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Brad Tufts

  • Karma: +0/-0
Top 5 eclectic courses
« on: May 12, 2002, 01:27:06 AM »
Quick one......top five courses that you've played that you love that very few others would pick.....

mine are:

Isle Dauphine south of Mobile

Cape Arundel in ME....Travis Course

Portsmouth CC in NH....RTJ on Great Bay

Va-Jo-Wa in Aroostook County in N. Maine

George Wright in Hyde Park, MA...Ross after Municipal control for 70 years

Anyone else with some strange responses?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
So I jump ship in Hong Kong....

Donnie Beck

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2002, 08:32:19 AM »
1. Shennecossett  Groton, CT
2. Richter Park Danbury, CT
3. Winnapug Westery, RI
4. Norwich Golf Couse Norwich, CT
5. Chase Oaks Plano, TX
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Jeff Fortson

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2002, 02:36:37 PM »
1. Papago - Phoenix, AZ
2. Encanto - Phoenix, AZ
3. Temecula Creek Inn - Temecula, CA
4. Mission Hills Pete Dye Private Course - Rancho Mirage, CA
5. Ironwood CC (South) - Palm Desert, CA

Jeff F.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
#nowhitebelt

Ran Morrissett

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2002, 06:12:36 PM »
1. Royal North Devon, England
2. Kapalua Plantation, HI, USA
3. Rustic Canyon, CA, USA
4. Eastward Ho!, MA, USA
5. Newcastle, Australia
6. Brora, Scotland

All of them feature wind, wide fairways, uneven stances, and the ground game.

Cheers,
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Alabama Redneck

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2002, 06:50:43 PM »
wow...what did you think of daphnes' course that made you list it why? etc....just curious...layout etc....great location waiting for a great restoration/renovation....did you know architect Earl Stone lives there?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Brad Tufts

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2002, 08:46:02 PM »
Redneck (no offense i guess),

     I stayed in a house at Isle Dauphine during a spring break golf team trip last year, and one day we got rained out in the morning someplace, and decided to take up the time before the afternoon round by playing 9 holes down the street at Isle Dauphine.  We only played the front nine, so i dont know what the back is like, but its all crammed in that little space between the gulf and the road down the middle of the island.  I thought that it was a very quaint little place, with the sandy soil, the oceanfront location, the disgusting early 60s architecture of the clubhouse, and the fact that the weeds had seemingly inhaled the cart barn.  The design itself wasn't anything to speak about, but was fun nontheless.

I liked a couple of holes, like #3, even though the tee-shot with a fairway wood must be hooked over a stand of trees to reach the fairway, as one of my fellow team members actually hit one straight and had to play it off the beach to the green!

I liked #5, a short par 5 through a shoot of trees, doglegging left at the end to a green that faces the layed-up third shot only.  

And of course #9, a par 5 of about 500 yards with sand dunes down both edges of the fairway along the beach.

The course was basic, but fun, and a good time for a quick warmup.

I also saw that the place was on Golf Digest's first list of greatest courses, when it was called the nation's 200 toughest!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
So I jump ship in Hong Kong....

Will E

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2002, 09:20:37 PM »
I'll try to cover  the country
Sudden Valley- Bellingham, WA
Black Forest- Waters, MI
Carleton Oaks- San Diego, CA
Imperial (East)- Naples, FL.
Sands Point- LI, NY
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

John_Conley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #7 on: May 15, 2002, 09:38:16 PM »
Winona
Owatonna
Eau Claire
Cloquet
Double Eagle
--
the Dunes
Innisbrook (Island)
John's Island (West)
Golden Ocala
Mystic Dunes
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Don_Mahaffey

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #8 on: May 15, 2002, 09:39:08 PM »
Rio Rico Resort - Nogalas, AZ, RTJ Sr.
Tubac C.C.- Tubac, AZ, Red Lawernce
Des Moines C.C., Pete Dye
Desert Falls G.C., Palm Desert, Fream
Raven @ South Mountain, Phoenix, Panks
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

David Kelly

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #9 on: May 16, 2002, 01:28:53 AM »
Buffalo Creek - Ron Garl muni in Bradenton, FL
Cimarron Golf Club - Palm Springs, Fought
Kebo Valley Club - Bar Harbor, ME, Leeds
The Balsams Panorama Course - Dixville Notch, NH, Ross
Golden Ocala - Ocala, FL, Garl again
Pacific Grove Municipal - Pacific Grove, CA, Neville & Egan

« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
"Whatever in creation exists without my knowledge exists without my consent." - Judge Holden, Blood Meridian.

Scott_Burroughs

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #10 on: May 16, 2002, 10:22:07 AM »
1. Deerfield (fka Dupont - Louviers) - Newark, DE
2. Corning  - Corning, NY
3. Enterprise - Mitchellville, MD
4. Carolina Shores - Calabash, NC
5. Dupont (NeMours course) - Wilmington, DE
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Gib_Papazian

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #11 on: May 16, 2002, 03:37:36 PM »
How about Top 5 eclectic courses nobody ever seems to mention in the Treehouse?

