My 2023 Golf year

[Sean_A]

Here are my courses for the year so far; I still have a few to squeeze in when we go to Florida in December. I did not touch a golf club until June 1st this season.


Ottawa Park GC (OH)
Troia (Portugal)
Eagle Eye GC (OH)
American Dunes (MI)
The Mines (MI)
Pilgrim's Run GC (MI)
Arcadia South GC (MI)
GVSU Meadows GC (MI)
Angel's Crossing GC (MI)
Lakeside GC (KY)
UK Wildcat GC (KY)
Pinnacle CC (OH)
Prairie Trace East GC (OH)
Sultan's Run GC (IN)
Huntingburg CC (IN)
Sanctuary GC (OH) NLE 10/15/23
Leatherstocking GC (NY)
Lost Nation GC (OH)
Egwani Farms GC (TN)
Old Union GC (GA)
Butternut Creek GC (GA)
Sequoyah National (NC)
Noble Hawk Links (IN)
Sharon Woods GC (OH) replay
Foresthills GC (GA)
Augusta Municipal "The Patch" (GA)
Eisenhower Lakes GC (GA)


I am hoping to also play these courses in December:


Arcadia Municipal (FL)
Bobby Jones GC (FL)
another TBD

What did you think of Angels Crossing?


Ciao

[Chris Mavros]

Chris--I see a bunch of Dallas-area courses.  Got a favorite?

Jim, my favorite down there would be Brook Hollow.  I really enjoyed all the courses I played (two separate trips) and each course stood out with a distinct identity, but Brook Hollow elevated above the rest a bit.  Lots of variety, the firm and fast played a lot of fun over the terrain that was used quite well and the greens were nice and large, inviting all kinds of pin positions and preferable approach lines.  The off fairway areas had the kind of randomness that livens up the game as well.  Some times you may have a nice shot at recovery, some times you may need to get rather inventive and other times you may have to laugh as you wonder if there's any way out.  The great hazard on the back is extraordinary as well.   


I had not seen the course beforehand, but Foster's work is really impressive. 



 

[Tim Gallant]

A fun year seeing a mix of new (to me) courses, and a few revisits.


St Andrews (Old)
Muirfield
St Andrews (Castle)
Royal St George's
Princes
Lundin
Royal Burgess
Seaton Carew
Dundonald
Carne
Mulranny
Enniscrone
County Sligo
Hayling
Cabot Highlands (site walk)
Prairie Dunes
Ballyneal
The Mulligan
Sand Hills
CapRock Ranch
Prairie Club (Dunes)
Dismal River (Red)
Wild Horse
Graybull (site walk)
Colorado Golf Club
Dunstanburgh Castle
Alnmouth Village
Archerfield (Fidra)
St Andrews (Old)
West Sussex
Gullane No. 3
Royal County Down
Royal Portrush
Castle Stuart
Kilspindie




Mulranny blew me away and I would hop on a flight to Knock again just to play that course over and over. Ballyneal was the other big surprise. I was expecting great, but the conditions were the closest I've seen to a links course in the States. And that made it so much fun. In our group, we were constantly saying 'Hey watch this', before trying some wild shot.

[Stewart Abramson]

Ballyneal was the other big surprise. I was expecting great, but the conditions were the closest I've seen to a links course in the States. And that made it so much fun. In our group, we were constantly saying 'Hey watch this', before trying some wild shot.

+1 So much fun

[Mike Worth]

Ballyneal was the other big surprise. I was expecting great, but the conditions were the closest I've seen to a links course in the States. And that made it so much fun. In our group, we were constantly saying 'Hey watch this', before trying some wild shot.

+1 So much fun

Apropos of the point made in another post regarding observations of a golf course made during a single time playing – – it rained the day I was at Ballyneal.  The turf was fine, but I would not have said it was perfect. It couldn’t of been — it was wet.


