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JC Jones

  • Karma: +0/-0
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. 
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.

Carl Nichols

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2011, 07:21:18 PM »
No West Coast entries?

Jed Peters

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2011, 07:26:48 PM »
I'm currently trying to arrange a GCA event at Augusta National in March.

No one's returning my email inquiries, but stay tuned!

Paul Jones

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2011, 07:32:35 PM »
I'm currently trying to arrange a GCA event at Augusta National in March.

No one's returning my email inquiries, but stay tuned!

I thought you had to write a letter :-)
Paul Jones
pauljones@live.com

Chris Shaida

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2011, 07:36:56 PM »
'it's on an island.' and 'no where else would I choose to have my first ace' and ... Funny!  bravo!

Ed Oden

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2011, 07:52:21 PM »
and more importantly, is breaking 90 really impossible the first time someone plays it?

Jason, you don't need to go to Oakmont to test this theory.

JC Jones

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2011, 07:53:52 PM »
No West Coast entries?

The west coast is for golf courses that can't hack it on the east coast.
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.

JC Jones

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #7 on: January 25, 2011, 07:57:19 PM »
and more importantly, is breaking 90 really impossible the first time someone plays it?

Jason, you don't need to go to Oakmont to test this theory.

Hey now.  I've improved since shankapalooza.  I just wish you didn't live so far away so I could show you my improved game.
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.

Ed Oden

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #8 on: January 25, 2011, 08:04:06 PM »
We could live next door to each other and I wouldn't play in this weather.  When I said you'll get 4 seasons in Charlotte I neglected to mention that 2 are winter.

DMoriarty

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #9 on: January 25, 2011, 08:05:45 PM »
Too bad Merion is not on there.  I could make a few calls . . .
Golf history can be quite interesting if you just let your favorite legends go and allow the truth to take you where it will.
--Tom MacWood (1958-2012)

Alex Miller

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #10 on: January 25, 2011, 08:15:27 PM »
I hope this doesn't come off as rude, but I really just want to know.

What's proper etiquette on here? I see Ran make cuts on the discussion board members and he lists one of the reasons as being because of "access whores." Is that different from this? If it isn't is this wrong?

I know there are many well-connected people on this website (I am not one of them), and I know JC has built relationships with some of them, so does it depend on who posts?

I'm really not trying to pick a bone here, just trying to get a feel about what is appropriate here. God knows any of these courses mentioned would vault to #1 on my played list, and likely any course profiled here would instantly be top 5.

If there is a right way and a wrong way to "access whore" please let me know, as I might even make use of the right way. No judgement here.

Mac Plumart

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #11 on: January 25, 2011, 08:19:01 PM »
Alex...

I think JC is being funny.  He has made on-going jokes about asking for access.  In fact, I think he had a thread entitled something like "Can anyone help me get on Pine Valley this summer?".  Something like that.  So, yes...doing something like this is a breach of etiquette, but I think that is why it is funny...as he isn't totally serious.  However, if someone sends him a PM and says I'll hook you up with a round at Augusta...I think he might take it!!
Sportsman/Adventure loving golfer.

Alex Miller

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #12 on: January 25, 2011, 08:20:55 PM »
Mac,

Thanks. It's sometimes hard to pick up nuances like that through the written word.

Richard Choi

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #13 on: January 25, 2011, 08:25:29 PM »
Too bad Merion is not on there.  I could make a few calls . . .

ROFL!!!

David, that is CLASSIC!!! You are not a true GCA'er if this does not bring a big grin on your face.

And I've got a feeling the tongue is not fully in cheek for JC...

Peter Pallotta

Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #14 on: January 25, 2011, 08:33:11 PM »
A wonderful list, JC.  My favourite line/sentiment is this:

"Either way, with a rumored $650k initiation fee, this course had to crack the top 11."

Perfect, profound, prophetic, preposterous, purile, pedantic, prescient, and palaver all at once.



JC Jones

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #15 on: January 25, 2011, 08:36:38 PM »

And I've got a feeling the tongue is not fully in cheek for JC...


Of course its not.  Just chalk me up as someone who believes in Obama like transparency.  And, I'm looking to push my logos per round north of 7 this year.
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.

Michael Blake

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #16 on: January 25, 2011, 08:42:13 PM »
JC,

Does it ever get old trying to use humor as a disguise for access-seeking?

Eric Smith

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #17 on: January 25, 2011, 08:57:26 PM »
Tis if he bought the Gray's Sports Almanac and then hopped in to his flying Delorean.

John Kavanaugh

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #18 on: January 25, 2011, 09:00:46 PM »
Just another rater pulling back the ugly curtain that is usually reserved for IM's.  What's wrong JC, the 1700 courses willing to host you not enough?  Maybe it's funny to you guys but posting rumored initiating fees or dues is just another stab in the heart of golf.  JC needs to get a Big Gulp and host the TMZ of access whoring.  I hate that guy.....too?  

JC Jones

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #19 on: January 25, 2011, 09:01:19 PM »
JC,

Does it ever get old trying to use humor as a disguise for access-seeking?

There is no disguise here.  Nor is there ever.  Why do you think it is that I never disagree with someone on this site who is a member of a top 100 club (or is friends with someone who is), only attend GCA events that include exclusive private clubs and always compliment well-connected Californians?
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.

Michael Blake

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #20 on: January 25, 2011, 09:20:43 PM »
I assumed you were just an access-seeker dude playing an access-seeker dude disguised as an access-seeker dude.
But in reality you're just an access-seeker.
Got it.

JC Jones

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #21 on: January 25, 2011, 09:24:17 PM »
I assumed you were just an access-seeker dude playing an access-seeker dude disguised as an access-seeker dude.
But in reality you're just an access-seeker.
Got it.

Which courses would you add/subtract from the list?  Anything I'm missing or over valuing?
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.

DMoriarty

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #22 on: January 25, 2011, 09:40:15 PM »
Which courses would you add/subtract from the list?  Anything I'm missing or over valuing?

Ran has worked very hard to give this site a more international flavor, so for appearances sake you really should at least feign interest in access whoring for Royal Melbourne, Muirfield, and maybe a course in Asia or Africa.  Or at least Mid Ocean or a Canadian Royal.  It is only polite, and you wouldn't want to offend anyone. 
Golf history can be quite interesting if you just let your favorite legends go and allow the truth to take you where it will.
--Tom MacWood (1958-2012)

JC Jones

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #23 on: January 25, 2011, 09:42:19 PM »
David,

Great point.  I was thinking of including Morfontaine. 
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.

JR Potts

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: List Thread Returns: Top 11 courses I am seeking access to in 2011
« Reply #24 on: January 25, 2011, 09:43:06 PM »
Am I missing some bigger joke here?

If not, wow.

If so, it would be helpful to most to clarify.

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