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Nick

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #25 on: January 31, 2002, 06:15:36 AM »
Good call Tim, the West at Saunton is a great opener from the raised tee. I'm with you there, cheers for reminding me.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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redanman (Guest)

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #26 on: January 31, 2002, 06:53:24 AM »
Royal Aberdeen is pretty cool and very butt-puckering with your arse facing the member's bar and you looking out at the North sea behind the green.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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ajf

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #27 on: January 31, 2002, 07:26:59 AM »
i played the best first tee in the U.S. on tuesday.  

Kinloch Golf Club, Richmond, VA

(golf digest best new private course, 2001)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Paul Perrella

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #28 on: January 31, 2002, 08:35:11 AM »

  While I would certainly agree with:

    Pete Galea on Spyglass

    Justin H. on Portstewart

    Bill Perlee on Shinnecock

 and a few others my own pick would be The Sagamore.
 For those of you not familiar with this Donald Ross  course it overlooks beautiful Lake George in upstate NY. I must admit to being surprised that Matt Ward did not have this on his list just for the sheer beauty of it.

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

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #29 on: January 31, 2002, 08:52:28 AM »
I've just come up with another one.  The first at Worplesdon -one of the best openers I have ever played at one of the best courses in Surrey.  Elevated tee, inviting fairway and Surrey heathland spread out before you !!!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Ben Cowan-Dewar

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #30 on: January 31, 2002, 09:07:27 AM »
Paul,
I agree with the first at the Sagamore.  Here is a picture, not the greatest, but...


How about Banff's old first..
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Peter Galea

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #31 on: January 31, 2002, 09:46:38 AM »
Thank you Paul and Ben, Sagamore, Bolton Landing.
Gawd I miss the "Lake." :'(
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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"chief sherpa"

Bob_Huntley

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #32 on: January 31, 2002, 10:25:28 AM »
The Old Course and Riviera.

Rich, your Dornoch story reminded me of my own embarrassment on a first tee.

Some years ago we were standing on the first tee at TOC and asking how Ian Baker-Finch could possibly hit it OB to the left. I got up, a perfect practice swing, addressed the ball and hit the ball almost to the burn and an inch outside the white picket fence, a distance of some three hundred and fifty yards (bone hard ground)and a hundred yards off line. I remarked to my playing companions that I quite easily understood how it could have happened.

I did not have the nerve to look behind me and see the reactions of the viewers in the Big Room.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Tim_Weiman

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #33 on: January 31, 2002, 10:34:47 AM »
Nick:

Part of what makes Saunton West cool is the scene itself.  Beyond that, thinking of the view from the Saunton Sands Hotel adds something.  Obviously, Saunton West never really makes its way into that cool area defined off limits for environmental reasons.  But, as the first tee heads in that direction, it is fun just to imagine.

Paul Parella:

I, too, really enjoy the first tee at the Sagamore.  Not only is it beautiful, but it also plays havoc with your depth perception.  You really aren't quite sure how far the green is and where your tee shot is liking to land.  You keep looking at the indicated yardage and can't quite reconcile it with what your eyes are telling you (thanks to Lake George off in the distance).

At least, I can't.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Tim Weiman

Ben Cowan-Dewar

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #34 on: January 31, 2002, 10:38:07 AM »
Following Bob's story is tough, especially given the setting.  However I remember in a junior tournament years ago when I was in a playoff with a friend.  We went back to the first tee (with quite a gallery), which was elevated and beside the clubhouse.  We had played our earlier round together and he had eagled the first, I had birdied it, so the anticipation mounted.  I won the coin toss and hit a solid drive, then my friend stepped up.  He shanked it, hitting the sign for the hole some 20 yards ahead, it came back like a bullet.  After coming to rest in the rough on a downslope behind our tee, he tried to hack at it valiantly, but knocked it OB and conceded.  While it is technically a 19th hole story, it was a first tee story.  The guy never played the course again.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Craig_Rokke

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #35 on: January 31, 2002, 12:30:38 PM »
Man, who couldn't get pumped to play Banff upon reaching that first tee?  I agree with Tim W. That Stonewall's #1
is a very good first hole, and though I've only seen it,
Merion, too. It's not super dramatic, but Inniscrone #1 as well.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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BillV

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #36 on: January 31, 2002, 01:11:51 PM »
CJ

Stonewall's #1 doesn't even equal your list of three to me.

