Pat Mucci's comment in his maintenance meld thread about having played the course in question 50+ times jogged my memory about a thread I'd been meaning to start. I believe you're likely to learn the most about architecture when you have the chance to experience a great course extensively, enough times to see it in different types of conditions and really get to know it quite intimately. Let's set the bar a little lower, for the sake of inclusiveness, and define our parameters as:

--Courses you've played at least 20-25 times
--Courses of notable quality at the national/international level (Doak Rating of 7 or higher, or if you prefer, worthy of serious consideration in a World Top 100 ranking list)

What courses have you played which fit those criteria? I'm curious to find out both the collective breadth of this kind of experience that we have among us on this website, and also if there are any particular lessons you've learned or appreciation gained from playing such a course or courses so many times. I'll go first - I've been very blessed to have played several courses that many times:

--Machrihanish (100+ times)
--The Country Club (50+ times)
--Yale (approx. 30-35 times)
--The Old Course (approx. 30-35 times)

I could list a few others in the 10-15 range, but I think it's quite a leap from that level to this level of knowledge. (I'll save my "lessons learned" for later...)

Cheers,
Darren

None.  Dammit.  Closest I come is Sand Hills with I believe 10 rounds.

I bet I'm in the vast majority in the real world... so chin up, Ally.  It's you and me against the world in here.

 

Bethpage Black 300+

None.  Dammit.  Closest I come is Sand Hills with I believe 10 rounds.

I bet I'm in the vast majority in the real world... so chin up, Ally.  It's you and me against the world in here.

 

Unfortunately, I have to agree with you Tom.  I have been fortunate to play Sand Hills and Ballyneal (one time each), but that's where it stops for me.  I imagine 95% of the golfing population would not be able to offer much to this thread.

Scott

FWIW, I understand that even a great many regular contributors here won't be able to fit the criteria I've listed. However, I think it's still worth asking to see how many of us have *depth* of exposure to great courses as well as simply *breadth*. (What I definitely wouldn't want to see this thread to simply become a pissing contest...)

FWIW, I understand that even a great many regular contributors here won't be able to fit the criteria I've listed. However, I think it's still worth asking to see how many of us have *depth* of exposure to great courses as well as simply *breadth*. (What I definitely wouldn't want to see this thread to simply become a pissing contest...)

Darren,

Didn't mean for my post to be taken that way.  It's a great post and I look forward to the responses you'll get.

Scott

The Old Course: 26 (plus I've spent countless hours watching people play it)
Commonwealth: 300+

Sarge - thanks!

I DO HAVE ONE!!!!

I have played Pasatiempo somewhere's around 30 times, over a long time period.  But of course that's open to the public, and when I played it a lot, was dirt cheap through college golf coach.

JC - but of course.  I'm just being a bit prickly this morning.  We all have our days.

 

BTW I only played WW Pine Barrens and I freakin' loved it.  

John/Tom - why would public courses not count?  

John/Tom - why would public courses not count?  

See reply #13, and remember I am being prickly today.

Torrey Pines South-30+ rounds over two years 1998 to 2000

Darren

Since when was a Doak 7 top 100 in the world?

Rich

PS--I rank Brora and Sawgrass CC about the same as the two courses on your list that I have played......