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Jeff Schley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #25 on: September 19, 2024, 02:38:03 PM »
USA
  • Blue mound
  • Austin gc
  • Valley club
International
  • Shanqin bay
  • Cape Wickham
  • Ono GC
  • Formby
  • The sacred nine

"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice your gifts."
- Steve Prefontaine

Tim Gavrich

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #26 on: September 19, 2024, 02:47:24 PM »
IMO the most underrated course in Florida is the Dye Course at PGA Village.
Senior Writer, GolfPass

Ira Fishman

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #27 on: September 19, 2024, 03:08:33 PM »
I should have had Fraserburgh on my first post. What an underappreciated delight.

J_ Crisham

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #28 on: September 19, 2024, 03:16:41 PM »
I know this topic has been discussed previously, but I always enjoy hearing about places folks have played that may not be in the Top 100 but hold a special place in your personal rankings.


For me, three come to mind:

  • Blue Mound - hard to find many places where the architect has done more with less. Just pure fun, playable, and masterful Raynor on an otherwise rather bland piece of property.
  • Brookside (Canton, OH) - Had the pleasure of playing this summer, so maybe some recency bias here. I was floored by the green complexes and incredible elevation changes. The property could use some more tree removal, but I wouldn't get tired of playing this place on a regular basis.
  • Culver Academy - if this place had a locker room with good shower pressure (or whatever else helps rankings) and 9 even mediocre holes, I firmly believe this would be a top 100 contender. I've been lucky enough to play here quite a few times as it's less than an hour from me and absolutely love it every time. The super (Mike Vessley) does an oustanding job and posts incredible pictures on Twitter and Instagram as well.
Will, Darryl, Jeff,
       Thanks for the kind words regarding BMGCC. As you may know we are completing our restoration as we speak. Bruce Hepner has done a terrific job along with our world class Supt Alex. 2025 will be a very special year as the completely restored course is revealed. It's no longer a hidden gem......

Jim Sherma

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #29 on: September 19, 2024, 03:34:01 PM »
I make a more general case that the classic Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area courses in the Coal Belt of north-central PA are vastly underrated.


*Wyoming Valley CC - Tillinghast
Fox Hills CC - Tillinghast
Irem CC - Tillinghast
*Valley CC - Tillinghast
*CC of Scranton - Travis
*Elkview CC - Ross
Elmhurst CC - Ross
Glen Oak CC - James Harrison
Huntsville GC - R Jones


All of these are worthy with the * courses being worth going out of your way for.

John Foley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #30 on: September 19, 2024, 05:30:12 PM »
Another one for Leatherstocking!!


Wildhorse


Dormie


North Berwick. I don't know where I hear it but someone said:


The Old Course is one of the top 5 courses in the world, but I dream about North Berwick!
Integrity in the moment of choice

David Kelly

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #31 on: September 19, 2024, 05:39:04 PM »



UK/Ireland
Hindhead GC
Fraserbugh GC
Ardglass GC
Westward Ho!
Trevose GC


USA
Manufacturers G&CC
Eastward Ho!
Hillcrest CC
Morris County CC
"Whatever in creation exists without my knowledge exists without my consent." - Judge Holden, Blood Meridian.

Dan Boerger

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #32 on: September 19, 2024, 05:59:55 PM »
Bit of a loaded question, since so many of the underrated by others (and ignored by the media) are rated quite highly here.


For me, in these United States:


Gulph Mills
Teugega
Yahnundasis




UK:


New Zealand
Woking



"Man should practice moderation in all things, including moderation."  Mark Twain

Bill Gayne

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #33 on: September 19, 2024, 06:11:22 PM »
Sand Hills


This is a bold choice. I haven't played Sand Hills so can't argue but a course already well entrenched in the top 10. I've played the courses around it on the list and it's high praise considering it under rated.

Will Thrasher

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #34 on: September 19, 2024, 08:25:46 PM »
It doesn't say underrated courses only, so I'm going with conditions.


I've been playing lately on a course clearly built on an old farm field. Probably clay underneath it, the turf can be a bit patchy, but they keep it a little longer and drier and that gives it an excellent bounce and roll. The greens are usually open at the front and I almost always bounce it short and roll it on. It goes to show that they can give you firm and fast conditions on almost any soil, as long as you can accept slower greens and longer turf in the fairways. I really like it! At this point, the spin I lose on irons from the fairway doesn't matter to me at all, I'd rather run that thing on anyway!


I've enjoyed reading each and every one of the replies, but absolutely love out of the box answers like this. Now I'm curious...what's the name of this place?
Twitter: @will_thrasher_

Will Thrasher

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #35 on: September 19, 2024, 08:29:29 PM »
I know this topic has been discussed previously, but I always enjoy hearing about places folks have played that may not be in the Top 100 but hold a special place in your personal rankings.