Stonewall#1?  Please expound, maybe I missed something, sorry if I am dense (The new kinder, gentler redanman)  ;)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Craig_Rokke

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #37 on: January 31, 2002, 02:27:56 PM »
Redanman-

I last played Stonewall about three years ago. I remember stepping out of that clubhouse--one of my favorites--and you're right at that first tee. You don't often see a par five starting a course out, but I really liked the hole.

It's a tad over 500 yards, gently rising, falling and then rising again to the green, in sort of a serpentine manner. I remember
there being a number of routes to reach your ultimate destination, some involving two shots if you really played them well and the wind isn't in your face. Above all, you want to avoid drifting right on your approach, or you'll find yourself in the pond. Thankfully, the hole plays wider than most on the course. It also playes fast and firm.

I don't remember the details of the green, but I'm pretty sure it was nicely done. I also like the bunkering, and the fescued look of the course. #1 is not the best hole on the course, but for me, it was great hole to start the round with.

Maybe Tim W. can comment.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Anthony_Nysse

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #38 on: January 31, 2002, 05:40:47 PM »
When I played Maidstone, it was very foggy and I was only able to see about 150 yards before the ball disappeared. That, factoring in with the waves crashing off the nearby Atlantic ,will ALWAYS be one of the best first tees. Shinnecock's, Winged Foot's(because of it's history and clubhouse) and Bethpage's aren't too bad either.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Anthony J. Nysse
Director of Golf Courses & Grounds
Apogee Club
Hobe Sound, FL

Tommy_Naccarato

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #39 on: January 31, 2002, 05:51:50 PM »
Andy, A real good one there!

The majority of them mentioned are all good starting holes. Especially the Merion one, but of course that probably more then likely be changed. I'm assuming the membership will now completely raze the 1st, since they observed in old aerials that it wasn't original and Buddy has a little more time on his hands since he finished his bunker restoration.

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

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #40 on: January 31, 2002, 05:59:28 PM »
Craig:

Regarding, Bill V's question about Stonewall, I thought we were talking about the FIRST TEE not the first hole.

I like Stonewall's first hole, but I really love the first tee mostly because of the intimate feeling it has so close to the pro shop.  That is not something many modern courses have managed to accomplish.  For ambiance, it is pretty tough to beat.

I also like the tee shot itself.  The is width to the fairway that seems appropriate for an opening hole.  If you are well warmed up and want to start aggressively going for a par 5 in two, nothing will constrain you.  On the other hand, if you've just got out of the car from Philly and want to ease into things, the tee shot makes you feel comfortable conservatively playing the hole in three shots.

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

Craig_Rokke

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #41 on: January 31, 2002, 06:12:58 PM »
I think you're right. I should have read the caption more carefully. I like the first TEE, too. I think one of the other things I like about that particular first tee is that as soon as
you get to the tee (if not before), you come to the realization that this course will offer a peaceful respite from everything else.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Geoffrey_Walsh

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #42 on: January 31, 2002, 06:15:32 PM »
Hope there is enough room in here for a newcomer....

Top First Tees

#1 at Merion (already mentioned) but I help coach a high school golf team that calls Merion its home course.  I love when you can see the flag on the other side of the trees at the dogleg.  Believe it or not our #1 player last year drove the first green....

#1 at Bethpage.  If there was ever a first tee that is set up for the US Open this is it.  Interestingly enough, another flag you can see on the other side of the trees at the dogleg.

#1 at Huntingdon Valley.  I love a hole that exposes the personality of a player.  After this driveable par 4, you know if your playing with a short, patient player (iron off the tee, relatively easy par) or a risk/reward guy (driver off the tee, birdie/bogey).

