Great "sleeper" courses in the U.S.

[Gib_Papazian]

Eagle Point, outside of Medford, Oregon . . . . . I don't know if he was telling me the truth, but Bob Jones told me he bought the property and designed and routed the entire golf course himself with no real input from his associates at the time.

I've no reason to doubt him and it remains EASILY in my Top Ten Public - disqualifying obscene cash vacuums like Pebble and the rest of their shameful ilk.

[Mike_Cirba]

3 I'm still hoping to see that I understand are the real sleepers of upstate NY are all by Travis...

Yahundasis
CC of Troy
Onondaga

Actually, I think upstate NY is probably the greatest treasure troves of hidden gems in the country and I'm betting that more will be unearthed in coming years.

[Jeff Shelman]

I agree with Dan Kelly on the biggest Minnesota sleeper. Oak Ridge is a fantastic golf course and a great time. There really isn't a weak hole out there.

[michael_j_fay]

Teugega (Rome New York)
Another vote for Camden CC, Camden , SC
Youngstown CC (Youngstown, OH)
Mimosa Hills (Morgantown, NC)
Bedford Springs (Bedford Springs, PA)
Carolina Golf Club (Charlotte, NC)
Manchester CC (Manchester, NH)

[Dan Boerger]

Mike - I've played the Yahnundasis many times (grew up a few miles from there) and while it's a fine course the upstate NY sleepers I would suggest are:

Otesaga
Seven Oaks
Teugega (as Mike mentioned)

[Phil McDade]

3 I'm still hoping to see that I understand are the real sleepers of upstate NY are all by Travis...

Yahundasis
CC of Troy
Onondaga

Actually, I think upstate NY is probably the greatest treasure troves of hidden gems in the country and I'm betting that more will be unearthed in coming years.

Mike:

Have you heard about/played the Mark Twain course somewhere in upstate NY, I think in the Finger Lakes region? Doak really liked it in the Confidential Guide; I've never seen anything posted about it here on the board. A Ross that's pretty much intact, from what I've heard.

[Ray Richard]

Cape Cod Country Club tucked in the piney woods of Falmouth,Ma. Originally Clausons Inn Golf Club, it was built by a Ross associate and it's an architectural delight with cross bunkers, big chocolate drops everywhere, great bunker forms and even a volcano hole on the back side. The only drawback is a small condo project stuffed into the fairway of #16 which turned the hole into a bad par 3. It's usually in good condition, and the price is fair. My favorite hole is #10, a Ross par 4.

[Mike_Cirba]

Phil,

Mark Twain is a little gem certainly worth a visit (and an unbelievable bargain!), as is nearby Soaring Eagles (Pete Craig) in Horseheads.

In the case of MT however, I understand they've installed a new irrigation system since I was there last (they never had one prior for the fairways), so I can't attest to how well that's working out or if it's still screaming fast.  

Mike

[Roger Tufts]

Brooklawn CC in Fairfield, CT? Tillinghast

[Phil McDade]

Mike:

Thanks -- at $22 for a peak fee, I may have to add it to the under-$25 thread.

[Paul Payne]

Aiken CC in Aiken SC

Old, small, loads of charm and challenge AND under $25.

I also like Glen Erin in Janesville WI for similar reasons although it is a newer course but lots of fun AND $25.

I have to say that for me what often constitutes a "sleeper" is a course that may or may not be well known locally or possibly regionally but you just happen upon it while travelling. You get out at an odd time and hardly anyone is on the course. You play calmly and create some of the best shots you have in months if not years. You are in a groove and suddenly get this sensation that starts in the pit of your stomach similar to what you feel while cresting the hill on a roller coaster. You can't help but to smile or even laugh out loud with joy. Time just seems suspended as you play your way through the course. That is a sleeper.