CapRock and Sand Hills, played during the same trip in September of this year, were absolutely perfect

[Thomas Dai]

Be interesting to know the cumulative value of the greenfees each player paid to play all the courses mentioned above. And that’s forgetting about the travel and accommodation etc costs incurred in visiting the various locations.
Atb

[Mike Worth]

Be interesting to know the cumulative value of the greenfees each player paid to play all the courses mentioned above. And that’s forgetting about the travel and accommodation etc costs incurred in visiting the various locations.
Atb

I’m going to go with the lowest amounts I paid.  I’m afraid to add up what I paid for the high-end courses I played.


Twaalfskill - $30.
Medal of Honor (USMC Base Quantico) - $33.


And both courses were wonderful experiences - Doak 6ish

[Craig Sweet]

Like most golfers I played one course this year.  In my case it was Old Works.  I got in 60 maybe 70 rounds.

[Richard Hetzel]

Here are my courses for the year so far; I still have a few to squeeze in when we go to Florida in December. I did not touch a golf club until June 1st this season.

Eagle Eye GC (OH)
American Dunes (MI)
The Mines (MI)
Pilgrim's Run GC (MI)
Arcadia South GC (MI)
GVSU Meadows GC (MI)
Angel's Crossing GC (MI)

Rich is coming closest to my neck of the woods. And I believe Eagle Eye is Michigan, unless there is one in Ohio I don't know about. I'm going to try to play there next year.


This year I played:
Indian Trails (MI)
The Mines (MI)
Diamond Springs (MI)
Pilgrims Run (MI)
Kirtland (OH) - Midwest Mashie
Otter Creek (MI)

I have played the Eagle Eye in Michigan, but this was a different Eagle Eye 9 hole course. It's in Columbus at the Defense Supply Center Military base. I have my VA card now (took over three years!) so I can now access all military courses.
Next summer I will try and play Stotin Brae, Bedford Valley, Diamond Springs and Harbor Shores.

[Richard Hetzel]

Here are my courses for the year so far; I still have a few to squeeze in when we go to Florida in December. I did not touch a golf club until June 1st this season.


Ottawa Park GC (OH)
Troia (Portugal)
Eagle Eye GC (OH)
American Dunes (MI)
The Mines (MI)
Pilgrim's Run GC (MI)
Arcadia South GC (MI)
GVSU Meadows GC (MI)
Angel's Crossing GC (MI)
Lakeside GC (KY)
UK Wildcat GC (KY)
Pinnacle CC (OH)
Prairie Trace East GC (OH)
Sultan's Run GC (IN)
Huntingburg CC (IN)
Sanctuary GC (OH) NLE 10/15/23
Leatherstocking GC (NY)
Lost Nation GC (OH)
Egwani Farms GC (TN)
Old Union GC (GA)
Butternut Creek GC (GA)
Sequoyah National (NC)
Noble Hawk Links (IN)
Sharon Woods GC (OH) replay
Foresthills GC (GA)
Augusta Municipal "The Patch" (GA)
Eisenhower Lakes GC (GA)


I am hoping to also play these courses in December:


Arcadia Municipal (FL)
Bobby Jones GC (FL)
another TBD

What did you think of Angels Crossing?


Ciao

Much BETTER than I expected it to be.

[Richard Hetzel]

Here are my courses for the year so far; I still have a few to squeeze in when we go to Florida in December. I did not touch a golf club until June 1st this season.


Ottawa Park GC (OH)
Troia (Portugal)
Eagle Eye GC (OH)
American Dunes (MI)
The Mines (MI)
Pilgrim's Run GC (MI)
Arcadia South GC (MI)
GVSU Meadows GC (MI)
Angel's Crossing GC (MI)
Lakeside GC (KY)
UK Wildcat GC (KY)
Pinnacle CC (OH)
Prairie Trace East GC (OH)
Sultan's Run GC (IN)
Huntingburg CC (IN)
Sanctuary GC (OH) NLE 10/15/23
Leatherstocking GC (NY)
Lost Nation GC (OH)
Egwani Farms GC (TN)
Old Union GC (GA)
Butternut Creek GC (GA)
Sequoyah National (NC)
Noble Hawk Links (IN)
Sharon Woods GC (OH) replay
Foresthills GC (GA)
Augusta Municipal "The Patch" (GA)
Eisenhower Lakes GC (GA)


I am hoping to also play these courses in December:


Arcadia Municipal (FL)
Bobby Jones GC (FL)
another TBD

Huntingburg! I love that little nine hole course. Nothing like a dog leg right par three closer that is actually somehow a good golf hole! That made my day Richard!

