Courses that disappointed you

[Brad Tufts]

I can semi-agree with Tralee, but I was expecting Arnie/Ed Seay in Ireland, and that's what it was, so no big disappointment per se.

[CJ Carder]

The single course that disappointed me more than any other was Royal Dornoch.  (To put it in perspective, I loved Brora.)

In retrospect, I relalized that I may have given the old girl a bad rap. We played it with junior caddies, who almost never get to play the championship course, so they were of almost no help on blind or semi-blind shots.

Ken - I completely understand how you felt.  My first trip round Dornoch left me curious what all the fuss was about.  It was only on my second round (the very same day) that I really was able to sit back and enjoy what the course was all about and take in some of the strategy and the scenery.  

Looking back, I think a big part of my initial displeasure was due to my playing partners.  My dad excluded, the other two people we played with were not very good, and our caddies were less than helpful as well - seemingly more involved yucking it up with each other rather than tending to our needs as players and guests.  The second round, my dad and I played alone, skipped the caddies, and were much happier.  We got to see more of the course, take our time, even let a group of locals play through and still finished in 3.25 hours.  Despite my disappointing first round, I now "get it."

As for the general thread, I had a similar experience at Pebble (minus the more enjoyable replay) and I think that really detracted from what I had built up in my head to be the greatest course on earth.  

I would also add both the Love and Fazio courses at Barefoot Resort in Myrtle Beach to the list.  Both were considered Top 100 You Can Play (with Love grading out in the high 30s I believe) and to me, neither were anywhere close to the Top 100 that I've played, much less that you can play in the US.  I simply did not see a lot of strategy or shot values on either of the courses and almost every hole looked to be exactly the same.

[Anthony_Nysse]

Terry,
  The beauty of the DG is great! I think that harbor town is the most overrated, disappointing golf course of all the Top 100s. Other than the tee shot on #17 and #18, the course is a waste of good realstate.

Tony Nysse
Asst. Supt.
Colonial CC
Ft. Worth, TX

It's no Long Cove, I'll grant you that, but I really do like it a lot.

We can agree on that! 

[hhuffines]

I would list Pinehurst #8 ahead of Pinehurst #4.  #8 has almost the
exact same hole two times in the first seven holes and when you get to
hole four you think you're on a different course.  I also disliked the
cramped closeness of holes on the back side.

As for #2 I can understand disappointment after one round, but like
Mr. Doak says, you have to give it some time to figure it out.  Of course
that's nearly impossible with the rate structure!  

[John Kavanaugh]

Obviously I have not played the course yet but I was dissapointed at the location of Bandon IV.  I was surprised so see a giant ocean side dune that obstructs the views and found the layout to be obtrusive on the routing of Pacific Dunes.

Oh John, what are we going to do with you?

For starters, you will be able to see the ocean from numerous vantage points on Old Mac.  Surely, as many vistas as on Bandon Dunes, which you've professed your love for.

Secondly, where, if not there, is Bandon IV to be built?  That's all the more property left out there.

Thirdly, as the guys responsible for the course have mentioned, it's sand based with lovely rolls.  Perfect conditions for building a golf course. 

Lastly, the course will have two greens on top of the bluff you mention.  They will be spectacular holes. 

Michael,

I question if you have seen the site during construction.  There will be no greens on top of the bluff.  The ocean views are more in the mold of Bandon Trails instead of Bandon Dunes.

[JSlonis]

I'm really suprised to see Dornoch and Merion listed above.  For me, next to The Old Course, Dornoch was one of the highlights of my trip to Scotland.  I thought the place was outstanding.

Chip,

You need to get to Merion again so you can see all of what you apparently missed.  You did play the Merion GC located on Ardmore Ave didn't you? I hope I don't come off as snooty, but we could really spend the entire day at Merion and still not uncover all that there is to see there.  Did you putt on any of the greens?

For a first impression, a course that didn't live up to expectations for me was Bethpage Black.  Now I've only played it once, so maybe after a couple of more rounds, I might see things differently, but I was underwhelmed at first.

[Brian Cenci]

The Irish Course at Whistling Straits.  I thought it was stupid.  Made me feel ashamed to be Irish, although my Irishnish is redeemed by U2.

I really like the Irish course, which is a minority on this site.  Let me guess, too "contrived"?

-Brian

[Chip Gaskins]

Chip,

You need to get to Merion again so you can see all of what you apparently missed.  You did play the Merion GC located on Ardmore Ave didn't you? I hope I don't come off as snooty, but we could really spend the entire day at Merion and still not uncover all that there is to see there.  Did you putt on any of the greens?

not to turn this into another "why Chip doesn't like Merion thread"  i have been down that road and lost...every time (minus a few PMs i get supporting my view)

your statement is the exact statement i made to my playing partner when we were putting our clubs in the trunk of the car...."are you sure we played the correct course?"

i am pretty sure i did play the correct course and here is my write up and pics: http://thelaststop.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/10/merion.html

[Sean_A]

The Irish Course at Whistling Straits.  I thought it was stupid.  Made me feel ashamed to be Irish, although my Irishnish is redeemed by U2.