That will take Stevinson Ranch and Saddle Creek out of the mix, but Stevinson is still my favorite Hidden Gem on the planet.


Lahontan. Truckee, CA.  Weiskopf pulled a special golf course out of a flowing peice of land. Love it for its use of the ground game and fast & firm conditions. A couple of quirky holes that don't quite work, but the overall is as fine an afternoon in the Sierras as you can imagine.

Eagle Point. Eagle Point. OR. The best Jones Jr. golf course I have ever played and one that I feel is worth a special trip.  The run between 12-15 is a bit unremarkable, but every single other hole is both compelling and beautiful.

The Pointe at Tapatio. Phoenix, Az. Quirky, bizarre, uneven and easy yet hard, this course keeps me entertained but I cannot understand why I like it so much. Maybe because the pacing between easy and hard holes sort of forces you to take chances.

Chechessee CC. South Carolina. C&C creation on a flat, sandy pine barren. Played it with Shooter and the kid a few months ago and it took my breath away. Just one of the most  elegant, tasteful courses imaginable and one that I would rather play than mighty Cuscowilla by miles. Pure class.

The Knoll. New Jersey. I have not played it, but spent an afternoon at the feet of the master studying his Banks course. You could play it every day from childhood to your dotage and still find something compelling.

Riverdale Dunes. Colorado. Maybe I've got good taste, because I had no concept of who designed the course and was just looking for a quick round. There are design elements about this track I like as well as Apache Stronghold which probably makes me a heretic. The landforms on a mediocre piece of land are starkly molded, but to my taste I hope to do something like it one day.

The Pit. Pinehurst. In my one meeting with Dan Maples, he did not strike me as the type to experiment with acid or mushrooms, but it is hard to believe anyone could dream this up without them. Just a completely different, quirky, nutty, off-beat creation that looks mainstream at first glance. The deeper you dig into it, the wierder it gets. I liken it as a predecessor to the Mike Strantz school.

Del Rio CC. Brawley, CA. A golf course that carries years of memories, triumph, failure, fun and fellowship, all played out on a dusty golf course in the middle of the Imperial Valley. Hard as rock, dormant bermuda fairways, wildly undulating, tiny greens and a pacing with its own personality that makes it the best match play course I've played.  6000 yards, 35-35-70 with maddeningly short par-4's, enormous par-3's, and reachable par-5's where it is easier to play for birdie than par.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:05 PM by -1 »

Gib_Papazian

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #12 on: May 16, 2002, 04:08:51 PM »
redanman,

Westhampton might top the list for me a stellar golf course nobody seems to properly appreciate.

Why is that? It is almost like a mini-Fishers Island. Just a relaxed, understated club and course in an intimate little corner of Long Island.

Before I became conscious, I could have played it every day and wanted for little else.

NGLA took care of that though.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Will E

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #13 on: May 16, 2002, 04:25:43 PM »
Gib,

You're a beauty. Your top 5 list 8 courses, no fair.
Shouldn't the "institute" be included in the eclectic mix?
I'll add another 3
Mor-Far
Calusa Pines
Kiva Dunes
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Gib_Papazian

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #14 on: May 16, 2002, 04:49:29 PM »
Even mention of the mysterious and reclusive "Institute" may get you assassinated. So far, I have not been past the hallowed gates . . . . . the owner thinks me a spy.  
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Neal_Meagher

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #15 on: May 16, 2002, 05:51:54 PM »
Yes indeed, I hear that even the designer has trouble getting on the place.  But if eclectic means drawing direct inspiration from 4 courses, then that one must be considered eclectic.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
The purpose of art is to delight us; certain men and women (no smarter than you or I) whose art can delight us have been given dispensation from going out and fetching water and carrying wood. It's no more elaborate than that. - David Mamet

www.nealmeaghergolf.com

TEPaul

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #16 on: May 16, 2002, 06:10:22 PM »
My top five eclectic course list can only manage two at the moment.

1. Mallow G.C., Mallow Ireland; Firmest, fastest course I ever played on in my entire life, some serious quirk, good holes, weird holes, cross-over holes, you name it--sort of on an Irish hillside. I played it every day alone for about a week starting at daybreak and getting home before anyone was out of bed. I had a total ball every day!

2. Tarrantine G.C., Isleboro, Maine: The closest thing to playing golf in the 19th century I've ever seen--don't even know how many holes there were maybe 11 to 12 or 14.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Gib_Papazian

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #17 on: May 17, 2002, 11:46:10 AM »
I'm thinking of a wonderful golf course in Lincolnshire that may or may not count as an eclectic but does not seem to make anyone's top 5 list.

Mention Woodhall Spa to 90% of the American travelers I know who pride themselves as having played everything worth visiting in the UK, and I get a blank look.

« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

David Graves

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #18 on: May 17, 2002, 12:12:44 PM »
Here are 7 in no particular order:
Roaring Gap Club (Ross)
Palmetto Golf Club (MacKenzie)
Sunningdale Old
Peninsula Golf Club (Ross)
Linville Golf Club (Ross)
Louisville CC (Travis)
The Farm (Fazio?)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Mike_Cirba

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #19 on: May 17, 2002, 02:33:20 PM »
Ah...eclectic....one of my favorite topics.  ;D

Too many to mention them all, I'll just stick with B's.

