As was intended by this site, we talk so much about the courses with high architectural value...most well known and some "hidden gems." I'm interested to hear about some of your favorite "Mom and Pop" courses...courses that rely on local factory leagues and weekend outings.
While I grew up at a private facility, most of our high school matches and rounds with buddies growing up were played on some of the local mom and pop courses. We played some serious "dog tracks" but also some very enjoyable public facilities. What "hole in the wall" tracks do you love playing and why?
I'll start things off...Cross Creek Golf Club in Decatur, IN. The original nine holes were designed by Robert Bruce Harris in the 40's and the back nine was added in the late 80's. It's very special to me because not only is it literally my Mom and Pop's golf course, but it is where my dad got started in the business and it is where I spent many summers with my brother and grandpa playing in the senior game at noon. Aside from the sentimental value, it has a few interesting holes that taught me about options on the golf course...
#7 - 185 par 3
At first glance, there really isn't much to this hole. It's a straight away par three with a back to front slope and bunkers on both sides. The more I learn about playing this game, the more I realize how good of a golf hole this really is...a miss long, left or right and you are in TROUBLE! Harris gives you a fairway in front of the green to leave it short and chip and putt for your par, or if the shot fits your eye, you can hit a little runner up the gut.
#8 - 381 par 4
My favorite hole on the course, by far! A valley cuts across the fairway from about 210-240yds forcing you to make a bit of a decision...lay up or try to carry it? Most big hitters won't have a problem carrying the valley, but for those that end up at the bottom, they are left with a blind approach to a green guarded by a bunker front right. This bunker schooled me in the art of deception. From the fairway, it looks as if it is snuggled up right next to the green, but when you get up there, you find a good 10-15 yards of room separating the two.
I'd love to hear about some others...