Top 5 Courses you want to play, but haven't yet...

« **Reply #25 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:06:36 PM »

Mac, great to hear you making the trip to Scotland. Very curious to hear the courses you are playing. Spend the time and take the ferry to The Machrie and spend 2 days.

« **Reply #26 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:09:14 PM »

TOC
Cypress Point
Old McDonald
Augusta
Bethpage Black

« **Reply #27 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:12:05 PM »

Tim...I just don't think I can do it.

Here is what I've got so far...

starting out with Muirfield, Rennasaince, and Musselburgh Old. My understanding is that Renassiance is right next to Muirfield, so that should be easy. And I am a history goof...so I've got to do Musselburgh. I am debating North Berwick, but time is an issue.

then heading up to St. Andrews for The Old Course. I don't have this set up yet. I think they open advanced bookings next week. So I should know more soon. I may play a course or two more there, but ideally I'd like to play TOC a few times. I am thinking that may not happen...but we will see.

Then I am going to do whatever it takes to play Askernish. I don't care if I have to bicycle across Scotland and swim to the place. I'm doing it.

So, I am wondering if The Machrie is too much. I think so. So, I'll have to hit that next time.

I know this might be too aggressive for some people's taste, but I get motivated and surges of energy and I think I can do it...then crash for a month!!

« **Reply #28 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:16:06 PM »

I thought I would add the reasons, just makes it feel better. As an aside my 4some would be with my father, and 2 of my friends from HS who will be referenced below.

Oakmont- I know I will lose horribly, but it was the first ever tournament I watched on TV. The shear brutishness makes me want to play it.

TOC - Probably played it 10000 times on the nintendo/computer. Want to see just how big those greens really are.

Crooked Stick - I grew up in Indianapolis, I played golf(okay sorta), this is the one course that everyone wanted to play.

#2 - I am a high handicapper, all but impossible to lose a ball but odds of me breaking 90 are super low. As an aside I love the Sand Hills country.

Chicago - I drive by it regularly, I know what it is, it breaks my heart

« **Reply #29 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:21:28 PM »

Mac, berwick is a must....cannot be missed........

Sand Hills
Pine Valley
Merion
Oakmont
NGLA/Shinnecock

« **Reply #30 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:21:59 PM »

The problem with lists is the inherent limitations. I'll stick with the U.S.

The Top Courses that I think I'd love the most would be:

1. Oakmont
2. Garden City
3. Ridgewood
4. Fenway
5. Plainfield

Or I could easily go with five on Long Island:

1. NGLA
2. Shinnecock
3. Maidstone
4. Friar's Head
5. Deepdale

Or I could go with the Top Five With Municipal Names:

1. Baltimore
2. San Francisco
3. Philadelphia
4. Denver
5. Atlanta

Or the Tough Ticket List:

1. Augusta National
2. Pine Valley
3. Indian Creek
4. Fisher Island
5. Alotian Club

Or the Five That I Could Drive (to):

1. Crystal Downs
2. Kingsley
3. Old Elm
4. Onwentsia
5. Glen Flora

That's how 5 becomes 25. And I haven't even left the country!

« **Reply #31 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:22:03 PM »

I've seen most of what I wanted to see, but these five are likely the next ones I'll seek out.

1. Prairie Dunes
2. Sand Hills
3. Myopia Hunt
4. Woodhall Spa
5. Ballybunnion

« **Reply #32 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:25:21 PM »

The Golf Club
Cypress Point
Augusta
Ballyneal
The Old Course

In no particular order.

« **Reply #33 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:25:47 PM »

Terry...

I am sensing you might have a difficult time making decisions.

But I do like some of the names on there...Onwentsia seems pretty neat to me.

« **Reply #34 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:28:25 PM »

A few miles need to be covered but I guess if I start in New Zealand and head West at least I keep going in one direction.

Cape Kidnappers
Barnbougle
Lost Farm
Old MacDonald
Royal Dornoch

The Hielander

« **Reply #35 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:29:09 PM »

My list is only two long. Everything else would just be gravy. West Sussex and Rye would be a dream trip. I would even write a book about it I think.

« **Reply #36 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:35:39 PM »

Mac, I just checked the map, good luck with Askernish, that is going to be one mighty trip.

St Andrews advanced bookings dont open up until the first Wednesday after Labour Day but i didnt have any problems booking in Sept 06 for the following May. If you can forgo Ankernish then look at panmure, Carnoustie, Royal Aberdeen, Murcar and Cruden Bay. The travel time is not bad and they are great courses.

Are you doing 36 at Muirfield? It is a great experience but for the money I would have liked to play from the back tees, it brings the trouble into play.

How many days are you planning to go?

I have done up a spreadsheet for possibly May 2011 in Ireland, the deals are beyond belief. 14 days for around $4000 CDN including airfare which could be done on points. I know the deals may change but it is a good gauge.

« **Reply #37 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:39:45 PM »

1. Sand Hills (Since it opened, I've wanted to play it, so many good things are said about what C and C did here)
2. Ballyneal (Never having played a Doak, I'd like this to be my first)
3. Cypress Pt. (Just looks like the most amazing course possible, with views and great holes aplenty)
4. NGLA (I'd like to see some "Old" Macdonald before seeing Old Macdonald)

5. Rock Creek Cattle Co. (Heard so many good things. Drove right by it last year. Perhaps I can then compare the greens to those of Ballyneal).

« **Reply #38 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:42:20 PM »

Tim...

I know getting to Askernish is going to be an ass-kicker, but I've got to do it.

