexes make this an enjoyable test. Second 18 plays like an average at best US parkland course.
West Essex – had a great day playing Tony’s course. Front nine is a bit cramped on a hillside with a wonderful par five near the end. Back is more expansive with some rather unique hazards that look like they came from a committee.
The Addington – in the midst of a multiyear renovation project. Has some of the goofiest holes I have ever experienced, some of which I was surprised to see lauded by James Finegan. I would like to see the finished product.
Sunningdale Old and New – the old course exemplifies almost perfect golf. The holes appear as they should appear, the property is beautiful and the routing makes great use of two ridges. New course is also wonderful but on a bit less interesting land than the old and therefor only suffers a bit in comparison.
-
For a variety of reasons I played fewer new courses (24) this year than any time I can recall since age 30, and most I played in bunches over a few days on a trip. Hoping to add a few more the last week of December while visiting family in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Don't cry for me, though...I also made return visits to 34 previously played courses, many of them stellar.
Rackham (MI)
Stonycroft Hills (MI)
Oakland Hills (South) (MI)
Franklin Hills (MI)
Washtenaw (MI)
Hammock Beach (Conservatory) (FL)
Mount Dora (FL)
Ocala (FL)
Hammock Beach (Ocean) (FL)
Ocean Palms (FL)
World Golf Village (King & Bear) (FL)
Hopewell Valley (NJ)
Sandy Run (PA)
Huntingdon Valley (Centennial Nine) (PA)
Rochester (NY)
Gearhart (OR)
Bandon Crossings (OR)
Bandon Trails (OR)
Bandon Preserve (OR)
Old Macdonald (OR)
Eastmoreland (OR)
North Jersey (NJ)
Eagle Rock (Executive) (PA)
Sherwood Forest (MD)
Mike, I played Franklin Hills last year. I loved it almost as much as its more renowned neighbor. I also thought it was one of the best-conditioned courses I have ever played. The greens were firm, but it was the fairways I was most impressed with. There was more grass per square inch than anywhere I have played. While they were tight, I felt I could hit a three-wood because there was some grass under the ball.
-
Tommy,
The conditioning and presentation of Franklin Hills is OUTSTANDING, completely agreed. The course was even better than my high expectations.
-
Goat Hill Park GC
The Grand GC
Aiken GC
Lonnie Poole GC
St. Joseph Bay GC
Charlotte National GC
Royal Dornoch - Struie
Golspie GC
Castle Stuart
Rocky River GC
Goat Hill Park has an incredible laid-back vibe and the greens were so pure. Aiken was an absolute gem I can't wait to experience again, played it back in Feb with hickories. Played Struie with hickories too, simply awesome. Had only played the first 9 at Castle Stuart so was good to experience the entire course this time around, phenomenal golf experience. But Golspie was by far and away my favorite of all new courses played. Vastly exceeded my expectations and I cannot wait to play it again.
-
My new courses spanned the range from among the best in the world to the most rudimentary. All yielded worthwhile experiences but the hilight was the tour associated with BUDA that Mayhugh organized but could not attend:
San Diego Country Club – great setting, fantastically difficult greens. Tree removal makes this course worth a re-visit for those who have not been there in awhile.
The Lights at Indio – rudimentary par three course. I primarily used its practice range. Saw Mac O”Grady hitting balls one evening and enjoyed the league groups headed out in the evening. .
Gallery North -Tucson – beautiful target golf
Bulrush, MN – convoluted course with ugly humps and some very tight tree tunnels. Routing only made sense when one realized that the clubhouse has not been built. When it is it will make more sense.
Lac La Belle (WI)– stretches the concept of lumpy greens to the limit. Pretty penal on a day when I had lost my golf swing. For that reason, I would like to see it again with a better game.
Rochester G&CC (MN) –had played before removal of thousands of trees. Pretty severe site with some quite interesting golf holes.
Gentle Creek (TX) – visited Lou Duran and Greg Clark on way to F1 Race in Austin. Great conditioned course with plenty of interest but not the best visuals. Finisher is memorable – not sure it is in a good way.
Hollinwell – very pleasant 9 hole course used by Cambridge golf team. Perfect first course off the plane. Plenty of interest an plenty of room for wayward shots. Tough greens.
Brancaster – some goofy golf near the turn but one of the more memorable locations for a golf course I have ever visited. I have never had to wait for the tide to go out before I could leave a golf course.
Woodhall Spa –feels a bit like visiting a stern protestant church. Every shot is imminently playable but the punishment for sin is severe. Hole variation and great green complexes make this an enjoyable test. Second 18 plays like an average at best US parkland course.
West Essex – had a great day playing Tony’s course. Front nine is a bit cramped on a hillside with a wonderful par five near the end. Back is more expansive with some rather unique hazards that look like they came from a committee.
The Addington – in the midst of a multiyear renovation project. Has some of the goofiest holes I have ever experienced, some of which I was surprised to see lauded by James Finegan. I would like to see the finished product.
Sunningdale Old and New – the old course exemplifies almost perfect golf. The holes appear as they should appear, the property is beautiful and the routing makes great use of two ridges. New course is also wonderful but on a bit less interesting land than the old and therefor only suffers a bit in comparison.
Jason, I think you may be confusing Hollinwell and Royal Worlington. Hopefully that’s because you managed to play them both.
-
My new courses spanned the range from among the best in the world to the most rudimentary. All yielded worthwhile experiences but the hilight was the tour associated with BUDA that Mayhugh organized but could not attend:
San Diego Country Club – great setting, fantastically difficult greens. Tree removal makes this course worth a re-visit for those who have not been there in awhile.
The Lights at Indio – rudimentary par three course. I primarily used its practice range. Saw Mac O”Grady hitting balls one evening and enjoyed the league groups headed out in the evening. .
Gallery North -Tucson – beautiful target golf
Bulrush, MN – convoluted course with ugly humps and some very tight tree tunnels. Routing only made sense when one realized that the clubhouse has not been built. When it is it will make more sense.
Lac La Belle (WI)– stretches the concept of lumpy greens to the limit. Pretty penal on a day when I had lost my golf swing. For that reason, I would like to see it again with a better game.
Rochester G&CC (MN) –had played before removal of thousands of trees. Pretty severe site with some quite interesting golf holes.
Gentle Creek (TX) – visited Lou Duran and Greg Clark on way to F1 Race in Austin. Great conditioned course with plenty of interest but not the best visuals. Finisher is memorable – not sure it is in a good way.
Hollinwell – very pleasant 9 hole course used by Cambridge golf team. Perfect first course off the plane. Plenty of interest an plenty of room for wayward shots. Tough greens.
Brancaster – some goofy golf near the turn but one of the more memorable locations for a golf course I have ever visited. I have never had to wait for the tide to go out before I could leave a golf course.
Woodhall Spa –feels a bit like visiting a stern protestant church. Every shot is imminently playable but the punishment for sin is severe. Hole variation and great green complexes make this an enjoyable test. Second 18 plays like an average at best US parkland course.
West Essex – had a great day playing Tony’s course. Front nine is a bit cramped on a hillside with a wonderful par five near the end. Back is more expansive with some rather unique hazards that look like they came from a committee.
The Addington – in the midst of a multiyear renovation project. Has some of the goofiest holes I have ever experienced, some of which I was surprised to see lauded by James Finegan. I would like to see the finished product.
