Rankings
Golf Digest: #91
Golfweek: #73 Modern
A college-roommate reunion led me to Kohler, WI in late summer of '15. As a golf destination, Kohler was a great venue for our eight-man trip. We stayed at the Inn on Woodlake since The American Club (the ritzier venue) was sold out. The Inn was quaint - kind of a woodsy Residence Inn. We played three rounds in two days and then headed off to Erin Hills. Since I'm penning this a year after my trip, it'll be lighter on details and heavier on my big-picture takeaways.
Whistling Straits is a links venue, while Blackwolf Run winds through woods, a river, lakes, etc. It is apples to oranges, but equally as impressive. The Blackwolf pro shop is understated and doesn't feel like a big resort. Perhaps our week was less crowded than others, but we did not feel like we were a bunch of sheep being herded through the turnstiles (Whistling felt a bit like this gearing up to tee of on #1).
Blackwolf has 36 holes, the River and the Meadow. We played the River course, but had to skip the Meadow for scheduling reasons. After deciding to play the tips, we quickly found that driving it straight is more important at Blackwolf than at Whistling. While both courses give you trouble if you're off the beaten path, a wayward drive on the River course can be in such dense trees that you can't attempt to find it. Hence, my score reflected the countless Pro V1s I donated.
The River was in amazing condition, and the greens were quick. We took carts, which is not preferable on top golf courses, but there are a number of long drives in between holes that necessitate a cart. The River's holes didn't feel redundant, and at 7,400 yards from the tips, there wasn't an opportunity to leave the driver in the bag to focus on hitting fairways. Second shots were brutal on many holes, even with great drives.
The course offers some tee shots that are not intuitive, and with caddies that are unfamiliar with your game, it can lead to confusion when picking your lines. Playing the course a second time would be optimal to feel comfortable over the ball. Even some lay-up shots can be a little confusing playing blind. However, the course is not unfair. It is simply a demanding layout and having any uncertainty over the ball can lead to disaster.
I'm a fan of lush, parkland style courses, and Blackwolf did not disappoint. I'd definitely take another trip to Kohler to play this one, especially with so many great courses nearby.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
The Valley Club of Montecito
Rankings
Golf Digest: #80
Golfweek: #38 Classic
The Valley Club clubhouse sits on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean near Santa Barbara, CA. I played the course a couple times in U.S. Mid-Amateur qualifiers. The first time I birdied the last three holes to shoot even and missed qualifying by a shot or two when the last group on the course had two guys break 70. Tough luck.
Despite my near miss, the course is incredible. There are two distinct sides to VC. The 1st, 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th are on one side of the street situated in a meadow-like area. The other side of the course winds through trees and runs along a creek. Both sides are a great experience, although I enjoy the meadow holes more. The clubhouse is old-school with lockers that seem to be a throwback to a simpler time. They don't feel dated, they feel vintage. Is that the same thing?
Regardless, the Alister MacKenzie design is pure. The greens complexes have a lot going on and I enjoy the mounding and closely shaved areas where you need to decide to putt or chip. And boy are they fast. This is definitely a must-play if you can pull off an invite. I could play it daily and not tire of the layout.
Golf Digest: #80
Golfweek: #38 Classic
The Valley Club clubhouse sits on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean near Santa Barbara, CA. I played the course a couple times in U.S. Mid-Amateur qualifiers. The first time I birdied the last three holes to shoot even and missed qualifying by a shot or two when the last group on the course had two guys break 70. Tough luck.
Despite my near miss, the course is incredible. There are two distinct sides to VC. The 1st, 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th are on one side of the street situated in a meadow-like area. The other side of the course winds through trees and runs along a creek. Both sides are a great experience, although I enjoy the meadow holes more. The clubhouse is old-school with lockers that seem to be a throwback to a simpler time. They don't feel dated, they feel vintage. Is that the same thing?
Regardless, the Alister MacKenzie design is pure. The greens complexes have a lot going on and I enjoy the mounding and closely shaved areas where you need to decide to putt or chip. And boy are they fast. This is definitely a must-play if you can pull off an invite. I could play it daily and not tire of the layout.
Bandon Trails
Rankings
Golf Digest: #70
Golfweek: #19 Modern
My trip to Bandon was such a whirlwind, these reviews will be short. I pulled off a late night flight from a conference in Vegas into Eugene - drove the 2.5 hours to Bandon in the pitch black - and rolled in at ~3am. First tee time at 9am...welcome to Bandon!
Trails was the third course I played, and the most traditional. It feels as you'd expect of a Coore/Crenshaw design. I may have enjoyed Trails the most - it was picturesque even though it sits a bit inland. Elevation changes and doglegs kept things interesting, and the wind was no joke - as you'd assume at Bandon. A caddie was critical for a first timer, and from what I understand most of them are solid at the resort. However, we had the same caddies the entire time, and they were a lot of fun. A lot of them are great players as well.
