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Jud_T

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Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« on: January 03, 2011, 12:09:51 PM »
List 1.

"My favorite courses I've played that I'd happily play every day for the rest of my life"

1. The Old Course, St. Andrews-If you haven't played it more than once, you really have only seen the Old Gal in passing at a cocktail party.  If you've played her twice like me, you've just taken her out for a coffee and have just begun to get a sense of how interesting she really is...

2.  Pacific Dunes-Most here know the drill.  But this track is deserving of every acolade.  If RGD surpasses this track I will genuflect in the direction of Traverse City daily.  Perhaps the only course I've played where the stunning views are simply secondary to the quality of the golf.

3.  Ballybunion Old- I'd have to develop a low lefty draw to handle the home stretch along the water but it'd be worth the effort.  Fantastic dunes, wonderful routing.  The 6th is one of my favorite short par fours in the world.

4. Prestwick-  When you look up "Old School" in the dictionary, there's a picture of Prestwick.  Holes they'd never build today, but should.

5.  Portmarnock-  Just love how understated the course is yet works perfectly with the land.  Some great bunkering as well.

6.  Lahinch-  Played it twice right before the Irish Open and the rough was up, but what a spot.  Classic Holes, Huge Dunes hard against the sea in a wonderful little town.

7.  Fisher's Island- What's not to like?  Raynor classic where you can see the water from virtually every tee and every green.

8.  Kingsley Club-  I liked the place so much I became a Member!  Although if I played it every day they'd probably have to put a standing order in to keep the mailbox stocked... 8)

9.  Shoreacres-  Classic Raynor course with some inspired use of ravines and a certain je ne sais qua.  Matt Ward's only serious error IMHO..  ;D

10.  Lost Dunes-  Yes there's a highway running through it, but this is really a wonderful piece of sandy property that RGD made maximum use of.   Some of the greens have to be seen to be believed.

11.  Lawsonia Links- If you don't get it by now, make every effort to join in the fun at the Midwest Mashie.  A textbook on how to take an average piece of rolling farmland and build fantastic green complexes and Voila....

12.  Westhampton-  Just love the laidback beach feel of this old classic.  Have to get back out there post-renovation.

13.  Baltray-  Underrated IMHO based on 1 play.

14.  Bahia de Los Suenos-  See my ongoing photo thread.  And when's the last time another member at Cypress, Augusta, Chicago, Shinny or Seminole offered you some fresh Yellowtail Sashimi that they just reeled in an hour prior?  

15.  Rustic Canyon-  Played it a few weeks ago with a rental set on a business trip to see what all the fuss is about.  All the fuss is well deserved.  Why aren't there a ton more public courses like this around the country?

16.  Tamarack Country Club- Old Banks classic.  The Punchbowl 11th, Biarritz 12th, #7 Redan as well as the scope of some of Steamshovel's bunkering are must sees for anyone here...I'll try to get a photo tour together next summer.
« Last Edit: January 03, 2011, 12:13:55 PM by Jud Tigerman »
Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

Jud_T

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2011, 12:11:26 PM »
In retrospect, it's interesting that I have 3 Doak courses on the list and no C&C tracks.  Only one's I've played are Bandon Trails, Talking Stick North and WeKoPa Saguaro.  All very good, but not necessarily what I'd want a steady diet of...Have to make a better effort to see more of their work as it'd seem to be right up my alley...
Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

Bill_McBride

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #2 on: January 03, 2011, 12:14:34 PM »
Apparently you haven't played Crystal Downs yet!

Jud_T

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #3 on: January 03, 2011, 12:16:37 PM »
Bill, that's correct.  Was supposed to get out this summer but it didn't work out..On my short list.  There's a bunch of obvious candidates for the list that I just haven't played yet...
Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

Richard Choi

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #4 on: January 03, 2011, 12:19:48 PM »
Jud, as a fellow alum, I am curious to see that the UM course does not make it on to your list...

Wat up wit dat?
« Last Edit: January 03, 2011, 12:23:45 PM by Richard Choi »

Bill_McBride

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #5 on: January 03, 2011, 12:20:04 PM »
Bill, that's correct.  Was supposed to get out this summer but it didn't work out..On my short list.  There's a bunch of obvious candidates for the list that I just haven't played yet...

I was just thinking that if you're a fan of the Kingsley Club and the Doak courses, you really need to play the one course that I hear inspired both Mike DeVries and Tom Doak.  I've only played it once but was awe struck!

John Kavanaugh

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #6 on: January 03, 2011, 12:22:03 PM »
Jud,

How far do you live from Kingsley and describe how you use the club.

Jud_T

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #7 on: January 03, 2011, 12:47:09 PM »
Jud, as a fellow alum, I am curious to see that the UM course does not make it on to your list...

Wat up wit dat?

Michigan will get the bump up after Devries is brought in for a complete restoration  8)
Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

Jud_T

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #8 on: January 03, 2011, 12:53:20 PM »
Jud,

How far do you live from Kingsley and describe how you use the club.

