Where did you play in 2024?

[Richard Hetzel]

I just completed my last round of golf for 2024. 2024 was great to me as I was fortunate to play some great golf courses. It was also the first time I was able to play more than 50 (54) new golf courses. Not ranked in any particular order, but my favorites are in bold.


1.  Pete Dye River Course (VA)
2.  Asheboro GC (NC)
3.  Pinewood CC (NC)
4.  True Blue GC (SC)
5.  NCR CC South (OH)
6.  Westbrook CC (OH)
7.  Smock GC (IN)
8.  Hillsboro Elks GC (OH)
9.  Totteridge GC (PA)
10.  Montauk Downs GC (NY)
11.  The Bridge (NY)
12.  Ferry Point Links (NY)
13.  Skyway GC (NJ)
14.  Erie GC (PA)
15.  Little America GC (WY)
16.  Copper Rock GC (UT)
17. Lakota Links (CO)
18. Perry Park Resort (KY)
19.  Diamond Springs GC (MI)
20.  Crystal Downs GC (MI)
21.  Stoatin Brae (MI)
22.  Ravisloe CC (IL)
23.  Willow Hill GC (IL)
24. Thunderhawk GC (IL)
25.  Sandbox (WI)
26.  Mammoth Dunes (WI)
27.  Sand Valley (WI)
28.  Sedge Valley (WI)
29.  Sinissippi GC (IL)
30.  Canterbury GC (OH)
31.  Woodland GC (OH)
32. Moundbuilders CC (OH)
33. Uniontown CC (PA)
34.  Pendleton Hills CC (KY)
35.  Springfield CC (OH)
36.  Walnut Grove CC (OH)
37.  Cambridge CC (OH)
38. Bedford Springs (PA)
39. Chariot Run GC (IN)
40. Old Capitol (IN)
41.  Fort Mill GC (SC)
42.  Midland Valley GC (SC)
43.  Aiken GC (SC)
44.  Lancaster GC (SC)
45.  Cleveland Heights GC (FL)
46.  Cedar Hammock CC (FL)
47.  Osprey Point GC (FL)
48.  Champions Club (FL)
49.  Clewiston GC (FL)
50.  Sebring International (FL)
51.  Sebring Municipal (FL)
52.  Pinecrest GC (FL)
53.  Paradise GC (FL) 12 hole course
54.  Myakka Pines GC (FL)

[MCirba]

Rich,


You smoked me.     A mere 34 new ones here with 12 of them 9 holes or less.


I thought about doing a Doak Scale rating again but truth is that the majority would fall into the 2-5 range.   I'll highlight courses that I would rate 5 or above instead w/an asterisk.   Some rate a 5 with me because I love quirk but some would probably consider them 1s or 2s and/or never even consider playing them.


New Courses played in 2024 are as follows (courses less than 18 holes are indicated);

Mount Lebanon (PA) (9)
Shelter Harbor (NY) (9)*
Sag Harbor (NY) (9)
Poxabogue (NY) (9)
The Bridge (NY)*
The Bridge (Short) (NY) (5)*
Maidstone (East) (NY) (9)*
Inland Greens (NC) (9)
Rivers Edge (NC)*
Castle Bay (NC)
Olde Point (NC)
Braintree (MA)
Mount Bruno (Quebec, CN)*
Grand-Mere (Quebec, CN)*
Forest Lake (PA) (9)
Tyoga (PA)*
Summit Springs (ME) (9)
Poland Spring (ME)*
Grindstone Neck (ME) (9)
North Haven (ME) (9)*
Merchantville (NJ) (9)
Woodway (CT)*
Half Moon (Jamaica)
Rose Hall (Cinnamon Hill) (Jamaica)*
Rose Hall (White Witch) (Jamaica)
Old Bridge (NJ)
Forest Hills (GA)*
Augusta Municipal (GA)
Old Barnwell (SC)*
Augusta CC (GA)*
Houndslake (SC)

[George Smiltins]

Under 10 new courses for me but enjoyed every one of them:

