Matt, I had read all about Bayonne on GCA.com but purposely did NOT refresh my memory before playing there.
Two things surprised me:
1) How well they crafted a links-looking course, especially if you fix your gaze at dune level and below. I have been to Ireland twice and I think Bayonne is an excellent visual representation (but not in the play.) The heather is gorgeous.
2) I was stunned by the contrast between the industrialized area around the course (NYC skyline, huge cranes, warehouses and ocean-going vessels) and a beautiful golf course. I am sure that I have never played a course with such a STARK contrast between golf course and the surrounds. Can you think of one? That is what I tried to show wih my photos.
I would rather not rank the course (and its holes) after just one play. I was trying to score and I tend to overlook architecture when I focus on scoring...but I snapped as many photos as I could. However, I doubt it will crack my top 5: Pine Valley, Ridgewood, Mountain Ridge, Essex County and Plainfield. I'd have to really consider if it is better than Somerset Hills, Galloway, Atlantic City, Forsgate, Hollywood (and a few others) before I put it in my second 5.
But if the conditions ever get to truly fast and firm and Bayonne plays like an Irish links course wih less of an aerial game...I think it might zoom up my rankings.
Holes 13-18 are superb golf holes. Great variety of length, wind direction, uphill/downhill and stunning views.