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Ran Morrissett

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Matthew Mollica's Review of Barnbougle Dunes is posted...
« on: April 07, 2005, 10:07:30 AM »
...under In My Opinion and under Doak in Architecture Timeline.

What is the finest course that you have never played?

Several of us who gathered in the Dominican Republic last week thought the answer at the time was Teeth of the Dog. Afterwards in the airport, I though perhaps Morfontaine or Hirono.

And now having read Matthew's excellent descriptive profile, I don't know why it wouldn't be Barnbougle Dunes.

Have a read and see if you can think of what the course lacks for an unbelievably fun time. Unlike my perception of Durban, there isn't a stretch of holes over dullish ground. Unlike my perception of Morfontaine, wind is central to a game here and the course must surely change from AM to PM. Unlike my perception of Hirono, the fairways aren't overwatered and the ground game is a 'go'. Relative to Cape Kidnappers, the smaller undulations lend themselves more readily to good golf quality.

In short, I think it is fair to say that Barnbougle is another example of the best courses being built today stacking up nicely with the best of the Golden Age.

See if you don't agree!

Cheers,

Tom_Doak

  • Total Karma: 9
Re:Matthew Mollica's Review of Barnbougle Dunes is posted...
« Reply #1 on: April 07, 2005, 11:07:30 AM »
Ran:

You should index the course under Mike Clayton's name as well.

The review of the course is overwhelmingly flattering, but I do think you'd prefer it to Durban and Morfontaine and maybe even Hirono, given your fondness for links courses.  In fact, if it was 75 years old instead of one, it might be a candidate for your top ten!

Scott_Burroughs

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Re:Matthew Mollica's Review of Barnbougle Dunes is posted...
« Reply #2 on: April 07, 2005, 11:14:06 AM »
Nice write-up and great pics (some seen in the article previously shown - love the one with the multi-colored sky).

I won't call it the best he hasn't seen yet, but I think Ran will like Wild Horse quite a bit when it gets removed from The Next Fifty list this year.  I think he should bring the hickories there....

George Pazin

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Re:Matthew Mollica's Review of Barnbougle Dunes is posted...
« Reply #3 on: April 07, 2005, 03:01:55 PM »
Great read, great pics. I never get tired of reading about Barnbougle, perhaps the most inspiring story that we've seen develop on this site.

This will probably be number 1 on my wish list for a long time, but I hope not too long.
Big drivers and hot balls are the product of golf course design that rewards the hit one far then hit one high strategy.  Shinny showed everyone how to take care of this whole technology dilemma. - Pat Brockwell, 6/24/04

tonyt

Re:Matthew Mollica's Review of Barnbougle Dunes is posted...
« Reply #4 on: April 07, 2005, 05:00:18 PM »
Matthew,

Well done on a great piece. The boys at work will be reading this today, in preparation for the inaugural staging of "The Honours Championship" there soon.

Tony

James Bennett

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Re:Matthew Mollica's Review of Barnbougle Dunes is posted...
« Reply #5 on: April 07, 2005, 07:23:59 PM »
Tony and others down under

Is Barnbougle an opportunity for a 'down-under GCA game'?  Has there ever been such an event in Oz?
Bob; its impossible to explain some of the clutter that gets recalled from the attic between my ears. .  (SL Solow)

Chris Kane

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Re:Matthew Mollica's Review of Barnbougle Dunes is posted...
« Reply #6 on: April 07, 2005, 07:34:49 PM »
James, there have been quite a number in Melbourne over the last three years.

James Bennett

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Re:Matthew Mollica's Review of Barnbougle Dunes is posted...
« Reply #7 on: April 07, 2005, 07:42:26 PM »
thanks Chris - pre my 'birth'
Bob; its impossible to explain some of the clutter that gets recalled from the attic between my ears. .  (SL Solow)

Sean Walsh

  • Total Karma: 0
Re:Matthew Mollica's Review of Barnbougle Dunes is posted...
« Reply #8 on: April 14, 2005, 07:44:22 AM »
Matthew,

Very eloquently written piece though it may be hard for some to believe that you don't work for a PR firm  ;D.  

Also the detail you have provided about the holes is wonderful.  I may even have to go back and re-evaluate some comments I have made regarding the par 3's.  Though I still contend that they do not reach the same heights as the 4's and 5's.

My last comment is regarding the description of the large bunker on the 4th.  For those familiar with UK golf I believe closer similarities are found with the bunker on the 4th at Royal St George's than Hell at TOC.  If anything the Barnbougle version is more imposing as it is more in play and possibly bigger (height wise)

Bumping this up may also give some the reminder to go and read what is a wonderful review of a quality course.