We've discussed this before but since there are a number of new entrants to GCA.com I thought I'd pose this question again. For purposes of this discussion, my definition of a "hidden gem" is this: Hard to find or relatively unknown to participants on this site, but a quality course with decent golf course architecture that is worth seeing if you are in the area.
The following are NOT hidden gems: Bandon Dunes/Trails, Pebble Beach, Banff, NGLA or the euphemistically-named St. Andrews GC (Westcliffe, CO), which doesn't qualify because it's a dog track and not worth seeing. In this region, Wild Horse and Black Mesa are hard to find but neither is "relatively unknown" to participants on this site and thus are not "hidden gems."
Some examples of my hidden gems (and why I think they are worth seeing):
Grandote Peaks Golf Course, La Veta, CO. This Weiskopf/Morris public track has a solid design that has endured drought and ownership squabbles over the past several years. Excellent use of a creek that runs through the property, and a fine variety of holes.
Blueberry Hill GC, Warren, PA. By Ferdinand (Fred) Garbin, who worked with James G. Harrison (who in turn I believe worked with Ross). This course in the remote wooded hills of NW Pennsylvania is a pleasure to play. It makes fine use of the rolling countryside, and the sloped, small greens evoke Ross. Although some of the holes have been reworked and are less interesting than the originals, any course that features bells that must be rung on three holes to alert the following group that the fairway is open is pretty cool to me. Has anyone else on this site played this course?
In Scotland, something like Boat of Garten would qualify in my book.
Maybe it's the course you grew up on. If it hits the definition, let us know about it. Thanks for your input.