A *New* GCA Top 10 List...

[Patrick Hodgdon]

Inspired by seeing on Facebook that Ben Sims has returned home and the fact I've never met him, but would definitely like to play a round with him, I thought I'd start a new list thread here on GCA. Because what would GCA be without a list thread on page 1 of the DG?

Here we go...

***Post the 10 GCAers you would most like to play a round with but haven't yet already.***

I'll just start off by putting Ran Morrissett in the "let's just assume he's on everyone's list" category. I mean can anyone reasonably leave him off this list if they haven't had the honor to play with him yet?

Note: Had I not already had the pleasure to play with them JC Jones, Eric Smith and Bill McBride all most certainly would have cracked this list. Can't wait to tee it up with each of them again soon.

1. TEPaul
I've always loved TEPaul's old school stories and would love to have him show me around one of the great Philly courses some time with his combination of depth of knowledge and excellent stories.

2. Pat Mucci
One of my all time favorite threads was when he ripped off some of the great stories about his dad playing in $ games. Would love to play with him and talk more about the effects of the wind at Seminole.

3. Jim Colton
Anyone that is as addicted to golf as Mr. Wegobomber himself is someone I'd love to walk 18 or 108 holes with sometime. Plus we could talk NBA all day long and argue over the best Blake Griffin dunk of the season. (My favorite was the underrated alley-oop over Gortat) Not to mention we could play a Doak and I could hear the song firsthand.

4. Ben Sims
The man fights for our freedom overseas, loves great golf architecture, and is a fellow True shoe diehard. Sign me up for a round. Or three.

5. Mac Plumart
Similar to the aforementioned Mr. Colton above, anyone that loves golf and architecture this much deserves to be on my list.

6. Tom Huckaby
I'd be remiss to leave Tom off this list. Back when I first started posting on GCA and my wife secretly lurked here (still does on occasion) she always said Tom Huckaby was her favorite GCAer. (back then he was posting more often) In other news FWIW she is not so much a fan of Pat Mucci's 'green font' replies.

7. Archie Division - Tie - Mike Nuzzo and Tom Doak
I have yet to play much of the top 100 but every time I see pictures of Wolf Point I'm reminded it should be toward the top of my list of courses I need to find a way to get on someday. I'd love to play there with Mike and spend all day talking about this or that decision in the design process and what it's like to have created a gem no one gets to see.

As for Tom I would forgo a round at Bandon, Ballyneal or Rock Creek (blasphemy I know) with him for a day of 36 holes with 18 at his new Streamsong course and 18 at Calusa Pines. I'd love to hear his critique of CP and also to compare and contrast the two Florida courses juxtaposed with land moved without regard for golf and land moved specifically for golf.

8. Young Guns Division- Tie -  Jordan Wall and Stu Naughler
If only to see who show's up. The guy who posts on GCA and is an Evans Scholar or the college guy I get "interesting" updates about via Facebook. (That is the same Jordan Wall right?)

Stu's introductory thread with some of the best pictures of Cypress on all of GCA definitely piqued my interest. As did his goal to become the superintendent of a Major Championship host course. Would love to learn more about the super side of GCA during a round with him.

9. International Division - Tie - Sean Arble and Scott Warren
I know both could give me a wonderful tour of some of the best International courses.

10. Polarizing Division - Tie - Anthony Gray and John Kavanaugh
Yes I'd like to see what all the hubbub is about.

Honorable Mention-
All the guys I just met at the MN GCA Dinner who were all left off because I fully expect to play a round with each one of them this summer.

Ok so I cheated and stretched mine out to 14 plus Ran... sue me. I'll be interested to see everyone else's list.

[Ronald Montesano]

Since I didn't make Patrick's list, I'll start with ...

1. Patrick Hodgdon...this guy seems like he's a blast from the morning bacon to the evening beers.

2.  Ian Andrew...reason is, he keeps threatening to get me out on the golf course here in Buffalo-Niagara. Great to pick a real architect's brain for experience and wisdom.

3.  Robert Thompson...solid golf writer from Canada who's not afraid to tell me that all the courses that our girls league plays are sh!t.

4.  Macadamia Plumartian...Too many reasons to list.

5.  Tom Doak...See Ian Andrew, save the threatening part.

6.  Sean Arble...I simply like his blend of candor and compassion.

7.  Matt Ward...See Sean Arble, save the compassion. Seems to be one knowledgeable fark or a great ball-shotter.

8. Gib Papazian...if his auditory discourse is anything like his written verbiage, I'll poop myself silly.

9. Eric Smith...He reads all my blogs (not even my mother does that!)

10.  Ben Sims...He and his ilk preserve our freedom.

Apologies to JNC and all the rest of the guys who I'd gladly trade tees, birdies and beers with.

