As far as I know, the rules of competition at the highest levels of the game require a golf course to be walked; the player may use a caddie to help with the task. How can a golf course be great if the course cannot host a legitimate (USGA) competition?
Even the USGA makes exceptions:
https://www.usga.org/championships-hub/additional-entry-resources/cart-policy-at-usga-senior-amateur-championships.html
And, btw, Pasatiempo can become cart golf at times. When it does, the course ceases to be great?
I can't imagine walking Peachtree much of the year without a caddie. Maybe Augusta National (which I have not played) as well. Can a course which cannot be played/enjoyed without assistance by a good majority of golfers be considered great? Are we are not all about fun and against difficulty on this site?
Hi Lou,
I think we've successfully offered the two best arguments for and against courses that are difficult for walking.
Pasatiempo is hilly, but benefits from the Mediterranean climate. The average high temperatures in the summer months is about 75 degrees, and about 62 degrees in the winter months. So it's almost always air conditioned, which makes the course layout sensible. Golfers were likely more physically fit in the days before golf carts. It's a tough walk in places. Getting from the 9th tee to the 11th green is a hike, especially the last 100 yards of #9 up to the 10th tee.
One thing I left out of this morning's post. If we are going to use the Doak scale to determine a great course, then I think the number is 7. Any course that is a Doak 7 or better is a great course. I think there are about 200-300 courses that qualify, which means they are in the top 1% of courses in the world. I think that's special enough to be considered great.
Sneaking in a U.S. Open comment. This tournament has been outstanding so far! I'm hoping for a close, exciting finish to cap off what has been one of the best TV golf experiences in years.