Tom Doak's Best Holes - Fillet Mignon

[Tim Pitner]

I love the loop on Pacific Dunes of 6, 7 and 8--my favorite three-hole stretch on the course (and they're inland, which is saying something given the incredible coastline).  But, I mentioned no. 3 above because I figured no. 6 would get all the acclaim.  

[Mark Arata]

I dont know if this counts, because it was a renovation, but I love the par 3 17th at Atlantic City, despite the bird sized horseflies that took out a good portion of my leg on Sunday.

The 3rd at Atlantic City is a excellent short par 4 as well.

Atlantic City is one of my favorite courses, it is in great shape, and is a ton of fun to play, although personally, I would flip the nines, the current back nine plays 3150 with 3 par 3's and 2 par 5's, the front plays 3450 with one par 5 and 2 par 3's. I think 9 is a stronger hole than 18, so I would flip the 9's.

I cant remember the hole at Apache, I think it is 16, a beautiful par 3 over the canyon.

7,8,9 at PD are just awesome.

I also loved the waterfall on the 9th at Beechtree this Saturday.......from the 20 inches of rain that fell as we were finishing the 9.......

[Ash Towe]

Cape Kidnappers number 6.
206 from the back tee and you cannot miss to the left.
There is a bank to the right that brings the ball back towards the green but if the pin is on the left it is a difficult 2 putt.
You have the option of going for the pin but you would have to hit the ball perfectly.  It is a question of how much you trust your swing.
The bank leading up to the green looks good and the scenary to the left of the green is awesome.

[Bob Jenkins]

So far I have only been fortunate enought to play one of Tom's courses, Pacific Dunes and love the whole place. Although 9 seems to be a favorite in this thread, I believe 13 offers everything imaginable. Ocean on the left, wide fairway (very wide, falling off to the right which makes the approach more difficult), great and deep bunkers on the right up against a giant dune and the green which seems as though it was always there (seem to recall it was not manufactured but have to check) then looking on to the Sheep Ranch in the distance. The approach shot is so different, depending on whether you are going at it from the left or right of the fairway.
From the tee, this place just looks great and almost better looking back from the green.

Second choice would be no. 4 and then no. 2.

I just hope to get a chance to play more of Tom's courses in the near future.

Bob Jenkins

[Matt_Ward]

Tom D:

It's not that I don't like the 8th -- I agree the green site is very special. Frankly, I think you can name quite a few holes at Pac Dunes and not be off by much -- if at all.

On the back nine I think one can say the same for the devilish short par-4 16th -- superb characteristics of decision-making one can ever play.

What I would like to see Tom is for you to itemize as you did with Confidential Guide for the various all-star holes you mentioned for the different architects (e.g. Tille, Ross, Mackenzie, etc, etc). I just wonder what holes you would select for an All-18 /  Par-72 layout as they sit on their respective card.

Thanks ...