Lookout Mountain (GA)
Black Creek (TN)
Congress Lake (OH)
UGC De Pan (Netherlands)
Country Club of Charleston (SC)
Yeamans Hall (SC)
Bulls Bay (SC)
Old Barnwell (SC)
Mayacama (CA)

[Jonathan Cummings]

OK - mine is a little schizophrenic

Pinehurst #10

Shanqin Bay

Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula

Hong Kong GC

Longue Vue

Fenway

Woodway CC

Rolling Green

Merion - East

Dominion Golf Club

Lookout Mountain

Belleair - West

Palmerstown

Bunclody

Rathsallagh

Powerscourt

Prestbury

Beau Desert

Alwoodley

Wallasey

Cavendish

Notts

Ganton

Blackwell

Portumna

Esker Hills

Tullamore

Lofoten Links

St Margarets

Bidermann

Lido, The

Sedge Valley

Jasper

Banff

Heritage Point (D/H)

Deal G&CC

Hollywood

Yahnundasis

Ridge at Back Brook

Somerset

Spring Hill

Minikahda

White Bear Yacht Club

Knollwood

Cutalong

The Park at West Palm

High Ridge

Bear Lakes - Lakes

Everglades GC

Old Memorial

Lake Jovita - North

Lake Jovita - South

Furman Univ

Savannah Lakes - Monticello

Ventana Canyon - Canyon

Tucson National

Ventana Canyon - Mountain

Casino del Sol (Sewailo)

Alta Mesa

Raven - Phoenix

Point Hardy

[Greg Hohman]

Rich,


You smoked me.     A mere 34 new ones here with 12 of them 9 holes or less.


I thought about doing a Doak Scale rating again but truth is that the majority would fall into the 2-5 range.   I'll highlight courses that I would rate 5 or above instead w/an asterisk.   Some rate a 5 with me because I love quirk but some would probably consider them 1s or 2s and/or never even consider playing them.


New Courses played in 2024 are as follows (courses less than 18 holes are indicated);

Mount Lebanon (PA) (9)

Your thoughts on my hometown’s muni?

[John Handley]

2024 was a great year as I started on my effort to play great courses in England.  I made two trips in 2024 and have one scheduled in 2025.


For 2024, I played:


Sunningdale New & Old, Royal St Georges, Huntercombe, West Sussex, Hankley Common, Swinley Forest, St. George's Hill, Walton Heath Old, The Berkshire Red, Royal Liverpool, Formby, and Royal Lytham & St. Annes.


On tap for 2025, Alwoodley, Moortown, Ganton, Woodhall Spa, Hunstanton, Royal West Norfolk, Sherwood Forest, and Hollinwell. 

[Tommy Williamsen]

I don’t get to as many as I used to and try to play courses that have opened recently. I got to a lot of new ones this year.

Bryce Resort VA (Home 25 times)
Musgrove Mill SC 21times-member
Sanctuary
GrayBull 45 holes
Ballyneal
Tree Farm
Old Barnwell
Pinehurst #10
Cabot Citrus Farms Karoo
Cabot St. Lucia Point Hardy 2 times
Cabot Links 3 times
Cabot Cliffs 3 times
Druids Glen Ireland
Druids Heath Ireland
Portmarnock
The European Club 6 times
Frederica
Sea Island Seaside and Plantation
Ocean Forest
Warwick Hills
St. Johns Resort The Cardinal (MI)
Tot Hill Farm
UNC Finley
Wellman (SC)

[Simon Barrington]

A dozen new courses for me:

Pannal
Holy Island (9-Holes NLE) - Just incredible, wild, natural minimalist "Lost Links" in huge dunes by James Braid in 1907
Goswick (Berwick-upon-Tweed)
Dunstanburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle
Ellesborough
Queens Park (Bournemouth) - Could be one of the best Municipal restorations in England
Bethpage Park - Red
Canoe Brook CC - North
Canoe Brook CC - South
The St Andrews Club of NY - A pleasure to play James Braid's only design credit in the US
Sunningdale Heath - A joyous revelation of shortness and fun!

