Matt Ward's reply in Jordan's thread about (too) expensive golf courses prompted me to start this thread.

What courses gave you the best bang for the buck architecturally speaking (not necessarily in terms of course rankings)?

I'll start with my choice - Bethpage Black (probably even now).

Lakeview golf club just across the street from Toronto golf club.  Course is always in great condition.  And it's a Muni course

Best value in the golf universe is a Summer membership at Paraparaumu Beach for $385 NZ, or around $230 US at todays exchange rate.

That's 20 weeks of unlimited play from mid-November till mid-March.

Best value in the golf universe is a Summer membership at Paraparaumu Beach for $385 NZ, or around $230 US at todays exchange rate.

That's 20 weeks of unlimited play from mid-November till mid-March.

That is exceptional value, I wish I had known about that when I was living in NZ!

I would prefer that no further mention be made of Wild Horse in NE or similar such courses in the plains states. They're not in a major metropolitan area. I'm thinking of courses like Rustic Canyon within the reach of many people as opposed to the isolated cities of middle or rural America.  Not that there's anything wrong with isolated cities in those areas.

Certainly Bethpage Black or Red qualify, even for non-NY residents.

For beauty rather than architecture, Tokatee GC in Blue River, OR is a great deal, probably about $50 in the summer.  Jim Achenbach mentioned it as a favorite in the recent Golfweek top 100 issue.

Matt Ward consistently mentions Rochelle Ranch in Rawlins, Wyoming for about $20-25.

For juniors at least, Wintonbury Hills is a pretty nice deal, at $15 for 18 holes anytime. $10 if you live in Bloomfield.

When I was a junior, I had a friend who was a junior member at Sunningdale. The junior green fee playing with a member was 1 pound per day. We frequently used to play 54 holes in a day on 2 world class courses. Less than 2p a hole!

Voytek specified 'architecturally speaking' as a pre-requisite for 'buck-bangage'.

For me, there is therefore only one contender:
C
P
C

I hesitate to quote the actual figure - I hope one day every GCAer might be fortunate enough to discover just how delightfully affordable it is.
Suffice to say, it's a lot, Lot, LOT less than its expensive near neighbour. (And a lot less than manys a Scottish Course too!!!)

FBD.

I played at Sunningdale as a 12 year old for 2 quid in 1993 and Royal Dornoch was 5 quid, both as guests of a member.

Andrew,

That's scandalous - I played as a 17 year old in 1990 and it was only 1 quid. A 100% increase in 3 years - I think you were ripped off.

Ed

I'd say Rustic Canyon is among the leaders... Wild Horse for sure... and great call re Black Mesa.. but...

Bandon?

Maybe a few years ago.  And maybe it is for what you get - three fantastic courses, accessible to all... but man those prices are pretty damn high, approaching Pebble levels.

I guess Kohler's a good bang for the buck also?

 

Don't know how long they will maintain the course up to the restored standards, but Wilmington Muni at $15 for Wilmingtonians and $18-$20 for out-of-towners is solid....

I'd say Rustic Canyon is among the leaders... Wild Horse for sure... and great call re Black Mesa.. but...

Bandon?

Maybe a few years ago.  And maybe it is for what you get - three fantastic courses, accessible to all... but man those prices are pretty damn high, approaching Pebble levels.

I guess Kohler's a good bang for the buck also?

 

Low season Pacific Dunes green fee is what, 75 bucks?  I'd jump on that bandwagon.  We're playing next month for 130 and from what everyone says, that's gotta be pretty good bang for the buck.