Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group => Topic started by: Sean_A on November 12, 2013, 07:12:16 AM
-
Say you have a very tight circle of golfing mates (may be real or imaginary :D ) and want to recommend top 20 courses. What are they and if you care to explain, why have you chosen them?
Ciao
-
That's one very open ended question....!
-
Sean:
I did that for Jim Urbina a long, long time ago. He might still have the list.
However, it's a tough question because it depends a lot on what you're assuming they have already seen, or already know about. For example, I loved Kington, and would recommend it to a good friend ... but I wouldn't really say it was a higher priority than any of the courses I give 9's and 10's in The Confidential Guide. So then we would be back to the usual suspects, instead of focusing on the hidden gems you intend this thread to focus on.
Crystal Downs was one of those hidden gems once.
-
Tom
Its true, I am digging for gems :D .
I was hoping that including 20 would encourage folks not to list courses which are quite similar even if individually great.
My second thought
Lahinch
Old Town
St Enodoc
Prestwick
Merion
Kington
Sacred 9
North Berwick
Pennard
Ganton
Cruden Bay
TOC
Sandwich
Deal
Lakewood Shores Gailes
Perranporth
Cavendish
Alwoodley
Southerndown
Dornoch
Isn't that odd, I didn't get the impression you thought much of Kington except for the opening and closing scene.
Ciao
-
My good golf buddies don't need me to recommend courses they already know about. Focusing more on under-the-radar courses:
The Prairie Club, NE
Crystal Downs, MI (most of my friends know nothing about it)
Idle Hour, KY
Erin Hills, WI (under-the-radar for three more years)
Lawsonia, WI (overshadowed by WI's other "destination" courses)
Kingsley, MI
Blackwolf Run Meadow Valleys, WI (I think it gets overshadowed by the Straits and River, but I love the back nine)
The Trophy Club, IN
The Fort, IN
Harrison Hills, IN
ArborLinks, NE
Metairie CC, LA
Dark Horse, CA
Hidden Cove, KY
Dale Hollow, KY
Waveland, IA
Granville, OH
Woodland Hills, NE
Picadome, KY
Tournament Club of Iowa, IA
-
I'm thinking just UK&I here and also, so courses other than the usual suspects plus my personal favourite gems are included, no course is in the list that's held the men's or ladies Open/Amateur or the Ryder/Walker/Curtis Cups or a significant pro event, and with one exception (*), I don't think any of these have -
From north to south and then to Ireland, of which my knowledge is less -
Brora - cracking links, sheep and cattle
Golspie - a wee gem, three types of course in one round
Cruden Bay - once played never forgotten
Himalayas at St Andrews - pretty unique and great fun
Musselburgh Old* - to be played with hickories
North Berwick - play, observe, learn
Royal West Norfolk - yee olde
Beau Desert - heathland gem, better than gem in fact, and cheaper than famous west of London heathlands
Painswick - crazy quirk and more crazy quirk
Minchinhampton Old - yee olde, cattle and horses, to prove you don't need sand bunkers
Kington - top of the English golfing world, great greens, views west into Wales
Tadmarton Heath - lovely shortish, tight heathland, wonderful cakes and pies
Perranporth - once played, never forgotten
RND/Westward Ho! - yee olde, sheep and cattle
Askernish - how things used to be
Carne - serenity and tranquillity plus great golf all nearly at the end of the the world (well, ish!)
The Bann - great, shortish 9-hole links. I doubt you'll break par though!
Dooks - because loads of folks have repeatedly told me to go there
This is only 18 so I shall rest and ponder a little while longer.
All the best
-
Thomas,
I am one of those who recommends Dooks. You don't go there for great "architecture". You go to enjoy being alive. Dooks does that as well as any golf venue I have ever seen.
That aside, I agree with Tom Doak. It is hard to recommend 20 courses because so much depends on what a person has already seen. The willingness and/or ability to travel also has a big impact.
-
Jason - I'm surprised you didn't include Hyde Park.
-
Prestwick
Crystal Downs
Old Mac
Pacific Dunes
Ballybunion Old
Lahinch
Yale
Ballyneal
Shoreacres
Kingsley
Bandon Trails
Portmarnock
Rustic Canyon
Lawsonia
County Louth
Lost Dunes
Harrison Hills
University of Michigan
Old Elm
Belvedere
* TOC would have topped the list but now only gets honorable mention till I get back to see how much damage has actually been done...Other honorable mentions: Black Sheep, Skokie, Glen View, Broadmoor (IN), The Mines, Tamarack (CT), Kankakee Elks, Talking Stick North, Briarwood, Spring Valley, Big Fish, Dunes Club, Chicago Golf, Ravisloe, Olympia Fields North, Riviera, Pinehurst #2 (need to see the reno), Pine Needles, The Island, Fishers Island, Legends Heathland, Carnoustie, Bob-O-Link, Exmoor, Flossmoor, Trophy Club, Westhampton, Onwentsia, Barona Creek
-
I agree with that sentiment of depending on ability/desire to travel. I've played a lot of hidden gems in certain locales that I would more than recommend if you're already going to be in the area, but as far as making it a destination--I think that list has got to most certainly be your usual suspects, no?
-
We won't travel so far so we'd play and ANYONE can play them.
Tandridge
Wildernese
Lamberhurst
The Nevill - 4 good honest parkland courses
Sunningdale Old and New
Worplesdon
West Sussex
Walton Heath Old
Swinley Forest
Hankley Common
Berkshire Red - 8 top heaths
The Addington
Crowborough Beacon
Royal Ashdown Forest
Knole Park - 4 "others"
Royal Cinque Ports
Royal St George's
Rye
Littlestone - 4 top links
-
Avoiding simply listing my personal top 20...instead focusing on courses where I had lots of fun, would play frequently if location allowed, and which offered variety.
Holston Hills
Lookout Mountain
Kirtland CC
Chechessee Creek
The Golf Club
Brookside CC
Rock Creek Cattle Co
Yale
Kingsley
Southampton GC
Portmarnock
Caledonia
Exmoor CC
Bethpage Red
Paramount CC
Moraine CC
Tobacco Road
Sleepy Hollow
Nassau CC
Mayfield CC
-
Since most of us seem to have golfing friends that have seen some of the usual suspects. The courses that would be fun little add ons; good fun, not too taxing, good atmosphere, memorable.