Sunningdale Old and New – the old course exemplifies almost perfect golf. The holes appear as they should appear, the property is beautiful and the routing makes great use of two ridges. New course is also wonderful but on a bit less interesting land than the old and therefor only suffers a bit in comparison.
Jason, I think you may be confusing Hollinwell and Royal Worlington. Hopefully that’s because you managed to play them both.
Yes Royal Worlington & Newmarket aka Mildenhall aka The Sacred 9. But then people tend to be confused after playing West Essex!
-
I didn't get a chance to play many new courses this year, but one that I've been very pleasantly surprised about is Fox Creek in Smyrna, Georgia.
An 18 hole executive course; 7 par 4's, 11 par 3's; that has the feel of being something like a baby East Lake. A rectangular shaped property defined by a pond that bisects the land into 2 halves. The pond acts as the low point on the property, with all the land falling from the two furthest boundaries towards the pond. This creates a nice variety of uphill and downhill holes that play through corridors of tall pines. The par 4's vary from 265-400 yards, and the par 3's vary from 100 yards up to 175 yards. For me, the real shining feature of the course are the greens, which are downright tiny. All but one green on the property are 3,000 sqft or smaller.
For an executive course, the combination of the constant elevation changes and the small greens creates a perfect recipe. The course is quick and easy to play for the average player, but if you're looking to go low you better be precise or you'll be scrambling all day long.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nxnW2JphjwS7APfQQGbM8kC2kHrfiHp7Ar3Rkexsrj3ZRI11jU2GsB476pk6J0vSxGNK5WK2g_1Gs5Q3abrJmhno8GoHQb7NfhMnqe3osCmCesRobOYY2k8zQqGwl-xzBcgmdT-dhKA=w2400)
Behind the 305 yard par 4, 9th
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CHwChjKeKIa7tsQWXpZO8i3RdS5ru3EwV8b47QOkflAT2fzcZ9uecXWS_qlPU_SaMxsxkco5XCtKfCzLN9bJcjW9_Tun2WWB_Fq0WaB6uToTxw5cMVTHLztrDPo6QpOitC_5ulLFxFk=w2400)
From the tee on the 150 yard par 3, 10th
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iYgTzJBui5GDgYDkY-Bae5aAInRnYKnv28Y-hikWCdVFR-JwYnClZQsc7EYMNuOUKQkdbmTorBGqC30gu26Y9o2Ijkqz4l96ihLr2xX6nGqa4b2tBcmZk1ZV3Ac_LClo0s7vZdj77I0=w2400)
From the tee on the tiny 100 yard par 3, 12th, with the par 3 5th green behind
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/k9aYUU7dbZy1ldoRWJjcw9f3lBMF4RmoYHOy0HSghJpk0OwTTEZIzC465PNP9yo9hpxnGvraktmLuqVXjBcEN006Lje_i1dfBVmpnXTNgZET8HnMxkdSywEgi1g-JM2wYvOVqSXBX74=w2400)
Behind the tee on the 325 yard par 4, 16th
-
That ↓ sounds really appealing. Thanks for bringing it up!
I didn't get a chance to play many new courses this year, but one that I've been very pleasantly surprised about is Fox Creek in Smyrna, Georgia.
An 18 hole executive course; 7 par 4's, 11 par 3's; that has the feel of being something like a baby East Lake. A rectangular shaped property defined by a pond that bisects the land into 2 halves. The pond acts as the low point on the property, with all the land falling from the two furthest boundaries towards the pond. This creates a nice variety of uphill and downhill holes that play through corridors of tall pines. The par 4's vary from 265-400 yards, and the par 3's vary from 100 yards up to 175 yards. For me, the real shining feature of the course are the greens, which are downright tiny. All but one green on the property are 3,000 sqft or smaller.
For an executive course, the combination of the constant elevation changes and the small greens creates a perfect recipe. The course is quick and easy to play for the average player, but if you're looking to go low you better be precise or you'll be scrambling all day long.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nxnW2JphjwS7APfQQGbM8kC2kHrfiHp7Ar3Rkexsrj3ZRI11jU2GsB476pk6J0vSxGNK5WK2g_1Gs5Q3abrJmhno8GoHQb7NfhMnqe3osCmCesRobOYY2k8zQqGwl-xzBcgmdT-dhKA=w2400)
Behind the 305 yard par 4, 9th
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CHwChjKeKIa7tsQWXpZO8i3RdS5ru3EwV8b47QOkflAT2fzcZ9uecXWS_qlPU_SaMxsxkco5XCtKfCzLN9bJcjW9_Tun2WWB_Fq0WaB6uToTxw5cMVTHLztrDPo6QpOitC_5ulLFxFk=w2400)
From the tee on the 150 yard par 3, 10th
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iYgTzJBui5GDgYDkY-Bae5aAInRnYKnv28Y-hikWCdVFR-JwYnClZQsc7EYMNuOUKQkdbmTorBGqC30gu26Y9o2Ijkqz4l96ihLr2xX6nGqa4b2tBcmZk1ZV3Ac_LClo0s7vZdj77I0=w2400)
From the tee on the tiny 100 yard par 3, 12th, with the par 3 5th green behind
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/k9aYUU7dbZy1ldoRWJjcw9f3lBMF4RmoYHOy0HSghJpk0OwTTEZIzC465PNP9yo9hpxnGvraktmLuqVXjBcEN006Lje_i1dfBVmpnXTNgZET8HnMxkdSywEgi1g-JM2wYvOVqSXBX74=w2400)
Behind the tee on the 325 yard par 4, 16th
-
New Courses Played: 0
New Courses Walked: 0
Courses played: 2
Rounds played: 5
I think most architects have a similar story from 2022
Never experienced anything like 2022 in 30+ years
-
Terrible year in terms of number of new courses certainly in comparison to everyone else posting.
- Sunset Ridge in Northfield, Ill. - I really enjoyed this layout, green fronts are open and greens themselves were excellent shape. Thumbs up there. Very flat and an easy walk.
- Crystal Downs in Michigan - What can I say other than it is one of my top 10 courses, very fast greens where you don't want to be above the hole.
- Cimarron Hills in Georgetown, TX - Nicklaus course in a golf community. Condition was excellent, however some green shapes were odd and a couple of over the top water features.
That is it, but love reading others write ups.
-
Let's try this again...
Went to Ireland/No. Ireland and played the following for the first time:
Royal County Down
Royal Portrush
Portstewart
The Island
St. Patrick’s Links
Rossapenna – Old Tom Morris
Rossapenna – Sandy Links
Ardglass
In the states:
Meadow Club (only took 25 years to get here!)
Huntington Valley CC (only took 53 years to get here!)
Orinda CC
Pine Tree CC
-
Went to Ireland/No. Ireland and played the following for the first time:
Royal County Down
Royal PortrushPortstewartThe IslandSt. Patrick’s LinksRossapenna – Old Tom MorrisRossapenna – Sandy LinksArdglassIn the states:Meadow Club (only took 25 years to get here!)Huntington Valley CC (only took 53 years to get here!)Orinda CCPine Tree CC
Wayne,
If only one course not a bad one.
-
Goat Hill Park GC
The Grand GC
Aiken GC
Lonnie Poole GC
St. Joseph Bay GC
Charlotte National GC
Royal Dornoch - Struie
Golspie GC
Castle Stuart
Rocky River GC
Goat Hill Park has an incredible laid-back vibe and the greens were so pure. Aiken was an absolute gem I can't wait to experience again, played it back in Feb with hickories. Played Struie with hickories too, simply awesome. Had only played the first 9 at Castle Stuart so was good to experience the entire course this time around, phenomenal golf experience. But Golspie was by far and away my favorite of all new courses played. Vastly exceeded my expectations and I cannot wait to play it again.
