If Ekwanok is truly two levels above DFC it would be mainly on pedigree. No question Ekwanok is a great club with lots of history, located in an idyllic setting but I have always felt the course itself is a bit overrated especially considering there are 5 or 6 greens that are not original Travis. I just don't feel that the course - at least from an architectural stand point - is really that interesting. Not a bad course mind you, and certainly a nice membership course but not a course I would enjoy playing every day. The holes around the clubhouse (1,2,3,16,17,18)in particular are not overly inspiring. If I had to split 5 rounds between the two courses it would be DFC 3, ECC, 2.
I know many will disagree with my assessment and I respect that but I will take DFC or even Taconic over ECC.
-John