[Joe Zucker]

Richard,


What did you love about Canterbury?  As a native Clevelander, this course was the pinnacle for me for a long time and was a special treat when we could play in their annual high school tournament.  I feel like it doesn't get a lot of press these days, but it has a lot of special shots in my mind, as well as the best greens in Cleveland.

[Tim Martin]

Mid South Club    NC
Pine Needles GC  NC
Mid Pines GC       NC
Midlands GC(9)   NC
Old Scotland Links   MA
Keney Park GC    CT
Shennecossett GC   CT
Edgewater GC    SC
Vails Grove GC(9)  NY
Pehquenakonck CC(9)  NY
William J Devine GC   MA
Copper Hill GC (9)     CT
Orange Hills CC    CT
Elmridge GC   CT
Rolling Meadows CC  CT
Mill River CC   CT
Architects GC  NJ
Lehigh CC   PA
Saucon Valley CC Old  PA
Lexington GC(9)   MA
Siwanoy CC   NY
Timberlin GC   CT
Worcester CC   MA
Highland GC(9)  CT
Fox Hopyard CC  CT
Cherry Hill GC(9)  MA
Dutcher GC(9)   NY
Westwoods GC   CT
Holyoke CC(9)   MA
Pequot GC  CT
The International GC Oaks  MA
Spring Lake GC  NJ
Tumble Brook CC  CT
TPC River Highlands  CT
Mohawk GC   NY
Bedford Springs Old Course  PA
Pete Dye GC  WV
Scioto CC   OH
Columbus CC   OH
Moundbuilders CC   OH  walked only
Sewickley Heights GC   PA
East Mountain GC   CT
Bellows Falls CC(9)  VT
Canaan CC(9)   CT
Tamarack CC   CT
Shuttle Meadow CC  CT
Deal Golf & CC   NJ
Galloway National GC  NJ


33 New
15 Replay

[David_Tepper]

A couple of you played Deal GC, across the road from Hollywood GC.


HGC has gotten plenty of exposure here over the past couple of years, deservedly so. Please tell us more about Deal. I can't recall it being discussed here in a long time.

[Ally Mcintosh]

OK - mine is a little schizophrenic

Pinehurst #10

Shanqin Bay

Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula

Hong Kong GC

Longue Vue

Fenway

Woodway CC

Rolling Green

Merion - East

Dominion Golf Club

Lookout Mountain

Belleair - West

Palmerstown

Bunclody

Rathsallagh

Powerscourt

Prestbury

Beau Desert

Alwoodley

Wallasey

Cavendish

Notts

Ganton

Blackwell

Portumna

Esker Hills

Tullamore

Lofoten Links

St Margarets

Bidermann

Lido, The

Sedge Valley

Jasper

Banff

Heritage Point (D/H)

Deal G&CC

Hollywood

Yahnundasis

Ridge at Back Brook

Somerset

Spring Hill

Minikahda

White Bear Yacht Club

Knollwood

Cutalong

The Park at West Palm

High Ridge

Bear Lakes - Lakes

Everglades GC

Old Memorial

Lake Jovita - North

Lake Jovita - South

Furman Univ

Savannah Lakes - Monticello

Ventana Canyon - Canyon

Tucson National

Ventana Canyon - Mountain

Casino del Sol (Sewailo)

Alta Mesa

Raven - Phoenix

Point Hardy

Jonathan, what on earth had you playing those eight inland courses in Ireland?


What were your favourites? (it’s rare to get a decent outside opinion so worth hearing - I have two very clear winners in among those .

[Mike Worth]

Another good and busy golf year for me.  I don't know what 2025 will bring -- definitely the Mid Pines/Pine Needles courses and probably another UK trip, but not one of the 30 day variety I've done each of the last 3 years.  I'll focus on the Berkshire England area or Cabot Highlands/Scottish Highlands.


