I’m not sure about its ranking, but in Columbus I do prefer The Golf Club. I understand MV isn’t that hospitable to panelist, which might have an effect.
MVGC is no doubt visually stunning, but to my tastes in a very contrived and artificial manner. Perhaps part of the problem is I have followed its evolution from its very beginning – actually prior to its opening. And since I saw the raw site, the original design and have witnessed the numerous changes, perhaps I have a different, more critical, perspective.
The individual holes are all good to very good to great. But the whole doesn’t inspire me; part of the problem as I said is the differing styles. The original bunkering scheme was really very interesting and consistant. The par-3s are good, but as an example of changing bunkers, I don’t care for the current bunkering on the 8th and 12th. Those orginal holes were very striking and the current bunkering is not nearly as interesting. The current 16th seems out of character.
The course is not the best of walks and might be more enjoyable from a cart. There is also not a lot of interest off the tee – the 9th, 15th and perhaps the 18th being the exceptions. The 14th is one of the great strategic short par-4s, but is marred in my view by the artificiality of the stream and the constant tinkering, over the years, with the bunkering. The 15th is a fantastic natural golf hole and has remained relatively unchanged. I also believe the design relies too heavily on water. A very good golf course, but I preferred the more coherent slightly less artificial original version.