Medalist

[Matt_Cohn]

This website seemed a lot more excited to talk about Seminole! But Medalist looks really interesting too. I watched the 1995 Price vs. Norman SWWoG match on YouTube today; I know the course has changed in some ways since then.


Golf Digest has Medalist rated a bit outside its Top 200: 15th in Florida, where 13 Florida courses make the Top 200. Golfweek has it ranked as #179 Modern. That's better than a lot of places, but not as high as it seemed headed for when it opened.


This article focuses on the greens and has some interesting commentary. As with Seminole last week, there are a bunch of good course-related articles all around golf media.

[John Kavanaugh]

I had a tee time at the Medalist but my GPS took me next door to McArther which I do believe is a better club for a guy like me. Medalist was fun and very, very friendly.


I don't know what happens when you turn 60 but I think Florida is one hell of a place for a golfer to hang out.

[Tommy Williamsen]

I have played Medalist only once, the year it opened. It was as tough as a two dollar steak. I remember many of the holes, especially the first par three, which was a bear of a green to hit. I'll be interested to see how it has developed.

[Tommy Williamsen]

I had a tee time at the Medalist but my GPS took me next door to McArther which I do believe is a better club for a guy like me. Medalist was fun and very, very friendly.


I don't know what happens when you turn 60 but I think Florida is one hell of a place for a golfer to hang out.

John, I have few friends who left The Medalist and joined MacArthur. They thought it was more player friendly and more fun to play.

[Tim Leahy]

Fun to see the millionaire QB's hack it up. Wonder if they will finish before dark.

[Jeff Evagues]

In what world is Brady an 8?  Phil is not playing much better.

[David_Elvins]

In what world is Brady an 8?

The USA

[Rob Marshall]

In what world is Brady an 8?  Phil is not playing much better.

How many 8’s don’t know how to take a drop?

[Marty Bonnar]

These relentless tee shots over acres of swamp cabbage are a tad boring.
F.

[Matt_Cohn]

I think it looks pretty fun, though admittedly punishing for someone playing like Brady was on the front nine.


What stops it from being ranked higher? It looks pretty, perfect condition, difficult, strategic, and interesting around the greens.

[Marty Bonnar]

Why any pro golfer would ever want this to be their home golf course is utterly beyond me. What a yawnfest of flat, featureless, swamp-ridden, water-infested dullness it is.
F.

[Jim Hoak]

I told Matt, I’ve heard Medalist called many things, but “fun” is not one of them.

[John Kavanaugh]

If you have Tour ability join Medalist. If you’ve got Tour money join McArther.


It’s better to have two courses in the neighborhood each suited for its members than one ill suited for either.

[Kalen Braley]

I would have much rather seen today's players on last weeks course at Seminole. It was far more entertaining from a trash talk and banter perspective.

I'm with Bonnar on this one, outside of a few holes and features, not a fan...

[jeffwarne]

In what world is Brady an 8?  Phil is not playing much better.

How many 8’s don’t know how to take a drop?

most...
of course they can't play to 8 either...

[Peter Flory]

In what world is Brady an 8?  Phil is not playing much better.

Brady's setup look good and his swing is really decent in a lot of ways, but his game off the tee is not functional.  If they didn't say his handicap, I would have assumed that he was at least an 18.  He doesn't use a driver and his 3 wood shot trajectory is very shank-like.  I found that aspect very stressful to watch. 

[cary lichtenstein]

When you play Medalist for the first time, bring a lot of golf balls in your bag otherwise you'll finish early.


It's not fun

[Matthew Rose]

I'm not sure I have any desire to play it.

[Kalen Braley]

In what world is Brady an 8?  Phil is not playing much better.

Brady's setup look good and his swing is really decent in a lot of ways, but his game off the tee is not functional.  If they didn't say his handicap, I would have assumed that he was at least an 18.  He doesn't use a driver and his 3 wood shot trajectory is very shank-like.  I found that aspect very stressful to watch.

Pete,

Agreed on his HC.

To boot, I don't ever recall playing with a single digit who couldn't pitch and chip around the greens at least competently.  And the flat stick was fairly abysmal outside of that one eagle putt.

[John Kavanaugh]

I doubt if I have played a round in Florida where I haven't said, "It's one club length for free, and two with a penalty." They always say they got it but they never do. Handicap exclusive.


Brady won the long drive contest by hitting an iron 220 in the rain. He probably putts out as often as he buys a drink. I believe he is a country club 8. I'm a country club 2 and am not sure I want to give him 3 a side which is exactly what he got from Tiger and Phil.

[Bruce Katona]

There may be a few on this site who have the game to play at Medalist successfully and frequently, with 2 outstanding PGA Tour professionals talking trash and a working counterpart; in the rain and with TV cameras watching every move.  I'm not sure my game is that good, though I'd love to give it a try, hoping I'd do better than Brady did on the opening 6.


I actually liked the course; it would have shown a bit better if it was sunny; though Seminole really looked great last week.


BK

[Peter Flory]

Tiger was a +8.  That sounds crazy until I imagine playing him for money... then it sounds light.  With Brady, at least he is not a sandbagger.  Manning's iron game was surprisingly strong.  Maybe due to a more limited range of motion.  I can only imagine the abuse that these guys have taken over the years- starting virtually every game for 25 years w/ HS, college, and pro leagues. 

[John Kavanaugh]

Brady's rain gear was ill fitting as evidenced by the split pants. He has a nice life with the possible exception of his wife picking out his clothes.

[John Kavanaugh]

Winning in the rain is 80% having the right gear. I'm not sure Brady had more than one hat. Early in the round he was hitting shots as water dripped off the bill. Only later did he have the sense to remove the hat.


At Kingsbarns I had on long pants that did not interact with the combination of rain gear and humidity. I got in a bind and threw out my back. I had to forfeit the ninth hole and walk straight to the half way house where I got properly liquored up. Of course I still won the match because the other 20% of winning in the rain is made up on the first tee. Those guys are pissed about it till this day.

[Jeff Schley]

Tiger was a +8.  That sounds crazy until I imagine playing him for money... then it sounds light.  With Brady, at least he is not a sandbagger.  Manning's iron game was surprisingly strong.  Maybe due to a more limited range of motion.  I can only imagine the abuse that these guys have taken over the years- starting virtually every game for 25 years w/ HS, college, and pro leagues.

Peter good point, you can't call TB12 a sandbagger, I love playing guys with vanity handicaps.
Also neither Manning or Brady were very mobile at all. Had great footwork to slide the pocket, but neither were great pocket movement/bootleg qb's.  Classic pocket passers.  Try and keep your eyes downfield and step into a throw when Julius Peppers at 6'7 300lbs is running right at you about ready to pop you as you step into your thrown.  QB's don't get enough credit for the hits they absorb at that level. They aren't P.....ys that is for damn sure.