The Park (x3) (Hanse)
North Palm Municipal (x15) (Raynor/Nicklaus/         Nicklaus)
Atlantic Club (Lake Worth, FL) (Joe Lee)
Florida Club (x6) (Hobe Sound, FL (Dick Gray)
Hammock Creek FL (Nicklaus)
River Hall, FL (Love III)
Abacoa FL (Joe Lee)
The Nest PBG FL (Par 3) (Nicklaus)
Pinehurst #1 (Ross)
Pinehurst #3 (Ross)
Pinehurst #4 (Hanse)
Pinehurst #10 (Doak)
Linwood NJ (Home Course) (Herbert Strong)
Atlantic City (x3) (Doak, et al.)
Harbor Pines NJ (Kay)
McCulloughs NJ (Kay)
Brigantine NJ (Van Kleek/Stiles)
Springfield Golf Center NJ (Dog Track)
Bidermann (Dick Wilson)
Blue Heron Pines NJ (Kay)
Shore Gate NJ (Fream)
Deal, UK
Royal St. Georges UK
Princes UK
Walmer and Kingsdown UK
North Foreland UK
Hayling UK
Liphook UK
Hinhead UK
TOC Scotland
St Andrews New Scotland
St Andrews Eden Scotland
Crail Balcomie Scotland
Elie Scotland
Aberdovey Wales
Royal St David’s Wales
North Wales Wales
Pwellhi Wales.
Bull Bay Wales
Wallasey UK
Birkdale UK
Hoylake UK
West Lancs UK
Palatka FL (Ross)
Charleston Municipal (Troy Miller)
Springdale NJ (Flynn)
Boston Golf Club (Hanse)
Rip Van Winkle NY (9) (Ross)
Woodstock NY (9) (Len Rayner)
Windham NY (Len Rayner/Cornish/Kay)
Camden SC (Ross)
Essex County NJ (Banks/Kay)
Rock Spring NJ (Banks)
Legends Heathland SC (Doak)
Broomsedge SC (Koprowski/Franz)


In years past I've posted awards for best <insert whatever>, sometimes intentionally snarky.  This year I don't have a long list -- rather I have observations, and hope others chime in.


1.  Camden SC (Ross, 1920s) greens have the same turtleback feature as Pinehurst #2 and #3.  Assuming this is because of years of topdressing as noted in other threads, was wondering why we don't see turtleback greens like that on other Ross courses, especially other courses in the South.


2.  The snack bar on the back 9 at Walmer and Kingsdown is without a doubt the best one on the planet :-)


3.  The Legends Heathland Myrtle Beach was a pleasure.  An early Doak (1989 - how early in his chronology of courses?), it is well maintained.  I played in December and the greens rolled true and at around an 11. Best part was the two members I was paired with explained the strategy of each hole to me -- I think any architect would be proud of that.


4.  Broomsedge -- definitely play this -- it's one of those courses where I find myself replaying shots and thinking about holes well after I played.  For a new course, they have a strong caddy program.  The architecture is explained well in other threads.


5. This is the first I've played courses designed by Charles Banks.  The ones I played were great and I'd play them again.  Playing Banks courses made me realize how much more I appreciate the modern courses.  I get that the clean lines, template holes, and geometric features is what was done during Banks' era, but I've come to appreciate what contemporary architects are doing by seemingly putting me more in touch with nature as a large part of the golf experience.

[Cory Lewis]

2024 was a banner year for me in terms of quantity.  Since I started this crazy journey my goal has always been to play 200 new courses in a year.  In 2024 I finally did it, and actually went way past that number.  I'm not sure I'll ever do it again, but it's fun to try!

[Steven Wade]

Some of you have some lengthy lists, which is awesome. Here's mine, not a ton of golf travel in 2024 so it's pretty Philly heavy. This was fun to look up and relive the year a little bit. Happy New Year, may your 2025 Played Lists be even longer than your 2024 list.