Goswick*
Dunbar*
The Glen
Luffness New*
Kilspindie*
Braid Hills
Elie*
The New Course*
Crail Balcomie*
Moray Old*
Brora*
Edzell
Monifieth
Scotscraig
Lundin
Portstewart*
The Valley Course, Portrush*
I know that's not 20 but I start to pop ones on the list for the sake of it after that. I have a really good time playing at all these clubs, both on and off the course. The ones with * are courses that I feel our international friends could slip into an itinerary and not feel like they had wasted their time. The others would probably serve the same purpose but equally, some would turn their nose up.
On the US side, I've not really played any off the radar places. Since its almost time for the end of year threads about the courses you have most enjoyed in 2013, Boston Golf Club is right up there as my biggest surprise. I had not read much about it and enjoyed it immensely.
EDIT- add on the Scarlet course at OSU and the Weyhill at Saucon Valley. Neither are world beaters by any stretch but both have good back-9s.
-
Jason - I'm surprised you didn't include Hyde Park.
I probably overthought whether it fits the terms of the list or not. It certainly belongs. I went on the rationale that no one is likely to turn down an invitation there as it is, but then the same could be said for Idle Hour so it's hard to justify leaving it out.
-
like this group?
http://www.usga.org/news/2013/November/Rose-Relives-U-S--Open-Win-at-Merion/
-
Is the question about "good golfers" that are mates, or "good mates" that we play golf with? Because they can be very different. For instance:
If it's the former, i'd put courses like Victoria National or Bellerive at the top of this list. My friends that are good golfers really enjoy these courses, because i think the challenges are more geared towards them than a 12 hcp.
-
Creek Club
Piping Rock
Nassau
Huntington CC
Meadowbrook
Deepdale
Rockaway Hunt Club
Bethpage Red
Bethpage Black
Engineers
North Shore
Glen Head
Garden City Golf Club
St Georges
Friars Head
Sebonac
National Golf Links
Shinnecock Hills
North Fork
Montauk Downs...RHE
-
Why would anybody NOT recommend their normal top 20 courses to their friends???
-
Richard:
Travel is probably the biggest factor. I know a ton of people who simply can't travel to sample the world's best.
I am not going to even mention a place like Kingston Heath to folks here in Houston I play with. They have never heard of such a place and have no intention of flying to Melbourne to see and play it.
-
Why would anybody NOT recommend their normal top 20 courses to their friends???
That is the question I struggled with...not sure it came through in my response. FWIW, I basically grabbed a handful of my personal top 20 that I considered particularly fun (my top 20 are not necessarily pure 'fun' to play, e.g. Bethpage Black) and perhaps a bit under the radar and supplemented them with a few that were a bit lower down on my list and were less recognized. That was my basic, and perhaps flawed, understanding of the initial question. Suppose I tried to delineate 'fun' vs. 'best.' Really did not put a ton of thought into it, though.
-
This is going to be the ultimate homer post, but...
If you're just talking about a good golfing trip, Indianapolis on the whole is severely underrated.
3 really good privates:
Crooked Stick
Wolf Run
Broadmoor
5-6 really good publics:
The Trophy Club
The Fort
Brickyard Crossing
Purgatory
Heartland Crossing
Prairie View (this is probably my least favorite course on this list)
Toss in a few courses worth driving a few minutes:
Rock Hollow
Coyote Crossing
Kampen Course at Purdue
Harrison Hills
Sure, they won't dazzle anyone with views or top 100 status (I think both Wolf and the Stick are on the edge of a couple lists) but I guarantee you'll have 3-4 really good days of playing golf. Most likely, far more affordable than somewhere else. Plus some really good restaurants and under-rated brewery scene.
/end homer status
-
Robert Emmons' list is the epitome of diversity...is there a course there off Long Island? What a problem to have.
-
Robert Emmons' list is the epitome of diversity...is there a course there off Long Island? What a problem to have.
RoMo-That is LI only and there are a pile more to choose from.
-
Richard:
Travel is probably the biggest factor. I know a ton of people who simply can't travel to sample the world's best.
I am not going to even mention a place like Kingston Heath to folks here in Houston I play with. They have never heard of such a place and have no intention of flying to Melbourne to see and play it.
Then, wouldn't this just be a list of top 20 courses in my area?
-
In my area:
Palmetto (can't believe not mentioned yet; such a fun and tricky scoring course)
Camden ( Kris Spence did a great job; this course is so tough at 6500 yds its crazy)
Roaring Gap Club (pure pleasure; back 9 is great with the rebuilt greens)
Chechessee (really high quality place that seems to get more interesting the more I play)
Pinehurst 2 (I love the new look and how it plays)
MidPines (redo to bermuda greens, etc by K. Franz has added 5 shots of difficulty and way more interest)
Old Town (mentioned already)
Recent trip:
Chicago Golf Club (get on anyway you can; all world)
Old Elm (terrific greens and club; doing a lot of work right now)
-
Sean:
Best "hidden" gems I have seen:
The Island Club
Alwoodley
Ballyliffin Old
Meadow Club
Brancaster
St. Germain
Lawsonia Links
I would also say that I meet very few people that know much about one of my home courses:
The Olde Farm
These courses are generally unranked and unknown by the masses...of course, many get discussed here but there are few very good courses that haven't received attention here. They all have interesting and very walkable routings. They have above average green complexes. They all make me smile and I'd go back to all of them without hesitation.
Bart
-
Eastward Ho
Fishers Island
Charles River
Mountain Ridge
Mountain Lake
Lancaster CC
The Dunes Club
White Bear Yacht Club
Wakonda
Crystal Downs
MPCC dunes
The Cal Club
The Valley Club
Prairie Dunes
Milwaukee CC
Lawsonia links
Pacific Dunes
Somerset Hills
Wanamoisset
Beverly- lots of fun guys to get a game with
-
Answering the original topic question I'd think I'd just end up listing my top 20 courses so instead I'll try to break it down abit more as I'd recommend different courses to different people in different situations. I'm also probably not going to make 20, I could easily recommend 20 but I think I'd be abit pickier.
As a qualifier, most of my golfing mates are solid golfers, but not all that well traveled, so outside of the obvious big boys they'll have limited knowledge and they would probably not be overly keen on spending £100+ on a round unless it's a real treat.
