Courses that disappointed you

[Jason Topp]

I find this inquiry leads to interesting responses at movie festivals.  I'm interested in what sort of responses we get regarding golf courses.

Identify a course that did not live up to your expectations and why.

For me - it was World Woods - Pine Barrens.  I expected something like Pine Valley and instead got a pleasant, fairly accomodating course that did not seem outstanding and whose primary aset was that it was on rolling terrain in Florida. 

A second such experience was my second time around Pasatiempo (out of 4).  My first visit was in the summer and I loved the place.  My second visit was in winter when it was soggy and its warts stood out in sharp contrast to my memories.  The soft ground took away some of my favorite elements such as a ground approach to 2.  The cramped and back and forth nature of the front nine stood out.  Finally, any round is a lot less enjoyable with damp soggy socks.

[Rick Shefchik]

Jason,

I concur on World Wolds Pine Barrens. I liked it, but whenever I see how high it rates on lists of best modern courses -- way ahead of courses I liked much better -- I'm puzzled. It's not exactly what you'd expect in Florida, but I'm sure it's not remotely in Pine Valley's ballpark. It's not in Sutton's Bay's ballpark, either, but I guess a lot more raters get to Florida than South Dakota.

As for Pasatiempo, I've only played it once, so I haven't had a chance to be disappointed by my second visit. The first was like yours -- great.

I admired Talking Stick North for the amount of interest Coore and Crenshaw were able to create on a tabletop, but I'd have to say, based on expectations, I was disappointed.

[Phil McDade]

Blackwolf Run, the River course, in Kohler, WI.

Disappointed because, for my game (bogey golfer when I'm on my game) the course was nearly unplayable (and, yes, I played from appropriate tees). Dye took a great piece of property, and created some spectacular holes, but for me it was simply over-the-top difficult.

I understand those who truly think it a terrific course. But I think it appeals to a somewhat narrow range of golfers.

[Ken Moum]

The single course that disappointed me more than any other was Royal Dornoch.  (To put it in perspective, I loved Brora.)

In retrospect, I relalized that I may have given the old girl a bad rap. We played it with junior caddies, who almost never get to play the championship course, so they were of almost no help on blind or semi-blind shots.

In addition, I was playing poorly at the time, and Dornoch is a really, really hard golf course. But I played poorly for the entire two weeks I was in Scotland, and it was the only course I didn't enjoy.

But I think the biggest reason for being underwhelmed was the incredible hype surrounding Royal Dornoch. Idon't see how it could have lived up to that.

I would compare it to the a trip I made a few years ago from Denver to Phoenix by way of Grand Junction. Along the way I went through Monument Valley (under moonlight) stopped for most of a day at the Grand Canyon, and accidentally discovered Colorado River National Monument.

My reaction the to the Grand Canyon was, "It looks just like the photographs."  It's amazing, but I wasn't as thrilled as I thought I'd be.

Conversely, when I visited Colorado River NM, I was looking at a place I had never heard of. It blew me away.

I hope to play Dornoch again, but I am not certain I will ever love it live some here do.

Ken
 

[John Kavanaugh]

Obviously I have not played the course yet but I was dissapointed at the location of Bandon IV.  I was surprised so see a giant ocean side dune that obstructs the views and found the layout to be obtrusive on the routing of Pacific Dunes.

[Dan Kelly]

Haven't played it, and probably never will, but just from an aesthetic standpoint:

Augusta National, during The Masters.

It kept reminding me of "The Truman Show." I carefully watched the sky, lest a floodlight conk me on the noggin.

[Adam Clayman]

Jason, Just to challenge your premise, expectations lead to the disappointment. BTW, WW Pine Barrens is very very good golf course. It's greens alone are all excellently designed. If you have played at The Valley you probably would be disappointed. But, as a facility, and as a golf course, World Woods is all about golf, has international appeal and deserves it's praises. It's not perfect but, for the money, most everyone enjoys their days there.
I'd be curious, when were you last there? The superintendent has done a great job over the last four or five years and the course is really showing the dividends.

Phil, I hear ya on Pete's penal aspect at BWR. I would reiterate that holes 5-13are some of the worst offenders and were not part of the original course.

[cary lichtenstein]

I have had a host of dissappointing courses that are not worth mentioning because it always gets someone upset.

Conditioning never bothers me because every course goes thru problems.

I think several or more of the top 100 courses on every magazine's list are political and shouldn't be there. They should just put them in a special category, top 100 political best courses.

The ones that dissappoint me are always defended by "you missed the subtlies, or the course is great when the wind blows or the greens were too slow the day you played. or you just don't get it"

A really great course pretty much just screams at you and if someone has to explain it to me, why its great, why I don't get it, you get the point.

I don't like over the top hard courses like PGA West, Oakmont or The Bear in Michigan.

[Brad Tufts]

Great River...upscale...blah, blah...a course in a tight spot with some weird holes that is publicized as something special.

