[Jay Flemma]

I liked some things about this course, and at times I was underwhelmed.  After the first two holes, I thought I was in for a banner day...it seemed like it would be an unforgettable experience.  But I'd seen the thrird hole before plenty of times, four seemed forced, (waaaay too narrow and too much slope in the fwy for such a short hole).  I hated five, especially having to walk all the way back the way I came to tee off on six...

...by the way...the course is one of the toughest walks I've ever had...

I think it was seven where I hit a goofy slice and nearly killed people on the third green...

The day continued like that...nine I loved, ten I hated.  Eleven and twelve were great, but I didnt think much of 13.  I thought the end was pretty good...although I'm of two minds about 18...

Did anyone else walk away from their round there thinking something similar?  Mixed reviews?  I'd go back and play it again with you all if we had a day there, but I don't know if I'd go there before I'd go to Scotland Run or Rock Manor.

I had no problem with 16 and thought it was rather daring and interesting...

Pix anyone?

[Michael Blake]

Jay,

I agree with most of your post.  
I think the course gets too much hype on this site.

[George Pazin]

I think the course gets too much hype on this site.

Part of that is likely the wonderful day many of us experienced at one of the earliest GCA outings at Inniscrone, back in 2001. I was lucky enough to be able to really enjoy a round with Geoff Childs, Brad Miller, and Jamie Slonis, one of the more enjoyable rounds I've had. Gil was also extremely informative, entertaining and accommodating in talking about the challenges of designing and building the course, as well as the walk through at Applebrook and even hosting a bunch of us with an amazing dinner at his home. Sitting on his back deck, listening to Gil, Ran, Tom P and Pat Mucci talk golf is an experience I will not soon forget.

Aside from that - or maybe because of that - Gil was able to explain some of the shortcomings, which had more to do with a zoning guy feeling his oats than Gil's design decisions.

I loved the 3rd hole, thought the 4th was entertaining quirk, not bad quirk, and had no problem with the 7th. I went right as well, in a cunning attempt to outdrive Jamie... Encroaching upon other holes is a danger inherent in what I like to call "core" courses, which do not buy into the isolation theme. I happen to be personally biased in favor of core courses, so obviously I don't have a problem with it.

10 is certainly uncomfortable, but if given the choice, I prefer it to what I'd guess many architects would do, which is simply perch a tee on the hillside and have yet another drop shot par 3 added to the world of golf.

There are a lot of pix on the gca review, and I'm sure others probably have some as well. Joe Bausch probably does, he has terrific pictures of everything.

[mike_malone]

 I  think the price has gotten quite cheap, something like 35 dollars or so. That's not bad for 14 or 15 good holes of golf

[Joe Bausch]

I've never wavered on Inniscrone Jay:  I love it.  But I know it is not for everybody and it certainly has a few places, IMO, that could be better.  Like the 4th green could probably be softened a bit.  And heck, turn around the 5th hole and make it an uphill par 3. 

Here is the thread I started back in April with the routing, pics, and more:

http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,39584.0/

[Jay Flemma]

I'll agree with everyone the price is excellent.  It is a good value.

[Willie_Dow]

Yes, Jay :  2001 and we still remember that course, and how it played - hole by hole.  How many courses can you remember - hole by hole - for $35 ??

[Jerry Kluger]

Jay: I certainly agree with you that Inniscrone is not perfect, but for that matter, not many courses are.  To begin with, that smell from the mushroom farm can be just overwhelming.  And yes, it is not a course that many players would choose to walk.  That being said, do those factors make it bad architecture or simply a poor piece of property for a golf course?  It certainly has a whole bunch of fun holes and is certainly challenging with many options if the course is playing firm and fast.  For me, at that price, it's a bargain and a course that I could play on a regular basis without regret.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

I just wish I lived closer to Inniscrone. I'd play it more regularly instead of the 2 times I played there this year. It's at least 75-80 minutes from my house. A very good value course. Not that there's anything wrong with playing Jeffersonville on a fairly  regularly basis.


 

[Michael Huber]

I played Inniscrone once while I lived in Philly.

I will agree with the sentiments that I wished it was a bit closer to where I lived.  It was at least an hour and fifteen minutes to get there and quite frankly that's a bit too much.

The 5th hole is pretty goofy and a bit of a crammed in afterthought.  That's understandable.  However, the 10th is a debacle and could have done something....anything to make it a bit less penal off the tee. 

I really did like the rest of the course though.  9 and 12 both have some cool drives and fun second shots.  The 13th has a pretty tough drive, too.  Considering the price and the fact that rounds do not take an eternity to finish, it's a steal of a deal. 

[Jim_Coleman]

    I have said this many times before, not that anyone cares, but since Inniscrone is being raised again, I'll repeat myself.  It is one of the worst courses I've ever played that had a pretense of being good architecture.  Remember, I think it cost $50,000 to join it when it opened.  It's not a bargain at $35; it's a fair price.  That's pretty much how capitalism works.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

It's now $29 weekdays/$44 weekends in the off season.

[Michael Blake]

Interesting discussion.
Seems most love the course because of its price.  At what price would people choose not to play this course?  Should any of that make a difference in judging the architecture of the course?

I agree that right now it's a good value to play.  A handful of fun holes.  Perhaps my expectations were too high because of the hype George alluded to.  That must've been a great outing.

[George Pazin]

I'd be happier playing Inniscrone at a higher price than a lot of daily fees I've played, including some very expensive resort courses. I can see people having strong opinions on 3-4 holes, but it's a big leap to me to conclude that it is a poor course because of those holes.

Remember, I think it cost $50,000 to join it when it opened.  It's not a bargain at $35; it's a fair price.  That's pretty much how capitalism works.

There is a lot more that goes into the financial success or failure of any golf course than its architecture. That's how capitalism works.

[Jay Flemma]

George, I may thinnk a little differently.  I think it's priced about right.  It's a tough walk, and there are a few holes that are headscratchers.  That being said, there are also many superb holes.

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