Hello all,
Let me first introduce myself. My name is Parker Reeves, and I thank Ran for allowing me to be a part of this great site. I look forward to learning more and hopefully meeting some members along the way.
My first post is one that has been brought up on GCA multiple times, but I think it's time for a fresh thread. I'm a fan of great golf courses (who isn't?) whether they were built in the 1800's or within the last year. We hear about many courses when discussing "the greats", but I'd like to hear what you have to say about what you feel might be some underrated golf courses. If you feel that Augusta National or Pine Valley are overrated, that is totally fine, and I have no problem with that. Maybe you can point out some reasons that others of us might not have known. If it's a course no one on this site has heard of but you, maybe this will awaken us to a great new place to trek towards some fine golf. I can't wait to see what is mentioned!
Some of my underrated courses would include:
-Sunnehanna - Classic Tilly and a fantastic course in Johnstown, PA which many people might not know about if it weren't for the course. The Sunnehanna Amateur is one of the finest Amateur events in the country.
-Harbour Town - I truly believe Harbour Town to be one of the best golf courses in the country. Tee ball placement is paramount and being in the wrong part of the fairway can cause overhanging trees to become part of the equation. Just looking at the PGA Tour playing this golf course makes you realize that a course doesn't have to be 7,000+ yards to be great.
-Scioto - Maybe this is a personal thing, but I don't think Scioto gets the credit it deserves. I really feel that Oakmont offers more birdie opportunities than Scioto. Many holes at Oakmont can leave you with a wedge in your hand, but the fairway bunkers will get you. Scioto might be one of the best driving courses in the world and when the rough is up and the course is firm, it plays extremely hard as a 7,140 yard Par 70 from the Championship tees. As many of you probably know, the largest US Open Sectional Qualifier is held in Columbus the Monday after The Memorial. Last year, the 36 hole event was staged at Scioto and Ohio State's Scarlet course. Even Par got in a playoff to make it to the Open. That says a lot to me about how the golf course plays for some of the best players in the world.
-Oakmont - I must say, Oakmont probably gets the credit it deserves as it is always ranked very highly, but I have to say that it is one of the best designed and best conditioned courses I've ever played. The Poa Annua works perfectly in that part of the country and Fownes did wonders in his only design. It has truly stood the test of time and if you are ever able to play the golf course, I think it will quickly shoot up your list of favorites.
-Pacific Dunes - Wow, what a place. I have only played Pacific and have not been able to play in Scotland/Ireland yet (hopefully this summer), but when you are here, it's like you've reached the end of the world. Being in this area, next to the ocean and with such fine golf, it is truly a paradise for me. I love the feeling of being disconnected and in your own little world and Pacific Dunes is a perfect example of this. The course makes you feel like you've been transported overseas and are enjoying some of the great links of days past. The ability to play so many different shots is truly a throwback and this resort is one place you don't want to miss.
I have more courses to write about, but I will wait to see what others have to say before I post again.
All the best!