I can't believe I left Lexington GC in Lexington, NC off the list! Played it twice earlier this year, both times with hickories and it is a real treat. If it were 20 minutes closer to my house they would have a difficult time keeping me away. My apologies to golf course superintendent Karl Trost and his small, yet mighty team because they do a phenomenal job.
-
Not too many, but some very good ones. Annandale, Trinity Forest, Big Canyon, Diablo, San Luis Obispo, Menlo.
-
My new courses spanned the range from among the best in the world to the most rudimentary. All yielded worthwhile experiences but the hilight was the tour associated with BUDA that Mayhugh organized but could not attend:
San Diego Country Club – great setting, fantastically difficult greens. Tree removal makes this course worth a re-visit for those who have not been there in awhile.
The Lights at Indio – rudimentary par three course. I primarily used its practice range. Saw Mac O”Grady hitting balls one evening and enjoyed the league groups headed out in the evening. .
Gallery North -Tucson – beautiful target golf
Bulrush, MN – convoluted course with ugly humps and some very tight tree tunnels. Routing only made sense when one realized that the clubhouse has not been built. When it is it will make more sense.
Lac La Belle (WI)– stretches the concept of lumpy greens to the limit. Pretty penal on a day when I had lost my golf swing. For that reason, I would like to see it again with a better game.
Rochester G&CC (MN) –had played before removal of thousands of trees. Pretty severe site with some quite interesting golf holes.
Gentle Creek (TX) – visited Lou Duran and Greg Clark on way to F1 Race in Austin. Great conditioned course with plenty of interest but not the best visuals. Finisher is memorable – not sure it is in a good way.
Hollinwell – very pleasant 9 hole course used by Cambridge golf team. Perfect first course off the plane. Plenty of interest an plenty of room for wayward shots. Tough greens.
Brancaster – some goofy golf near the turn but one of the more memorable locations for a golf course I have ever visited. I have never had to wait for the tide to go out before I could leave a golf course.
Woodhall Spa –feels a bit like visiting a stern protestant church. Every shot is imminently playable but the punishment for sin is severe. Hole variation and great green complexes make this an enjoyable test. Second 18 plays like an average at best US parkland course.
West Essex – had a great day playing Tony’s course. Front nine is a bit cramped on a hillside with a wonderful par five near the end. Back is more expansive with some rather unique hazards that look like they came from a committee.
The Addington – in the midst of a multiyear renovation project. Has some of the goofiest holes I have ever experienced, some of which I was surprised to see lauded by James Finegan. I would like to see the finished product.
Sunningdale Old and New – the old course exemplifies almost perfect golf. The holes appear as they should appear, the property is beautiful and the routing makes great use of two ridges. New course is also wonderful but on a bit less interesting land than the old and therefor only suffers a bit in comparison.
Jason, I think you may be confusing Hollinwell and Royal Worlington. Hopefully that’s because you managed to play them both.
Yes Royal Worlington & Newmarket aka Mildenhall aka The Sacred 9. But then people tend to be confused after playing West Essex!
I knew I should have double checked!
-
I played fewer new courses in 2022 than any year in recent memory. However, the quality of the courses I played in Aberdeen and the Highlands more than made up for the small quantity. I wish I had made that trip long ago.
Royal Aberdeen
Cruden Bay
Fraserburgh
Castle Stuart
Royal Dornoch
Brora
Golspie
Nairn
Now living in Florida, I played a few new ones down here.
CC of Florida
Pelican Club
LPGA National, Rees Jones and Arthur Hills Courses
Kissimmee Bay
USF- The Claw
Deer Creek Executive course
-
Been simply an amazing year. Have played a total of 162 courses (2818 holes) during the year of which fully 138 courses (2405 holes) were played for the first time by me. Not bad considering I recently turned 78. Hoping to slow down in 2023. Here are the 138:
Camden CC--SC (17 holes)
Berkeley Hall Club (North)--SC
Moss Creek Resort (South)--SC
Squire Creek CC--LA
CC of Jackson--MS
Laurel CC--MS
Hattiesburg--MS
Lakewood Club (Dogwood)--AL
Lakewood Club (Azalea)--AL
Hickory Hill--MS
Isle Dauphine--AL
Hills of Lakeway--TX
Indian Hills--AL
Lakewood-LA
Carmel--NC
Ocala Nat'l--FL
CC of Orlando--FL
Rio Pinar--FL
Fiddlesticks (Long Mean)--FL
Cypress Lake--FL
Coral Creek--FL
Saints Golf Course-FL
Trident (Sinners)-FL
Athens CC-GA
Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards-SC
Cherokee T&C (North)--GA
The Grove XXIII-FL
High Ridge--FL
Coral Ridge--FL
The Floridian-FL
CC of Florida
Orchid island--FL
Windsor Club--FL (9 holes)
Sedgefield CC-NC
Rawls at Texas Tech--TX
Greensboro CC (Farm)--NC
Annandale--CA
Soboda Springs--CA
Rams Hill--CA
Singing Hills (Oak Glen)-CA
Hacienda--CA
Yorba Linda--CA
Wilmington CC (North)--DE
Bidermann--DE
that is the first 44 first time played...and brings me thru 5/5/22. More in next post.
-
will post rest on Friday...
-
All ranging from very, very good to great:
Royal Liverpool
Southport & Ainsdale
Formby
Royal Birkdale
Royal Lytham
Royal St. Georges
Rye Jubilee
Rye Old
St. Patricks
Royal Portrush
-
New Courses Played: 0
New Courses Walked: 0
Courses played: 2
Rounds played: 5
I think most architects have a similar story from 2022
Never experienced anything like 2022 in 30+ years
Well, thank goodness I played a little more than that, although it was only half as much as five years ago.
