If I were Matt Ginella, these would be a few of the unfortunate influences I would have to consider for an article of national ambition:
-Regional Balance
-Advertisers
-Input of colleagues
If I were assigned Hidden Gems as a topic, my hope would be to elicit the following reactions from viewers/readers:
You pathological liar! Flatulent Warthog Golf and Hunt Club is not nearly the hidden gem that Belching Emu is!!
Brah, I totally agree with your selections. Ebulient Carrot Golf and Vegan Club flies soooo far under the radar it's reeedonkulous.
What's a hidden gem?
Almost, dude, almost. I concur when it comes to Costive Canal, Windbreakers Cove and The Trots. I've played them all and recommend each to all I encounter. I cannot align with your selection of Carbuncle's Abscess Old, Furuncle The Wizened nor Nevus National. Each is a pretentious blemish across the storied tradition of golf course architecture. Money would be better spent on skin care.
Amigo, I suggest you stop by The Stain the next time you pass through Spain, South Dakota. It is the only American design by Castro Pendejos, the redoubtable Bolivian architect and is a testament to his strength and vision.
Are you high?
That old saw, bad press is better than no press (and sometimes, better than good press) comes round again.