Can't wait for the GCA.com "who is the most objective and honorable rating organization" lists to come out next week.
But until that happens, I thought I'd throw out some architecture in case anyone is bored silly by the constant babble about ratings, access, objectivity, dick size and other worthwhile arguments.
I owe Neil Regan some pictures of his beloved Portrush, so I thought I'd extend the GolfClubAlbum.com viewing library.
The 1st at Portrush. The area to the right is a short-game area, but it might as well be a cemetary for as many balls land there. That bunker might as well be known as the "Devil's Plumber's Crack"
Yes, the bunker is deep and the approach becomes a skyline green from the bottom. I don't recommend that poor posture to anyone.
The fairways on #1 and #2 are fairly wide, but the depth of the rough starts getting into your head on #3
The walkway from tee to green shows that the Toro mower sales rep is not making any commissions at Portrush.
The Par4 4th is probably the best hole on the course. The bunkers on the left and OB right shrink the fairway down to about 20yds. Note that they are true fairway bunkers. The approach plays slightly uphill and must get between two large dunes that guard both sides of the green.
The fairway on #5 swing about 90 degrees from left to right. The tee-shot can be played to anywhere from 100-200 yards from the tee, depending on how much gorse and rough you want to carry.
The challenging and bunkerless 5th green. The green sits at the edge of the cliffs, so it gladly excepts a run-up shot.
I'll post some more pictures later.