HA! It was a fun little course. I played it after I played Sultan's Run. Since I am now having to drive over 2.5 hours to get NEW courses in, I try and double up to make the longer drives worth it. It actually had a few good holes TBH. Played very fast and firm too. I liked the back to back dog leg holes as well. I forgot to take a pic from the tee on number 9. I bogeyed it.

[Ronald Montesano]

All new courses were in Ohio:

• Lake Forest
• OSU Scarlet
• OSU Grey
• CCColumbus
• Springfield (had previously photographed; got to play it this time)
• NCR South

Revisited Manakiki. I like it. Wanted to finish trip with Sleepy Hollow, but stupid Cleveland Amateur was finishing up there. Bustards! The nerve of some elite golfers!!

When you coach high school golf in the fall and the spring (separate teams at school) you lose those two seasons. When you love the lens as I do, you begin to equate shooting with shooting.  We are all different creatures of differing habits.

Mickel Patio sounds delightful. Love those farriers.

[Jason Topp]

Like most golfers I played one course this year.  In my case it was Old Works.  I got in 60 maybe 70 rounds.

Craig - nice choice for one course.   How do those bunkers play day to day?  They seemed to work well on my one visit many years ago. 

[Jim Tang]

2023 was a very nice year for golf. New courses are in bold...


Bluejack National
Ballyneal (2 visits, which isn't enough)
Southern Hills
Dornick Hills
Fields Ranch - East
Fields Ranch - West
Old American
The Tribute
Beverly
Black Sheep
Banff Springs
Jasper Park
Merit Club
The Lido
Sedge Valley (preview play)
The Park (the day after Thanksgiving!)




Notes:


The Lido was a very special experience for many reasons, but none more so than having the chance to play 36 holes with Peter Flory. Peter is such a generous host and obviously an authority on everything Lido. It was a remarkable day and I cannot thank Peter enough for the experience.


The Park in West Palm Beach, FL, is instantly one of the best courses in that area. It's the opposite of your typical Florida golf course, meaning it's wide off the tee and devoid of water and OB. It's a one ball round as losing a golf ball there is very hard to do. How many courses in Florida are like that? The emphasis at The Park is fun.


I hadn't been to Beverly since the work there had been completed. I was blown away by the course's dramatic transformation. It's just a wonderful place to play golf. Congrats to all those who were involved in Beverly's transformation.


In terms of pure scenery, the Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper corridor may be unmatched to what I've experienced. I think it beats Maui.


Upcoming:


At the end of March I'll be in New Zealand for golf at Tara iti and both courses at Te Arai. Anticipation abounds!

[Sean_A]

Here are my courses for the year so far; I still have a few to squeeze in when we go to Florida in December. I did not touch a golf club until June 1st this season.


Ottawa Park GC (OH)
Troia (Portugal)
Eagle Eye GC (OH)
American Dunes (MI)
The Mines (MI)
Pilgrim's Run GC (MI)
Arcadia South GC (MI)
GVSU Meadows GC (MI)
Angel's Crossing GC (MI)
Lakeside GC (KY)
UK Wildcat GC (KY)
Pinnacle CC (OH)
Prairie Trace East GC (OH)
Sultan's Run GC (IN)
Huntingburg CC (IN)
Sanctuary GC (OH) NLE 10/15/23
Leatherstocking GC (NY)
Lost Nation GC (OH)
Egwani Farms GC (TN)
Old Union GC (GA)
Butternut Creek GC (GA)
Sequoyah National (NC)
Noble Hawk Links (IN)
Sharon Woods GC (OH) replay
Foresthills GC (GA)
Augusta Municipal "The Patch" (GA)
Eisenhower Lakes GC (GA)


I am hoping to also play these courses in December:


Arcadia Municipal (FL)
Bobby Jones GC (FL)
another TBD

What did you think of Angels Crossing?


Ciao

Much BETTER than I expected it to be.

I have been intrigued by the course since it opened. I don’t hear much about Angels Crossing anymore.


