From The Hutchinson News
"Too bad it took me 70 years to find this golf course," Charles said, following his practice round in hot and humid conditions. "It's a real gem, and I rate it right up there with Pine Valley."
That's as in Pine Valley (N.J.) Golf Club, the No. 1-ranked course in the United States in 2005 by Golf Digest, which compiles course rankings every two years. Prairie Dunes was listed as the 24th-best course in the country.
Charles, who admittedly is a huge fan of links courses, thinks a revote is in order.
"In fact, I think it could be better than Pine Valley," said Charles, who turned 70 on March 14. "I think it's probably the finest golf course in the USA. I knew it was in the top 10 or 20. It's definitely in the top 10, and I would rate it much better."
That's pretty heady stuff, coming from a veteran like Charles, who has played all over the world and has the 1963 British Open title to his credit. But it was more than just Charles who gave the Dunes favorable reviews as the world's best 50-and-over golfers prepared for their biggest tournament of the season.
"I love links golf," Charles said. "I prefer links golf, and I like the sand dunes and the typical Scottish links look."
http://www.hutchnews.com/sports/stories/praise070406.shtml