I spent three days at Bandon, and would have liked to have spent one more day. But, you take the invite when it comes. It's a special place for golfers - it's just golf, nothing else. I love it.
Golf Digest: #70
Golfweek: #19 Modern
My trip to Bandon was such a whirlwind, these reviews will be short. I pulled off a late night flight from a conference in Vegas into Eugene - drove the 2.5 hours to Bandon in the pitch black - and rolled in at ~3am. First tee time at 9am...welcome to Bandon!
Trails was the third course I played, and the most traditional. It feels as you'd expect of a Coore/Crenshaw design. I may have enjoyed Trails the most - it was picturesque even though it sits a bit inland. Elevation changes and doglegs kept things interesting, and the wind was no joke - as you'd assume at Bandon. A caddie was critical for a first timer, and from what I understand most of them are solid at the resort. However, we had the same caddies the entire time, and they were a lot of fun. A lot of them are great players as well.
I spent three days at Bandon, and would have liked to have spent one more day. But, you take the invite when it comes. It's a special place for golfers - it's just golf, nothing else. I love it.
Dallas National
Rankings
Golf Digest: #61
Golfweek: #41 Modern
How I got on: I had the head pro from my home club call and set me and a friend up for a round. DNGC does not allow unaccompanied guests, so we needed to play with their assistant pro. That proved helpful since we didn't know our way around.
It was crazy hot and I have a hard time remembering the course because I was spent after the round. I do remember it being fairly typical Fazio with more elevation change than is typical for Dallas. Conditioning was superb, and is a must play if you get the chance. I'll have to take another whirl at this one when I'm not suffering from heat stroke!
Golf Digest: #61
Golfweek: #41 Modern
How I got on: I had the head pro from my home club call and set me and a friend up for a round. DNGC does not allow unaccompanied guests, so we needed to play with their assistant pro. That proved helpful since we didn't know our way around.
It was crazy hot and I have a hard time remembering the course because I was spent after the round. I do remember it being fairly typical Fazio with more elevation change than is typical for Dallas. Conditioning was superb, and is a must play if you get the chance. I'll have to take another whirl at this one when I'm not suffering from heat stroke!
Old Macdonald
Rankings
Golf Digest: #55
Golfweek: #5 Modern
I showed up at Bandon after having been told by many folks that Old Macdonald was their least favorite course of the four. Perhaps it was my low expectations - who knows - but I really enjoyed Old Mac. It was unique and offered some fun shots requiring creativity. Other than the blind shot over a hill on #16, it's all right in front of you other than all the elephants buried in the greens. The course is wide open and you can generally hit it anywhere, but I was able to find some gorse when I was WAY offline (it happens too frequently). With no real protection from the elements, the wind really whips across Old Mac. That also helped demand varying shots into the wild green complexes. I found myself numerous times waffling between various shot options, and that was the fun of it.
I'm not sure I have a ranking of the Bandon courses. I think I need to have another go at them. No favorites yet, they're all great.
Golf Digest: #55
Golfweek: #5 Modern
I showed up at Bandon after having been told by many folks that Old Macdonald was their least favorite course of the four. Perhaps it was my low expectations - who knows - but I really enjoyed Old Mac. It was unique and offered some fun shots requiring creativity. Other than the blind shot over a hill on #16, it's all right in front of you other than all the elephants buried in the greens. The course is wide open and you can generally hit it anywhere, but I was able to find some gorse when I was WAY offline (it happens too frequently). With no real protection from the elements, the wind really whips across Old Mac. That also helped demand varying shots into the wild green complexes. I found myself numerous times waffling between various shot options, and that was the fun of it.
I'm not sure I have a ranking of the Bandon courses. I think I need to have another go at them. No favorites yet, they're all great.
Scioto CC
Rankings
Golf Digest: #50
Golfweek: #56 Classic
How I got on: A good friend's stepfather set us up with a foursome during a golf trip that also included a round at Muirfield Village. I'm not sure how our round was arranged, but our caddie didn't seem to be too excited to forecaddie for four guests.
The course layout was challenging and would have played LONG from the tips, but our caddie wouldn't have any of that despite my friend and I shooting in the 70s from the tees we played (I don't recall which ones, but they were something of a hybrid between white and blue). The course has a modest amount of trees, but not dense enough to prevent you from seeing a lot of the course from most holes. The greens were very quick and in great shape. It was obvious the course would be a perfect "play every day" track.
Golf Digest: #50
Golfweek: #56 Classic
How I got on: A good friend's stepfather set us up with a foursome during a golf trip that also included a round at Muirfield Village. I'm not sure how our round was arranged, but our caddie didn't seem to be too excited to forecaddie for four guests.