Phil

Seeing that word "Irishness" in print confirms that you must be Irish!  Ah, driving, that would be the best way!

Ciao

[Tommy Williamsen]

It is difficult for some courses to live up to expectations, so yes some may disappoint.  That doesn't mean that they are still not excellent courses.  I have been disappointed a number of times.  After rethinking my opinion I thought that there was no way they could have lived up to what I hoped.  What surprises me are the very famous courses that exceed my expectations.  Royal County Down  and Cypress Point fit that bill for me.

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

Peachtree in Atlanta...I like the course but would not consider it anything sopecial as a layout.
History wise, it speaks for itself, and my guess that alone gets it good reviews...because the layout is really nothing special.
Whistling Straits in general.......links golf on steroids..visual overkill, hard for hards sake and so clearly man made...the kind of golf cousre you think anybody with a large budget could put together.
No subtlelty at all..not clever to me.

[JSlonis]

Chip,

You need to get to Merion again so you can see all of what you apparently missed.  You did play the Merion GC located on Ardmore Ave didn't you? I hope I don't come off as snooty, but we could really spend the entire day at Merion and still not uncover all that there is to see there.  Did you putt on any of the greens?

not to turn this into another "why Chip doesn't like Merion thread"  i have been down that road and lost...every time (minus a few PMs i get supporting my view)

your statement is the exact statement i made to my playing partner when we were putting our clubs in the trunk of the car...."are you sure we played the correct course?"

i am pretty sure i did play the correct course and here is my write up and pics: http://thelaststop.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/10/merion.html

Thanks for the link.

I don't mean to pick on you because I'm not on this site to bash anyone.  Everyone likes different things, but I've never heard anyone say that Merion isn't in the same league as Pine Needles.     Don't get me wrong, I love Pine Needles, it's a alot of fun to play, but architecturally superior to Merion?  Ahhh...alright no more discussion on this, I'll let it be.  Okay...just one more thing...

You did see the greens, I saw your pictures.  Do you not think many of those greens are something special...even worldclass?

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

Sorry Chip...I just have to chime in here as well...not picking on you either...but come on...I played Pine Needles two weeks ago...compare to Merion...please...that's like comparing Fulham to Manchester United..Merion is a true champion amongst those that will never reach glory status.

[Jason Mandel]

Chip,

You need to get to Merion again so you can see all of what you apparently missed.  You did play the Merion GC located on Ardmore Ave didn't you? I hope I don't come off as snooty, but we could really spend the entire day at Merion and still not uncover all that there is to see there.  Did you putt on any of the greens?

not to turn this into another "why Chip doesn't like Merion thread"  i have been down that road and lost...every time (minus a few PMs i get supporting my view)

your statement is the exact statement i made to my playing partner when we were putting our clubs in the trunk of the car...."are you sure we played the correct course?"

i am pretty sure i did play the correct course and here is my write up and pics: http://thelaststop.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/10/merion.html

Thanks for the link.

I don't mean to pick on you because I'm not on this site to bash anyone.  Everyone likes different things, but I've never heard anyone say that Merion isn't in the same league as Pine Needles.     Don't get me wrong, I love Pine Needles, it's a alot of fun to play, but architecturally superior to Merion?  Ahhh...alright no more discussion on this, I'll let it be.  Okay...just one more thing...

You did see the greens, I saw your pictures.  Do you not think many of those greens are something special...even worldclass?

Jamie,

It is after all the 3rd best course in Deleware County

[mike_malone]

 It's SOLIDLY in my top 5 in Delaware County.

[Jason Shanks]

For me it was Cruden Bay.  A visually inviting course that left me saying, "eh."  I should have played a second round at Royal Aberdeen, or just sat in Cruden Bay's bar and had a few pints.

[Lou_Duran]

Shivas,

And you're a rater?  How can you like Shoreacres so much and not CGC?  Both are fantastic, but the nod clearly goes to CGC.

My disappointments:

East Lake, Firestone- South, Princeville- Prince, Winged Foot- both, The Dunes (Myrtle Beach), Harbour Town (not as much), Turtle Point (Nicklaus, Kiawah).

[Joe Bentham]

Obviously I have not played the course yet but I was dissapointed at the location of Bandon IV.  I was surprised so see a giant ocean side dune that obstructs the views and found the layout to be obtrusive on the routing of Pacific Dunes.