Stanwich...it has apparently been tweaked since I was there in 2002, but I didn't get it.  It was hard, the greens lightning fast, and it seemed to have something like 12 holes I can't recall.  My friend and I were wondering the whole way around if our caddy knew we weren't having fun (we did quite the acting job).  The course isn't horrible by any stretch, but the best in CT??  We played Yale that afternoon (before recent improvements) and had 50 times more fun...

Granite Links here in Boston...what did I expect amongst the former quarries and old landfill site in Quincy but a target layout?  I'm not sure, but it's wacky.  I haven't seen the newest (and 3rd) nine yet, but I've heard it's even weirder.  The facility is roughly across the st. from my office, and is admittedly a beautiful spot to hit balls after work with panoramic views of Boston, and the parade of approaching airliners going by a few hundred feet above.

The Meadows at Peabody (MA)...I had great hopes for the newest municipal public course on the North Shore, but it's a quirky roller-coaster course with several shots that border on unfair.  Not altogether bad, but I would take Gannon in Lynn (Wayne Stiles) at 9 plays to 1 at The Meadows.

Enniscrone...This was only my third course played in Ireland after Ballybunion and Tralee, and I didn't have expectations.  I just thought the flat holes were boring, the dunes holes were wacky, and the combination of the two was strange.  I've only played it once, and would be willing to go again to confirm or deny my thought process.

[Sean_A]

There are that many courses which disappointed me, but on that short list are some hum dingers.

Carnoustie - course doesn't feel linsky and there is too much trouble about.  To be fair, I haven't gone back for another look and I could be persuaded to under the right circumstances.  .

Hoylake - the old adage is true, a first sight of this girl is not terribly inspiring.  I have since come to like the course more and am happy to go back. 

Troon - the back 9 is a slog and they run visitors like its a muni - most unbecoming for such a venerable club.  No interest in going back.

Pinehurst - it seems like the same green gets repeated over and over plus the place feels like the Wal-Mart of golf.  However, I would like to go back, but only on a vastly reduced rate because I think most of the course works wonderfully and the greens may be a matter of getting used to them!

Pine Needles - I can't see what all the hype is about.  Its a good course, but it doesn't stand out in anyway.  I have seen more than one unheralded Ross that I prefer.  It seems like there was a penchant for bunkers on the inside of the dogleg when there was trouble on that side anyway.  I didn't get a good vibe here, perhaps resort courses aren't my bag.  Not much interest in returning at close to $200 a go. 

Duke - what can I say.  This is an over-built mess.  Many of the green complexes looked like they could have been placed anywhere - very little attention paid to the land.  The course was soggy and I don't like all the people hangin about drinkin whatever Dukites drink.  No interest in returning. 

Ciao

[tlavin]

Torrey Pines was a huge disappointment.  When I finished, I went into the pro shop and the assistant pro said, "Can you believe you just played a US Open course?"  I replied, "No I can't.  That course is unworthy."

On another note, Harbour Town is one of the best courses I've played but it was a huge disappointment that we had to take a cart and leave it on the cart path.  It took a lot of joy out of the experience, even though it is clearly a great golf course. 

[Jason Topp]

Jason, Just to challenge your premise, expectations lead to the disappointment. BTW, WW Pine Barrens is very very good golf course. It's greens alone are all excellently designed. If you have played at The Valley you probably would be disappointed. But, as a facility, and as a golf course, World Woods is all about golf, has international appeal and deserves it's praises. It's not perfect but, for the money, most everyone enjoys their days there.
I'd be curious, when were you last there? The superintendent has done a great job over the last four or five years and the course is really showing the dividends.

Adam -

I absolutely agree about expectations leading to disappointment - hence the title of the thread.

I played WW and it was in great shape when I visited so that was not the issue.  I also really enjoyed the course, I just did not find it incredibly noteworthy and found it much more begnign than I expected.

I really want to go back because, perhaps I did not appreciate the course as well as I should have.

[Michael Dugger]

Obviously I have not played the course yet but I was dissapointed at the location of Bandon IV.  I was surprised so see a giant ocean side dune that obstructs the views and found the layout to be obtrusive on the routing of Pacific Dunes.

Oh John, what are we going to do with you?

For starters, you will be able to see the ocean from numerous vantage points on Old Mac.  Surely, as many vistas as on Bandon Dunes, which you've professed your love for.

Secondly, where, if not there, is Bandon IV to be built?  That's all the more property left out there.

Thirdly, as the guys responsible for the course have mentioned, it's sand based with lovely rolls.  Perfect conditions for building a golf course. 

Lastly, the course will have two greens on top of the bluff you mention.  They will be spectacular holes. 

[Wade Whitehead]

I'm surprised that Pinehurst #2 hasn't made this list yet...

WW

[Sean Leary]

Carne.  On my trip to Ireland last summer, we made a trip through the NW specifically to play Carne and it just didn't do it for me.  Of course, contrary to Brad above, I really liked Enniscrone. Go figure.