Ciao

[Stewart Abramson]

2024 was a very nice year for golf. New courses are in bold...

Time goes by too fast, but not this fast.

[Jason Topp]

I counted 32 courses this year and starred 11 of them as notable:


Places I would like to join if I were local:


Carolina GC - nice course, great people, good vibe
Chechessee Creek - enjoyed the course and setting


Great destinations


Kingsley - my third visit.  Terrific variety. Holds up with repeat visits. 


Tree Farm - had horrible weather but I think I liked it.  Was mainly wet and cold. 


Firestone S, N, Fazio - had low expectations.  Loved the mid century vibe and the service.  South Course is much better than it looks on television.  Other courses are tough but not my cup of tea. 


Something was off:


Quarry at LaQuinta - when the caddies carry bags for your divots I think things have gone too far. 
Juliette Falls (Ocala) - great golf course but not my vibe.  Trump flag and cart girl advertising focus.  Huge money spent on water feature to end each nine.  Wish they would have mowed greens instead. 


Not sure:


Bighorn - a lot of things I hate about golf (cart course, huge houses, emphasis on clubhouse and peripherals) but I had such a good time and the holes were solid.  Fastest cart I have ever driven. 


Fun experience:


Lafayette Club - par 30 or 31 with tilted greens made for a challenge when hitting cups in a pro-am. 

[Bob_Garvelink]

Here are my courses for the year so far; I still have a few to squeeze in when we go to Florida in December. I did not touch a golf club until June 1st this season.


Ottawa Park GC (OH)
Troia (Portugal)
Eagle Eye GC (OH)
American Dunes (MI)
The Mines (MI)
Pilgrim's Run GC (MI)
Arcadia South GC (MI)
GVSU Meadows GC (MI)
Angel's Crossing GC (MI)
Lakeside GC (KY)
UK Wildcat GC (KY)
Pinnacle CC (OH)
Prairie Trace East GC (OH)
Sultan's Run GC (IN)
Huntingburg CC (IN)
Sanctuary GC (OH) NLE 10/15/23
Leatherstocking GC (NY)
Lost Nation GC (OH)
Egwani Farms GC (TN)
Old Union GC (GA)
Butternut Creek GC (GA)
Sequoyah National (NC)
Noble Hawk Links (IN)
Sharon Woods GC (OH) replay
Foresthills GC (GA)
Augusta Municipal "The Patch" (GA)
Eisenhower Lakes GC (GA)


I am hoping to also play these courses in December:


Arcadia Municipal (FL)
Bobby Jones GC (FL)
another TBD

What did you think of Angels Crossing?


Ciao

Angels Crossing is one of my all time favorite courses and they have it playing fast and firm.  Great track and one of the better values in the country.  Def worth a play

[Eric Zimmerer]

Very disappointed on how little "away" courses I played for the first time this year, however I do believe they are a solid list. Hope work allows for more fun for 2024


Bethpage Black
Hotchkiss School
Plainfield
Francis Byrne
Ekwanok
Aronimink




Belonging to a Banks course, Hotckiss, and Francis are probably higher than they should be, but would honestly play either any day and have a blast. Aronimink was a sleeper, I knew it was good, but didnt realize how good.

[Craig Sweet]

Jason regarding Old Works and the slag bunkers...They played inconsistent.  Personally, I don't care for them for that reason.  Course conditions are not what they were 20 years ago...

[Jason Topp]

Forgot one - Buck Wolter took me to Champion Hill (MI) on the way to his cabin.  Fantastic experience, great land near Crystal Downs.  I doubt it cost $40.    Would fit neatly in Sean Arble’s lineup of course tours.  Consider a visit if you are headed to Crystal Downs, Arcadia or Kingsley Club. 


https://www.championhill.com/

[Tony_Muldoon]

Let's give this a shot.   I've had a lot of fun this year on a wide mixture of golf courses in several states.   All "first time" courses are marked with an asterisk*, architect(s) of record as best as I could determine, and my Doak Scale rating.   Courses grouped together in 2s and 3s that are bracketed [] were played the same day.  Courses played multiple times are indicated with "nX" where "n" is number of times.   Many of the courses with very low scores were either simple par 3 or executive courses but many were a blast despite their architectural simplicity.   One course (Harris Hill) was only 3 holes with artificial grass greens, but I had a smile on my face the whole time.