New courses seen: 13
Park Mammoth, KY
Winter Park Nine, FL
Riomar, FL
Ohoopee Match C, GA
The Tree Farm, SC
Te Pohue, New Zealand
Te Arai Links (South), New Zealand
Lido, WI
Sand Valley (Sandbox), WI
Hiawatha Sportsman's Club, MI
Prestwick GC (original 12 holes), Scotland
Prestwick St. Nicholas, Scotland
Irvine Bogside GC, Scotland
-
Here are the rest of my 138 new courses played this year (first 44 listed in post dated 12/14 on this thread):
Gates Park IA 18 5/13/22
Finkbine IA 18 5/14/22
Emeis IA 18 5/14/22
U of Illinois-Orange IL 18 5/15/22
Pekin CC IL 18 5/15/22
Birck Boilermaker-A&A IN 18 5/16/22
Birck Boilermaker-Kampen IN 18 5/16/22
Otter Creek-N/W IN 18 5/17/22
Pfau Crs at Indiana U IN 18 5/17/22
Elcona CC IN 18 5/18/22
Harbor Trees G & Beach C IN 18 5/18/22
Beechwood IN 18 5/19/22
Pine Lake CC MI 9* 5/20/22
Cincinnati CC OH 18 5/21/22
Portland CC ME 18 6/06/22
Baybooth Harbor CC ME 18 6/07/22
Bald Peak Colony NH 18 6/07/22
Omni Mt Washington NH 18 6/08/22
Carlton Oaks CA 18 6/20/22
Cottonwood-Ivanhoe CA 18 6/21/22
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe CA 18 6/21/22
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club CA 18 6/22/22
Shady Canyon Golf Club CA 18 6/22/22
Rancho Bernardo Inn CA 18 6/23/22
Mesa Verde CA 18 6/24/22
Evian Golf Club France 18 7/03/22
Les Bordes GC-New Hanse France 18 7/05/22
Les Bordes GC-Piglet France 10 7/05/22
Royal Portrush GC-Dunluce N Ire 2** 7/08/22
Castlerock Links-Mussenden N Ire 18 7/08/22
Ballyliffen GC-Glashedy Links Ire 18 7/09/22
Ballyliffen GC-Old Links Ire 18 7/09/22
Rosapenna-Sandy Hills Ire 18 7/10/22
Rosapenna-St Patricks Ire 18 7/10/22
Rosapenna-Old Tom Morris Ire 18 7/11/22
Cruit Island GC Ire 9 7/12/22
Narin & Portnoo GC Ire 18 7/12/22
Donegal GC Ire 18 7/13/22
Enniscrone GC Ire 18 7/14/22
Adare Manor Ire 18 7/16/22
Royal Dublin GC Ire 18 7/17/22
Union League Nat’l-Sherman NJ 7*** 8/01/22
Greeley CC CO 18 8/12/22
Common Ground CO 16**** 8/12/22
USAF Acad Eisenhower-Blue CO 18 8/13/22
Kissing Camels CC-Original 18 18 8/13/22
Lakewood CC CO 18 8/14/22
Frost Creek CO 18 8/15/22
Sonnenalp Club CO 18 8/15/22
Old Baldy Club CO 18 8/16/22
Stock Farm Club MT 18 8/17/22
Meadow Lark CC MT 18 8/17/22
Yellowstone CC MT 18 8/18/22
BanBury ID 18 8/21/22
River Club ID 18 8/21/22
Home Course WA 18 8/22/22
Incline Village-Champ NV 18 8/22/22
Peach Tree CC CA 18 8/23/22
Del Rio CC-Bluffs/Oak CA 18 8/23/22
Sunnyside CC CA 18 8/24/22
Del Monte CA 18 8/24/22
Wilderness at Fortune Bay MN 18 8/29/22
Quarry at Giants Ridge MN 18 8/29/22
Town & Country Club MN 18 8/30/22
Landmand Club NE 18 8/31/22
Onieda CC WI 18 9/16/22
SentryWorld WI 18 9/16/22
Golf Crs at Branch River WI 18 9/17/22
West Bend CC WI 18 9/17/22
Big Foot CC WI 18 9/18/22
Westmoreland CC WI 18 9/18/22
Tam O’Shanter IL 9# 9/18/22
Brown Deer WI 18 9/19/22
Barrington Hills CC IL 18 10/8/22
Meridian Hills CC IN 18 10/9/22
Salina CC KS 18 10/10/22
Idle Hour CC KY 18 10/11/22
Pepper Pike Club OH 18 10/12/22
Gull Lake Resort-Stoatin Brae MI 18 10/13/22
Prestwick CC IL 18 10/13/22
Medinah CC-Course #1 IL 18 10/14/22
Grove CC (was Hillcrest CC) IL 18 10/14/22
Briarwood IL 18 10/15/22
Grand Reserve Club-Champ PR 18 10/16/22
The Tuxedo Club NY 18 10/20/22
Lakewood CC NJ 18 10/21/22
Deal G&CC NJ 18 10/21/22
Arcola CC NJ 18 10/22/22
Wilshire CC CA 18 11/16/22
California CC CA 18 11/17/22
The Saticoy Club CA 18 11/17/22
Santa Ana CC CA 18 11/18/22
El Niguel CC CA 13**** 11/18/22
Daniel Island Club-Ralston SC 18 12/01/22
*to finish course…played front 9 in 2021
**holes 7&8 to finish revised course
***to finish course
****ran out of daylight
# only 9 holes still exist at site
In addition to these 2405 new holes for me on 138 different courses, I played another 413 different holes (on 24 courses that I had played prior to 2022).
One final note…on December 1, 2022 I played what should be my 138th first time course this year…which was also the last new course I would play in 2022. And on the 9th hole at Daniel Island Club’s Ralston Creek course, I had the thrill of securing my second hole in one. Interesting that with all the golf I have played, my only two aces happened in the north suburbs of Charleston, where I have spent maybe 10-12 days of my life!
-
Here are the rest of my 138 new courses played this year (first 44 listed in post dated 12/14 on this thread):
In addition to these 2405 new holes for me on 138 different courses, I played another 413 different holes (on 24 courses that I had played prior to 2022).
One final note…on December 1, 2022 I played what should be my 138th first time course this year…which was also the last new course I would play in 2022. And on the 9th hole at Daniel Island Club’s Ralston Creek course, I had the thrill of securing my second hole in one. Interesting that with all the golf I have played, my only two aces happened in the north suburbs of Charleston, where I have spent maybe 10-12 days of my life!
... and my wife thinks I'm nuts.
I'm jealous
Congrats on the Ace
-
Paul,
How many separate trips did it take you play all of those new courses or do you just live out of a suitcase and travel bag? :)
-
Paul Rudovsky is my new Role Model.
-
Paul:
With all of those courses played, many of which are semi-obscure, it's a shame you didn't provide your own 1-10 ratings for them.
What were the handful of new courses you liked best?
What was the biggest surprise [on the up side] ?
-
Lots of ??? :
1. I count 21 separate trips ranging from 1 course to 21 courses (including replays) in 18 days (that was the one big overseas trip to France N Ire and ireland. was in Scotland for 2 days but had messed up car and course reservations so just relaxed at Greywalls
2. reason for semi obscure is my bucket lists. prior to this year I had played every course to ever be on a USA Top 100 since these lists commenced in 1966. I wanted to be able to say the same thing about USA 200 so I wanted to finish all of the gW 100Modern and 100 Classics since they started in 1997. got that done. also finished the 248 different courses on Golf Digest's lists that started everything (for better or worse)...the 1966 and 1966 alphabetical listing of USA's 200 toughest. Tom--with some of these "obscure" its too weak a word. third crazy bucket list was to play every course that has EVER hosted one of the USGA's currently played 15 national cahmpioships plus Walker Cup and Curtis Cup. Finished that (thru 2023 season) on 12/122 with Daniels Island-Ralston. That was my favorite bucket list!!
