First impressions

[Steve Salmen]

I've been reading old threads debating great courses such as CPC, PV, Shinnecock, RM, RCD, National, and Merion. I played Muirfield for the first time when I was nineteen. It was by so many leaps and bounds better than any course that I had ever played.  Does that gap leave a lasting impression? I don't think I'd even played a Doak 5, so how can any course blow away a 10?  

I have been impressed many times, but never as overwhelmed. Could this bias follow (or haunt) my judgement forever? Does anyone have a similar experience?

[Scott Warren]

I reckon that first experience of being blown away stays with you and you'll always elevate that course a bit because of it.

I started playing NSWGC at about 14yo and had my socks knocked off, and even now I think I elevate it a bit, maybe excuse some downsides, because of that experience.

But I still get proper excited by visiting a really special course, especially for the first time.

[Paul Gray]

I reckon that first experience of being blown away stays with you and you'll always elevate that course a bit because of it.

I started playing NSWGC at about 14yo and had my socks knocked off, and even now I think I elevate it a bit, maybe excuse some downsides, because of that experience.

But I still get proper excited by visiting a really special course, especially for the first time.

Absolutely agree. I first played Hayling when I was all of thirteen and, honestly, I might as well have been on the moon. I'd played a few mediocre local public courses but this was something in a totally different world.

From that moment on, no matter how good the course, I'd never be so utterly amazed by a layout again. In essence, I'd lost my architectural virginity.