How long will I be there? I don't know yet. As long as I need to be. The St. Andrews Old Course bookings need to be figured out as does travel time to and from Askernish. Frankly, this might be a place to sneak in a day or two at The Machrie. In order to get to Askernish, I could travel to The Machrie. I don't want to...I have to. Not a bad trick, huh?

I've heard Ireland might be the better bet for golf and prices...but I've got to do Scotland first.

« **Reply #39 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:47:01 PM »

Quote from: Mac Plumart on June 21, 2010, 10:12:05 PM

Here is what I've got so far...

starting out with Muirfield, Rennasaince, and Musselburgh Old. My understanding is that Renassiance is right next to Muirfield, so that should be easy. And I am a history goof...so I've got to do Musselburgh. I am debating North Berwick, but time is an issue.

Mac

There should be no debate re: North Berwick.....I'm a history goof too but if time is an issue I'd play NB over Musselburgh.

To answer your original question - I was extremely fortunate last year to see a lot of what I had ever dreamed of seeing and so if I was to start a new "dream" Top5.

- Crystal Downs
- Oakmont
- Prairie Dunes
- Augusta National
- Machrihanish

« **Reply #40 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:50:32 PM »

Kevin...

you did have a pretty amazing year last year!! Thanks for sharing some thoughts and photos.

Maybe I should put North Berwick ahead of Musselburgh. Its got history, hell its got The Redan. Tough decisions...good decisions...but tricky some times.

« **Reply #41 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:53:48 PM »

Sand Hills
Shinnecock Hills
Somerset Hills
Holston Hills
Harrison Hills

« **Reply #42 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:54:08 PM »

My dream 5 consists of any 5 top 100 golf courses you might care to list... $:-\$

« **Reply #43 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:57:11 PM »

Crystal Downs
Pacific Dunes
The Old Course
Cypress Point
Pine Valley

« **Reply #44 on:** June 21, 2010, 10:57:30 PM »

BTW, my list isn't meant to be a jab, but an acknowledgement that there are so many good courses to see that one needs some method of narrowing it down or one might never see any!

« **Reply #45 on:** June 21, 2010, 11:00:30 PM »

Quote from: Mac Plumart on June 21, 2010, 10:50:32 PM

Kevin...

you did have a pretty amazing year last year!! Thanks for sharing some thoughts and photos.

Maybe I should put North Berwick ahead of Musselburgh. Its got history, hell its got The Redan. Tough decisions...good decisions...but tricky some times.

Mac

I had a blast around Musselburgh but trust me you will have more of a blast re: NB. Mind you - you can squirt around Musselburgh in around 90mins

BTW - I haven't seen the Rennaisance Club to comment re: it

« **Reply #46 on:** June 21, 2010, 11:02:07 PM »

Wolf Point
Old MacDonald
National Golf Links of America
Cypress Point
Fishers Island

« **Reply #47 on:** June 21, 2010, 11:08:06 PM »

Quote from: Mac Plumart on June 21, 2010, 10:12:05 PM

Tim...I just don't think I can do it.

Here is what I've got so far...

starting out with Muirfield, Rennasaince, and Musselburgh Old. My understanding is that Renassiance is right next to Muirfield, so that should be easy. And I am a history goof...so I've got to do Musselburgh. I am debating North Berwick, but time is an issue.

then heading up to St. Andrews for The Old Course. I don't have this set up yet. I think they open advanced bookings next week. So I should know more soon. I may play a course or two more there, but ideally I'd like to play TOC a few times. I am thinking that may not happen...but we will see.

Then I am going to do whatever it takes to play Askernish. I don't care if I have to bicycle across Scotland and swim to the place. I'm doing it.

So, I am wondering if The Machrie is too much. I think so. So, I'll have to hit that next time.

I know this might be too aggressive for some people's taste, but I get motivated and surges of energy and I think I can do it...then crash for a month!!

Mac,

You MUST play North Berwick. It was my favorite course of the trip, and there is not a single hole out there that is not of great interest. As for time? It's probably a five-to-ten minute drive from North Berwick to Muirfield/Renaissance, and Musselburgh is probably farther away than Berwick. If you are going to Scotland, spend a few days in East Lothian. I wish I had had more time to see that area for golf.

If you are going there, I would plan on at least two rounds at NB and one each at Renaissance and Muirfield. In my mind, Renaissance is a must-see. Beyond that, I would leave time to explore the courses along that coast. You can drive up and down the highway along the Firth of Forth and just pick a course. Gullane, Kilspindie, and Musselburgh all looked fun, among others.

Again, I can't emphasize enough how cool North Berwick is. Simon Holt might disagree with me, though. He's not a big fan of the place.

« **Reply #48 on:** June 21, 2010, 11:53:23 PM »

Augusta National
Cape Kidnappers
Friar's Head
Pacific Dunes

and just to be different,

Pete Dye GC

« **Reply #49 on:** June 22, 2010, 12:09:27 AM »

As always with these threads, it would be infinitely more enlightening were people to explain the reasons for their choice of courses (as well as the top five they have played, so we know what's being left out and what's simply not eligible).

News:

Tim Johnson

Jason McOlgan

Mac Plumart

Chris Flamion

Mark Arata

Terry Lavin

Ian Andrew

Brian Laurent

Mac Plumart

Colin Macqueen

Chris_Clouser

Tim Johnson

Tony Weiler

Mac Plumart

Kevin Pallier

Mac Plumart

Charlie Goerges

John Moore II

Greg Tallman

Charlie Goerges

Kevin Pallier

JNC Lyon

JNC Lyon

Andy Troeger

Scott Warren

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