For me, three come to mind:

  • Blue Mound - hard to find many places where the architect has done more with less. Just pure fun, playable, and masterful Raynor on an otherwise rather bland piece of property.
  • Brookside (Canton, OH) - Had the pleasure of playing this summer, so maybe some recency bias here. I was floored by the green complexes and incredible elevation changes. The property could use some more tree removal, but I wouldn't get tired of playing this place on a regular basis.
  • Culver Academy - if this place had a locker room with good shower pressure (or whatever else helps rankings) and 9 even mediocre holes, I firmly believe this would be a top 100 contender. I've been lucky enough to play here quite a few times as it's less than an hour from me and absolutely love it every time. The super (Mike Vessley) does an oustanding job and posts incredible pictures on Twitter and Instagram as well.
Will, Darryl, Jeff,
       Thanks for the kind words regarding BMGCC. As you may know we are completing our restoration as we speak. Bruce Hepner has done a terrific job along with our world class Supt Alex. 2025 will be a very special year as the completely restored course is revealed. It's no longer a hidden gem......


Couldn't agree more. I heard this was underway when I played it earlier this spring - definitely hope to see it in 2025!
Twitter: @will_thrasher_

DFarron

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #36 on: September 19, 2024, 10:16:38 PM »
Cal Club


Menlo


Corica Park

Ryan Taylor

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #37 on: September 19, 2024, 11:07:53 PM »
Cape Arundel, Kirtland, Barton Hills, Battle Creek, Streamsong Blue (T53 Modern but deserves more praise imo), Old Barnwell, Huntercombe, Deal (RCP) and De Pan.
"Bandon is like Chamonix for skiers or the North Shore of Oahu for surfers,” Rogers said. “It is where those who really care end up."

Paul Rudovsky

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #38 on: September 20, 2024, 02:01:36 AM »

Cape Arundel, Kirtland, Barton Hills, Battle Creek, Streamsong Blue (T53 Modern but deserves more praise imo), Old Barnwell, Huntercombe, Deal (RCP) and De Pan.

Am simply astounded that it took 37 posts for someone to mention Deal (RCP), with apologies if I missed it earlier.

Would also add Hollywood in NJ

Sean_A

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #39 on: September 20, 2024, 02:33:24 AM »

Cape Arundel, Kirtland, Barton Hills, Battle Creek, Streamsong Blue (T53 Modern but deserves more praise imo), Old Barnwell, Huntercombe, Deal (RCP) and De Pan.

Am simply astounded that it took 37 posts for someone to mention Deal (RCP), with apologies if I missed it earlier.

Would also add Hollywood in NJ

I mention Deal loads. I have it top 3 in England in my latest roundup. I didn’t mention it this time because Deal is rated top 100 in the world…so quite high even if not high enough. Once a course is top 100 world isn’t the fight over? 😎

Ciao
« Last Edit: September 20, 2024, 03:13:16 AM by Sean_A »
New plays planned for 2024:Winterfield & Alnmouth,

James Reader

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #40 on: September 20, 2024, 02:34:26 AM »
I’ll second (third?) the votes for Deal and Fraserburgh and add in Southerness. CDP have just started work there and it’s going to be really special when they’re done.

Charlie Goerges

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #41 on: September 20, 2024, 09:01:42 AM »
It doesn't say underrated courses only, so I'm going with conditions.


I've been playing lately on a course clearly built on an old farm field. Probably clay underneath it, the turf can be a bit patchy, but they keep it a little longer and drier and that gives it an excellent bounce and roll. The greens are usually open at the front and I almost always bounce it short and roll it on. It goes to show that they can give you firm and fast conditions on almost any soil, as long as you can accept slower greens and longer turf in the fairways. I really like it! At this point, the spin I lose on irons from the fairway doesn't matter to me at all, I'd rather run that thing on anyway!


I've enjoyed reading each and every one of the replies, but absolutely love out of the box answers like this. Now I'm curious...what's the name of this place?




Sure, it's a mom & pop 9-holer in Mankato MN called Terrace View (it also has a par 3 course I haven't played). To be clear, there's not much for architecture there, not much contour either. But most of the time when I play this type of course, there isn't much bounce and roll, but this one has it, which makes the game more fun for me. Partially because the ground game is just fun, and partially because the extra bounce and roll gives me back some of the distance I've lost. Many courses that are better than this one would benefit from scragglier conditions that allowed for more bounce and roll in my opinion. More cushion under the ball in the fairway generally, but even when the grass is patchy, you put the ball back in your stance (maybe hit it a little thin), and the bounce/roll takes care of the rest.