Unfortunately Sean I'd doubt I'm going to bring up any you haven't already heard of or played...
Real treats/must plays;
TOC
Prestwick
North Berwick
Dornoch
Courses that they may not have heard of and are good value. Should play if you're in the area;
Notts
Liphook
Lindrick
The Addington
Huntercombe
Sherwood Forest
Dirt cheap, interesting and with heaps of potential;
Meyrick Park
If anyone makes it to Oz;
Kingston Heath
Woodlands
Barnbougle Dunes
St Andrews Beach
-
Folks, the list I offered is far from my favourites.
John
I would love to play your Camden, Palmetto & Chechessee trio plus Sheehy's Aiken and Rivermont.
Tom
I have long wanted to see Meyrick Park, but have harboured doubts. Is it worth a drive down south?
Robert
North Fork? Talk to me.
Two folks mentioned Chicago's Old Elm. Is it one of those ulta exclusive Chicago clubs? Do you know of a good photo tour?
Ciao
-
I'm going to go with courses that anyone can play and that a lot of people probably haven't heard of or wouldn't think of and that I have played.
Bethpage Red
Hankley Common
Hindhead
Tallgrass
Denham
Effingham
Seaford
Seaton Carew
Stoke Park
Sunningdale Ladies
Wentworth East
Worplesdon
Wolfdancer
The Rim
Panmure
Southerndown
Pennard
Ashburnham
Waterville
Glasgow Gailes
-
This is going to be the ultimate homer post, but...
If you're just talking about a good golfing trip, Indianapolis on the whole is severely underrated.
3 really good privates:
Crooked Stick
Wolf Run
Broadmoor
5-6 really good publics:
The Trophy Club
The Fort
Brickyard Crossing
Purgatory
Heartland Crossing
Prairie View (this is probably my least favorite course on this list)
Toss in a few courses worth driving a few minutes:
Rock Hollow
Coyote Crossing
Kampen Course at Purdue
Harrison Hills
Sure, they won't dazzle anyone with views or top 100 status (I think both Wolf and the Stick are on the edge of a couple lists) but I guarantee you'll have 3-4 really good days of playing golf. Most likely, far more affordable than somewhere else. Plus some really good restaurants and under-rated brewery scene.
/end homer status
I just actually found this Josh, and I could not agree more. Indy is the ultimate place to get a lot of Pete Dye quickly too. Throw in Josh's Ross, some very good Liddy, and a couple of Smeyer's best.
-
Sean,
Old Elm is one of those exclusive men's club, although I think you'd love the course and the relaxed vibe of the club once past the gates.
-
Old town (people / raters need to seek it out)
The Berkshire x 2
Cal club
Machrihanish Dunes
Swinley Forest
Lookout mountain
Rivermont
Bel Air
Pennard
Alwoodley
New Zealand
Royal Ashdown forest
Dismal river Nicklaus
Sebonack
The Emirates Majilis
The Island
O'Mahoney's point - Killarney
Aiken GC
Enniscrone
Rosapenna old (avoid Sandy Hills)
Like this list-a few surprises given the extensive travels of Brian
Just played Aiken GC-have played it once every 10 years since 1979-always loved the place even when it was dirt
5700 yards-drove it great and used driver off every tee-never felt easy
love O 'Mahoney's Point, Enniscrone, Rosapenna Old, The Island
all discovered pre GCA
Many others on his list discovered post GCA
and quite a few left to see on his list
noteably Rivermont and Dismal Nicklaus
only one small quibble w/ Mac Dunes-I'd recommend Dunaverty over MD to a group of friends looking for an afternoon round after Machrihanish.
-
Let me think here, if I had friends where would I send them? In my case, these are buddies from my club, so I can rule out everything from The Netherlands, all excellent players mid to low single digits, have not really travelled at all to play golf and believe our course is one of the best in the world. Which of course it is ;D
Here is where I'd send them:
Bandon Dunes Resort - Oregon is where I'm from and I'm proud Bandon is what represents it.
Cypress - because it's my greatest golfing experience.
Pebble - A great day out in a great area on a famous and fun course, besides they need something else to do when I send them all the way to Carmel for Cypress.
Pine Valley - because of it's awesomeness.
Royal County Down - because we have a links course and RCD is my favority links course on the planet.
Lahinch - because it's quirky and epitomizes amazing golf in Ireland.
Balleybunion - another bucket list experience.
Old Course - no need to explain. Everyone must make the pilgrimage.
Kingsbarns - my favorite manufactured links course with great view on every hole.
Cruden Bay - spectacular quirk and I'd love to see their faces after they big into the hamburger which is filled with and taste like haggies. Yuck!
Dornoch - turn back the clocks, time forgotten town with an amazing course.
Whistling Straits - what happens when bombs meet a golf course, another amazing manufactured almost links.
Wolf Point - simply one of the best experiences you can have on a golf course period.
Old Head - breathtaking views, vertigo and decent golf. The combination there is spectacular for the non-GCA nerd.
Royal Melbourne - Fastest green on the planet and an entire different experience.
Kingston Heath - Dido fastest greens, plus the warmest welcome I've ever experienced at a golf club and an amazing course.
North Berwick - Scottish Old School with the typical out and back routing not to mention cool quirk.
-
I'm not biased but I would have Bandon at the top of my list.
For fast. firm . low environmental impact plus the Preserve and The Punchbowl , there is no better place to start with.
Then Pebble
Riviera
Cabo del Sol
Koolau
Plantation
Shadowcreek
Sawgrass
Pinehurst #2
Lawsonia
Erin Hills
Beverly
Sebonack
Aronimink
The Old Course
Tralee
Peachtree
Mountain Lake
Seminole
Boston Golf Club
Too much golf so little time
-
Tom
I have long wanted to see Meyrick Park, but have harboured doubts. Is it worth a drive down south?
Ciao
Sean,
Unfortunately in it's current state I wouldn't say it is worth a special trip, but if your in the area it is definitely worth stopping by. The place is just too overgrown at the moment and the cramped 18th is a real let down, but having said that judging by your posts I think you'd really appreciate the potential and love some of the really fun, quirky holes. I'd love to see it given a overhaul, but can't see it happening anytime soon.