Bala GC - 5400 yards of dynamite fun in the burbs of Philly.  Some wild mix of Willie Dunn, Wilie Tucker, and Wilie Flynn.

Balboa Park GC - This San Diegan park has better landforms than more famous Torrey, replacing the ocean with a skyline view.  Changes to the William Bell course have not been for the better, but some really cool holes remain.

Bass River GC - 9 by an unknown, 9 added and additional revisions by Ross included some incredible back nine holes in the Cape Cod area.  Ancient cemeteries and other cool stuff fill out the atmospheric pleasure.

Bayou Oaks (Wisner) - Most of this Louisiana tract was built by Joe Bartholemew, Raynor disciple and a black man unable to play many of the courses he designed.  Used to host the New Orleans Open, and has a dreamy, steamy quality about it.

Blair Academy GC - This remote NJ 9-hole course starts with 6 of the coolest, wildest holes you'll ever see by little known Duer Irving Sewall.  Then, the holes move to land that is flat, and I'd guess they were also re-routed to provide an athletic field.  Still, an unforgettable start.

Bonneville GC - In the hills above Salt Lake City, 9 holes by William Tucker and 9 by Billy Bell Sr & Jr are a complete blast.  The course plays incredibly speedy, with much more slope to the terrain than is apparent (the joys of mountain golf), and the gorge the course is built around is artfully utilized.

Breckenridge GC - One of Nicklaus's best, this Colorado muni incorporates everything from primeval evergreen forests, beaver ponds, high-desert plains, and flat out fun, scenic golf.

Brigantine GC - This flat barrier-island course in NJ by Stiles and Van Kleek has a certain mysterious charm, as if the ghosts of nearby shipwrecks roll in with the fog.  Some huge cross-bunkers, an early version of a "moat hole" on a short par four, ever-present wind, and the sight of everpresent mulberry bushes waving in the breeze make this a treat.

Bucknell GC - Oakmont superintendent Emil Loeffler designed the first and better nine here, with Ed Ault later adding a second.  Placidly splendid, with a natural rugged feel due to some restoration work by Ron Forse.

Buena Vista GC - Stealing concepts from Pine Valley and Pinehurst, William and David Gordon created very interesting, visually arresting, and strategic golf on a flattish piece of property in south NJ.

« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Dan Grossman

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #20 on: May 17, 2002, 02:43:47 PM »
Mike -

I am interested that you included my Alma Mater's golf course (Bucknell GC).  Having played the place 100+ times, I am surprised to see it mentioned.  We always thought that there were some awful holes which precluded it from standing out, especially on the back nine.  (#14 and #17 which require a rope hook off the tee).  Although, it is the hardest damn golf course I have played that is only 6,200 yds.  Only one reachable par 5 (over a pond) and no reachable par 4s.  Trees keep it from being pitch and putt.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Mike_Cirba

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #21 on: May 17, 2002, 02:46:02 PM »
Oh Dan,

Where's your spirit of adventure?  ;)

How can one fail to be moved by the first three holes, alone?

« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

THuckaby2

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #22 on: May 17, 2002, 02:47:15 PM »
Given it was wholly unreasonable to ask America's Guest to stick to five courses, kudos for at least sticking to one letter.   ;)

But kudos mainly for the fact that someone FINALLY gave some examples of an ECLECTIC golf course.  Far be it from me to be Dan Kellian here, but let's remember what eclectic means, shall we?

e·clec·tic   Pronunciation Key  (-klktk)
adj.
Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles: an eclectic taste in music; an eclectic approach to managing the economy.
Made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources: “a popular bar patronized by an eclectic collection of artists, writers, secretaries and aging soldiers on reserve duty” (Curtis Wilkie).

Thus several of Mike's fit the definition.  Many of the rest mentioned in this thread are quirky, cool, hidden gems, whatever, but are they eclectic?

Don't mind me - this will likely be my last post for a week or so (going on a business trip) and I want to go out swinging.  Being a persnickety pain in the butt is a great way to do that!

TH

ps - to Mike ("AG"):  LOVE the mention of Bayou Oaks.. I played one of the courses there, loved it... no frills, barebones, fun and haunting golf.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:05 PM by -1 »

TEPaul

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #23 on: May 17, 2002, 02:52:30 PM »
Mike Cirba:

If you're making fun of Bala G.C. at 5400yds from the tips just cut that stuff out--it's more than I can handle right now and I'm just really pissed at that damn corrupting green committee over there for needlessly lengthening it from 5282Yd!!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Mike_Cirba

Re: Top 5 eclectic courses
« Reply #24 on: May 17, 2002, 02:56:20 PM »
Tom,

What's in the water around here that those green committees always need to tamper with perfection?  ;)

The second and third holes alone should be bronzed and memorialized for all time.  

« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

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