3. Let me list the replays not included in above listings:
Southern Pines NC
Yeamans Hall SC
Old Marsh FL
CCNC-Cardinal NC
The Cradle--NC
Forest Creek-North NC
Congressional-Blue MD "&"
The Country Club-Open MA
Ballybunion-Old IRE "&"
European Club IRE
The Island IRE "&"
County Louth IRE "&"
Portmarnock--Champ IRE
Union League-Grant NJ
Merion-East PA "&"
Quaker Ridge NY
Wannamoissett RI "&"
Sand Hills NE
Shoreacres (9 holes) IL "&"
Scioto OH "&"
CCNC-Dogwood NC
Bel Air CC CA "&"
Hillcrest CC CA "&"
first time played liked best (including first time after major restoration like Scioto..."&" above:
not in any order:
Coral Creek
Sedgefield
Rawls @ TX tech
Annandale
Bidermann
Congressional
The Country Club (BROOKLINE)
Bald Peak
Rancho Santa Fe
R Portrush
St Patrick's
Enniscrone
European
The Island
County Louth
Portmarnock
Quaker
Sand Hills
Quarry Giant's Ridge
Landmand
Shoreacres
Scioto
Pepper Pike
Bel-Air
Hillcrest
Saticoy
overall best Sand Hills by a mile
upside surprises:
Saticoy
Santa Ana
Hillcrest
Pepper Pike
Congressional
Scioto
-
Here are the rest of my 138 new courses played this year (first 44 listed in post dated 12/14 on this thread):
... and my wife thinks I'm nuts. Pat feels the same way about me...but it keeps be active and focused
I'm jealous
Congrats on the Ace....thanks
-
New courses - listed in order played.
StoneRidge - MN
Minneapolis - MN
Chaska Town Course - MN
Marquette/Greywalls - MI
Marquette/Heritage - MI
Belvedere - MI
Forest Dunes/Loop Black - MI
Forest Dunes/Loop Red - MI
Champion Hill - MI
Arcadia Bluffs/South - MI
Greywalls was the most exciting.
Belvedere the the best overall experience.
Champion Hill was the hidden gem most likely to be driven by but with many great holes and views especially with fall colors.
Justin
-
New Courses in 2022
Oak Hills Country Club -- San Antonio, TX -- Play (Ride) -- 6
Sand Hills Golf Club -- Mullen, NE -- Play (Walk) -- 10
Ballyneal Golf & Hunt Club -- Holyoke, CO -- Play (Walk) -- 10
Bellefonte Country Club -- Ashland, KY -- Walk -- 5
Kenny Perry's Country Creek Golf Course -- Franklin, KY -- Play (Ride) -- 3
Fox Hollow Golf Club -- Glasgow, KY -- Play (Ride) -- 2
Ruth Park Golf Course -- University City, MO -- Play (Walk) -- 3
Culver Academies Golf Course -- Culver, IN -- Walk -- 8
Wannamoisett Country Club -- Rumford, RI -- Play (Walk) -- 8
Newport Country Club -- Newport, RI -- Play (Walk) -- 8
Essex County Club -- Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA - Walk -- 9
Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower) -- Springfield, NJ -- Ride -- 7
Baltusrol Golf Club (Upper) -- Springfield, NJ -- Ride -- 7
Brookside Country Club -- Macungie, PA -- Play -- 4
Somerset Hills Country Club -- Bernardsville, NJ -- Walk -- 8
The Seawane Club -- Hewlett, NY -- Walk -- 6
Rockville Links Club -- Rockville Centre, NY -- Walk -- 7
Garden City Golf Club -- Garden City, NY -- Walk -- 8
National Golf Links of America -- Southampton, NY -- Walk -- 10
-
Not many first plays for me this past 12 months.
In addition to somewhere very special on the shore of Sheephaben Bay in Donegal two notables worthy of mention were Notts/Hollinwell, thank you James, and Cardigan on the West Wales coast.
Roll on 2023.
Atb
-
Not much for me either. Maybe more in 2023.
Flinders Golf Club
The National Gunnamatta
Barwon Heads Golf Club
13th Beach (Beach course)
Lonsdale Golf Links
Gamble Sands Quick Sands
Poverty Bay NZ
Wanganui NZ
-
I was lucky to play three new courses this year:
Quogue Field Club (9 holer on Eastern Long Island)
Garden City Golf Club
Pine Valley Golf Club
-
Getting in a bit late on this one but, man, 2022 was a great year for stretching these post-COVID legs to arrange some strange.
Royal Adelaide
Kingston Heath
Cape Wickham
Ocean Dunes
Barnbougle Dunes
Lost Farm
Bougle Run
RM West
RM East
Victoria
Metropolitan
The Dunes
St. Andrews Beach
Royal Sydney
New South Wales
Royal Hague
Utrecht de Pan
Old Town
Yale
Eastward Ho!
Myopia
Essex County
Grove 23
And some reprises of note:
Seminole
Crooked Stick
Ballyneal
Fishers Island
-
Jim,
Does Crooked Stick hold up against those beautes?
-
I love everything about Crooked Stick but I agree with those who have seen it for decades that Mr. Dye's original work may have been more compelling. But, for me, its small, proud membership, incredible conditioning, absence of tee times, and one of the best professionals in the biz, makes it the kind of place I'd be proud to play every day. For a decent player, it's a true test, which I love. And for pure shot values, it's among my favorites in the US.
To answer your question, I'd put it in the same quartile as Metro, Vic, St. Andrews Beach on the list of the courses I played in 2022, and I prefer it to Royal Sydney, Ocean Dunes, and The Dunes on the Mournington. But man, all of that is heady company.
-
Quality response. Thanks!!!
-
Awesome is a strong word.
Only a few new courses this year, but Olympia Fields South was my favorite and it is awesome. The South is the "second" course today, but was the first (of 4) in the beginning. Routing by Tom Bendelow and just renovated by Andy Staples. The routing makes me increase my regard for TB and Andy's work added to it and made it fun to play. Much more interesting than the US Open/Seniors/PGA Tour North. For this 12 handicapper the North, even at 6400 yards, was just hard and less interesting property than the South.
Kudos to Bendelow and Staples.
Anthony
-
Not a ton for me as I’m still not traveling all that much for work, but still some good ones.
Desert Mountain Cochise - maybe my second-favorite there
Lake Nona
Charleston Muni
Yeamans Hall
CC of Charleston
Inglewood
Tacoma Country and Golf Club - sneaky good
Salish Cliffs - awful casino course
Dismal Doak
-
Awesome is a strong word.
Only a few new courses this year, but Olympia Fields South was my favorite and it is awesome. The South is the "second" course today, but was the first (of 4) in the beginning. Routing by Tom Bendelow and just renovated by Andy Staples. The routing makes me increase my regard for TB and Andy's work added to it and made it fun to play. Much more interesting than the US Open/Seniors/PGA Tour North. For this 12 handicapper the North, even at 6400 yards, was just hard and less interesting property than the South.
Kudos to Bendelow and Staples.
Anthony
“Awesome “ refers to the variety and quality of the whole group of courses that I played.
-
Anthony, Andy's work on OFCC South is far from complete. Let me know next time you are in town.
-
This was a pretty loaded year for me too. Not sure what I need to target in '23, because I hit up so many good ones I've been excited about. A whole lotta fun, that's for sure.
Highlights:
Pasa
Harbor Town
Milwaukee CC
Barton Hills
CC Detroit
Meadowbrook
Inverness
Cedar Rapids
Davenport
-
I only played 4 different courses this year. However 2 were new, Old Dance and Landmand.
-
Back in the saddle for new courses in 2022... here goes:
Stanwich first play since tree removal, single previous play was in 2000
Mingo Springs in Maine...Moore/Sweeney-approved, not on the way to anywhere, really enjoyed it, fun history
Moundbuilders in OH...get it while it lasts!
