David:

You are not in "trouble" with me for pointing out that I favor the Sky course. However, I think people need to identify the specific course which clearly has more issues than the
other -- namely the Shadow 18 versus that of the Sky 18.

There have been folks who have simply panned Lost Canyons in its entirety and I think a number of elements have simply been broad brushed together.

Andy,

I only have 5 images from Lost Canyons. I simply chose my favorites.
They were shot on a very clear and blustery afternoon for a now defunct golf magazine. Here are the other 2 images.

Aidan.

Yannick,

I played Lost Canyons Sky one time.  Somehow, I missed Rustic, so I can't be dragged into the debate of the relative merit of the two.  I found the Sky course to be challenging, entertaining, visually attractive, and fun to play.  All good.  But, it can be punishing and you will probably lose some balls, but that to me is just a trade off for the good.

The day I played, the wind howled which makes it doubly challenging. I suspect the wind howls much of the time there given its location.  And, yes, it is on a difficult piece of land that does not lend itself to walking.  And, yes, it could be a rough ride for a high handicapper (say, over 14), but it is some ride.

As an eastern Canadian flatlander, I find the mountain courses entertaining and different from what I'm used to.  I also don't understand the concept of giving it zero play if you're in the neighbourhood.  Not all the holes may be great, or even good, but it's well worth playing just for the experience of a different sort of course.  And, the visuals, the green complexes, and some of the holes make it a worthwhile experience in my opinion.  And, at around $100 it's not out of line with many US courses price wise.  Rustic, at $50 sounds like it is unusual, in my experience, as far as US prices go.  

Here are some additional (non-professional) pictures.  How can anyone not like these holes, at least once?


The short uphill 1st.  Dead into the wind.  Hold on to your hat.



Somewhere around the 3rd or 4th.  A double dogleg par 5. Visually intimidating tee shot.  There are many places to lose balls, but it's no worse than having a lake on the inside of the dogleg.



Somewhere around the 11th.  An uphill semi-blind tee shot.  Not for the weak of heart.  Followed by this second shot.  Death to the right, bailout to the left; and what a backdrop!




The 17th, par 3.  Do you have the balls, literally and figuratively, to go for the back left pin?  Or, bail out to the right.  And, the green, irc, runs to the back and left.  No easy chip from the bailout.  

I just can't believe all that earth moving Dye did . . .  Those HUGE containment mounds have gotta be what, 600 feet high??  

I would definitely go play at this place.  

Yannick,

Riviera, Rustic and Lost canyon would cover a lot of architectural ground. Sounds like a perfect trip to me.

You have to play or walk Riviera!!!!!!


Aidan,

Great photos - I enjoy all the photos you have shared when we talk about courses I don't know. They are helpful in getting a feel for the place. Thanks.

Ian,

You read my mind.  I was also thinking of slipping by Bel-Air....  Must be even tougher to get on that course!  Lucky I would not be driving there with my Civic...

Err, the course looks stunning   What gives?

Is that a function of the course, of Aidan's skill, some combo of the two, or my poor taste?
Has Aiden cherry-picked (certainly valid for what he does) or is the rest of the course has gorgeous?

(and is it just me, or do Pete Dye courses invariably look interesting in photos?)

I agree. I'm actually looking forward to playing it one of these days. What is it with you guys that you get you panties in such a bunch over courses like this? I LOVED Rustic, but I have a feeling I will very much enjoy Lost Canyons -- or at least I'll enjoy many of the holes I've seen pictures of so far...

I only have 5 images from Lost Canyons. I simply chose my favorites.
They were shot on a very clear and blustery afternoon for a now defunct golf magazine. Here are the other 2 images.

Aidan, beautiful pictures.  To echo others, always a pleasure to see your work, makes it easier to 'see' what others are saying.

Wow, i'm probably the only one here who thinks this, but I think the bunkering at Lost Canyons is beautiful. I love Pete Dye's new style of bunkering where he raises the lips up high on his pot bunkers. It's so visually appealing to my eye. I would love to play the Sky course. Mind you, I don't trust whats this board has to say on Dye courses. He isn't in vogue right now with this board, it seems.