-
Let's see, I'm hosting a bunch of my fellow rules officials from around the country (3 foursomes would be manageable). I get a tour bus for a three week tour of New England, get the hotels and restaurants lined up. So, where do I take this crew. Well, I want to give them a good mix of old and new and not all the best known but fun and challenging and let's do this in late September with all the colors.
I would take my friends to-----------
Maine----------Northeast Harbor Golf Club
Vermont-------Ekwanok, Rutland CC
New Hampshire----Bretwood North, Keene CC, Manchester CC, Hooper Golf Club
Rhode Island----Point Judith
Connecticut----Black Hall, CC of Fairfield
Massachusetts--WiannoClub, Worcester CC, Vineyard Golf Club, Olde Sandwich, Boston Golf Club, Salem CC,Brae Burn,
Whitinsville GC, Winchester CC, Blue Hill CC
Ithink that would be a good representation of what we have to offer up here
-
North Fork...only Ross on long Island...RHE
-
How about 20 favorite publics in Cali from south to north:
1. Barona Creek
2. Torrey Pines South
3. Industry Hills Ike
4. Santa Anita
5. Angeles National
6. Rustic Canyon
7. Malibu
8. Olivas Links
9. Soule Park
10. Rancho San Marcos
11. Sandpiper
12. La Purisima
13. Monarch Dunes
14. Bayonet/Blackhorse
15. Pacific Grove
16. Spyglass Hill
17. Pebble Beach
18. Poppy Hills
19. Pasatiempo
20. Harding Park
-
Tim,
Isn't Morgan Creek in your backyard? Why doesn't it make the list. How about Wildhorse?
-
Tim,
Isn't Morgan Creek in your backyard? Why doesn't it make the list. How about Wildhorse?
I have never been a fan of either course. Did you mean Darkhorse in Auburn? That would be in my top 50 but neither of the other two would.
-
I recommend courses based on trips/destinations, so from my last 2 years, these would be the best 4 trips...
Bandon Dunes: Pac, Old Mac, Trails, Sheep Ranch
Scottish Highlands: Cruden Bay, Castle Stuart, Royal Dornoch, Broara
Sand Hills Region via Denver: Common Ground, Ballyneal, Sand Hills, Dismal Red, Wild Horse
London/English Chanel: Walton Heath Old, The Addington, Royal Worlington and Newmarket, Royal St George's, Royal Cinque Ports, Rye
-
Tom
Its true, I am digging for gems :D .
I was hoping that including 20 would encourage folks not to list courses which are quite similar even if individually great.
My second thought
Lahinch
Old Town
St Enodoc
Prestwick
Merion
Kington
Sacred 9
North Berwick
Pennard
Ganton
Cruden Bay
TOC
Sandwich
Deal
Lakewood Shores Gailes
Perranporth
Cavendish
Alwoodley
Southerndown
Dornoch
Isn't that odd, I didn't get the impression you thought much of Kington except for the opening and closing scene.
Ciao
Nearly 5 years on and my recos are very different.
St Enodoc
Sacred 9
Palmetto
Kington
Welshpool
Elie
Goswick
Cavendish
Aiken
Lakewood Shores Gailes
Pennard
Woking
Corballis
Southerndown
Cleeve Cloud
Reddish Vale
Sutton Coldfield Winter Card
Reigate Heath
LuLu
Leckford Old
I actually played some of the courses based at least partly on this thread...Palmetto, Aiken, Elie & Goswick...the recos were very good! I need more suggestions so crack on folks.
Ciao
-
Sean,
I suppose you are assuming that everyone already took most of your first recommendation.
I noticed you removed several of my favorite courses from your redo list but kept things like Sacred 9 on there.
To be more specific I'm talking about:
Lahinch
Old Town
Prestwick
Merion
North Berwick
Cruden Bay
TOC
Sandwich
Deal
etc
Does this mean you would now recommend those new listing above these?
If so it would seem that long term crystal meth use does indeed have a strong impact on people....just saying. Still love ya though! ;D
-
To add a few other names not mentioned so far
GB
West Hill
Fortrose & Rosemarkie
Cooden Beach
Ashridge
Machrihanish (original)
Hawick
Clovelly South Africa
Hardelot Pines, France
-
Trying not to repeat the Usual Suspects, I would recommend the following clusters to good golfing chums looking for something a bit different (and especially those coming from North America, and looking for more than the usual marquee names). The clubs, at all these places, are welcoming and often small-scale, and reflect a world of (in general) $1000 annual subscriptions (and sometimes much less): Luffness is perhaps the main exception. I am not claiming for one second that these are all 'great' courses, or even very good ones (although many of them are): but they all provide enjoyable, fun, challenging and simply interesting places to play golf.
Starting in the North and moving South
Edzell
Braids No 1
Luffness (for a mini-Muirfield experience without the 'freightedness' of the Hon Company)
Gullane 3
Goswick
Dunstanburgh
Wirral Ladies
Llandindrod Wells
Minchinhampton (Old)
Berkhamsted
Liphook
Woodbridge (both courses)
Bungay and Waveney Valley
Flempton
I would have had Royston in this list too, once upon a time, but now that hitting over various local roads is no longer permitted, necessitating some unfortunate changes, it's not what it was.
Broadstone
High Post
and four better-known but different courses to finish
Silloth
Alwoodley
for both being brilliant and not-that-heralded and
Harlech
Westward Ho!
for both offering natural (no fairway watering), historic, challenging seaside fun, and afterwards my friends can inspect the RND museum or locate the five Open Champions on the honours boards at RStD.
-
I would have had Royston in this list too, once upon a time, but now that hitting over various local roads is no longer permitted, necessitating some unfortunate changes, it's not what it was.
That's the best news I've heard in a long time. It was one of my least favourite courses in UK. Each to their own I guess...
-
Sean,
I suppose you are assuming that everyone already took most of your first recommendation.
I noticed you removed several of my favorite courses from your redo list but kept things like Sacred 9 on there.
To be more specific I'm talking about:
Lahinch
Old Town
Prestwick
Merion
North Berwick
Cruden Bay
TOC
Sandwich
Deal
etc
Does this mean you would now recommend those new listing above these?
If so it would seem that long term crystal meth use does indeed have a strong impact on people....just saying. Still love ya though! ;D
David
Things move on. Most of the folks I know fairly well to well have played these courses, hope to play them or decided they won't play them.