Oak Park CC in Chicago
Ardglass...tough weather day but some unreal holes mixed with mundane
Portstewart...all world front nine, underrated back nine
St. Patrick's...really, really great, need to return ASAP after only one round
Doonbeg...scenic but eh
Ballybunion Cashen, liked it better than I was prepared for
Old Head, ditto with Cashen, all-world vibes if a few blah holes
Willowbend in MA, I think I missed the best nine
Pt. Judith in RI, one of RI's deep Ross bench
Briarwood in OH, a throwaway but not offensive
Shaker Heights, wow
Columbus CC, also wow
Moraine, WOW
TCC Open routing, thanks PR!! Had played the members 18, and the pre-2013 composite twice before, but not this version.
GC of Tennessee
Sewanee
Black Creek
CT National
Furnace Brook...quirky public nine right near my office, totally fun if you like that sorta thing
Kukiolono Park in Kauai...a great locals 9 playing almost linksy
Hokuala Ocean...played before in a previous incarnation but it's been renovated
Princeville Makai...might be better than the Prince (back as a private course in 2024?!?!) ever was
Repeats: Tedesco (home course), Va-Jo-Wa in Maine, Charles River, Essex, Pine Brook, Salem, Portrush, RCD, Lahinch, Ballybunion Old, Portmarnock, Concord CC (MA), Wannamoisett, Brickyard Crossing, Brae Burn, Worcester CC, Wachusett, South Shore, George Wright, Cape Cod CC.
25 new of 45 unique courses, 116 rounds. Not bad for only about 250 playable days in the Northeast!
-
I won't bore anyone with the minutae but 2022 was another banner year for new courses. I played 124 courses that I had never played before (2284 now lifetime). In addition I started keeping track of another statistic that heretofore I had never done. I believe I met and played with 107 new people I had never met before in 2022. Given the architectural pedigree of many of the 124 the people might have been the highlight.
Two of the courses I was really looking forward to in 2022 I had to cancel when a mid summer catastrophe (breaking two fingers and a bone in my hand) derailed a couple trips I had on the books.
Whats in store for 2023, a trip to Hawaii for a friends wedding should yield some good ones, and maybe a trip to New Zealand in the fall (fingers crossed, I've never been)
A few highlights from 2022:
Diamante (Dunes)
Quivira GC
Quixote Club
Allegheny CC (blown away considering I did not know anything about it a year ago)
Butler CC
Omni Bedford Resort GC
Columbus CC
Kenwood CC
Elyria CC
Youngstown CC
& Mystic Rock @ Nemacolin (which didn't count as a new course for me, but was dramatically different than when I played it in 2002)
Oops almost forgot, not a new course for me, but I was fortunate enough to get a return visit to that "Onion" course in S. GA late this year! What a special place that is...
I saw a lot of "Ma & Pa" places along the backroads of American golf including one in KY that has the audacity to just be called "The Golf Course" You gotta love it!!
I hope everyone in this esteemed group has nothing but fairways and greens in 2023 and I hope I get to meet and tee it up with many more of you in the years to come.
-
I won't bore anyone with the minutae but 2022 was another banner year for new courses. I played 124 courses that I had never played before (2284 now lifetime). In addition I started keeping track of another statistic that heretofore I had never done. I believe I met and played with 87 new people I had never met before in 2022. Given the architectural pedigree of many of the 124 the people might have been the highlight.
Two of the courses I was really looking forward to in 2022 I had to cancel when a mid summer catastrophe (breaking two fingers and a bone in my hand) derailed a couple trips I had on the books.
Whats in store for 2023, a trip to Hawaii for a friends wedding should yield some good ones, and maybe a trip to New Zealand in the fall (fingers crossed, I've never been)
A few highlights from 2022:
Diamante (Dunes)
Quivira GC
Quixote Club
Allegheny CC (blown away considering I did not know anything about it a year ago)
Butler CC
Omni Bedford Resort GC
Columbus CC
Kenwood CC
Elyria CC
Youngstown CC
& Mystic Rock @ Nemacolin (which didn't count as a new course for me, but was dramatically different than when I played it in 2002)
Oops almost forgot, not a new course for me, but I was fortunate enough to get a return visit to that "Onion" course in S. GA late this year! What a special place that is...
I saw a lot of "Ma & Pa" places along the backroads of American golf including one in KY that has the audacity to just be called "The Golf Course" You gotta love it!!
I hope everyone in this esteemed group has nothing but fairways and greens in 2023 and I hope I get to meet and tee it up with many more of you in the years to come.
#HERO
-
Back in the saddle for new courses in 2022... here goes:
Moundbuilders in OH...get it while it lasts!
Anyone know realistically how soon this will be going away? I played it last fall and glad I did before it goes away, I just may want to get back up there again if I can since it is such a unique place. Sad to see it go.
-
Zero new courses this year but I logged the most rounds in 45 years. Sweet.
-
New courses 2022 in order:
- Rancho Park - would have loved to see it as originally designed
- Sepulveda Encino
- Riviera - far exceeded expectations with still more potential
- Streamsong Black - very unique and enjoyable
- Streamsong Blue - typical Doak quality
- Valley Club of Montecito - golf doesn't get more enjoyable that there
- Goose Creek - good SoCal public option. Makes me want to see more Schmidt-Curley designs
- Moraine - what a gem
- Oakland Hills (South) - first time since restoration. Hanse Golf Design really outdid themselves. Stunning
- Inverness - fun and also a stern test. Friendly membership
- Cal Club - wow! Fescue unique in CA
- Green Hills - felt a bit like a mountain goat
- Meadow - the NorCal version of Valley. Serene and so good
- Lake Merced - the NW corner of the property is special
- Stanford - the team's practice facility as designed by Blasi is so cool
- Mystic Dunes - first Koch design. Felt like the routing had been altered
A good year indeed. Looking forward to 2023.
-
Played 12 new courses this year;
Carberry Sandhills G & CC - MB (9 holes, incredibly rolling sandy terrain)
Forest Creek GC North - NC
Glen Lea GC - MB
Glenboro G & CC - MB (9 holes, more wonderfully rumbled sandy terrain)
Landmand - NE (scale!!, wild greens)
Old Dane - NE
Omaha CC - NE (wonderful greens, hilly property, beautiful bunkering)
Pine Needles GC - NC
Pine Needles Short Course - NC
Pinehurst No. 3 - NC (hardest sub 6,000 yard golf course?)
Southern Pines GC - NC (extremely fun, wild but manageable greens)
The Cradle - NC (more clubs should have something similar)
It was nice to get out and travel to see some new courses, despite a very busy work schedule.
Tyler
-
New courses 2022 in order:
- Rancho Park - would have loved to see it as originally designed
- Sepulveda Encino
- Riviera - far exceeded expectations with still more potential
- Streamsong Black - very unique and enjoyable
- Streamsong Blue - typical Doak quality
- Valley Club of Montecito - golf doesn't get more enjoyable that there
- Goose Creek - good SoCal public option. Makes me want to see more Schmidt-Curley designs
- Moraine - what a gem
- Oakland Hills (South) - first time since restoration. Hanse Golf Design really outdid themselves. Stunning
- Inverness - fun and also a stern test. Friendly membership
- Cal Club - wow! Fescue unique in CA
- Green Hills - felt a bit like a mountain goat
- Meadow - the NorCal version of Valley. Serene and so good
- Lake Merced - the NW corner of the property is special
- Stanford - the team's practice facility as designed by Blasi is so cool
- Mystic Dunes - first Koch design. Felt like the routing had been altered
A good year indeed. Looking forward to 2023.
So happy to see Mystic Dunes on your list. Can you name it’s equal anywhere in the world?