Oh John, what are we going to do with you?

For starters, you will be able to see the ocean from numerous vantage points on Old Mac.  Surely, as many vistas as on Bandon Dunes, which you've professed your love for.

Secondly, where, if not there, is Bandon IV to be built?  That's all the more property left out there.

Thirdly, as the guys responsible for the course have mentioned, it's sand based with lovely rolls.  Perfect conditions for building a golf course. 

Lastly, the course will have two greens on top of the bluff you mention.  They will be spectacular holes. 

Michael,

I question if you have seen the site during construction.  There will be no greens on top of the bluff.  The ocean views are more in the mold of Bandon Trails instead of Bandon Dunes.

John
As per usual, your wrong.  There is a green and a tee high on the bluff behind 13 tee @Pacific.  Might have the best 'ocean veiw' on the entire property.

[JR Potts]

Shivas,

And you're a rater?  How can you like Shoreacres so much and not CGC?  Both are fantastic, but the nod clearly goes to CGC.

Absolutely disagree.  I would play Shoreacres over CGC any day of the week.  I thought Shoreacres was more interesting, more challenging and whole lot more fun to play.  Plus, you cannot beat the property upon which Shoreacres sits.

[Michael Dugger]

Obviously I have not played the course yet but I was dissapointed at the location of Bandon IV.  I was surprised so see a giant ocean side dune that obstructs the views and found the layout to be obtrusive on the routing of Pacific Dunes.

Oh John, what are we going to do with you?

For starters, you will be able to see the ocean from numerous vantage points on Old Mac.  Surely, as many vistas as on Bandon Dunes, which you've professed your love for.

Secondly, where, if not there, is Bandon IV to be built?  That's all the more property left out there.

Thirdly, as the guys responsible for the course have mentioned, it's sand based with lovely rolls.  Perfect conditions for building a golf course. 

Lastly, the course will have two greens on top of the bluff you mention.  They will be spectacular holes. 

Michael,

I question if you have seen the site during construction.  There will be no greens on top of the bluff.  The ocean views are more in the mold of Bandon Trails instead of Bandon Dunes.

John
As per usual, your wrong.  There is a green and a tee high on the bluff behind 13 tee @Pacific.  Might have the best 'ocean veiw' on the entire property.

Gotta go with Joe on this one, John.

I have.......

There are.....

You are.........wrong

[Matt Waterbury]

As on Wall Street, the only way to disappoint is to mismanage expectations...

For me it was Pinehurst #2. I was young. After all the hoopla I was expecting a religious experience.

First tee...no big deal. First hole...whatever. Second tee...more the same. Second green...whoah.

But by then, I was already disappointed. To this day I don't think there are any particularly unforgettable tee shots on the course. But the greens are spectactular. But I was expecting a great golf course, and was let down to find "only" world class green complexes.

I have since gotten over it, and quite enjoy the course.

mjw

[K. Krahenbuhl]

East Lake

[wsmorrison]

Pinehurst #2
Bethpage Black
Baltusrol Lower

[Matt_Ward]

I'll start in my own "neck of the woods" with the following ...

1). Maidstone

Wonderful holes in spots but not close enough to be mentioned as a serious top 100 course. Gets plenty of "in the hood" points with Shinny and NGLA being so nearby. Love the par-4 9th and a few of the other holes closer to the ocean but in sum there's little real depth or consistency to merit such a lofty position.

2). Bethpage Black

I say this with a heavy heart since I've played the course for well over 30 years and 200+ rounds. BB has become nothing more than golf equivalent of Barry Bonds. It has become the poster child for muscular golf with nothing more than added tee boxes -- I'm waiting for a tee box to be extended to Jersey for even more length.

BB doesn't have any real unique short holes because the desire to lengthen and narrow everything has become a mission unto itself.

It would help immensely if the course returned to a more "worn" or "natural" look instead of being so clean and country club looking.

3). Baltusrol / Lower

On the plus side it helps to have the name Jack Nicklaus on your roster twice as champ ('67 & '80 US Opens). Doesn't hurt that Lefty also won the PGA there.

On the flip side the layout is really a bore. There isn't anything memorable about it. I also see the par-3 4th as a tad overrated. Kudos to the club for keeping their profile in the mix but if people see this as a top 100 layout then they really need to play a good mixture of other courses that have not flown as high on the radar screen.

p.s. Although I have confined myself to my area -- I have to say Shoreacres would also be on my listing of heavy disappointments -- for Raynor fans the work he did at Camargo and Fisher's Island is good way beyond that of the Chicago-based layout.

[Greg Krueger]

Peachtree, Shoal Creek & Settindown Creek. All great properties but ho hum courses.