2024 was a banner year for playing new courses. I played about 40, perhaps a few more. Nearly all of the new plays were from long wished for bucket list trips and other significant trips which included S Carolina, Donegal, Netherlands and the Hebrides. I didn’t get many replays in the bag like last year, but it was a fair swap for all the new courses experienced. Many new plays made my Nifty 50, I think about 10..which include several 9 holers. I have been enjoying 9 holers more and more these days. I suspect my increased play of 9 holers is partly a reaction to high green fees. I would also add that many of the 9 holers I have experienced are good courses in lovely locations. As has always been the case with me, I appreciate great courses, but greatness is over-rated. Good golf works for me.
Most Surprising New Play Course: This has to go to
Blackmoor. The course has been on my radar, but as it’s so near the wonders of Surrey and Berkshire I never gave the course serious consideration. The biggest draw for me is the Colt heritage. I wish someone would have told me years ago that Blackmoor is a great course that gets lost in the shuffle. Blackmoor makes for a grand day of golf. Makes my Happy 100.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,73176.msg1756691.html#msg1756691The runner-up is
Gatehouse. This 9 holer in the southwest of Scotland is sublime. We had a dull day, but the quality of the course was clear. Makes my Nifty 50. I didn’t know what to expect because I hadn’t seen pix of the place. I read between the lines of Niall and Clyde’s cryptic descriptions and turned up trumps. Makes my Nifty 50.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,72768.msg1762499.html#msg1762499Most Disappointing New Play Course:
Gweedore. The course has some good holes, but the repeating holes concept to add up to 18 holes is fatally flawed. That said, I can’t be too hard on Gweedore given the cost.
Best New Play Inland Course: I can’t really choose between
Old Barnwell and
Utrecht de Pan..a first world problem if there ever was one. I prefer Utrecht and I suspect that feeling would grow deeper if the club gets serious about tree management. Utrecht makes my Nifty 50.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,73296.msg1759624.html#msg1759624https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,73469.msg1764297.html#msg1764297 Best New Play Links: I didn’t play many new links this year, regardless,
Kennemer is superb. I didn’t expect it to be that good. I was surprised at how modern the course felt. Makes my Nifty 50.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,73350.msg1760794.html#msg1760794 Most Surprising Repeat Play Course: There area few worthy candidates this year. I will go with
Stonehaven. I added the course to a tour as a replacement. My memory was of a good course, but weaker inland holes. I think that opinion was a bit harsh. The course has been renumbered to great effect. The location is a plus. Makes my Nifty 50.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,73115.msg1754264.html#msg1754264 Runner up is
Westward Ho! I have always low key liked RND, but in 2024 I believe I saw a better course than existed previously. I didn’t expect the new holes to be an improvement, I was mistaken. I plan to return this year!
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66480.0.html Favourite New Play Links:
Isle of Harris wins this hands down. It’s not a great course, but it is a great experience. Makes my Nifty 50.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,72879.msg1749527.html#msg1749527 Favourite New Play Inland Course:
Traigh. Another 9 holer on the far western reaches of the Scottish mainland. A large hill dictates the entire course and what a charming course it is. Makes my Nifty 50.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,72906.msg1749660.html#msg1749660Runner up is
Crossroads. I am always going to like the concept of a reversable course. Add in the freedom of playing choices and double greens will only increase my admiration of Crossroads. It’s a shame the course is American private. If you can pull strings, pull Crossroads strings. Makes my Nifty 50.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,73429.msg1764298.html#msg1764298Best Affordable (no deals, under £40/$55) Course Played This Year: This is the fourth year since 1998 that I haven't played Kington. Cleeve Hill hit £40 last year so it’s out.
Alnmouth Village steps in with flying colours. Although, the 5
th green is barely surviving. See the course now before that green falls into the sea. Makes my Nifty 50.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,65709.0.htmlBest Moderately Priced (no deals, under £60/$80) Played This Year
: Crossroads. Makes my Nifty 50.
Best Course Played This Year:
North Berwick takes the prize again.Makes my Happy 100.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,59363.0.html#1 Runner up:
Utrecht de Pan. Makes my Nifty 50.
2nd Runner up:
Old Barnwell. 3rd Runner up:
Kennemer. Makes my Nifty 50.
Favourite Course Played This Year: Dead heat between
Traigh and
Alnmouth Village.
It’s been a good year when places like Sacred 9, Deal, Cruden Bay, Turnberry, Fraserburgh, St Pat’s, Chechessee Creek, Colleton River, Eindhoven, Askernish, Hankley Common & Goswick don't get mentioned.
Forget the Doak score stuff. Let’s see a varied list from you lot.
2023
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,72485.msg1740989.html#msg17409892022
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,71559.msg1720280.html#msg1720280 2021
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,70487.msg1694555.html#msg1694555 2019
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,67817.msg1622270.html#msg1622270 2017
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,65278.msg1556508.html#msg1556508 2016
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,63868.msg1520525.html#msg1520525 2015
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,62208.msg1478295.html#msg1478295 2014
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,60104.msg1420510.html#msg1420510 2013
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,57517.0.html Ciao