-
New courses 2022 in order:
- Rancho Park - would have loved to see it as originally designed
- Sepulveda Encino
- Riviera - far exceeded expectations with still more potential
- Streamsong Black - very unique and enjoyable
- Streamsong Blue - typical Doak quality
- Valley Club of Montecito - golf doesn't get more enjoyable that there
- Goose Creek - good SoCal public option. Makes me want to see more Schmidt-Curley designs
- Moraine - what a gem
- Oakland Hills (South) - first time since restoration. Hanse Golf Design really outdid themselves. Stunning
- Inverness - fun and also a stern test. Friendly membership
- Cal Club - wow! Fescue unique in CA
- Green Hills - felt a bit like a mountain goat
- Meadow - the NorCal version of Valley. Serene and so good
- Lake Merced - the NW corner of the property is special
- Stanford - the team's practice facility as designed by Blasi is so cool
- Mystic Dunes - first Koch design. Felt like the routing had been altered
A good year indeed. Looking forward to 2023.
So happy to see Mystic Dunes on your list. Can you name it’s equal anywhere in the world?
John,
With a front 9 resembling the British Isles and a back 9 like the Carolina Lowcountry (albeit with housing lining some fairways) I can't say I've played its equal.
-
I owned a home behind the 8th tee at Mystic so I have a soft spot for the course. With that said I think it compares with Ojai Valley Inn.
-
I enjoy these threads as they provide an opportunity to look back and realize just how lucky I was.
Most of my new plays were on a trip to Ireland:
Portstewart - Strand and Riverside (wish I had played the old instead of the riverside course)
Portrush - Valley (glad this course gets overlooked by Dunluce as it's an amazing value - hope they don't start to jack up the price)
Rosapenna - St. Patricks and Sandy Hills (a lot has been said on both of these)
Ballyliffin - Old and Glashedy (prefer the old)
Greencastle (had a couple nice holes on the coast)
Castlerock (fun and affordable)
Donegal (not a bad place but a let down)
Carne - Wild Atlantic 9 (previously played the original Hackett)
Close to home only played one new course this year:
Four Mile Ranch - CO (great value and where I go when the home course is closed)
Stopped in on a not so great course while on vacation:
Seychelles Golf Club
-
For a variety of reasons I played fewer new courses (24) this year than any time I can recall since age 30, and most I played in bunches over a few days on a trip. Hoping to add a few more the last week of December while visiting family in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Don't cry for me, though...I also made return visits to 34 previously played courses, many of them stellar.
Rackham (MI)
Stonycroft Hills (MI)
Oakland Hills (South) (MI)
Franklin Hills (MI)
Washtenaw (MI)
Hammock Beach (Conservatory) (FL)
Mount Dora (FL)
Ocala (FL)
Hammock Beach (Ocean) (FL)
Ocean Palms (FL)
World Golf Village (King & Bear) (FL)
Hopewell Valley (NJ)
Sandy Run (PA)
Huntingdon Valley (Centennial Nine) (PA)
Rochester (NY)
Gearhart (OR)
Bandon Crossings (OR)
Bandon Trails (OR)
Bandon Preserve (OR)
Old Macdonald (OR)
Eastmoreland (OR)
North Jersey (NJ)
Eagle Rock (Executive) (PA)
Sherwood Forest (MD)
Added five more in Arizona this week. If I think it will add anything I'll add my Doak Scale scores once I get back this weekend.
Bellair
500 Club
Encanto
Falcon Dunes
Verrado (Founders)
-
For the first time in a long time, my year in golf actually ended today on the last day of the year. Here's my breakdown:
221 rounds, 128 new courses. Played in 21 states.
Highlights were playing my 2000th course in May, a trip to Bandon after a 21 year absence, and an amazing trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.
Favorite course played was Nanea, followed by Old MacDonald. Biggest surprises of the year were Omaha and Waverley.
-
For a variety of reasons I played fewer new courses (24) this year than any time I can recall since age 30, and most I played in bunches over a few days on a trip. Hoping to add a few more the last week of December while visiting family in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Don't cry for me, though...I also made return visits to 34 previously played courses, many of them stellar.
Rackham (MI)
Stonycroft Hills (MI)
Oakland Hills (South) (MI)
Franklin Hills (MI)
Washtenaw (MI)
Hammock Beach (Conservatory) (FL)
Mount Dora (FL)
Ocala (FL)
Hammock Beach (Ocean) (FL)
Ocean Palms (FL)
World Golf Village (King & Bear) (FL)
Hopewell Valley (NJ)
Sandy Run (PA)
Huntingdon Valley (Centennial Nine) (PA)
Rochester (NY)
Gearhart (OR)
Bandon Crossings (OR)
Bandon Trails (OR)
Bandon Preserve (OR)
Old Macdonald (OR)
Eastmoreland (OR)
North Jersey (NJ)
Eagle Rock (Executive) (PA)
Sherwood Forest (MD)
Added five more in Arizona this week. If I think it will add anything I'll add my Doak Scale scores once I get back this weekend.
Bellair
500 Club
Encanto
Falcon Dunes
Verrado (Founders)
Please add your DS scores. I'd like to see them.
-
For the first time in a long time, my year in golf actually ended today on the last day of the year. Here's my breakdown:
221 rounds, 128 new courses. Played in 21 states.
Highlights were playing my 2000th course in May, a trip to Bandon after a 21 year absence, and an amazing trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.
Favorite course played was Nanea, followed by Old MacDonald. Biggest surprises of the year were Omaha and Waverley.
Cory is always amazing.
-
Ok, let me try to add my Doak Scale scores off the top of my head. Questions and/or comments welcomed.
Rackham (MI) - 3.5
Stonycroft Hills (MI) - 4.5
Oakland Hills (South) (MI) - 9
Franklin Hills (MI) - 8
Washtenaw (MI) - 4
Hammock Beach (Conservatory) (FL) - 4.5
Mount Dora (FL) - 4
Ocala (FL) - 5
Hammock Beach (Ocean) (FL) - 5.5
Ocean Palms (FL) - 1
World Golf Village (King & Bear) (FL) - 4
Hopewell Valley (NJ) - 4
Sandy Run (PA) - 4
Huntingdon Valley (Centennial Nine) (PA) - 5
Rochester (NY) - 6
Gearhart (OR) - 6.5
Bandon Crossings (OR) - 5.5
Bandon Trails (OR) - 9
Bandon Preserve (OR) - 7
Old Macdonald (OR) - 10
Eastmoreland (OR) - 3
North Jersey (NJ) - 6
Eagle Rock (Executive) (PA) - 4
Sherwood Forest (MD) Tough to score an executive course with sand greens playing through an eclectic, exclusive neighborhood but it was great fun so - 4
Bellair (AZ) - 3.5
500 Club (AZ) - 5
Encanto (AZ) - 4
Falcon Dunes (AZ) - 5
Verrado (Founders) (AZ) - 6
-
Ok, let me try to add my Doak Scale scores off the top of my head. Questions and/or comments welcomed.
