Pacific Dunes: What is better???

[cary lichtenstein]

Bette and I played Pacific Dunes today. I know there have been a 100 threads or more on Pacific Dunes discussing everything possible. Allow me to give you my take on this beauty.

First off, I would put this in the top 5 in the US and top 10 in the World.

I started to ask myself this question, "What is better?"

Those of you in the treehouse who wish to respond, this is an intertesting question.

Could Pacific be the best course out there? Very possibly. Does Pacific compare to Pine Valley? Very possibly

This is the course I could play everyday. This is the course that has it all.

I played Bandon Trails yesterday, shot 71 and had a real enjoyable day. Today at Pacific, I shot 74.

Pacific allows you to score, something that Oakmont does not.

Pacific gives up a zillion different shots. Pacific gives you the chance to be creative with your game.

Forget about the individual holes, we could discuss them forever. The experience, the totally of the 18, I am truely blown away.

Tom Doak, Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!!!!!!!!!

[Matt_Ward]

Cary:

You absolutely raved about Lakota Canyon Ranch when you played it last year. Said it belonged among your top ten if I am accurate.

Be curious as to how many rounds, say out of a total of 24, would you play among the courses listed below ...

1). Pac Dunes
2). Lakota Canyon
3). Black Mesa

Thanks for sharing ...

[paul cowley]

what?...is the irrigation broke?....how about the subair?
....could someone please explain to me whats going on over there.... I mean it is 'The Open' right?...duh

how are you going to figure out who is the champion by playing on a dirt dog track?

If this plays out as bad as it sounds, well... maybe we might just want to reshuffle our priorities and make this the 'fifth' Major.

...if you can't keep up, you fall back....comprendo europo?

[Lloyd_Cole]

I played P Dunes and Turnberry the same month a couple of years ago. Turnberry is better.

[John Kavanaugh]

One of the reasons I didn't much like my experience at Pacific Dunes was my thought.."Is that all there is.." I can't believe that is all there is to one of the greatest courses in the world (according to GolfClubAtlas)...With 5 par threes wouldn't you think that absent the views you might find an interesting mind numbing shot...Shouldn't there be a memorable par 5...It makes me sad to think that it is the best I will ever see...I think Digest has it about right in their top 25..

[Michael Dugger]

If I have learned anything from this website over the years, it is that different people get vastly different things out of their gawf.

Sometimes I think I am in the minority in that I seek a soul stirring experience in my golf.  I want a course resting upon a majestic piece of terrain.  I want the "walk," the proverbial routing, to play out like a drama.  Tease me, entice me, smack me over the head, nurture me, thrill me and bring it all home with a resounding climax.

Give me this and I care not about how many par 3s or par 5s the course has, let alone on the front or backside.  

Pacific Dunes adds years to human's lives.  Pacific Dunes helps some find God.  Pacific Dunes has few equals.  

[John Kavanaugh]

  Tease me, entice me, smack me over the head, nurture me, thrill me and bring it all home with a resounding climax.

Too bad it couldn't finish on the ocean...the end is anything but a climax.

[Michael Dugger]

  Tease me, entice me, smack me over the head, nurture me, thrill me and bring it all home with a resounding climax.

Too bad it couldn't finish on the ocean...the end is anything but a climax.

To each his own, jakab, I personally think the "march home" is a fine and dandy climax.  If the course ended on the ocean than it would have to have started on the ocean too.  This would kinda defeat the whole "entice me" portion of my criteria.

But you know that

[John Kavanaugh]

Michael,

I'm confused..does Pebble start on the ocean..

[Ari Techner]

Bette and I played Pacific Dunes today. I know there have been a 100 threads or more on Pacific Dunes discussing everything possible. Allow me to give you my take on this beauty.

First off, I would put this in the top 5 in the US and top 10 in the World.

I started to ask myself this question, "What is better?"

Those of you in the treehouse who wish to respond, this is an intertesting question.

Could Pacific be the best course out there? Very possibly. Does Pacific compare to Pine Valley? Very possibly

This is the course I could play everyday. This is the course that has it all.

I played Bandon Trails yesterday, shot 71 and had a real enjoyable day. Today at Pacific, I shot 74.

Pacific allows you to score, something that Oakmont does not.

Pacific gives up a zillion different shots. Pacific gives you the chance to be creative with your game.

