Is the Equinox worth playing?

[Phil Benedict]

Spending a day a the resort next month.  Should I play the course?  Has the cache of Travis and the pictures look great, although that's true of virtually all golf course photography.

[Jim_Kennedy]

Phil,
You're there, why not? It may not be everything Travis had in mind, but it's a morning well spent.

[Phil Benedict]

Phil,
You're there, why not?

Because the alternative activity (riding a bike, taking a hike, whatever) is unlikely to be as frustrating/discouraging as playing golf.  But that has nothing to do with the architecture or the golf course, and everything to do with the golfer.

[Michael Blake]

I havent' played it in maybe 10 years but I'd say it's definately worth playing....unless you'd rather spend the day outlet shopping 

[Dan_Callahan]

Phil,

If you get a chance, jump at the opportunity to play Ekwanok, which is right next door to the Equinox. It is about as enjoyable a golf course as I've ever played. Very natural, an easy walk and great scenery. On a cool October day, I don't know of many other courses I would rather play.

Dan

[Phil Benedict]

Dan,

Thanks for the Ekwanok suggestion which I've heard good things about.  i think it's private.

[Dan_Callahan]

It is private. In fact, it is very private. I was warned before I even got there not to change into my golf shoes in the parking lot. I was also given a heads up that my camera should under no circumstances leave my bag. Despite that somewhat anal introduction, the atmosphere out on the course could not have been more relaxed. And on an absolutely perfect September day, I'm pretty sure my foursome was the only group on the course.

[Ronald Montesano]

All right, Callahan, if you played in September, how do you know it would be great in October?  Fess up.

[Brad Tufts]

I do think it is worth a play.  You will be there already is the best part.  I wouldn't recommend driving great distance, but I have enjoyed Equinox in my 2 or 3 plays there over the years.

I'm not exactly sure how much of Travis remains, but I think the course follows the same routing as before the Rees-ovation in the early 90s.  There are definately still some classic touches to the holes, and the course is one of the most New England-scenic course in the country. 

Also, after I played Ekwanok (they are adjacent), Equinox is even more representative of what is down the street than one is led to believe.  The first few holes follow close to the same pattern, and the land is almost identical.  There is a really cool par four on the back nine that plays uphill to a green that is fronted by a deep "kettle hole."  You don't see many features like that on circa-1990 Rees courses, so some of the historical undertones most definately shine through.