Having been called out by JakaB for leaving Augusta National Golf Club off my top ten list and having dined in repentence at Waffle House this a.m., here's my take:
In another thread Patrick Mucci, my favorite Golden Domer, wrote:
I've always had my own categories for golf courses.
They are:
Championship
Sporty
Membership
Question: Better than any course in the States, does Augusta National Golf Club fit the bill in EACH and EVERY CATEGORY?
Championship: Has it identified the great players (even with the occasional Ford, Aaron, Mize, Brewer), caused great chokes and charges, withstood the test of time?
Sporty: The pitch to the 3rd hole, the back right pin location at 6, the pitch at the 7th, the challenge at 12, the reachable par fives on the back with dicey pitches for the timid or less talented, the front pin location at 16 just to name a few. Fun play around the greens everywhere.
Member: Simply as good as it gets. With the exception of 12, no penal features that cannot easily be avoided - plenty of room right of 11 and 13 and behind 15. Room off the tee (despite the foolish tree planting there remains room to golf your ball and recover). Local knowledge at a premium. With the exception of 4, 7, 12, 13 & 15 adequate opportunity to run the ball in. A great walk with the only climbs being 8 and 18. CBS Sports funding the entire year's budget.
Are there any better all around courses?
Mike