Hoping to play a few more before year end around here and in Arizona.  Questions/comments welcomed.


Seaview (Bay) (NJ)
Ed “Porky” Oliver (DE)
Jeffersonville (PA)
Merion (West) (PA)
Reading (PA)
[Salt Pond (DE)*] – Rupert Smith 1992 – 2
[Mulligans Pointe (DE)]* - Ed Ault 1967, Al Janis 1988 – 2.5
Stonewall (North) (PA)
McCall Field (PA)
Galen Hall (PA) (2x)
Golden Oaks (PA)
[Whispering Pines (SC)*] – Gen. Gilbert Meyers 1962, Baxter Spann/Ken Dye 1987 – 3
[Arrowhead (SC)*] – Tom Jackson/Ray Floyd 1994 – 4
[International Club (SC)*] – Willard Byrd 2000 – 2.5
[Legends (Parkland) (SC)]
Wild Wing (Avocet) (SC)
[Aero Club (SC)*] – Ed Ault 1984, Chip Smith 2020 – 2.5
[Glen Dornoch (SC)]
Springdale (NJ)
Waynesborough (PA)
Mountain Valley (Valley) (PA)
Shadowbrook (PA)
Clinton (PA)* - Alex Findlay 1910, Ed Ault 1972, Ault/Clark 1977 - 3.5
Jack Frost (PA)
Berkleigh (PA)(4x)
Metedeconk National (NJ)
Whitford (PA)* - William/David Gordon 1957, Ron Forse/Jim Nagle 2008 – 5.5
Northampton (PA)
[Twaalfskill (NY)*] – Some believe Tillinghast 1902 – 6
[Innes (NY)*] – Hal Purdy 1970/Rob Collins/Tad King 2021 – 5
[Sullivan County (NY)*] – Len Rayner/Maurice McCarthy 1925 – 3.5
Shawnee (PA)
[Susquehanna Valley (PA)*] – William Flynn? 1914?, Dick Dickinson 1927, Wm/David Gordon 1959 Front Nine 5, Back Nine 2 = 3.5
[Kaddy Shack (PA)*] – Don Fisher/Rich & Bill Young 2000 - 1.5
[Sunny Hill (PA)*] – Vance Megargel/Jim Seltzer 1953 – 2
Lancaster (PA)
Manufacturers (PA)
Ravens Claw (PA)
Fox Hill (PA)
Harris Hill (NY)* - J. Arthur Kiefer 1973 – 1.5
Rumson (NJ)* - Travis/Kellogg/Barker/Norton 1910, Ed Crane 1948, Tripp Davis 2014 – 6
Bella Vista (PA)
Homestead (PA)
Catatonk (NY)* - Hal Purdy 1961, Cliff Ulrick 1972, Dennis Ulrick 2006 – 2.5
Corey Creek (PA)* - Herb Peterson/Tom Bonnar 1928, Jack Marsh 1972 – 3
Bethlehem (PA)
Woodloch Springs (PA)
Philadelphia Cricket (Wissahickon)(PA)
Southward Ho (NY)* - A.W. Tillinghast 1925, Al Tull 1961, Stephen Kay 1991, Joel Weiman 2016 – 5
North Jersey (NJ)
Elkview (PA)
Indian Mountain (PA)(2x)
[Presidio (CA)*] - William Robertson 1896, Robert Johnstone/William McEwan 1900-1910, Herbert Fowler 1921,Robert Muir Graves 1964, Desmond Muirhead 1973, Richard Zokol/Armen Suny 2013 – 5.5
[Lincoln Park (CA)*] - Tom Bendelow/Vince Whitney 1912, Wilfred Reid/James Donaldson 1916, Bob Lager 1918, Herbert Fowler/William Watson/Harold Sampson 1922, Jack Fleming 1935 – 2.5
[Pacific Grove (CA)*] - H. Chandler Egan 1932, Jack Neville 1960 – 5
[Del Monte (CA)*] - T.W. Tetley/C Maud 1897, Wm Robertson 1898, C Maud/E Folger/J.A. Folger/T.P. Gower 1903, Wilfred Reid/James Donaldson/Walter Fovargue 1916, Herbert Fowler 1920, Roger Larson 1970 – 4
[Bayonet (CA)*] - General Robert McClure/Lawson Little 1954, Gene Bates 2008 – 5
[Black Horse (CA)*] - General Edwin Carnes/General Robert McClure 1964, Gene Bates 2008 – 4.5
[Peter Hay (CA)*] - Peter Hay/Jack Neville/Gen. Robert McClure/Wm. Moore 1957, Tiger Woods/Beau Welling 2021 – 2.5
[Pebble Beach (CA)*] - Jack Neville/Douglas Grant/W Reid/J Donaldson 1918, H. Fowler 1922, A Mackenzie 1926, H. C. Egan 1929, Jack Neville/Sandy Tatum 1972, Jack Nicklaus 1998, Arnold Palmer 2010 – 9.5
[Spyglass Hill (CA)*] – Robert Trent Jones 1966 – 7
[Sharp Park (CA)*] - Alister Mackenzie/H. Chandler Egan/Robert Hunter, Jr./Jack Fleming 1932, Jack Fleming 1941, Robert Muir Graves 1972 – 4
[Hidden Valley (PA)]
[Hamlin (PA)*] – Tom Reinbold 2012 – 1.5
Rich Maiden (PA)
Blue Shamrock (PA)
Williamsport (PA)* - Walter Travis/Herbert Barker 1911, A.W. Tillinghast 1923, Maurice McCarthy 1930, William Gordon 1964, Ron Forse/Jim Nagle 2001 – 5
Shade Mountain (PA)* - Ed Ault 1969 – 4

