[size=0px]A quick question: Relative affordability aside, which if any of the following courses would you rate as being "greater" than Rustic Canyon: Kingsley Club, Glens Falls, Country Club of Troy, Talking Stick North, Wild Horse, Cuscowilla, Lulu and Desert Forest?[/size][/color][/size][size=0px]
Mr. Bogey,
I have played Glens Falls and CC Troy, of the ones you mentioned above. Rustic Canyon is so different from anything that we have in the east. In order to compare it to either of the two I've played, we would have to firm up/burn out the course (albeit not in a pejorative manner) and crank up the wind machine. Rustic is essentially flat land, although there are exceptions on the back nine. Both GFCC and CCT are built on incredibly hilly land, with soil versus sandy grit as essential layer. I cannot think of an eastern course that I could compare with Rustic Canyon.
In terms of shot values, I rate Glens Falls higher than Troy. I would place Rustic between the two, but not by much. I think that Rustic Canyon is all in front of you, but you still don't see it all the first time you play it. In contrast, each hole at Glens Falls always seems to have something hiding around the bend, and it is a gem. It begins with the first hole and continues through the 17th (since 18 is a par three.)
If I were asked to align ten rounds between the two courses, I would split them 5-5 between Glens Falls and Rustic Canyon. They are two such diverse experiences and all golfers should be fortunate enough to play courses like them in their lifetimes.[/size]