2. I joined Dismal River in November of 2009 before the current owners lead by Chris Johnston took over. Anyone who has visited the course since that date will agree it was a stroke of genius. Dismal is well on its way to be one of the great courses in the world.
John:
I am not trying to tweak you, this is a serious question -- where do you have Dismal in your pecking order of great courses (however you measure greatness)? What is holding it back from greatness, and what changes will enable it to get there. I've never played Dismal (or anywhere in Sand Hills), and I am genuinely interested.
Carl,
I've played a few great courses and have visited some of the finest regions in the country for golf. Given that I live in Southern Illinois I believe the Sand Hills region is the greatest place where I could ever go around a half dozen times a year to play. (If I am lucky) That being said, I took a road trip on the eve of my 50th birthday (October 2009) looking to give myself a treat by joining a course in the Sand Hills. Ballyneal was too expensive and Sand Hills is invitation only so I left on the trip thinking I would join The Prairie Club under the Founders program they were then offering at that time. I don't recall when I called Dismal asking if I could come by for a peek on my way to play Wild Horse after touring TPC but believe it may have been during my drive. This was before Chris Johnston and his group bought Dismal as it was being operated by Troon Golf. The very young man who was pro at the time surprised me when he said I could come by and spend the night at Dismal during my journey and take a look at the course despite the fact that they were closed for the winter. He also said that I might want to consider joining Dismal instead of whatever my other options may be.
My day consisted of driving from Omaha to Valentine and touring all 46 holes at TPC then driving to Dismal with about an hour of daylight remaining. It may be because I am in the road business, I really really love roads of all shapes and sizes, but the 17 mile one lane paved road into Dismal is on of the great drives in all of the world. Its like being on a roller coaster when you are old enough to understand the carnies who put together the rails have nothing to lose. By the time I reached the parking lot I was sold.
I ended up having time to play 4 or 5 holes, without cups or pins, and driving around a bit. I did insist on seeing the 10th because it was rather famous and was not disappointed.
I only went through that story because it was my choice to join Dismal under the old ownership during the winter when I had no guarantee that they would even open next year that I am most proud. I am not the first person to fall in love with the land of the region and I will not be the last. I suppose you could say that I got lucky that new owners who honored my agreement came in and saved the club. Few people do have my luck day in and day out. Maybe it was turning 50 and all that comes with that, up tees, lesser competition or lower expectations, but last year was clearly the best year of my golfing life and the choice to join Dismal played a major role in that fact.
You asked where the course falls in all those I have played. I can best describe Dismal in an imaginary world where Bandon Dunes is private and just been built. You have great land, a great owner and the potential for future great courses. Looking back, who wouldn't join Bandon in that model?