Richard
Llandindrod Wells and High Post remain somewhat of a mystery to me. Do you have any pix?
Ciao
-
Sean - sorry, I never take pix on golf trips (in fact, don't possess a camera)
But if you like Welshpool and Kington then I am pretty sure you will like Llandindrod Wells, which is perhaps a slightly less wild version of both with an engaging Vardon design with spectacular views: as a club it was notable as for many years the home of the great amateur John L Morgan, the first Welshman ever to play in the Walker Cup
http://www.lwgc.co.uk/
High Post is chalky downland with some similarities to both Gog Magog Old and Luffenham, and arguably the nearest course of any merit to Stonehenge. Some say its best days are behind it, but I have always enjoyed playing there, in an atmosphere redolent (like Tadmarton) of the sorts of clubs I used to experience as a kid with my father.
https://www.highpostgolfclub.co.uk/
Incidentally, you must get to Suffolk one day for a proper trip: Purdis Heath/Woodbridge/Rushmere/Thorpeness all, in different ways, merit the eagle Arble gaze (as of course does Aldeburgh).
-
Sean:
Best "hidden" gems I have seen:
The Island Club
Alwoodley
Ballyliffin Old
Meadow Club
Brancaster
St. Germain
Lawsonia Links
I would also say that I meet very few people that know much about one of my home courses:
The Olde Farm
These courses are generally unranked and unknown by the masses...of course, many get discussed here but there are few very good courses that haven't received attention here. They all have interesting and very walkable routings. They have above average green complexes. They all make me smile and I'd go back to all of them without hesitation.
Bart
New add ons to this list would be:
Moraine
Le Touquet - La Mer
Brora
Formby
-
Bart
Was the work a Touquet finished when you played?
Ciao
-
Yes Sean.
Was there 3 weeks ago. I really enjoyed Le Touquet. Interesting greens, nice land movement, wonderful walk, firm turf...all good stuff. From what I can gather, most of the changes have been on the back nine. It was my first visit but I liked what I saw.
Bart
-
Timuquana
Flossmoor
Meadowbrook
Old Town
Moraine
Canton Brookside
Greywalls
-
I'm thinking just UK&I here. Some usual suspects plus my personal favourite gems are included, no course is in the list though that's held the men's or ladies Open/Amateur or the Ryder/Walker/Curtis Cups or a significant pro event, and with one exception (*), I don't think any of these have -
From north to south plus Ireland -
Brora - cracking links, sheep and cattle
Golspie - a wee gem, three types of course in one round
Cruden Bay - once played never forgotten
Himalayas at St Andrews - pretty unique and great fun
North Berwick - play, observe, learn
Royal West Norfolk - yee olde
Beau Desert - heathland gem, better than gem in fact, and cheaper than famous west of London heathlands
Painswick - crazy quirk and more crazy quirk
Minchinhampton Old - yee olde, cattle and horses, to prove you don't need sand bunkers
Kington - top of the English golfing world, great greens, views west into Wales
Tadmarton Heath - lovely shortish, tight heathland, wonderful cakes and pies
Perranporth - once played, never forgotten
RND/Westward Ho! - yee olde, sheep and cattle
Carne - all 27-holes - serenity and tranquillity plus great golf all nearly at the end of the the world (well, ish!)
Dooks - Delightful links
All the best
Additions -
Mulranny - wonderful, scenic rural 9-holes with cattle and fences around the greens
Pennard - unique rustic, scenic, quirky links. Best test of golf in Wales?
Annesley at Royal County Down - tight links, short on the card, lots of fun
Welshpool - James Braid in Mid-Wales. Hill-top with sheep and stunning views.
Atb
-
I'd recommmend a 3 day trip to play Broadstone, Parkstone, Ferndown, Remedy Oak and Isle of purbeck.
-
Ok gents, I'd recommend a trip to The Netherlands to see:
Utrechtse de Pan
Royal Hague
Hilversumsche Golf Club
Eindhovensche Golf Club
Kennemer Golf Club
Noordwijkse Golf Club
The first two are World Top 100 and have realized their near full potential in the last 3 years. Yes, after I hosted the BUDA. De Pan, Royal Hague and Hilversumsche Golf Club were the fasted and firmest courses I've seen all year and get this...that includes my trip to OZ.
The last few years they have stopped overwatering the first 4 in that list and that makes that group better than any of the new recommendations I've read here (with the exception of Old Town which is bloody brilliant.)
-
Yes Sean.
Was there 3 weeks ago. I really enjoyed Le Touquet. Interesting greens, nice land movement, wonderful walk, firm turf...all good stuff. From what I can gather, most of the changes have been on the back nine. It was my first visit but I liked what I saw.
Bart
Cheers Bart
I want to visit that part of France for golf, but wasn't sure how far along the Pontinizing was for the area courses. He seems to get involved in seriously lengthy projects!
Sam
Ashridge is in a bit of a black hole of English golf, but its architectural pedigree is highly attractive.
Ciao
-
Sean
Based on "fun factor":
TOC
North Berwick
Old Mac
Lost Farm
Paraparaumu
Healesville
Rye
Arrowtown
Royal Worlington & Newmarket
Binningup
Woking
Brora
Narooma
Shepparton
Harewood
Royal Ashdown
Oreti Sands
Windermere
Byron Bay
Musselburgh
-
I would recommend in Yorkshire from the lesser knowns,
Huddersfield (Fixby)
Ogden
Howley Hall
Strensil York
Fulford York
Up here in the Highlands
Boat of Garten
Grantown on Spey
Abernethy (Nethybridge)
Golspie
Brora
Wick
Brahan
Sam Andrews,
never played Hawick. What is it like?
Jon
-
Port Fairy
Barnbougle Dunes
Lost Farms
Kingston Heath
St Andrews Beach
Barwon Heads
Horsham
TOC
The Eden
Kingsbarns
Brora
Royal Dornoch
North Berwick
County Louth
Lahinch
Carne
Enniscrone
Ballybunion
Ballyliffin Old
Ganton
Whenever I get over there I would expect the two King Island Courses to replace 2 of Horsham, Barwon Heads, Ballyliffin or Enniscrone.
-
I think these lists need to be broken down by which courses an individual can have a reasonable possibility of access.