Rackham (MI) - 3.5
Stonycroft Hills (MI) - 4.5
Oakland Hills (South) (MI) - 9
Franklin Hills (MI) - 8
Washtenaw (MI) - 4
Hammock Beach (Conservatory) (FL) - 4.5
Mount Dora (FL) - 4
Ocala (FL) - 5
Hammock Beach (Ocean) (FL) - 5.5
Ocean Palms (FL) - 1
World Golf Village (King & Bear) (FL) - 4
Hopewell Valley (NJ) - 4
Sandy Run (PA) - 4
Huntingdon Valley (Centennial Nine) (PA) - 5
Rochester (NY) - 6
Gearhart (OR) - 6.5
Bandon Crossings (OR) - 5.5
Bandon Trails (OR) - 9
Bandon Preserve (OR) - 7
Old Macdonald (OR) - 10
Eastmoreland (OR) - 3
North Jersey (NJ) - 6
Eagle Rock (Executive) (PA) - 4
Sherwood Forest (MD) Tough to score an executive course with sand greens playing through an eclectic, exclusive neighborhood but it was great fun so - 4
Bellair (AZ) - 3.5
500 Club (AZ) - 5
Encanto (AZ) - 4
Falcon Dunes (AZ) - 5
Verrado (Founders) (AZ) - 6
What is the Rochester 6? Country Club of Rochester?
-
Rob Marshall,
Yes, correct...CC of Rochester (NY).
-
Rob Marshall,
Yes, correct...CC of Rochester (NY).
My favorite thing about the CC of Rochester were the signed Larry Lambrecht photos above the on course urinals.
-
These threads should require the braggarts to state marital status and vocation. Just saying.
-
Not a lot of new courses played last year but I made up for it in terms of quality!
Royal Aberdeen
Trump Aberdeen
Cruden Bay
Murcar
Royal Birkdale
-
These threads should require the braggarts to state marital status and vocation. Just saying.
Settle down Bogey. 8) This list is for you.
Lawsonia
Eagle Springs (you would this place)
Dunes Club
Arcadia South
Crystal Downs
The Loop
Shoreacres
Chicago
Culver Acadamies (another you would love)
Meadowbrook (Detroit)
An Oglebay Resort course
Erewash
St Pat's
Otway
Malone
Bamburgh Castle
Beverley
Charnwood Forest
Ciao
-
Note: edited to include some images from TGC
Low on quantity, high on quality.
Quail Hollow (April)
Toronto Golf Club (June)
Fishers Island (July)
Oakmont (July)
Kilspindie (August)
Gullane 2 (August)
There isn't much I can say about Oakmont or Fisher's Island that hasn't already been said. The turf conditions at Fishers were incredibly fun.
I loved Toronto Golf Club. The course was really outstanding and I can't believe it is not more talked about. The routing is excellent and a lovely walk. I was fortunate to stay two nights in the clubhouse and on the first night the members were celebrating a victory in their 36 v. 36 (wow!) match against Beaconsfield. The course is full of visually appealing (and challenging!) cross bunkering and excellent green sites. The super and his staff had it playing very firm and fast which enhanced the experience greatly.
Kilspindie was pure joy. My first experience with hickory golf and had much fun I bought a set in Gullane. I can't wait for a return.
The outstanding par 3 4th. ~195 yards to a bunkerless green perched on a knoll.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52635325261_f87ea3881d_c.jpg)
The ~180 par 3 7th. A very cool green site perched with a steep drop on the right.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2ocaga2](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52634829887_10dfc7e2bf_c.jpg)
The 9th. Playing fast and firm, this tee shot required finesse to leave short of the creek, then a mid iron to a heavily sloped green. A strong test.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2oce8Ts](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52635585884_2998d9e273_c.jpg)
From near the clubhouse you can see the top of the flagstick from the sharp uphill 11th in the lower right and the split fairway 12th on the left.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2oce8TH](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52635585899_cb44f1f623_c.jpg)
The 11th from low right on the fairway. A severely sloped green sits in the hill and makes for a very challenging approach!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2oce8RP](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52635585789_8e7bce9c97_c.jpg)
The 15th green site shows the beautiful greenside bunkering encountered throughout the course.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52634829887_10dfc7e2bf_c.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/2occNpX)[/url][/url][/url][/url]
-
This post makes me realize that I need to make friends with some of y 'all. I don't get access to private courses that often and I don't expect to ever get to play places like Shinnecock, NLGA, Fisher's Island, etc. With that said, I did get to play some pretty good courses in 2022. I took a quick trip to Southern California with my dad, a vacation to the Canadian Rockies, and tagged along on a conference trip to Maine with my wife.
Oak Quarry - Riverside CA
Goat Hill - Oceanside CA
San Clemente Muni - San Clemente CA
Balboa Park - San Diego
Los Prados - Las Vegas NV
Spanish Trails - Las Vegas NV
Banff Springs - Banff, Alberta
Jasper Park Lodge - Jasper, Alberta
Cape Arundel - Kennebunkport ME
Sugarloaf - Carrabasset Valley ME
This year so far, I have a trip this week to the Bahamas. Somehow I got the wife to choose a Sandals resort with the best golf course attached to it for her birthday vacation. Ill be playing a few rounds there at Emerald Bay while she sits on the beach. Also have a buddies trip planned to play Torrey Pines North and South.
-
Hey Rich -
I'm curious about your thoughts on Banff Springs and Jasper Park. I'll be out that way in July and plan to play both. It will be my first time in the area and I can't wait.
-
I wasn't going to respond, but 2022 was one of my better years.
Caesarea GC Israel
Lofoten Links
Dye Course at White Oak
Landman
Fishers Island
Friars Head
The Bridge
All five at Bandon
Scranton
Midlothian
Camargo
Coldstream
Dakota Dunes
Lost Rail
-
Hey Rich -
I'm curious about your thoughts on Banff Springs and Jasper Park. I'll be out that way in July and plan to play both. It will be my first time in the area and I can't wait.
Jim...They were both absolutely fantastic. If I had to pick one over the other, I liked Jasper just slightly better. I haven't really put my thoughts about why down on paper yet. I think the variety of par 3's at Jasper are a little better. Just make sure you hit the green on 15 at Jasper or you will have a very difficult time making par. Number 4 at Banff is probably one of the most photogenic holes I have played in a long time. As was told to me by someone on a thread here, make sure you follow the little path down to the old original tee box the right of the regular men's tees. It is a much better hole from over there. 10-14 at Banff was absolutely brutal because it was into the wind, and with the original routing, that would be a very tough finishing stretch. If you have any other questions, please feel free to send me a message. I can send you some pictures and some ideas on places to eat. That is one thing I really like besides golf is my food ;)
-
Rich -
Thank you. I sent you a PM.
-
I wasn't going to respond, but 2022 was one of my better years.
Caesarea GC Israel
Lofoten Links
Dye Course at White Oak
Landman
Fishers Island
Friars Head
The Bridge
All five at Bandon
Scranton
Midlothian
Camargo
Coldstream
Dakota Dunes
Lost tree
How was Midlothian?
-
I wasn't going to respond, but 2022 was one of my better years.
Caesarea GC Israel
Lofoten Links
Dye Course at White Oak
Landman
Fishers Island
Friars Head
The Bridge
All five at Bandon
Scranton
Midlothian
Camargo
Coldstream
Dakota Dunes
Lost tree
How was Midlothian?
Nate, I was a bit disappointed at Midlothian. I guess I was expecting too much, but the members love it. It is on a small piece of ground and the routing is excellent. It has one of the toughest greens to hit I've ever played. Nine is a mid-length par four, but I had to hit a hybrid because I don't hit it anywhere anymore. The green is small and runs away from the player. I tried several kinds of shots, but every shot ran through the green. I asked the pro about what shot he hits. He said I hit and pray.