[Mac Plumart]

Patrick and Ron...y'all are welcome in Hotlanta anytime.  Just give me a shout!!

I got the chance to play with Ran a few weeks ago.  Ran, Mr. Hickory, Mr. Old School architecture fan, whips out a neon white brand spanking new r11 driver on the first tee.  Talk about expecations not living up to reality!!!  Where was the play club, the spoon, or the driving cleek.   

I also got the chance to play with John K. before I knew who he was or what his reputation was.  Frankly, he was a nice guy...at least to me.   

I can't name only 10 guys I want to play a round (or 5) with on the site.  Too many great people, too little time.

[John Kavanaugh]

Patrick,

If you are looking for a date you should post a profile.

[Bill Brightly]

By Course

NGLA
Pat Mucci, Ben Simms, Ran

The Old Course
Ian Andrew, Sean Arble, Colin Macqueen

Ballyneal
Jim Colton, Jim Tang, Tom Doak

Old Macdonald
Jim Urbina, George Bahto, Gib Papazian

Cypress Point
Bob Huntley, Tom Huckaby, Mac Plumert

Merion
Wayne Morrison, TE Paul, David Moriority, Tom MacWood (I'll caddy)


The European Club
Pat Ruddy, Scott Warren, Eric Smith (I think he would make a good bouncer)

[JNC Lyon]

Patrick,  this is a neat thread, though I'm pissed I didn't make it into your young guns division (kidding).  I can tell you that Sean and Scott are two excellent guys to play golf with, and they would definitely show you around the great UK/Australia courses if you ever made it there.

Guys I haven't played with?  Well, I've played with a bunch now that I think about it, but there are plenty of guys I need to play with in the future.  I'd start with Ron M. and Kevin L., since they are both local to Upstate New York.  Fortunately, we're planning some get-togethers this summer.  Next, I'd go with Eric Smith and Shivas, for the sheer Caddyshack knowledge alone (Bausch and Harris would have to join as well--another Rob Roy Bishop?)  Mac Plumart and Peter Pallotta are two fellows I'd like to play with, mostly because we seem to share some similar views on architecture and the best way to play the game.  Tim Gavrich and Jordan Wall would be the next two, since I still haven't played with a GCAer my age yet!  The last spots would go to any of the architects on the site--pick any two at will.

There are plenty of others, of course, that I look forward to playing with in the future.

Bill B, would you throw balls for teams in the Merion group?

[Chris Burgard]

By Course


The European Club
Pat Ruddy, Scott Warren, Eric Smith (I think he would make a good bouncer)

Bill,

How can you not include Tiger Bernhardt in the European Club group??

 

Chris

[Jim Nugent]

My list:

Tom Huckaby
Anthony Gray
Tom Doak
George Pazin
Patrick Mucci
Rich Goodale (come out of retirement, please)
Shivas
Anthony Butler
Pat Burke
Chris Cupit

ETA:  since the OP listed 14...

Craig Sweet
Dan King
Shel Solow
Jesse Jones

[Scott Warren]

Flattered, Patrick (and Bill ).

I've been fortunate enough to tee it up with a good 40 or 50 GCAers in the past couple of years and there isn't a dud among them.

The 10 I've not played with yet but most want to?

The next 10, whoever they turn out to be.

[Colin Macqueen]

Gentlemen,

The first ten GCAers that I met at The Boomerang were sterling (as were the remainder). Where was Peter Pallotta?
Cheers Colin.

[Mark Chaplin]

Scott - perfect answer!

[Kevin Pallier]

The 10 I've not played with yet but most want to?

The next 10, whoever they turn out to be.

I agree with Scott - i've enjoyed the company of every GCAer I've met thus far and look forward to the next ten whoever they shall be.

[Ronald Montesano]

Jim Nugent...nice catch on the OP...he did find a way to circumvent his own rule...should be in politics.

Every year the seniors vote for a female and male yearbook dedication...since our school is a small one (100 students per class) this award does have some significance, as you do get to know the kids. I do admit to some that, during my tenure of six years as yearbook adviser, I instituted the dual award (since the women faculty were being ignored) and also the 10-year rule: you win, you wait ten years. Simple really:  the English teachers get to speak of sex and drugs every day, in the dominant/native language. The Science, Language, Art and History teachers don't have that fortune.