New:

Los Angeles Country Club - North
Yeamans Hall
Country Club of Charleston
Succession Golf Club
Chechesse Creek Club
Aronimink Golf Club
Gulph Mills Golf Club
Quaker Ridge Golf Club
Stonewall - Old
Baltimore Country Club - East
White Manor Country Club


Repeat Play:


Philadelphia Cricket Club - (all 3 courses, a lot)
Merion Golf Club - East
Sunnybrook Golf Club
Manufacterer's Golf and Country Club
Applebrook Golf Club
Blacksheep Golf Club

[Ronald Montesano]

The legendary Indian Hills NYSPGC
The mythical Soaring Eagles NYSPGC
The pithy Bonavista NYSPGC
The quixotic Elmira CC

[Jonathan Cummings]

OK - mine is a little schizophrenic

Pinehurst #10

Shanqin Bay

Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula

Hong Kong GC

Longue Vue

Fenway

Woodway CC

Rolling Green

Merion - East

Dominion Golf Club

Lookout Mountain

Belleair - West

Palmerstown

Bunclody

Rathsallagh

Powerscourt

Prestbury

Beau Desert

Alwoodley

Wallasey

Cavendish

Notts

Ganton

Blackwell

Portumna

Esker Hills

Tullamore

Lofoten Links

St Margarets

Bidermann

Lido, The

Sedge Valley

Jasper

Banff

Heritage Point (D/H)

Deal G&CC

Hollywood

Yahnundasis

Ridge at Back Brook

Somerset

Spring Hill

Minikahda

White Bear Yacht Club

Knollwood

Cutalong

The Park at West Palm

High Ridge

Bear Lakes - Lakes

Everglades GC

Old Memorial

Lake Jovita - North

Lake Jovita - South

Furman Univ

Savannah Lakes - Monticello

Ventana Canyon - Canyon

Tucson National

Ventana Canyon - Mountain

Casino del Sol (Sewailo)

Alta Mesa

Raven - Phoenix

Point Hardy

Jonathan, what on earth had you playing those eight inland courses in Ireland?


What were your favourites? (it’s rare to get a decent outside opinion so worth hearing - I have two very clear winners in among those .

LOL Ally!


I'm a self admitted list chaser.  I've played most of the various magazines 100s lists completing last summer the UK top 100.  The two I'd like to complete before I call it quits (I'm 72!) are the Aussie and Irish top 100.  I've played the top 62 in Ireland - the big ones many times - thus the reason for the lesser known inland ones.  I just became an Irish citizen and intend on spending all next summer in Ireland finishing that top 100 list.  Winter 2026 in Oz to finish that top 100.  Lies, chess beating and bragging to my golfing pals at Belleair from then on!


Ummm.  I was blown away with Bunclody - One of the best Irish parkland courses; great lay of the land; diverse and beautiful rolling riverside property.  Rathsallaugh was cool too - lovely bucolic setting; gently rolling; good walk; some very long and difficult par's 4; hole 10 world class.  Am I close??

[Tim Martin]

OK - mine is a little schizophrenic

Pinehurst #10

Shanqin Bay

Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula

Hong Kong GC

Longue Vue

Fenway

Woodway CC

Rolling Green

Merion - East

Dominion Golf Club

Lookout Mountain

Belleair - West

Palmerstown

Bunclody

Rathsallagh

Powerscourt

Prestbury

Beau Desert

Alwoodley

Wallasey

Cavendish

Notts

Ganton

Blackwell

Portumna

Esker Hills

Tullamore

Lofoten Links

St Margarets

Bidermann

Lido, The

Sedge Valley

Jasper

Banff

Heritage Point (D/H)

Deal G&CC

Hollywood

Yahnundasis

Ridge at Back Brook

Somerset

Spring Hill

Minikahda

White Bear Yacht Club

Knollwood

Cutalong

The Park at West Palm

High Ridge

Bear Lakes - Lakes

Everglades GC

Old Memorial

Lake Jovita - North

Lake Jovita - South

Furman Univ

Savannah Lakes - Monticello

Ventana Canyon - Canyon

Tucson National

Ventana Canyon - Mountain

Casino del Sol (Sewailo)

Alta Mesa

Raven - Phoenix

Point Hardy

Jonathan, what on earth had you playing those eight inland courses in Ireland?


What were your favourites? (it’s rare to get a decent outside opinion so worth hearing - I have two very clear winners in among those .

LOL Ally!


I'm a self admitted list chaser.  I've played most of the various magazines 100s lists completing last summer the UK top 100.  The two I'd like to complete before I call it quits (I'm 72!) are the Aussie and Irish top 100.  I've played the top 62 in Ireland - the big ones many times - thus the reason for the lesser known inland ones.  I just became an Irish citizen and intend on spending all next summer in Ireland finishing that top 100 list.  Winter 2026 in Oz to finish that top 100.  Lies, chess beating and bragging to my golfing pals at Belleair from then on!