I believe in the Confidential Guide Tom Doak wrote of the scale that a score of 3 was "about the level average Golf Course in the World" and a 5 was "Well above the average golf course, but probably about the average among courses covered in this book".  You've played a significant no of courses (well over 1000?), enough to have statistical significance. Do you record them with thier scores on a spreadsheet and if so what is the average score? 
Just curious.

(If you can do this it would be interesting to get your comment on whether you think your choices reflect a tendency to visit the 'more interesting courses', or do the sheeer no's mean you have seen 'the average'?)

[Richard Hetzel]

Forgot one - Buck Wolter took me to Champion Hill (MI) on the way to his cabin.  Fantastic experience, great land near Crystal Downs.  I doubt it cost $40.    Would fit neatly in Sean Arble’s lineup of course tours.  Consider a visit if you are headed to Crystal Downs, Arcadia or Kingsley Club. 


https://www.championhill.com/

I stumbled upon it a few years back. Excellent, minimalist golf course.

[Bob_Garvelink]

2023 was a good year for me 


Harbor Shores (I work there so here is an open invite to play it free for anyone who will be in area assuming our schedules line up)


Bandon Dunes
Pacific Dunes
Bandon Trails
Old Mac
Sheep Ranch
Sand Valley
Mammouth Dunes
Forest Dunes
The Loop
Arcadia Bluffs
Arcadia Bluffs - South Course
Black Lake
Bay Harbor
Pilgrims Run
Whistling Straits
Treetops - Signature & Premier
Threetops
Eagle Eye
Angels Crossing
Notre Dame Warren Course
Blackthorn
Stoatin Brae
Hampshire

[Sean_A]

2023 was a good year for me 


Harbor Shores (I work there so here is an open invite to play it free for anyone who will be in area assuming our schedules line up)


Bandon Dunes
Pacific Dunes
Bandon Trails
Old Mac
Sheep Ranch
Sand Valley
Mammouth Dunes
Forest Dunes
The Loop
Arcadia Bluffs
Arcadia Bluffs - South Course
Black Lake
Bay Harbor
Pilgrims Run
Whistling Straits
Treetops - Signature & Premier
Threetops
Eagle Eye
Angels Crossing
Notre Dame Warren Course
Blackthorn
Stoatin Brae
Hampshire

Hampshire?


Ciao