Hi everyone.
I am excited to share some thoughts about my weekend in Holyoke with some of the gang. I would've added to Peter's thread, but instead decided against it as I have some other pictures to post. Ballyneal already gets tons of ink on the site and who wants to see more pictures of that stretch of ground anyway? Although it certainly lives up to the hype and I can tell you that there were many comparisons made as we walked and played Saturday that should never see the forum, but they are very interesting if we could all be nice enough to each other to talk about them. But after the weekend I consider all the guys friends and we had a great time. I learned a few new things:
1) Never compare a hole that you've never been to, to one you currently teeing off on. It WILL bite you in the ass when dealing with GCA types.
2) Not all GCA'ers are sticks. I had a misconception that I was the worst golfer of the lot, and I may still be. But we all had our moments of ineptitude.
3) Mike Wagner's golf swing is delicious. I say that in most heterosexual way possible.
4) Rupert O'Neal can sing pretty well.
5) Richard Choi's voice raises one octave when speaking about Justin Timberlake.
6) The generosity and hospitality that I experienced this past weekend will never be forgotten. I can't thank Jim Colton, Matt Schulte and Adam Clayman enough for allowing us to experience their getaway place. I hope many of you will have the opportunity to see Ballyneal and the sublime moments it produces. Even more so than Bandon, it allows you to escape to a place where results and score don't matter. A place where the entire staff knows your name before you give it to them, and where good friends share good laughs and fun golf without thinking about stimpmeters and what tee to play.
7) I learned first and foremost, that looking someone eye-to-eye and putting a face with a name is key to understanding each other on this forum. I learned that sometimes--me included--we go for the kill when we share our insights and opinions on this site. When in actuality, we are all so very alike in how we embrace and appreciate what the game offers. I will try and remember that each and every time I post in the future.
On to CommonGround. I will caveat my round there by saying that after 45 holes on Saturday, I had a few beers, a big Ribeye with a red wine or two, and a random Patron shot delivered by Matt Schulte. We then partook of Mr. O'Neal's vocal variations. Mr. O'Neal also ordered up a spectacular lightening show in the distance. I got up the next morning to play CommonGround. As I was on the first green, I told Mike Wagner that this didn't look like Denver and he assured me that we were indeed playing Renaissance's newest layout.
1st Green. Reminds me of Stone Eagle #5 out over the arroyo.
The CommonGround website says that #3 green was inspired by the punchbowl at Chicago Golf Club and I couldn't agree more
The tortoise and the hare (Mike Wagner) looking up from the swale in front of #4 green. Wildlife in Denver, who knew?
Mike Wagner and Matt Schulte walking down #6 fairway. I read some press where #6 was being compared to the 16th at ANGC. Really, it does resemble it. See for yourself.
The all world 7th green complex at CG. I really didn't expect this type of undulation and creativity in urban Denver. Well done Mr. Doak and team!!
I was very surprised to find a direct replica of the famous triple punchbowl green at #11. Notice the three distinct playing areas and how much they resemble the Triple Punchbowl from Fromage East.
My favorite hole at CommonGround, #14. I really was impressed at how the GCA of this hole allows for different playing avenues. Renaissance did a fantastic job of tying in existing landforms in the flat urban area to make this "rolling ocean" effect. It makes for some awesome ground game too!
The raised complex following a choked fairway at #16 is another great hole. I really couldn't find any weak holes at CommonGround. It was a pleasure to play a public layout that affords this type of view and playability. I hope to see many more public courses that feature these amazing vistas.
#18 was one of the better finishers I've ever encountered. it reminded me of the 18th at Pasatiempo. Those delores--I think that's what Matt called them--bunkers in front of 18 add a great degree of difficulty to any run-up shot played to a front left pin position.
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The caddie services put forth by the Colorado Golf Association are top notch. I was very impressed to see a new public course with caddies as knowledgeable as Mad Dog (Andy B. but I called him Mad Dog cause he stared me down for missed putts) He was more than willing to take a photo on #18 with my driver "Murphy".
In the end, Commonground was a wonderful golf course and I really hope it does well. It seems to have everything going for it. Expansive views, wide rolling fairways, fun greens, a devoted staff, and of course, Bocci Ball. I want to thank everyone that made this weekend happen for me, and I look forward to getting back to CommonGround in the future.