Forget about the individual holes, we could discuss them forever. The experience, the totally of the 18, I am truely blown away.

Tom Doak, Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!!!!!!!!!

Cary,

Glad to hear that you enjoyed Pacific as much as I thought you would.  It was great getting to play with you and Bette the other day I truely enjoyed it.  Enjoy the rest of your trip!  

[Michael Dugger]

Michael,

I'm confused..does Pebble start on the ocean..

John,

I'm confused....is Pebble built on linksland?

[Mike_Sweeney]

First off, I would put this in the top 5 in the US and top 10 in the World.

Cary,

I really would like to see your Top 25 in the US (not sure how much you travel overseas). I enjoy your excitement over courses like Lakota Canyon, and your questioning of courses like Seminole.

You have called a bunch of courses Top something over your travels and would be curious how it actually shakes out when you put it down on paper.

Enjoy!

[David Sneddon]

Michael,
Your post #5 in this thread, sums up the Pacific Dunes experience for me as well.  

Between Pacific and Dornoch I could spend the rest of my days playing these two courses and die happy (or from advanced jet-lag)

[cary lichtenstein]

Mike:

I will post together my list of the top 10/15 or 20 US. Remember, when you see it, will will not include the likes of Oakmont, which so many others love.

One of my critera is fun and would I like to play a 3 day member guest at the course. If it beats the sh*t out of me, it may be a top tournament or US Open course, but you won't see it on any of my lists

Cary

[Matt_Ward]

Cary:

Don't forget to answer what I asked previously.

Inquiring minds want to know !!!

[cary lichtenstein]

Just finished my 2nd round at Pacific Dunes and decided to extend my stay for another 3 days here as Montana is 105 degrees and this is just a wonderful resort in all respects.

Pacific Dunes is a very, very special golf course and those of you who haven't made it here, get on the phone, 541-347-4380 and make your reservations.

The Curtis Cup is here next week and will be televised. Both rounds will be played at Pacific Dunes.

[Tom Huckaby]

Pacific Dunes is a very, very special golf course and those of you who haven't made it here, get on the phone, 541-347-4380 and make your reservations.

Couldn't agree more... and if you want to play any time soon, call NOW.   It's scary how fully-booked they get, very far in advance... at least for preferable tee-times anyway....

[Matt_Ward]

Cary:

Fair to say we will see your top 25 list by week's end ?

Also -- my original question to you on Pac Dunes, Lakota and Black Mesa needs your gracious attention.

Look forward to seeing both answered ...

[cary lichtenstein]

Matt

After playing Bandon Dunes for the past 2 days, I would split equally Lakota, Black Mesa, Pacific Dunes and Bandon Dunes.

All are fun, all are challenging

My top 25?, after I have some time to think about it, but if it is US, it will include a few that are not ranked highly, e.g., Tobacco Road, Yale, the Quarry at Giants Ridge, Lakota Canyon, etc.

Remember that my top courses are also fun and let you score, not the greatest tests of tournament golfers ala Tiger.

Cary

[John Kavanaugh]

Cary,

Don't ya think Bandon Dunes has the best greens at the resort...The course is a real treat.

[cary lichtenstein]

I don't know if BD has the best greens, but BD and PD are head and shoulders better than BT.

BD is more quirky, more Irelandish, PD is more eye candy, more sand recovery shots, I loved them both

[Craig Sweet]

Cary..nice to hear you and Bette are enjoying your extended stay in Oregon.

Montana is indeed blistering hot, as predicted, and the golf course was dead (no players) after 1pm today....Saturday we had Phantom Hills to ourselves with a 10:30am tee time...played 27 holes in 102 degree heat!

[cary lichtenstein]

Whew...I got major points with Bette, thanks to your advise...I owe you

[John Kavanaugh]

I don't know if BD has the best greens, but BD and PD are head and shoulders better than BT.

BD is more quirky, more Irelandish, PD is more eye candy, more sand recovery shots, I loved them both

Cary,

That is what makes my one round at Pacific so funny...I was never in a bunker.  I thought they were placed in a resorty look but don't touch mentality...Or maybe I'm just that good.

[Paul Richards]

Pacific is in the top handful of Modern courses - in the US and the Isles, for that matter.

Of course, so is Bandon Dunes and Bandon Trails.


What an amazing place!!!!