LINKS Magazine's Top 10 "Worth Discovering"

[David_Tepper]

A list of semi-hidden gems:

http://www.linksmagazine.com/golf_courses/the-top-10-courses-worth-discovering

[Ryan Taylor]

I can vouch for the Valley Links. Some pictures from my round: (October 2010)

[Matt Frey, PGA]

Old Silo is a fun design, but in my experience, the course conditions can be hit or miss. I've played the course probably four or five times and there were a few times the greens weren't great and the bunkers were a mess. However, it's still a fun round.

There are some pretty big elevation changes for a few of the drives and approach shots, many of which offer great views of the hole and/or course.   There are plenty of trees pushed out around the edges of the course, but they're not really in play, which in my mind is a good thing.

The silo on No. 16 is neat and only comes into play if you severely pull your drive, if I can remember correctly.

[Jason Thurman]

Matt, agreed on Old Silo's conditioning issues. In recent years, they've started to grass over some of the more superfluous bunkers on the course in an effort to cut maintenance costs a bit. I think they had almost 100 when the course opened, which just seemed excessive and proved too much to maintain.

I've played it a few times, most recently last summer when the conditions were outstanding. It's almost certainly one of the two best public courses in Kentucky and a blast to play if the conditions are reasonable. The redan-ish 7th and the half-par 13th and 17th are real standout holes architecturally, while 6 is tough to beat for wow factor. It's a really good course with some outstanding moments, and I'm glad to see it getting some recognition.

[Ash Towe]

I played at Paraparaumu earlier this year.  It is one of the top 3 courses in NZ.  The hidden gem might be Royal Wellington.  It has been recently renovated and I have not played it yet. Friends, whose opinion I trust speak highly of it.

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

Pine Duynes deserves to be on this list.
I have played it many times and always been pleasedwith the effort to get there.Very economical days golf.
Rustic indeed certainly no frills attached simply just good golf and a wonder of how much better it could be with just a little more money.
The greens are always very grainy, not a critique just a fact,great driving range and a layout that is wonderful.
Well worth the trip gents.
I am always open to organising another a trip there with anybody who is interested.

[Matt Frey, PGA]

Thanks for the update, Jason. I haven't played at Old Silo since 2009. I think a lot of their issues, including maintenance, stemmed from some mismanagement. I can't speak for the superintendent, but I think they ran through a few pros in the mid-to-late 2000s.