I was lucky enough to get out to more than 30 new courses over the last year (not bad for my first year of marriage I didn't think). Although we now have the future US Open Champion (or Womens Open Champ) percolating in my wifes womb so I am sure my numbers will fall off next year drastically. I guess that is the official GCA announcement of that, I thought about starting a post on it as it was such a major milestone in my life, but just couldnt figure out the golf architecture angle to work in. I guess I will just have to wait to see if he/she comes during Masters week. (We are due 4/2/03) I am hoping if it is a girl we might be able to name her Mackenzie. Although I know that is not unique among this crowd. Maybe that would be another good thread to start sometime. "How many of you have daughters named Mackenzie?" That seems to be the one architect/golf name that I might be able to get my wife to buy off on. She already said no way for Allister or Seth if it is a boy, and I got the veto on Eldrick also. We thought about Tyler, because she liked the name, and I knew I could call him Ty (for Ty Webb), however we both decided that it might be cruel to name a kid after a workout video (Ty Boe).
But I have digressed.....
I did see some interesting things out there this year. Someone was asking about Sage Valley several times so I will start there. Sage Valley is awesome. Fazio did a great job of routing this course over a great piece of property with some rolling topography, great GA pines, some spectacular holes. Also on the private front in no particular order. I was suprised that no one mentioned Briars Creek, Rees's new one down near Kiawah. Spectacular use of the low country property. Also loved Bulls Bay in Charleston (Strantz's first private course) which I have posted some fairly lenghty details on in the past.
Coastal Pines near Brunswick, GA was a fun course for like $24. I thought about mentioning it on Bill V's post earlier on Jacksonville. I thought for the money you cant beat it. Also thought The Lion down near Atlanta has some sporty holes for an affordable track. I cant remember exactly what the greensfee was at this time, but not bad.
If money is no object to you the new Oconee Course at Reynolds Plantation should not be missed. If money is REALLY no option go ahead and splurge for the room at the ajoining Ritz-Carlton (the only way my wife let me spend the money on that is that I took her there for our 1st anniversary).
Also Someone mentioned on one of the earlier pages Jim Engh's new Tullymore. Although slighly off the beaten path in central MI it is a wonderful course. Beautiful, peaceful surroundings, and a great mix of holes. Although definitely a parkland course there are a couple holes and green complexes that might make you think you are in ireland. I dont have the scorecard handy, but I think it was the Par 3 12th that should be played from the back tees for a wild ride (very long, but fun) and there are a couple of great short par 4's as well. One with a semi-blind green behind a large dune looking hill (I think it might have been the 11th) Again I apologize if the holes are slightly off as I dont have the card handy, and it was early summer I was up there.
Turboe