New to GCA - Cabot Links

[Garrett McKnight]

After visiting the site around a 1000 times, I guess all it took was a trip to Cabot Links to gain access to this amazing site. I just finished playing my 72nd hole at Cabot Links this evening. The final nine wiht Ben himself. I am excited to finally have access to this discussion group.

I am not sure of the protocol of the board but I hope to bring some insight and learn a little at the same time.

I was fortunate to play four rounds over the past week at Cabot. I am happy to answer any questions. I fully anticipate Cabot will find a well deserved place in North American golf lore in the coming years. It is that good.

Many thanks to Ben and his team for great hospitality.

[David Harshbarger]

Garrett, welcome and congrats on having a good go of it at Cabot Links.

Do share a bit about yourself: courses played, to be played, styles you like, don't like, station in life, general whereabouts, incontrovertible evidence of the identity of the designer of Merion, family, travels, etc.

Dave

[Dan Herrmann]

Welcome!

What's your opinion on the cheater line? 

[Garrett McKnight]

Couple notes....
* Phoenix resident - raised on the East Coast
* Favorite Courses played - No particular order:

Royal Portrush, Yeamans Hall, Desert Forest, Lawsonia Links, Shinnecock, Ballyliffin Old,  Pinehurst #2, Royal Queensland, Alamance CC, Pine Needles....

I prefer traditional designs that require every shot....

Hit list - Burning Tree, Royal County Down, Cypress and Chicago Golf Club...

[Dan Herrmann]

Garrett - what are some courses that left you scratching your head?   What type(s) of course(s) do you usually play around PHX?

[Brett_Morrissy]

Welcome Garrett,

How does Cabot "fit" with your traditionalist sensibilities ?

Royal Qld seems a bit of the odd one out in the courses you named above, did you play any other courses in Aust?
Cheers
Brett

[Garrett McKnight]

I'll do my best to answer some of the questions posed to me.


* I play all around Phoenix - everywhere. I was a member at Southern Dunes as Troon took over. I am lucky to have some friends at Paradise Valley, PHX CC, Whisper Rock and Arizona. I am able to play with them a bunch. I really like Papago after the renovation and have a soft spot for Encanto. I live in the neighborhood and practice there a lot.

* The one course that has me shaking my head the most is Blackhawk CC in Madison, WI. I was a member at Nakoma while living there. Blackhawk has my number everytime I play there. You look at the card and say..."I got this...". Nope.

* I really liked Royal Queensland for it's simplicity. Lots of chances to play a ground game there. Reminded me of Talking Stick North here. I was able to play Brookwater, Noosa Springs, Twin Waters and Noosa GC while there.

* Cabot was great. Especially being able to play my final nine of 72 with Ben. It is fantastic. I mentioned to Ben that I liked the approach shots better at Cabot than Whistling Straits. On many of the holes, you have a number of options on how you approach the greens. #16 is a classic. Soon to be one of the best holes in North America. #11 The Cape is fantastic as well. The approach there is delicate. 

* Highland Links is a gem as well. One round is not enough. It is as tough a course from the tips as I have ever played.

I took a ton of pictures at Cabot. I will try to put together a tour.