The Pazin lead list threads seem to have faded so I thought I'd bring them back. While most people offered a top 10, I thought 11 was better because, well, it is one more higher.
So, after much deliberation, here are the top 11 courses that I am seeking access to this year (any help in gaining access to the listed courses is much appreciated):
11. Sebonack G.C.
How can any GCA enthusiast not be attracted to this golf course? It sits between two of the most historic golf courses ever laid out. It was designed by two of the most prominent golf course architects in the game. The clash of new money and ostentatiousness with the old blue blood of Long Island's historic clubs. Is it possible that machine-like designs of Nicklaus could blend with the pointy-headed brashness of Doak designs to produce a masterpiece? Is this oil and water or yin and yang? Either way, with a rumored $650k initiation fee, this course had to crack the top 11.
10. Maidstone
If there was any question, let me answer it now. Long Island's finest will be featured prominently on this list. Despite Mike Sweeney insisting there are only 3 good golf courses on Long Island, many have said that it is the greatest concentration of great golf in the United States (and possibly the world). Why Maidstone? It could be one of the truest links we have here in the United States. Plus, it exemplifies old school Hamptons with a landing strip near by for the jets and some of the best coastline around, Maidstone has long been a club for the elite and the golf course is supposed to live up to its billing. While some of the interior holes may be lesser, the ocean side holes and the dunes look absolutely stunning.
9. The Golf Club
Considered Pete Dye's finest work, the Golf Club outside of Columbus is one of the lesser known great courses on this list. Whether it be its unassuming name or its unassuming location, it certainly flies under the radar. But, what it apparently lacks in penache it makes up for in architecture. The people that I've talked to who have played it simply rave about the golf course and how it reflects an understated brilliance more apparent in Dye's earlier works. Plus, I hear the peanut butter and bacon sandwiches are fantastic.
8. Fishers Island Club
There are very few members, it is on an island and only the truest of GCA enthusiast has even heard of the place. That is what makes it one of the top 5 most exclusive and hardest to get on golf courses in the country. Architecture aside, exclusivity is like a flame to the GCA enthusiast moth. Considered to be Seth Raynor's finest work (despite the flat-ish greens), it is always important to see the truest and best reflection of an artists work before judging the artist themselves. Is it true that templates are guiding influences and aren't forced on to the land? My guess is a trip around Fishers Island will answer this question once and for all.
7. Oakmont
While some courses are discounted for their narrow fairways, high rough and crazy greens, Oakmont is revered for the same. Are the greens that crazy? Does it affect the flow having the Penna Turnpike run down the middle? Is there really that much movement in this flat piece of farm land? Does it truly take away from the greatness of the course to have the fairways so narrow or, does it reflect the architect's true intent? There really is only one way to find out .... and more importantly, is breaking 90 really impossible the first time someone plays it?
6. NGLA
We are back on Long Island. This time to visit the windmill. Charles Blair Macdonald is said to have been the father of golf course architecture in America. By drawing inspiration from the great holes of the British Isles and throwing in some unique designs of his own, at one point it was considered to be the greatest links in the United States. Rumored to bring the fun factor more than any other course out there, can it really be so great when it was so forgotten for so long? Or, as some who have played have said, what is the big deal?
5. Chicago Golf Club
Although it is the Seth Raynor redesign that is to be played, this midwestern boy is attracted to the most exclusive and historic club in Chicago. Like Fishers Island, thought to be nearly impossible to play, I am up for the challenge. Is it the course that makes this place so great or is it the history and the exclusivity? I've played a Raynor on some pretty rolling land, how would the philosophy translate to really flat land? All I know is that I'd love to find out and I'd love to have the bag tag to prove it.
4. Pine Valley
Is it really the best course in the country? Is it really that hard? Is it really wider than the pictures suggest? Are the greens fun or are they stupid hard? Could a ferris wheel really bring out such emotion in a man? I can't tell from the pictures what makes this course so great. Some pictures of courses reflect an obvious greatness, Pine Valley's reflect a tree-lined, narrow course with a lot of sand. I need to get out there and see what all the fuss is about. If, after all, Mike Sweeney (that's twice he has made it into this list) says it is so great that Merion is relegated to "backyard" status, it must be great ... right?
3. Shinnecock Hills
Next to Augusta National, the first course I ever saw on TV and felt a compelling desire to see. I can remember where I was when I watched Corey Pavin hit that 4 wood to 18. I can remember the way the clubhouse looked on my television and the feelings and emotions it brought to my 14 year old self. The more I learn about this Flynn masterpiece the more compelling it becomes. The way the course flows with the movement in the land leaving opportunity for the mid-handicapper but bringing the greatest in the game to their knees. Can the green on 17 really be that hard? Next to 12 at Augusta National, no where else would I choose to have my first Ace.
2. Augusta National
For all of the obvious reasons. I envision walking up the 18th hole with my older brother, who taught me the game of golf, feeling grateful for finally being able to repay him for the great gift he gave to me.
1. Kingsley Club
Yes, this list is in order and yes, Kingsley Club tops it. In fact, Kingsley Club is the course I've sought access to every year since playing it the first time in 2007. Quite simply, I have more fun at Kingsley Club playing golf than I do anywhere else.