And I emphasize Bounce and roll, because the bounce on a drier substrate is really where the forward momentum comes from when the turf is kept longer (these things aren't billiard-table fast for roll).
Severally on the occasion of everything that thou doest, pause and ask thyself, if death is a dreadful thing because it deprives thee of this. - Marcus Aurelius

Dan_Callahan

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #42 on: September 20, 2024, 09:17:53 AM »

Does Ekwanok count as underrated?  That is my favorite.


I don't know if it's underrated as much as it is unknown. Very few people get the chance to play it, but I think those that do rate it very highly. I agree with you ... it's one of my favorites as well.

I think Longmeadow CC is underrated, often overshadowed by all the other great Ross courses in New England. Other than hosting the Junior Am a while back, it doesn't get mentioned much but is a really fun course.

Tim Martin

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #43 on: September 20, 2024, 09:23:50 AM »

Does Ekwanok count as underrated?  That is my favorite.


I don't know if it's underrated as much as it is unknown. Very few people get the chance to play it, but I think those that do rate it very highly. I agree with you ... it's one of my favorites as well.

I think Longmeadow CC is underrated, often overshadowed by all the other great Ross courses in New England. Other than hosting the Junior Am a while back, it doesn't get mentioned much but is a really fun course.


Dan-I like Longmeadow also but given one play would pick it’s neighbor the Orchards. Both are fun Donald Ross courses.

Will Thrasher

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #44 on: September 20, 2024, 09:41:17 AM »
It doesn't say underrated courses only, so I'm going with conditions.


I've been playing lately on a course clearly built on an old farm field. Probably clay underneath it, the turf can be a bit patchy, but they keep it a little longer and drier and that gives it an excellent bounce and roll. The greens are usually open at the front and I almost always bounce it short and roll it on. It goes to show that they can give you firm and fast conditions on almost any soil, as long as you can accept slower greens and longer turf in the fairways. I really like it! At this point, the spin I lose on irons from the fairway doesn't matter to me at all, I'd rather run that thing on anyway!


I've enjoyed reading each and every one of the replies, but absolutely love out of the box answers like this. Now I'm curious...what's the name of this place?




Sure, it's a mom & pop 9-holer in Mankato MN called Terrace View (it also has a par 3 course I haven't played). To be clear, there's not much for architecture there, not much contour either. But most of the time when I play this type of course, there isn't much bounce and roll, but this one has it, which makes the game more fun for me. Partially because the ground game is just fun, and partially because the extra bounce and roll gives me back some of the distance I've lost. Many courses that are better than this one would benefit from scragglier conditions that allowed for more bounce and roll in my opinion. More cushion under the ball in the fairway generally, but even when the grass is patchy, you put the ball back in your stance (maybe hit it a little thin), and the bounce/roll takes care of the rest.


And I emphasize Bounce and roll, because the bounce on a drier substrate is really where the forward momentum comes from when the turf is kept longer (these things aren't billiard-table fast for roll).


Completely agree with you on the fun factor. I've had many enjoyable rounds on courses that won't tick many architectural excellent boxes but are fun to play because the fairways don't have irrigation and get incredibly firm and fast in the summer months.
Twitter: @will_thrasher_

Dan_Callahan

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #45 on: September 20, 2024, 09:54:22 AM »

Dan-I like Longmeadow also but given one play would pick it’s neighbor the Orchards. Both are fun Donald Ross courses.


I agree with that. The Orchards topography is certainly more interesting. I remember playing there maybe a year before they hosted the Women's Open and it was in absolutely horrid shape. I couldn't believe the job they did in getting it ready to host such a huge tournament. I think its fair to say there are a number of courses in western Massachusetts that are underrated simply because so many folks in Boston rarely venture west of Worcester.

Ira Fishman

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #46 on: September 20, 2024, 09:55:38 AM »
Bit of a loaded question, since so many of the underrated by others (and ignored by the media) are rated quite highly here.


For me, in these United States:


Gulph Mills
Teugega
Yahnundasis




UK:


New Zealand
Woking


Another vote for Woking. I found it the equal of Swinley Forest and St. George’s Hill, and neither those two are overrated.

Kyle Casella

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #47 on: September 20, 2024, 10:38:41 AM »
Mount Bruno, because very few see it.
Cape Arundel, it's an ideal summer "fun" golf course.

BCrosby

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #48 on: September 20, 2024, 11:04:49 AM »
Yet another vote for Woking. An interesting, challenging course for us regular golfers that gets extra points for its history.


Bob

Ben Sims

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Your top "underrated"
« Reply #49 on: September 20, 2024, 11:31:25 AM »


Does Ekwanok count as underrated?  That is my favorite.

You just don’t see much about it. Manchester was on our short list of places to live after I left the AF, but the work commute was really bad. I’d love to go there one day.

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