My 2021 was sadly devoid of links courses and UK travel. Still, I did have some interesting new plays and will try to follow Sean’s format:
Most Surprising New Play Course: I only played about 16 new courses in 2021, and the most surprising one for me was Exmoor. Really good greens with a lot of variety and some good subtle movement on a seemingly flat site. Also a great place to enjoy cold Schlitz.....
Runner up is Ozaukee. Too many trees by far, but if you like interesting putts, you’ll have fun there.
Most Disappointing New Play Course: Harvester, but hear me out. Second best conditioned course I played this year,and for 16 holes you think “how isn’t this ranked higher?” The last two holes leave you somewhat let down, but the overall course is terrific. It’s just hard not to think about how much better the ending could be.
https://golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/usa/the-harvester-club/ Runner up: Rolling Hills in Paducah KY. The Maxwell holes come early in the round and have you thinking this is such a hidden gem. Then the post-Maxwell holes leave you deflated. Could be much improved with some $.
Best New Play Course: Shoreacres was the best conditioned course I played all year, with the ground game possible anytime you wanted it. This firmness combined with fairway width, huge greens and some wild possible hole locations make it a great study in angles and how differently holes could play from day to day.
Runner up: Somerset Hills could easily have been the top choice, but I’m such a sucker for Raynor.
Most Surprising Repeat Play Course: Beverly just keeps getting better and better. The latest version embraces fun as well as challenge.
Runner up: Seeing the impact of the derecho at Cedar Rapids was eye-opening in a way that photos can’t show.
Favorite New Play Course: Shoreacres is a place I can’t wait to return to. Hopefully I will.
Best Affordable Course: The Links at Rising Star is idiotically named, but it’s loads of fun.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,68389.msg1639116.html#msg1639116 Best Moderately Priced Course: Memorial Park is only $38 in prime time for residents, and $140 for out-of-towners. Neither price fits Sean’s range, but the average is close and I had to mention this course. Doak’s work showcases how clever green complexes can turn a pro’s small miss into a bogey, yet accommodate a wide range of recreational player skill.
Best Course Played This Year: Shoreacres. I didn’t have the opportunity to choose between best inland and best links this year, but hopefully can make up for that in 2022.
Favourite Course Played This Year: Shoreacres, but Holston Hills still puts a smile on my face every time I’m headed down there.