Shinnecock? National? Fisher's Island? Merion? Old Town?
-
Carl,
Part of the reason Muirfield and Royal Melbourne aren't on my list. You can get access but I didn't feel especially comfortable at either venue. The rest of my list are either public access or as good as.
-
Sean
Let me give you some suggestions that while not world beaters and far from perfect, I think you would find enjoyable and walk away from thinking you had seen something of interest. I also suspect that they are courses you haven’t played.
Along the Moray Firth
Moray Old – hopefully this is on your radar. I’ve tried my best to promote it and a few on here have played it (possibly even you ?). All I can say is that the only reason Ran raved about Fraserburgh is because he hadn’t been to Moray !! Also don’t believe Tom’s 1982 assessment in the CG (Doak 4) it’s far better than that.
Duff House Royal – it’s all about MacKenzie’s greens. It’s a showcase on what to do with a relatively flat site.
Elgin – as close a feel to heathland as you’re likely to get up north. It’s only a par 68 from what I remember but with 10 or 11 holes over 400 yds with some lovely green sites.
Those are the three standouts for me between say Fraserburgh and Nairn. For my money Moray Old is better than Fraserburgh and possibly Nairn but as you know I am biased when it comes to these things (but I’m still right). You might be tempted to play Cullen but in all honesty you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you went by any of them to play Cullen. Strathlene and Buckpool are both nearby and probably better than Cullen.
Perthshire and beyond
A change of pace, some nine holers to savour;
Dalmunzie – reputedly a Tom Simpson layout that traverses some interesting terrain. It has some really good par 3’s however if they ever get an outbreak of myxomatosis then the basic greenkeeping is bound to suffer.
Strathtay – a blend of charming, challenging, a nice walk in the park and some hilly climbs. Another course with a rustic maintenance regime.
Comrie – some good challenging golf that is also good fun. Yes, its up the side of a mountain but doesn’t have any killer climbs.
Killin – as recommended by Tom D. Fun, interesting and plays over a rollercoaster landscape.
Blairgowrie Wee Course – not the longest in truth but has some cracking holes. Well worth playing as an add on to either Rosemount or Landsdowne.
more to follow………
Niall
-
Niall,
You mention Fraserburgh, Cullen, and Moray Old. Along that coast line, and continuing to Golspie/Brora, what do you recommend seeing as top six, and for those with a little more time, top dozen?
-
The list below isn't strictly a list of my favorite courses. In fact, there are many on my favorites list that do not appear below. However, I have compiled a list of courses, that I have played, that I would strongly suggest for my buddies to visit and play, whether it be for the historical significance, architectural significance, or what I'll call their "fun factors." The list is in alphabetical order below. I have also posted one picture of each course below the text, to keep the flow moving.
Atlantic City
Northfield, New Jersey
This course one I refer to a lot when looking for examples of great golf courses that are just plain fun. While it only stretches to 6,577 yards, it still presents plenty of challenges, specifically on the greens. However, the truly great things about this design, in my opinion, are the options it provides golfers. You do not have to hit every fairway to have a decent shot at the green and you don’t have to hit every green to have a reasonable chance at par. It’s a fairly wide golf course that sits on the Lakes Bay, right across from Atlantic City, so wind is a constant factor here, which makes playing it all that much more enjoyable.
Ausable
St. Huberts, New York
One of the oldest courses in the country from what I understand; opened in 1888. It's a fun golf courses that presents plenty of options to the golfer. The setting of the course is unrivaled, as the club sits in a valley in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, in the shadow of Giant Mountain, Mount Marcy and Algonquin Peak.
Berkshire
Reading, Pennsylvania
A Willie Park Jr. gem! The course is very fun and has undergone (undergoing?) recent restoration work by Forse / Nagle. The greens are truly special and offer plenty of movement, as do the fairways; golfers will benefit by using local knowledge. The course also features "dueling par-3s" of sorts, and the two look and play very differently.
Engineers
Roslyn Harbor, New York
This original 1917 Herbert Strong design has been touched by a handful of different architects, including Devereaux Emmet and most recently Gil Hanse. The greens here are some of the strongest, most fun, and yet, most challenging that I have played on. The first green is all-world and the subsequents are wonderful and present their own unique traits and challenges; there is not a weak green on the course. There is a mix of long and short holes that all use the terrain beautifully. There is an extra par-3, to take place of the 122-yard "two or twenty" hole on certain days.
Hay Harbor
Fishers Island, New York
"The Little Club" as the Fishers Island residents refer to this facility is another oldie but goodie. Built in I believe 1898 by George Strath, this course has the "simple, old-world" feel is a blast to play, especially when firm and fast, and its setting is quite amazing, right on the Block Island Sound off of Fishers Island, New York. The island of course is only accessible by ferry or aircraft, which adds to its mystique. While many golfers frequently discuss Hay Harbor’s second hole, my favorite hole is No. 5, an uphill 407-yard par-4 with strategically-placed bunkers, original old-school mounding, a Skyline green, false front and an impressive view of the water.
Hyde Park
Cincinnati, Ohio
Until recent years, this course didn’t get a ton of attention in the Cincinnati area. However, Hyde Park deserves its recent attention and more. I am not sure how much of Thomas Bendelow’s work is left (1909) as Donald Ross worked on the course a bit later. However, the existing course does a masterful job of using the land, as is wonderful, natural movement in the fairways and throughout the course that come into play strategically on more than a few occasions. The greens too are very special and depending on where the hole is located can present both very fun and very challenging approaches and putts. As I understand it, the club has been working through a restoration process / master plan of sorts for several years, if it hasn’t been completed already.
Lake Placid – Links
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid Club's Links Course was laid out by Seymour Dunn, who was the longtime pro there, and was restored by Graham Cooke. I found the course to be very fun and it presented challenges for all types of players. It's definitely an "old-school" design and I loved every minute of it. The course sits in a valley in the village of Lake Placid and offers views of the High Peaks region and even the 1980 Winter Olympics’ ski jumps.
Lederach
Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Kelly Blake Moran built this municipal golf course in the mid-2000s and it is fun, fun, fun! I found the green complexes to be the highlight of the course as they all present the golfers with many different shot options as many have large shaved areas around the putting surfaces. This allows golfers to pitch with a lofted club, chip with mid- or long irons, hybrids or fairway woods, or even putt from well off the green. In a metro area that has plenty of great courses, this is one that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially when considering its fun factor.