Ummm.  I was blown away with Bunclody - One of the best Irish parkland courses; great lay of the land; diverse and beautiful rolling riverside property.  Rathsallaugh was cool too - lovely bucolic setting; gently rolling; good walk; some very long and difficult par's 4; hole 10 world class.  Am I close??

Jon-You continue to be my hero. WOW!!!!

[Sean_A]

Another good and busy golf year for me.  I don't know what 2025 will bring -- definitely the Mid Pines/Pine Needles courses and probably another UK trip, but not one of the 30 day variety I've done each of the last 3 years.  I'll focus on the Berkshire England area or Cabot Highlands/Scottish Highlands.


The Park (x3) (Hanse)
North Palm Municipal (x15) (Raynor/Nicklaus/         Nicklaus)
Atlantic Club (Lake Worth, FL) (Joe Lee)
Florida Club (x6) (Hobe Sound, FL (Dick Gray)
Hammock Creek FL (Nicklaus)
River Hall, FL (Love III)
Abacoa FL (Joe Lee)
The Nest PBG FL (Par 3) (Nicklaus)
Pinehurst #1 (Ross)
Pinehurst #3 (Ross)
Pinehurst #4 (Hanse)
Pinehurst #10 (Doak)
Linwood NJ (Home Course) (Herbert Strong)
Atlantic City (x3) (Doak, et al.)
Harbor Pines NJ (Kay)
McCulloughs NJ (Kay)
Brigantine NJ (Van Kleek/Stiles)
Springfield Golf Center NJ (Dog Track)
Bidermann (Dick Wilson)
Blue Heron Pines NJ (Kay)
Shore Gate NJ (Fream)
Deal, UK
Royal St. Georges UK
Princes UK
Walmer and Kingsdown UK
North Foreland UK
Hayling UK
Liphook UK
Hinhead UK
TOC Scotland
St Andrews New Scotland
St Andrews Eden Scotland
Crail Balcomie Scotland
Elie Scotland
Aberdovey Wales
Royal St David’s Wales
North Wales Wales
Pwellhi Wales.
Bull Bay Wales
Wallasey UK
Birkdale UK
Hoylake UK
West Lancs UK
Palatka FL (Ross)
Charleston Municipal (Troy Miller)
Springdale NJ (Flynn)
Boston Golf Club (Hanse)
Rip Van Winkle NY (9) (Ross)
Woodstock NY (9) (Len Rayner)
Windham NY (Len Rayner/Cornish/Kay)
Camden SC (Ross)
Essex County NJ (Banks/Kay)
Rock Spring NJ (Banks)
Legends Heathland SC (Doak)
Broomsedge SC (Koprowski/Franz)


In years past I've posted awards for best <insert whatever>, sometimes intentionally snarky.  This year I don't have a long list -- rather I have observations, and hope others chime in.


1.  Camden SC (Ross, 1920s) greens have the same turtleback feature as Pinehurst #2 and #3.  Assuming this is because of years of topdressing as noted in other threads, was wondering why we don't see turtleback greens like that on other Ross courses, especially other courses in the South.


2.  The snack bar on the back 9 at Walmer and Kingsdown is without a doubt the best one on the planet :-)


3.  The Legends Heathland Myrtle Beach was a pleasure.  An early Doak (1989 - how early in his chronology of courses?), it is well maintained.  I played in December and the greens rolled true and at around an 11. Best part was the two members I was paired with explained the strategy of each hole to me -- I think any architect would be proud of that.


4.  Broomsedge -- definitely play this -- it's one of those courses where I find myself replaying shots and thinking about holes well after I played.  For a new course, they have a strong caddy program.  The architecture is explained well in other threads.


5. This is the first I've played courses designed by Charles Banks.  The ones I played were great and I'd play them again.  Playing Banks courses made me realize how much more I appreciate the modern courses.  I get that the clean lines, template holes, and geometric features is what was done during Banks' era, but I've come to appreciate what contemporary architects are doing by seemingly putting me more in touch with nature as a large part of the golf experience.

