RED wins 1-up.
I was really surprised by the outcome. Before in depth review, I would have guessed that Red wins by #15 or so. Blue has a great stretch of holes from #2 - #7. Red may even have a better stretch from holes #7 - #11. My favorites are Blue #2 & #6 and Red #7 & #9. Can't wait to go back.
Given 10 rounds, how would you allocate your rounds? Please post your handicap when responding.
5-5 Blue/Red. Blue front nine is a blast to play but red finishes strong. 3 handicap.
My sentiments are similar to Ryan Taylor.
During my one trip to Streamsong, I played the Red course twice, and the Blue course one and a half times, with a second trip around the front nine. My recollection of the Blue course is a bit fuzzier on holes #9, #14 and #15.
I was tired during the trip, and therefore was incapable of appreciating the courses as much as I should. Living in a cool climate, it was also difficult to manage the unseasonably hot (mid 80s) and humid weather in mid-January. I agree with Tom D. and others that the quality of the hole designs is equal to those at the Bandon resort. It's a very long way to travel for me, so I probably will not return.
If I did return to play fifteen times, I'd want to play the Blue, Black and Red five times each. I preferred the Red slightly over the Blue.
I loved the audacity of the very long par fours at the Red course, especially the 1st and 15th holes. In both cases, I felt it would be relatively easy for me to make a bogey, and a real treat to make par. On the 15th hole the second time around, I mishit driver, then blasted 3-wood as far up the hill as I could, leaving about 105 yards. Wedged in to about 30 feet, to that beautiful, gentle green set in a bowl. I just missed the putt. I thought standing on either the 14th or 15th tee, looking up at that big beautiful uphill monster was ludicrously funny and exciting. And though the final six holes of the Red course are indeed quite hard, I found them a very compelling stretch.
Keep in mind that the par fives on the Red course aren't super long. For me, who would still play the 6600 yard tees, there are 7 holes which measure 453 (way, way uphill), 464 (just way uphill), 472 (a little downhill), 505, 508, 508 and 521. All are arguably half-par holes.
One of my favorite stretches on the Blue course is the third through fifth holes. I found the tee shot at the third hole, with water all down the left side and a little pot bunker which served as an aiming point (for me), both difficult and engaging. The fourth hole is sensational, driving out into a flat plain completely bordered by waste sand areas, with a marvelous uphill approach shot to a plateau 20 or so feet above the fairway. Then on the edge of the plateau, we play the short 5th hole with its long, narrow green that offers a wide variety of length and setup options.
I could go on for a while, but let's cut it short (about to head out). Among the other holes I liked best at Streamsong are Red #6, #13 and #16, and Blue #11, #16 and #18.