Maketewah
Cincinnati, Ohio
Maketewah is another golf course gem in Cincinnati that was also originally laid out by Bendelow and worked on by Ross. I have not visited the facility since its recent bunker work, but it looks better than it even did before. This course also offers a good mix of long and short holes with tremendous greens. No. 17 is a very fun short par-4, while No. 13 is a very difficult, long par-4 that gives golfers the sensation they’re playing up the side of a mountain. No. 8 is my personal favorite, as it’s green is spectacular, with a tremendous back to front slope, and interesting movement throughout. Maketewah also has some unique features in regards to the order of it’s holes: back-to-back par-5s (Nos. 14 and 15) and par-3s for both No. 9 and No. 18, of which, both play very differently.
Manufacturers’
Fort Washington, Pennsylvania
The first thing many people refer to when discussing Manufacturers’ is its famous incline on its 18th hole, or perhaps its famed locker room showers. While the incline is certainly unique and fun to ride and the showers are magnificent, they do not outshine this course, located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. As a 1925 William Flynn layout, this course used its existing terrain remarkably. There are incredibly fun par-3s, par-4s and par-5s, all with variety in their own right. The course also uses two old quarries incredibly, on the short, 117-yard par-3 8th and the longish 430-yard par-4 16th. No. 18 has two greens: the original, as I understand it, sits atop the massive hill and a second, built later, is down below, where golfers board the incline. The use of the upper green makes No. 18 a par-5, as opposed to a par-4 when the lower green is in use. As a side note, Manufacturers’ is located right across the street from Lulu, a famed Ross design.
North Hills
North Hills, Pennsylvania
Not a ton of people may be all that familiar with Frank Meehan’s work, but North Hills gives plenty of reason to justify further study. Perhaps this club is sometimes overlooked for its proximity to more well-known Philadelphia courses (Manufacturers’, Lulu, Huntingdon Valley, Philadelphia Cricket, and Whitmarsh Valley are all within five driving miles), but it shouldn’t be, as I find it to be a very strong and fun golf course. From the fairways and tees, the greens appear to be understated, but make no mistake: They present incredible challenges, and I mean that in a very good way. The course sits on an interesting plot of land, almost an “H” shape, and I believe its routing hasn’t changed since it was built. Additionally, the property is in a very well-kept middle class neighborhood and could remind folks of what the stereotypical “American dream” looks like.
Philmont – North
Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Like North Hills, Philmont North is perhaps overlooked due to its proximity to a terrific and challenging William Flynn, Huntingdon Valley. However, just because Philmont's North Course ’s a mere few miles from HVGC, doesn’t mean they are at all similar. The North Course is a Willie Park Jr. design (not a Flynn as some have previously thought) and this is even more evident with the club’s recent restoration work, particularly on its greens. Like Berkshire, the greens are the true highlight on the North Course, but it also offers plenty of other interesting bits, including its near-horseshoe shaped ninth hole and its cluster of four par-3s that are laid out very near to each other, but yet present unique challenges. s
Pittsburgh Field
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Similar to Manufacturers’ and its incline near Philadelphia, Pittsburgh’s Field Club is well-known for its elevator that golfers may take from the 17th green to the 18th tee. To differ from the rise from 17 to 18, the drop from No. 1’s tee to fairway is incredible, yet not so steep that golfers may not walk down safely or efficiently. This course has tremendous movement in its fairways, as evidenced most clearly on No. 9, perhaps my favorite hole on the course. Additionally, Field Club offers great short par-4s, like No. 2, as well as long par-4s, like Nos. 8 and 12. Side note: The elevator is perfectly safe, but I must admit, I became a little stressed on the ride up!
Pocono Manor
Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania
I believe the first several holes at Pocono Manor were laid out by H.H. Barker and Samuel Allen in 1911, and the rest were added by none other than William Flynn at a later date. Pocono Manor, which sits on top of a mountain in Northeast Pennsylvania, has no fairway irrigation, and trust me when I say, that’s a great thing! To play this course when it’s firm and fast is an absolute joy. While many will surely speak about its incredibly short par-3 seventh hole (77 yards on the card, playing to an effective yardage of 45 yards as I recall, due to the severe drop from tee to green), I fell in love with Nos. 9-15. These holes again use the terrain perfectly, and surprisingly, do not use one sand bunker through this stretch (in fact, most of the holes on the course do not have sand bunkers). Instead, Flynn used piles of rock and stone from the construction and used them strategically in the designs of the holes. It may not sound like much, but they get the golfers’ attention and require skill and creativity to escape if found.
Rolling Green
Springfield, Pennsylvania
Rolling Green attracted some national attention recently by hosting the 2016 U.S. Women’s Amateur, a tournament which featured an electric final match. Rolling Green, while certainly challenging, is in my opinion, an absolute blast to play. Additionally, there is a hole that alternates par, depending on which tee the golfer is playing. From the back tees, the "Black" tees in their case, No. 18 plays as a par-4 at 493 yards, making the course a par-70. From the next set of tees, the "Blue" tees, No. 18 plays as a 527-yard par-5 with a course par of 71. I have not played Rolling Green from the Black tees as I try not to torture myself with long irons and fairway wood approaches on most holes, but I can say that playing No. 18 from the Blue tees is very fun.
Scranton – Old
Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
The greens, the greens, the green! Scranton’s greens are incredibly good and some of the very best I have ever played on personally. The original Walter Travis greens (I believe 15 remain original) are something to see! They are very bold, but fair and fun. The movement is wonderful, both in the interior of the greens as well as around their edges. Scranton has been going through an Oakmont-like restoration for a number of years now including expanding greens to their original sizes and opening up the course from the clutter of trees, and while I never had the opportunity to see the course pre-restoration, I understand it’s a night and day difference, to the positive. While I cannot speak to this myself as I have not played some of the “biggies” in the Philadelphia area, some folks on this site have said that Scranton is a top-three course in the Golf Association of Philadelphia and have even suggested that they have the second-best set of greens in the entire state of Pennsylvania.
