I'm the kind of GCA consumer who will break the bank to play all the must plays, however, equally enjoy a round on an underdog, out of the way muni. I always have my ear to the ground for tips on what I consider to be hidden gems- my favorites are:
Granada Golf Club, Coral Gables, FL 9 Holes- don't hit the dog walkers with your snap hook
Sinnissippi Golf Cse, Rockford, IL 9 Holes
Atwood Golf Cse, Winnebago Co, IL 18 Holes
Roosevelt Golf Cse, Los Angeles, CA 9 Holes- except for the slow play!
Crystal Peaks Golf Cse, Verdi, NV 9 Holes- a doublewide for a clubhouse- feels as remote as Bandon Dunes (OK, maybe not, but close)
It's obvious I lean toward the 9 holers- when I think about it- I suppose because these courses feel "passed over" due to not being 18 holes, yet can have some fine holes themselves. Nine holers also have a populist feeling to them- almost always more waking friendly, I like seeing the afternoon ladies leagues(as long as I'm in front of them) and I get a chuckle out of the protective fences next to the tee boxes and then a sigh of relief when some chop hits the fence when I'm on the other side of it.