I have been home just under a week after spending 14 days in the US, visiting friends and playing plenty of golf.
I started the trip by flying to San Francisco direct and then on to Bandon Dunes. The courses here have been discussed plenty of times so I will just chime in with a few first time impressions.
Started at Pacific Dunes- Great routing, no week holes and the 4th hole really sets the tone for the ocean side holes. Turf conditions were hard and fast and the wind was a significant factor as expected. Just an amazing start to the journey.
Bandon Dunes-Very enjoyable- more open than Pacific. I wondered about 16 and the bottom fairway. I did not think there was enough room to make this a viable option even if you took a club for position off the tee. A small question but otherwise a terrific course.
Bandon Trails-Better than expected. Nice to get inland a little and away from the strong winds. Really enjoyed holes 13 through 17.
Old MacDonald-The size of the course is what grabbed my attention first. People on this site are going to have great fun looking at the features on all the holes. I would love to see the end result.
I then met up With Ed Getka in Denver and we met those who had played at Common Ground. Thanks guys for a wonderful evening and great start to this leg of the trip.
Wild Horse-A great facility and unbelievable value. We started on 10 which was a harder introduction than starting at 1. Greens were in excellent condition even though they were not as fast as normal due the more than normal rain.
Sand Hills-The drive from North Platte really set the tone. The land just wet the appetite for finding a course and playing. On arrival we went and had a look from Bens Porch and the view was amazing. I played 45 holes the next day and Ed played 54. I think the course just makes want to keep going round as many times as you can.
Ballyneal-I really liked this place. The idea of teeing up the ball where you see it is great. It allows you to play the course to your level of ability. The opions you have really make so many holes very different. You could play here so many times and never get tired of the options and challenges.
Had to say goodbye to Ed unfortunately and moved on to Chicago.
Olympia Fields North-It was always going to be interesting to go play a parkland course after what had gone previously. In this case I was amazed at the quality of the course with the 3 and 14 just great holes. The course was strong throughout with the last 6 holes providing a great finish.
I also had the a tour of the South course and can see why this is great alternative 18. The knoll hole and the view up 18 will last long in the memory.
Beverly CC- It was amazing to find a course in this location. The bunkering to the sides and front of the greens were a particular feature as was the tilt on many of the greens. A very enjoyable course and a great venue for the Senior Amateur.
Finally I would like to thank all the GCA people I met for making me so welcome. Your hopitality was thee highlight of the trip. To those who hosted myself and Ed an even bigger thanks, we were very fortunate to have the pleasure of your company.