What did you think of N Foreland?

Happy New Year

[Sean_A]

OK - mine is a little schizophrenic

Pinehurst #10

Shanqin Bay

Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula

Hong Kong GC

Longue Vue

Fenway

Woodway CC

Rolling Green

Merion - East

Dominion Golf Club

Lookout Mountain

Belleair - West

Palmerstown

Bunclody

Rathsallagh

Powerscourt

Prestbury

Beau Desert

Alwoodley

Wallasey

Cavendish

Notts

Ganton

Blackwell

Portumna

Esker Hills

Tullamore

Lofoten Links

St Margarets

Bidermann

Lido, The

Sedge Valley

Jasper

Banff

Heritage Point (D/H)

Deal G&CC

Hollywood

Yahnundasis

Ridge at Back Brook

Somerset

Spring Hill

Minikahda

White Bear Yacht Club

Knollwood

Cutalong

The Park at West Palm

High Ridge

Bear Lakes - Lakes

Everglades GC

Old Memorial

Lake Jovita - North

Lake Jovita - South

Furman Univ

Savannah Lakes - Monticello

Ventana Canyon - Canyon

Tucson National

Ventana Canyon - Mountain

Casino del Sol (Sewailo)

Alta Mesa

Raven - Phoenix

Point Hardy

What did you think of Beau Desert, Blackwell and Cavendish?

Happy New Year

[mike_malone]

A modest year


  Here are some that come to mind.

The Bridge with my best golf special place buddy.

North Berwick with the super hospitable Tony Muldoon.

Hollywood with the fabulous David Greene


Springdale with the equally fabulous Bill Crane


Stonewall North with a true long time friend.


Gulph Mills in my sober league.


Crail,Eden,Himalayas, Elie with the super Buda Cup group


Musselburgh Old Links with hickories alongside my buddy Jack Weiner.


Golf and people

[Jonathan Cummings]

What did you think of Beau Desert, Blackwell and Cavendish?

Happy New Year


Hey kiddo - first, your recommendation to stay in Buxton at The Old Hall was spot on.  We loved the town and the hotel.

My take on the courses, I liked Beau the most and Blackwell the least.  I don't remember them well enough to debate but here are a few personal notes I took.

Blackwell -

Another parkland UK course; not very memorable; cool feature creek cuts across course comes into play; routing a little screwy

Cavendish -

Beautiful rolling farmland; just too hilly to walk; softer playing field; 10-11 great combination; pleasant place but just won't return Beau Desert - Very pleasant parkland course; some parts hilly; rough very penal; old established bunkers

[MCirba]

Seeing Greg Hohman's question about obscure Mt. Lebanon GC (9) in his hometown, I decided that I should be comprehensive in case any of the other lesser known courses I've played ring a bell with anyone.   I'll get to your question, Greg, in a separate post.


Here they are, in chronological order.  New courses will be asterisked*.


