Mike
Is golf not about the thrill of the challenge, of encountering the unknown, pushing the golfer’s skill and of understanding his own/her abilities? There is no better way of embracing these experiences other than facing a virgin or previously non-encountered course.
On a previous thread many here where advocating shorter courses, which IMHO is madness as we already have adequate options in the 9 or 18 Holes Courses, however repetition is a boring factor even in golf. To play 18 or 36 Holes in a friendly or club Match would require utilising some Holes two, three or even four times, which for normal club tournaments would fast see objections from Members.
The Number of good sporting courses available to us in the UK are not only numerous but can generally be found within a dozen mile or so of each other.
Quality must be ones first choice for a golfer, nevertheless, we all suffer from ‘Repetitive Golf Strain Syndrome’ and this is where quantity comes in. However I am not the expert on this subject I must give way the likes of Sean and his great multi course reports. Not forgetting another who has a record second to none and that is Ernie Payne who has played every Scottish Golf Course including the new ones recently opened. See the link to his web site
http://www.erniepaynegolf.co.uk/ultimate.html I do not know about you but there are days in the past when I have just wanted to play golf, no scoring of note just perhaps for record sake. So sought out a small out of the way course where I could face the course with an uncluttered mind, any pre-set ideas or intentions (plans would seem to be the wrong word choice as my skills are not worthy of my intentions). Everything new, every stroke based upon what I see, my game is pure and untouched by outside influence or interference from a Caddie, Club Member or previous knowledge of the Hole(s). IMHO there is nothing more relaxing that playing the unknown. So yes to quality but quantity is bloody helpful too.
Melvyn