Golf.com just came out with their latest "Top 100 Courses
I have not played a SINGLE top-100 course on the list, though I have played the 18th hole at the Olympic Club, Lakes Course, so I guess that is something.
The ones I'd most expect people to say they played are Bethpage Black and Torrey Pines, with Pebble Beach probably getting some love since all you have to do is drop some coin to get on those.
I've had my opportunity to play some of these courses, and will probably check Hilton Head off the list next month, along with Bandon Dunes in November. If you have played any, give us your number in the comments. Mine is zero. Beat that!
18 comments:
I've played Shadow Creek. I was in Vegas for the Super Bowl a while back, and a friend got comped a free round there because he was such a bad big spending gambler. I had no idea I was going to play golf that weekend--so the course set me up with an entire golf outfit down to the shoes, and then let me borrow a bag of Calloway everything.
The course was pretty sparse that morning, and the womens locker room exited away from where you wanted to go, so they just told me to walk through the empty mens locker room. Cool seeing the names on the lockers--basically a whose who of everybody.
Our caddy was a golf pro who was very good at helping out without being an intruding jackass.
Very strange course--it's like North Carolina was stuck in the middle of the desert. You can't see the desert outside of the course, but you can feel it.
Though the experience was unforgettable as far as how well they treat you, and it is certainly hard to get onto the course, I think I've enjoyed other golf courses more than that one. Kapulua comes to mind--hard to beat great golf, gorgeous views.
The spouse played the Trump Int'l course and thought it was a tricked out, vulgar, miniture golf course layout.
I've got a buddy who crosses these off like groceries at the store, but for me I've only played at Merion (East). With the course to myself on a few occassions, it has been pretty enjoyable. The rough will kill you, being above the hole will kill you, and a shaky putter will finish off the job. The course is always in immaculate condition, as it is supposed to be in championship condition at all times. It'll be on TV this weekend for the Walker Cup, but I'm afraid the rain will take a lot of bite out of the old gem. It'll be quite a test in 2013, though, if they get the greens as hard and fast as they want them.
I've played Kinloch, #84 here. My Dad was a founding member, and we've played there together maybe 15-20 times. Very old school-looking locker room and grill, extensive practice area and driving range.
The course is immaculate, as I'm sure all these courses are. Challenging, but not overly long except on a few holes. There are about half a dozen holes where there are options about where to put your drive that can change how to play the hole. The par 5 9th has two fairways, and can be a bear when the wind is in your face.
The best caddies are outstanding, and even the inexperienced ones are usually more than competent. Its a great course to walk, and is designed that way. Carts are allowed, but not encouraged.
There have been many times when we would be playing the course and realize we had not seen other golfers for at least two or three holes. It can feel as if the course is there for you alone, and that's a pretty cool feeling.
I have played #11 and #26 - Pinehurst No.2 and Muirfield Village. To be honest, I was mildly disappointed in Pinehurst. It was a great course, but it was browner than I'd expected! Maybe I was just bitter with how much money I'd shelled out for a round of golf. Regardless, I'm glad I've played it.
Muirfield Village is the most immaculate course I've ever played, or ever seen. You'll never find a course in better condition.
Pebble, Sawgrass, and Spyglass for me. Pebble gets the nod out of those three for me because of the star appeal, but Spyglass is the best track. Most anytime other than the Player's, Sawgrass is in sorry shape.
I've played Pinehurst #2 & Torrey Pines - the former because we had a sales meeting there, the latter because I'm a San Diego resident & can play there for cheap. And I suck - so there, Mr. 62.
1.) Pebble Beach, California
2.) Pasatiempo, California
3.) Whispering Pines, Texas (Personal Favorite)
4.) Lakeside Country Club, Texas (I'm pretty sure this one is on the list!)
Props to Will, I've got to add Royal Lakeside CC to my list. Can't beat the no. 2 niner in the state of TX.
Come on man...you're in AZ right? How can you NOT have made a lil trek up to Bandon.
Bandon, Pacific and it's ugly redheaded stepchild little brother Bandon Trails are all great fun and an unforgettable experience.
I think they need to be played twice at least - once in the late winter/early spring (Feb.- April) and once in the summer to get the variety of experience in the rain and wind.
Plus it's just a total escapist experience. You are there to golf. No, you're not going to go to dinner with your wife (unless she seriously golfs and is along)...no, you are not going to go to the strippers (Myrtle Beach) because the nearest ones are a long ass drive away and you will be pummeled after the wind/rain anyway.
No. You are not going to go to see the local sights, because there are none...you are at 'the sights' in Bandon.
You will eat well and drink awesome local wine once done playing though if that's your thing.
Sorry missed you will be there in Nov., have fun man.
Go here for dinner at least one night, you will not be disappointed: http://www.allorowinebar.com/
#'s 7,11,27,29,44, 59 & 89.
I am embarrassed to tell you I cannot deduce the difference between a top 100 or a club in the 400's...
There are like 15,000+ courses in America. I am guessing at a very minimum 1,000 of them are pretty darn good. The magazines rank these places for ad revenue; not so much the top ten, but any resort or course trying for a USGA event...
Wow, I'm pretty sure I hate all of you a little more now.
Thanks for making me feel inferior as an American golf freak.
My goal in 2010 -- play ten of the top-100. If anyone can help, let me know, and if anyone is a member, I'll play with you and cook you brownies!
Interesting side thought:
At Merion & Congressional, the members swear their 'other' course is actually better than the famous course.
In Hilton Head, the locals swear there are numerous courses on the island better than Harbour Town. Probably because HT is now about $350...
#10 - Pacific Dunes. We were vacationing in the Pacific NW this past summer (live on the East Coast) and I made sure our travels took us through the Oregon coast.
My wife doesn't play golf so I called the Bandon Dunes Resort when we were in the area and got a next-day tee time on Pacific Dunes for a single and rented a full bag of Callaway sticks. An absolutely unforgettable experience. Gorgeous views, crazy wind, spooky fog, and a TRUE links layout.
I hope to convince some of my golf buddies to make a trip out there so I can play the other courses at the resort (with my own clubs!).
No yet, I am a new hand, hahaaa
No yet, I am a new hand, hahaaa
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