#1 at Secession.  This hole has the smallest tee boxes I have ever seen and then you look out ahead of you and you don't see any fairway even though it is relatively flat.  Very few opening holes demand trust in a caddie for the first-time player, but this one definitely does.  This hole has stayed with me, because it is unlike anything I have ever seen.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Ben Cowan-Dewar

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #43 on: January 31, 2002, 06:16:38 PM »
Craig,
Unfortunately this is not the start of the round anymore, it is the 15th hole.

However, it is still a great one.
Ben
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Geoffrey_Walsh

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #44 on: January 31, 2002, 06:19:46 PM »
Hope there is enough room in here for a newcomer....

Top First Tees

#1 at Merion (already mentioned) but I help coach a high school golf team that calls Merion its home course.  I love when you can see the flag on the other side of the trees at the dogleg.  Believe it or not our #1 player last year drove the first green....

#1 at Bethpage.  If there was ever a first tee that is set up for the US Open this is it.  Interestingly enough, another flag you can see on the other side of the trees at the dogleg.

#1 at Huntingdon Valley.  I love a hole that exposes the personality of a player.  After this driveable par 4, you know if your playing with a short, patient player (iron off the tee, relatively easy par) or a risk/reward guy (driver off the tee, birdie/bogey).

#1 at Secession.  This hole has the smallest tee boxes I have ever seen and then you look out ahead of you and you don't see any fairway even though it is relatively flat.  Very few opening holes demand trust in a caddie for the first-time player, but this one definitely does.  This hole has stayed with me, because it is unlike anything I have ever seen.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Mike_Cirba

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #45 on: January 31, 2002, 06:26:08 PM »
Tim Weiman,

Although I'm a big fan of the course, what did you like in particular about the 1st tee at Stonewall?  

I recall it being somewhat removed from the clubhouse, past the driving range and up to an enclosed area just beyond.  Yes, I loved the look of the right side fairway bunkers, but I am curious as to your thoughts.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Tim_Weiman

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #46 on: January 31, 2002, 06:33:44 PM »
Craig:

You don't have to make it to the first tee before what makes Stonewall so nice sets in.

Geoffrey Walsh:

Welcome abroad!

Just so you get a proper initiation, I must tell you that Secession wins my vote for the absolutely worst opening hole in golf........but, then, we are talking about the FIRST TEE only......and I hated the hole so much I can't remember just the tee itself.

Oh, and by the way, I know a fellow from Los Angeles who also wants a part time job coaching that high schol golf team.  Stick around and you'll get to know him as well.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Tim Weiman

Tim_Weiman

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #47 on: January 31, 2002, 06:40:42 PM »
Mike Cirba:

I'm curious how you recall the rightside bunkers (which I also appreciate), but don't recall that the first tee at Stonewall is right next to the pro shop?

Was there some kind of temporary first tee when you played it?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Tim Weiman

Geoffrey_Walsh

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #48 on: January 31, 2002, 06:42:16 PM »
Tim,

I would definitely agree that the hole is a bit awkward but I'll never forget the feeling I had trying to hit that first shot at Secession.  Any hole that encourages emotion (fear in this case) tends to be memorable.



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

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Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #49 on: January 31, 2002, 06:51:10 PM »
Geoffrey (and others),

Speaking of FEAR on a first hole tee shot...another one that comes to mind is the first on the Prince course at Princeville.

It may not be the most feared tee shot in the history of golf, but looking down at all that jungle/baranca/whatever-you-want-to-call-it that lines both sides of the fairway as it pinches down to nothingness in the landing area will certainly enhance the "pucker factor" when puilling back the club for your first swing of the day.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:01 PM by -1 »
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Born Rochester, MN. Grew up Miami, FL. Live Cleveland, OH. Handicap 12.2. Have 24 & 21 year old girls and wife of 27 years. I'm a Senior Supply Chain Business Analyst for Vitamix. Diehard walker, but tolerate cart riders! Love to travel, always have my sticks with me. Mollydooker for life!
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