The Prince Course. Played it in the summer time under firm and fast conditions, and just hated it.  Too severe.

Cashen Course at BB.  see above.

Astoria.  Quirky but repetitive quirky.  Hitting from  tee shots from dunetop down below over and over.

[Anthony_Nysse]

Terry,
  The beauty of the DG is great! I think that harbor town is the most overrated, disappointing golf course of all the Top 100s. Other than the tee shot on #17 and #18, the course is a waste of good realstate.

Tony Nysse
Asst. Supt.
Colonial CC
Ft. Worth, TX

[Phil Benedict]

The Irish Course at Whistling Straits.  I thought it was stupid.  Made me feel ashamed to be Irish, although my Irishnish is redeemed by U2.

[Chip Gaskins]

let the bashing begin...

Merion - just don't see the genius or subtleties, just because you find the "perfect" routing for a small piece of land doesn't mean the end result is top #10 golf course.

Maidstone - one outstanding hole #9, a few decent holes, and the others...

Carnoustie - too hard, sharp edged burn everywhere on the last few holes, didn't feel like a links at all, several flat boring holes with little strategy

[Craig Van Egmond]

Bay Harbor - What a letdown, at the time it was supposed the 6th best public course in America.  Overpriced and overrated.

[Brad Tufts]

Hmm...

Funny Sean, I loved Carne...but I expected a wild locale to have a wild course like Carne (and there was adaquate room for the wind).  What I didn't like about Enniscrone is that I felt that the new holes that were finally routed into the dunes with modern equipment couldn't possibly be the best configuration.  The way I feel about these holes is the way many feel about Cashen (which I haven't played).

Merion...completely disagree with any negatives here.  Unique, awesome, and brutal in spots.

Prince Course...agree with Sean's assessment, but it was an off-season ballstriking round, and I expected the jungle aspect even though 3 or 4 holes were on the outer edges of sanity.

#2...need another assessment, but nothing matters until one gets to the green surrounds.  The course is 95% shortgame skill.

[Mark Arata]

I wouldnt say I was dissapointed in Pinehurst #2, but to me it was by far the easiest top 10 course to play from tee to green. In resort mode, it was really very simple, immensely wide fairways, very little to no danger off the tee at all. The greens more than made up for it however. I was suprised that a course pretty much universally considered one of the best in the US would be that easy to play from tee to green. (in resort conditions of course, in US open mode, all bets are off)








 

[Michael Powers]

Boston Golf Club,
I played it in late October and it was cold and windy and we played it with one foot in the rough.  I enjoyed the routing and the variety of different tee shots.  Also, they did a fine job of clearing as trees rarely came into play.  However, some of the greens were so over the top that I felt reasonably good shots were punished in a very severe fashion.  Playing the 5th hole with any type of wind calls for a pitch shot, and the result would seem based more on luck than skill.  

[tlavin]

Terry,
  The beauty of the DG is great! I think that harbor town is the most overrated, disappointing golf course of all the Top 100s. Other than the tee shot on #17 and #18, the course is a waste of good realstate.

Tony Nysse
Asst. Supt.
Colonial CC
Ft. Worth, TX

It's no Long Cove, I'll grant you that, but I really do like it a lot.

[Sean_A]

Hmm...

Funny Sean, I loved Carne...but I expected a wild locale to have a wild course like Carne (and there was adaquate room for the wind).  What I didn't like about Enniscrone is that I felt that the new holes that were finally routed into the dunes with modern equipment couldn't possibly be the best configuration.  The way I feel about these holes is the way many feel about Cashen (which I haven't played).

Merion...completely disagree with any negatives here.  Unique, awesome, and brutal in spots.

Prince Course...agree with Sean's assessment, but it was an off-season ballstriking round, and I expected the jungle aspect even though 3 or 4 holes were on the outer edges of sanity.

#2...need another assessment, but nothing matters until one gets to the green surrounds.  The course is 95% shortgame skill.

I loved both Carne and Enniscrone.  Granted, both were extreme in places - especially Carne.  The routing of Enniscrone to get to water on both sides of the course, still use some of the flat land (all holes I really like) and to keep some funk was a fantastic achievement.  I will get another look at both this June.

I forgot to mention Tralee as a big disappointment.  I just don't understand why the course was routed the way it was.  There are also some wierd holes which did nothing for me. 

Ciao

[JR Potts]

Torrey Pines was a huge disappointment.  When I finished, I went into the pro shop and the assistant pro said, "Can you believe you just played a US Open course?"  I replied, "No I can't.  That course is unworthy."

On another note, Harbour Town is one of the best courses I've played but it was a huge disappointment that we had to take a cart and leave it on the cart path.  It took a lot of joy out of the experience, even though it is clearly a great golf course. 

100% agree about Torrey Pines.  And "disappoint" isn't an appropriate word...."devastated" is probably more accurate.  It was a course that I always wanted to play and during my trip, I couldn't wait to play it....and play it I did....for the last time.