John,

I live in the northern suburbs of Chicago.  I can make it to Kingsley in 4 3/4 hours driving as long as I don't get stuck in Chicago traffic (or an hour in my buddy's plane).  This was my first season there.  I made it up for 5 long weekends and had 2 additional trips cancelled for various reasons.  I go both with friends and with the family (My wife and son play, my daughter doesn't).  There always seems to be some GCA guys lying in wait as well, several are members, so there's always a game to be had.  Best playing surface between Bandon and GB&I IMHO....Perfect for a 3 day weekend...
Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

John Kavanaugh

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #9 on: January 03, 2011, 12:56:25 PM »
Jud,

As you may know I love national memberships.  I almost almost asked you how the playing surface compares to out in the Sand Hills but see from your list above you have not made the trip.

Jud_T

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #10 on: January 03, 2011, 01:00:48 PM »
John,

Haven't made it out to Sand Hills or Ballyneal yet for comparison.  Can't imagine the playing surface is much better though...
Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

John Kavanaugh

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #11 on: January 03, 2011, 01:05:28 PM »
John,

Haven't made it out to Sand Hills or Ballyneal yet for comparison.  Can't imagine the playing surface is much better though...

I have not been to Kingsley but the playing surface in the Sand Hills is better than Bandon if not because the lack of play then the private nature allows for even faster and firmer surfaces.  I take it you are not a Coltonista.  Glad to see he hasn't gotten everyone north of I-80.

Adam Clayman

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #12 on: January 03, 2011, 01:08:22 PM »
oops. My bad. I was remote computing and got the list confused.
« Last Edit: January 03, 2011, 01:52:58 PM by Adam Clayman »
"It's unbelievable how much you don't know about the game you've been playing your whole life." - Mickey Mantle

Jason Topp

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #13 on: January 03, 2011, 01:14:58 PM »
Jud:

Could you identify some courses you considered but kept off of the list?

Ronald Montesano

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #14 on: January 03, 2011, 01:23:51 PM »
Jud-man.

I WOULD play Bandon Trails every day of my life and enjoy it.  I do like the list you've assembled, although I wonder if any no-name courses were up for consideration (like the Janz or some other muni track.)
Coming in 2024
~Elmira Country Club
~Soaring Eagles
~Bonavista
~Indian Hills
~Maybe some more!!

Jud_T

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #15 on: January 03, 2011, 02:24:21 PM »
Guys,

Check my must-play Metro Chicago Area courses list going up shortly....
Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

William_G

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #16 on: January 03, 2011, 02:42:23 PM »
Jud-man.

I WOULD play Bandon Trails every day of my life and enjoy it. 

+1 go Ducks!
It's all about the golf!

JC Jones

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #17 on: January 03, 2011, 03:24:14 PM »
John,

Haven't made it out to Sand Hills or Ballyneal yet for comparison.  Can't imagine the playing surface is much better though...

I have not been to Kingsley but the playing surface in the Sand Hills is better than Bandon if not because the lack of play then the private nature allows for even faster and firmer surfaces.  I take it you are not a Coltonista.  Glad to see he hasn't gotten everyone north of I-80.

John,

I would +1 on Kingsley's turf being as good as there is.  I haven't been to Bandon in 6 years so my memory of the turf is only that I thought it was really good.  Kingsley is the best turf I've played on since Bandon.

I get it, you are mad at the world because you are an adult caddie and few people take you seriously.

Excellent spellers usually lack any vision or common sense.

I know plenty of courses that are in the red, and they are killing it.

Jud_T

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #18 on: January 03, 2011, 04:56:46 PM »
Jud:

Could you identify some courses you considered but kept off of the list?

Jason,

Good question.  Diamante was a tough call.  Great track but perhaps a bit too difficult and a tough walk for everyday use.  And if I had to play #14 at Bandon Trails every day I'd either give up the game or head out there late one night in my best Carl Spackler impersonation... ;D
« Last Edit: January 03, 2011, 04:58:20 PM by Jud Tigerman »
Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

Keith OHalloran

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #19 on: January 03, 2011, 05:01:41 PM »
Jud,
When did you play Westhampton, and what renovation were/are they planning? I played recently and was wondering if I played pre or post renovations?

Jud_T

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #20 on: January 03, 2011, 05:06:39 PM »
Keith,

I played it in 2002, on the anniversary of 9/11 and there were flags on a bunch of lockers.  Had a somber drink in the bar with the late, great Dave DeBusschere.  I thought there was a thread recently talking about some restoration work going on quite recently or in the hopper .  Not sure of the status....
« Last Edit: January 03, 2011, 05:13:59 PM by Jud Tigerman »
Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

Keith OHalloran

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #21 on: January 03, 2011, 05:09:22 PM »
Ok thanks, I will take a look. I love the course now, and would be interested in seeing what they have done. I believe they also hired a new Greenkeeper last year, and while I have not been back, from what I hear, he has been great.

Scott Warren

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #22 on: January 03, 2011, 05:20:11 PM »
Jud,

It's great to see Baltray on the list. 3-8 and 12-16 are as good as links golf gets.

Really enjoyed reading the list. Great work.

Jud_T

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #23 on: January 03, 2011, 06:04:24 PM »
Scott,

Thanks.  But according to George Peper, Kingsley ain't a links...
Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

Scott Warren

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Re: Weekly Series- Poster Threads-Jud Tigerman List 1.
« Reply #24 on: January 03, 2011, 06:25:32 PM »
But does he give Baltray a spot in the 246? ;)