Anyway, point of that exercise is, recognize more teachers with a dedication that they will remember for years to come. Problem? Those who don't ever win...sometimes life sucks like that.

So I don't care if I make anyone's list (since I'm a low-profile guy.) I like to read WHY others select WHICH ten members of GCA, as these character references will certainly suggest elements of character worth considering for adoption by yours truly. After all, I joined GCA to become a better person, not for the golf!

[Bill Brightly]

By Course


The European Club
Pat Ruddy, Scott Warren, Eric Smith (I think he would make a good bouncer)

Bill,

How can you not include Tiger Bernhardt in the European Club group??

 

Chris

Sorry, don't know Tiger or his writings on this course. I can't count on him to step in between dueling 4 irons and I don't want to do it. I've at least seen Eric, so I know he is big enough for the job.

JNC,

You get the other loop at Merion. Maybe we should split 'em up and let the game make the peace?

[Eric Smith]

If you haven't met the guy making the opening post - the big Minnesotan - you should add him to your play list. Such a great guy. To be his age again, with a brand new family and all that boundless enthusiasm...reminds me of someone I used to know.

Like Patrick, I too would love to tee it up with Tom Paul for reasons too numerous to mention.

I also think Scott's post says it best - you just can't lose when meeting new GCAers.

So here's my top 10 list, with a twist.

GCAers I've yet to meet, but have plans to play with in the coming months:

1. Ron 'Cheech' Csigo
2. Mark Bourgeois
3. Wade Schueneman
4. Ran Morrissett
5. Chris 'Tubby' Johnston
6. Dan Herrmann + his wife Laura
7. John 'Fred Pickering' Lyon
8. Mark Saltzman
9. Brian Sheehy
10.Patrick Glynn


The European Club with 11. Scott Warren, 12. PRuddy and 13. will.i.am Brightly would be fun - but c'mon brother Bill, there's no need for a bouncer - we'd all be fast friends by the time the first pint is filled - or else.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Patrick,

You stated:[/b][/size]

I'll just start off by putting Ran Morrissett in the "let's just assume he's on everyone's list" category. \
I mean can anyone reasonably leave him off this list if they haven't had the honor to play with him yet?

You can absolutely leave Ran off your list.

I've played with Ran dozens of times and quite frankly, based on my experiences, can't see why you'd want to play with him.

The man is void of personality,manners and humor and offers little in the way of insight with respect to the architecture of the course you're playing, or any other course you may have played in common.

From the first tee until you've closed him out, he incessantly whines that he needs more shots, or that your equipment is the only thing differentiating your games.

Iv'e tried to engage him on topics as diverse as women, food, drink, golf, comraderie, architecture and dogs and all he wants to talk about is peace and tranquility in the form of a summit meeting with TEPaul, Wayne Morrison, Tommy Naccarato, David Moriarty and Tom MacWood. 

I'm telling you, the man is barely one dimensional.

And, he doesn't listen.

Not long ago he sought my advice and counsel on a significant matter.
I gave him ten prudent, insightful reasons why he shouldn't do something, all based on factual, first hand experience gained over the years.
But, did he listen ?             NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, he didn't.

Sheepishly, weeks later, I received a call from Ran, lamenting his fate.
In a voice that barely broke a whisper he said, "I should have listened to you"

Now why would you want to play golf with a man who would admit to wanting to listen to me ?

I'm telling you, if you really want to be part of goling history, ask to be the referee in the match between TEPaul and Wayne Morrisson and David Moriarty and Tom MacWood.  Have you ever heard of "full contact" golf ?

[Ronald Montesano]

When Mucci speaks, does it come out as a green veil of mist?

[Jonathan Cummings]

Now I'm never going to know again when Patrick is being serious!  JC

[Patrick Hodgdon]

Since I didn't make Patrick's list, I'll start with ...

1. Patrick Hodgdon...this guy seems like he's a blast from the morning bacon to the evening beers.

How'd you know I like bacon?

Patrick,

If you are looking for a date you should post a profile.

When are you going to start www.golfermatch.com for me?

By Course...

Nice work Bill. I was thinking of doing it this way, maybe we should switch it to a 4 or 5 threesomes format with courses?

Patrick,  this is a neat thread, though I'm pissed I didn't make it into your young guns division (kidding).

JNC you were a very close 3rd in the category and I almost just made it a 3 way tie. I would love to play with you sometime as we both grew up on classic championship Donald Ross courses as well as a deep love for Caddyshack.

"But the man worthwhile, Is the man who can smile, When his shorts are too tight in the seat."