Westover (PA)
Brigantine (NJ)
Jeffersonville (PA) 4x
Scott Greens (PA)
Berkleigh (PA) 5x
Seaview (Bay) (NJ) 2x
Phoenixville (PA) (9)
Stone Hedge (PA) 2x
Hideaway Hills (PA)
Mount Lebanon (PA) (9)*
Bella Vista (PA) 2x
Twin Lakes (PA)
Shadow Brook (PA)
Plainfield West (NJ) (9)
Shady Rest (NJ) (9)
Golden Oaks (PA)
Turtle Creek (PA)
Metedeconk National (NJ)
Shelter Island (NY) (9)*
Sag Harbor (NY) (9)*
Poxabogue (NY) (9)*
The Bridge (NY)*
The Bridge (Short) (NY) (5)*
Maidstone (East) (NY) (9)*
Llanerch (PA)
Five Forts (St. George, Bermuda)*
Blackwood (PA)
Inland Greens (NC) (9)*
Rivers Edge (NC)*
North Shore (NC)*
Ironclad (NC)*
Castle Bay (NC)*
Olde Point (NC)*
Lords Valley (PA)
Braintree (MA)*
Yardley (PA)
Mount Bruno (Quebec, CN)*
Grand Mere (Quebec, CN)*
Soaring Eagles (NY) 2x
Woodloch Springs (PA)
Forest Lake (PA) (9)*
1912 Club (PA)
Tyoga (PA)*
Mark Twain (NY)
Summit Spring (ME) (9)*
Poland Spring (ME)*
Grindstone Neck (ME) (9)*
North Haven (ME) (9)*
Boothbay Harbor (ME)
Samoset (ME)
Merchantville (NJ) (9)*
Willowcreek (NY)
Woodway (CT)*
Downingtown (PA)
Half Moon (Montego, Jamaica)*
Rose Hall (Cinnamon Hill) (Montego, Jamaica)*
Rose Hall (White Witch) (Montego, Jamaica)*
Old Bridge (NJ)*
Forest Hills (GA)*
Augusta Municipal (GA)*
Old Barnwell (SC)*
Augusta CC (GA)*
Houndslake (SC)*


Final Totals
 
74 Rounds
67 Days
16 Nine Holes or Less
34 New Courses
12 New Nine or Less
63 Total Courses


I need to play more golf.

[Thomas Dai]

How many of those locations visited did posters buy course/club branded merchandise from?
Course/club branded ‘Murch’ seems to have become quite a significant revenue stream for many courses/clubs over the last few years. Maybe something of a hidden cost of a golf trip too if folks like ‘Murch’.
Atb

[Ally Mcintosh]

OK - mine is a little schizophrenic

Pinehurst #10

Shanqin Bay

Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula

Hong Kong GC

Longue Vue

Fenway

Woodway CC

Rolling Green

Merion - East

Dominion Golf Club

Lookout Mountain

Belleair - West

Palmerstown

Bunclody

Rathsallagh

Powerscourt

Prestbury

Beau Desert

Alwoodley

Wallasey

Cavendish

Notts

Ganton

Blackwell

Portumna

Esker Hills

Tullamore

Lofoten Links

St Margarets

Bidermann

Lido, The

Sedge Valley

Jasper

Banff

Heritage Point (D/H)

Deal G&CC

Hollywood

Yahnundasis

Ridge at Back Brook

Somerset

Spring Hill

Minikahda

White Bear Yacht Club

Knollwood

Cutalong

The Park at West Palm

High Ridge

Bear Lakes - Lakes

Everglades GC

Old Memorial

Lake Jovita - North

Lake Jovita - South

Furman Univ

Savannah Lakes - Monticello

Ventana Canyon - Canyon

Tucson National

Ventana Canyon - Mountain

Casino del Sol (Sewailo)

Alta Mesa

Raven - Phoenix

Point Hardy

Jonathan, what on earth had you playing those eight inland courses in Ireland?


What were your favourites? (it’s rare to get a decent outside opinion so worth hearing - I have two very clear winners in among those .

LOL Ally!


I'm a self admitted list chaser.  I've played most of the various magazines 100s lists completing last summer the UK top 100.  The two I'd like to complete before I call it quits (I'm 72!) are the Aussie and Irish top 100.  I've played the top 62 in Ireland - the big ones many times - thus the reason for the lesser known inland ones.  I just became an Irish citizen and intend on spending all next summer in Ireland finishing that top 100 list.  Winter 2026 in Oz to finish that top 100.  Lies, chess beating and bragging to my golfing pals at Belleair from then on!


Ummm.  I was blown away with Bunclody - One of the best Irish parkland courses; great lay of the land; diverse and beautiful rolling riverside property.  Rathsallaugh was cool too - lovely bucolic setting; gently rolling; good walk; some very long and difficult par's 4; hole 10 world class.  Am I close??

Thanks Jonathan - I like Bunclody quite a lot too. But my Top-2 of 8 would include Rathsallagh (which I find very playful) just behind Portumna which has beautiful natural topography and deer wandering about. Unfortunately they are letting trees grow up between many fairways, eradicating those long views over what is a stunning property.