Somerset Hills
Bernardsville, New Jersey
Somerset Hills was the first Golden Age design I had the opportunity to play and it blew my mind. I was fortunate to play on a Monday with a group of caddies in 2008, prior to a lot of the recent Hanse restoration work. The caddies were great fellas and taught me a lot about the course. The greens were unlike anything I had ever seen, as was the approaches; the club seems to keep the turf healthy, firm and fast to allow different shot types on shots into the green. Furthermore, I find the essence of the front nine and back nine to be not only unique but impressive. The front nine was built on an old race track, of which was incorporated into the design that you can still identify today, where as the back nine takes golfers through a wonderful journey through more wooded terrain, but it never has a claustrophobic feel.
St. George’s
East Setauket, New York
As a good friend of mine recently said, “If you get the opportunity to play St. George’s, don’t walk…run!” I echo his suggestion. Long Island’s St. George’s is so much fun to play and offers terrific greens and beautiful bunkers throughout. While the course’s back tees only stretch to 6,232 yards, it doesn’t play that short and certainly has a “big league” feel to it, as I am sure was Devereux Emmet’s intention.
Stonewall – North
Elverson, Pennsylvania
When folks think about Stonewall, more often than not they think about its Old Course. However, the North Course, or “the Udder Course,” as some affectionately refer to it (a play on words based off of its dairy cow logo), is one of my absolute favorite courses to play because it's so darn fun! There are more well-known courses in the Philly area, and one could argue that there are better designs, but regardless, this is one of my favorites. It's so much fun. While each hole definitely presents their own challenges, each has seemingly has a "risk-reward" aspect to its design. And the greens are very special too! So much fun. The North Corse is truly one of those courses I could play every day and never get bored.
Sunnehanna
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Home to the famous Sunnehanna Amateur, this course is another historic, yet incredibly fun golf course. There are many things A.W. Tillinghast did right here: Skyline greens, a Reverse Redan, a Double Dogleg, use of the land and bunkering. The design certainly lends itself to a firm setup; a few holes play easiest when bouncing / rolling the ball onto the green (Nos. 3, 4, and especially 7 come to mind, among others). I really enjoyed the par 3s. My favorite hole may have been No. 7, where the play was to hit a couple of clubs less than the actual yardage by hitting just over a soon-to-be-resored bunker that's situated maybe 25-30 yards short of the green surface and let the ball bound onto towards the hole. What's even better is that while the course could easily "bite" you if you're not careful or don't think through the hole designs, it's very playable. That is something that other courses and clubs should emulate; it will only help their membership enrollment.
#####
PHOTOS
#####
Atlantic City
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/ACCC.jpg)
Ausable
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ggrwmisc/adk17-ac-8.JPG)
Berkshire (Photo: The Bausch Collection at MyPhillyGolf.com)
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/bcc.jpg)
Engineers (Photo: The Bausch Collection at MyPhillyGolf.com)
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/engineers.jpg)
Hay Harbor
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/PGAmagAmbassador/hh-5-fwy.jpg)
Hyde Park
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/hpgcc.jpg)
Lake Placid - Links
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/08/Screen-Shot-2017-08-22-at-6.34.06-PM.png)
Lederach (Photo: The Bausch Collection at MyPhillyGolf.com)
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/lederach.jpg)
Maketewah (Photo: The Bausch Collection at MyPhillyGolf.com)
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/mak.jpg)
Manufacturers'
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/PGAmagAmbassador/mannies8.jpg)
North Hills
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/nhcc.jpg)
Philmont - North (Photo: The Bausch Collection at MyPhillyGolf.com)
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/pccn.jpg)
Pittsburgh Field
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/pfc.jpg)
Pocono Manor
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/pm.jpg)
Rolling Green
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/rggc.jpg)
Scranton - Old (Photo: The Bausch Collection at MyPhillyGolf.com)
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/ccs.jpg)
Somerset Hills (Photo: The Bausch Collection at MyPhillyGolf.com)
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/shcc.jpg)
St. George's
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/sggcc.jpg)
Stonewall - North
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/sn.jpg)
Sunnehanna (Photo: The Bausch Collection at MyPhillyGolf.com)
(http://pgamagazine.com/wp-content/media/2017/09/sunnehanna.jpg)
-
Favorites I have sent people to that might not be known by someone on a first trip to an area (hard to narrow down just 20!-so 22)
US
Palmetto
Sleepy Hollow
Cape Arundel
Eastward Ho
Kittansett
Kebo Valley
Apawamis
St Georges (LI)
Southampton
Engineers
Yeaman's Hall
overseas
Pennard
Aberdovey
Brora
Perranporth
Deal
Portsalon
Northwest
Dooks
Mahoney's Point(Killarney)
The Island
Formby
If i was with them the list would be expanded to see the real hidden gems-Goat Hill, Connemara Isles, Otway, Mulranny, Traigh, Cruit and the rest of the fun 9 holers
-
First 19 were pretty easy of the courses I've played;
Prestwick
North Berwick
The Old Course
Deal
Royal St Georges
Rye
Royal Dornoch
Royal Portrush
Royal County Down
Woking
Sunningdale Old
Swinley Forest
Royal Melbourne West
Barnbougle Dunes
Barnbougle Lost Farm
Royal Melbourne East
Kingston Heath
Oakmont
Cal Club
#20 could be one of many many courses, but for pure fun I have great memories of going around and around the pitch and putt in front of the Turnberry Hotel in shorts and flip flops and beers in hand.
-
Matt
Thanks for the informative post. I wonder if Lederach is lost in the Philly Shuffle of great courses? It is exactly the sort of course one should see as a break from the parade.
Ciao
-
Favorites I have sent people to that might not be known by someone on a first trip to an area (hard to narrow down just 20!-so 22)
If i was with them the list would be expanded to see the real hidden gems-Goat Hill, Connemara Isles, Otway, Mulranny, Traigh, Cruit and the rest of the fun 9 holers
http://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/connemara-isles
Yet another! I have a loose plan to visit Clifden and Westport and revist Mulraney, this fits nicely. Thanks Jeff.
-
Matt
Thanks for the informative post. I wonder if Lederach is lost in the Philly Shuffle of great courses? It is exactly the sort of course one should see as a break from the parade.
Ciao
Sean: Lederach does gets lost in the shuffle. Are there better courses in the area? Definitely, but that doesn't make Lederach a bad course or not worthy of someone's time to see and play.