Hypothetical: would you rather join a Doak 8 ...

[Ira Fishman]

Doak 8s are pretty thin on the ground. Most people don't have a realistic opportunity of joining one because of geography and economics - these places tend to be pretty exclusive and expensive. Also, they can be very busy - particularly in the UK where access to the vast majority of top courses is determined purely by the depth of one's pockets, not connections. The days of members just being able to rock up and play whenever they want are long gone at most such clubs - the place is rammed with very profitable visitors. The pace of play argument really makes no sense.

I’m not sure that is the case for all Doak 8’s... certainly a lot of them in the US remain quiet enough for members to just rock up.


In Ireland, Portmarnock keeps a decent balance with plenty of members only times and the third nine always available... I’m guessing RCD isn’t too bad either although not sure... Lahinch & Ballybunion are rammed almost all of the time though.


What are the “quietest” 8’s in Scotland or England?

Ally,


Tom gave an 8 to only 15 courses in GB&I (and a total of 8 courses received 9 or 10 on the DS). They are pretty rare—a total of 39 in North America that he gave an 8. I have played three of the 8s in GB&I—Swinley Forest, Lahinch (my favorite course in the world) and St. George’s Hill—and would take them over a 4 any day even if play a bit slower...except then I saw he gave Golspie and Kilspindie a 4 which are 10s when it comes to fun. Thank goodness Golf is a big tent.


Ira

[Thomas Dai]

Once upon a time and for many years I was a member at a Club much beloved by posters herein that has a terrific and challenging DS-8 main course. But when groups or visitors were around it could play slow. Fortunately the Club also have a 9-hole course that whilst short on the card is, I suggest, quite a bit better than a DS-4. Visitors focussed on the main big-name course which left the wonderful wee course for those ‘in the know’. Bliss, except on occasions during the winter.
Atb
PS - another reason for Clubs to have more than one course, even if it’s only 9-holes of an lower spec, if space and finance permit?