Seany:
You're right -- that's life in the cowards's city -- nothing like extending oneself ...
*****
Jim F:
Here was my States listing ...
will include my foreign side of things too -- mostly from the UK / Ireland and possibly a few other locations as well.
First Five
Shinnecock Hills -- the first among equals for me
Cypress Point -- just pure magic and beauty
Merion / East -- nothing packs as much design punch as this layout
Oakmont -- should be a major host every 7-8 years whether US Open or PGA. Just the supreme parksland layout of first rate
Sand Hills -- surreal setting with golf at its core. nuff said.
Second Five
Pine Valley -- needs to get rid of some trees and the underbrush to move up for me.
Ballyneal -- pure fun, entertainment and never a dull moment -- only measurably so-so element for me was the final two par-4's.
Rock Creek -- simply loved the layout -- only weak hole for me the finale. the best collection of Doak par-4 holes I have ever played
NGLA -- any design student needs to see it -- awesome in all senses of the word for the scope of what it provided. citizen kane golf
Winged Foot / West -- the most intense and discerning course that elicits the least amount of love.
Third Five
Crystal Downs -- the toughest short course one can play.
Prairie Dunes -- when wind is up -- the yardage becomes immaterial -- great greens and the 8th is on my short list for great holes.
Pebble Beach -- when firm and fast and the wind up it's everything and more. still has a few so-so holes that keep it down for me.
Fisher's Island -- hard to beat on a sunny summer afternoon -- the best of the Raynor layouts for me.
Pinehurst #2 -- when firm and fast and with ample fairway widths works for me -- takes more than one play to "get it"
Fourth Five
Black Mesa -- just a superb public facility for those unable to get to the ones listed above it. Superb scenery and range of holes.
The Kingsley Club -- likely should be higher but would need a second visit to confirm my original lovefest for it.
Riviera -- love when the course plays firm -- incredible range of decisions for player to decide upon. 18th is everything they say & more.
The Ocean Course / Kiawah -- often thought of as a unrelenting beast -- the course has such a range of elasticity and even playability
Pacific Dunes -- wonderful setting and the best ending with a par-4, par-3 and par-5 closing.
Fifth Five
Plainfield -- one of the most underrated layouts in the metro area and flies way too low nationally.
Bayonne -- just totally man created and works well even when in tight quarters -- goes beyond shadow creek in such a similar category
Mauna Kea -- great upgrade from Rees Jones and likely the best RTJ course I have played. The 11th is one of the best long par-3 holes
Bethpage / Black -- don't like many of the post changes -- the 18th especially -- but still a top notch design and test.
Red Ledges -- gets little attention but Jack's most striking layout with UT scenery and design elements that are first rate.