OK, I played the course again this morning. Still a big fan. That said, a few more observations/advice for those playing:
- Like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what playing partner you'll get at Doral. Yesterday's fun round with some great guys and golfers in the true sense of the word was a delight. Today I got a couple guys who, while well intentioned, were wearing Nike sneakers, didn't have the slightest clue about the rules or etiquette, and were SLOW. Like, 10 shots in a bunker and not picking up slow. So, if you can bring your own foursome, I would advise it - there are more people willing to pay the freight to play Trump's new course than I thought.
- Same deal for caddies. Yesterday's were terrific, today...let's say there's a learning curve being climbed
- Also, since some of these people will be ahead of you on the course, play as early as possible (I realize this is not different than at any prominent daily fee course)
- I have been thinking about Pat's Streamsong vs. Doral comment. In part, due to encountering people like above, I think Doral will take little, if any, play from SS. SS will get the golf/GCA fanatics, and is just so different than 99% of what's out there that it will continue to have strong pull for a long time. I know that for me, not having been to Bandon, nor have I played UK links courses, it was like stepping onto another planet last year (and again in 3 weeks!). I was just awestruck. Doral, on the other hand, is more typical Florida golf - but it's typical Florida golf done really, really well, probably the best I've seen (note: I have not played Indian Creek or Seminole). Doral strikes me as less of a "buddies" golf destination than SS, and more of a place that you can get away to for a fantastic round while in Miami with the family or on business
- The above statement may be amended if Trump gets a casino there...then Doral becomes a HUGE buddies/bachelor party destination (which, granted, may actually lower the average caliber of player)
- One more note on the bunkers. I don't know why I didn't realize it the first time, but they could have been laid out by Tillinghast himself. Or Tillinghast on steroids? Doral Blue is sort of like Bethpage Black's (or from what I've seen in pictures, Winged Foot West's) Florida cousin. Bunkers everywhere, all HUGE
- Looking forward to playing again next year, as well as seeing on TV next month