The course layout was challenging and would have played LONG from the tips, but our caddie wouldn't have any of that despite my friend and I shooting in the 70s from the tees we played (I don't recall which ones, but they were something of a hybrid between white and blue). The course has a modest amount of trees, but not dense enough to prevent you from seeing a lot of the course from most holes. The greens were very quick and in great shape. It was obvious the course would be a perfect "play every day" track.
Erin Hills
Rankings
Golf Digest: #42
Golfweek: #127 Modern
Erin Hills was played after our 54 holes at Whistling Straits. I could have been wearing clouds on my feet and they'd have been sore after that much walking. So another 10 miles of walking was going to be great for my dogs. And boy is Erin Hills a trek. The caddies should've been sherpas.
I thought Erin Hills would be my least favorite course of the golf trip, but it was actually my favorite. The scale of it, the uniqueness of holes, the wildflowers and rolling terrain - it was a perfect setting. It may sound nerdy, but the clouds were like a postcard and the perfect background for some good golf photos.
The short par 3 9th hole was an epic experience. Only a lob wedge away, but our foursome of single-digit handicappers were a combined 9 over. Some spots are just not to be found on that hole.
The long par 4 10th was a BEAST! We all hit great drives, but from the tips into a nasty wind it was at least a par 5. I bombed a hybrid and barely eeked my way onto the green. A fantastic hole that presented a great challenge.
The only downside is that the course is in the middle of nowhere. While there are cabins on site, they were full when we booked. It's fine, but just a little obstacle to be aware of. The U.S. Open this year would have gotten better reviews if the leaderboard was packed with household names. I believe the runaway by Koepka made some look at the course with the same "eh" that the closing holes of the Open provided. It's too bad. I loved it even though it is new and has no golf pedigree.
Golf Digest: #42
Golfweek: #127 Modern
Erin Hills was played after our 54 holes at Whistling Straits. I could have been wearing clouds on my feet and they'd have been sore after that much walking. So another 10 miles of walking was going to be great for my dogs. And boy is Erin Hills a trek. The caddies should've been sherpas.
I thought Erin Hills would be my least favorite course of the golf trip, but it was actually my favorite. The scale of it, the uniqueness of holes, the wildflowers and rolling terrain - it was a perfect setting. It may sound nerdy, but the clouds were like a postcard and the perfect background for some good golf photos.
The short par 3 9th hole was an epic experience. Only a lob wedge away, but our foursome of single-digit handicappers were a combined 9 over. Some spots are just not to be found on that hole.
The long par 4 10th was a BEAST! We all hit great drives, but from the tips into a nasty wind it was at least a par 5. I bombed a hybrid and barely eeked my way onto the green. A fantastic hole that presented a great challenge.
The only downside is that the course is in the middle of nowhere. While there are cabins on site, they were full when we booked. It's fine, but just a little obstacle to be aware of. The U.S. Open this year would have gotten better reviews if the leaderboard was packed with household names. I believe the runaway by Koepka made some look at the course with the same "eh" that the closing holes of the Open provided. It's too bad. I loved it even though it is new and has no golf pedigree.
Garden City GC
Rankings
Golf Digest: #49
Golfweek: #28 Classic
A trip to New York was supposed to include a visit to Deepdale Golf Club, but my friend that planned to host had qualified for the U.S. Open Sectionals the same week and thus was tied up trying to leave his mark on history. So it appeared no golf was in the cards. However, one of the other members of our intended foursome called in a favor and we were back on...at Garden City Golf Club. Talk about a fortunate turn of events!
Much has been written about the history of Garden City, which was established in 1899. I don't intend to, nor do I have the credentials to, walk through the lengthy happenings at GCGC. The club has hosted a U.S. Open, multiple U.S. Amateurs, and a Walker Cup. Arriving at the property and walking through the doors wearing a jacket (as required) feels like turning the calendar back by 100 years. You'd never know it was 2016. The front desk is to your left as you walk in, and the gentleman manning it is more than happy to point you in the right direction. To the right is the locker room through a swinging saloon-style half door. The dark green room has a giant moose head on the wall, and lockers that are boxy, wooden, and have a bit of metal grating on the front. They probably haven't been touched in decades other than minor repairs. Jackets hang on numerous coat racks as members shed them prior to heading out to the course. On the opposite side of the clubhouse, behind the front desk, is the bar and then the grill. The bar appears just as old as the rest of the edifice, as does the grill. I felt like Walter Travis himself could walk in and it wouldn't be surprising.
On to the course. The terrain is essentially flat with fairways winding through tall grasses that often present crappy lies in addition to the hosel-grabbing fescue. I found myself in the weeds many times, and often the recovery was not pretty. In my defense, we played in a 2-3 club wind all day, which is abnormal at GC. It was fun nonetheless, even though the course record was not in anyone's cross hairs.
Again, a hole-by-hole walk through has been done before, so my focus will be on what stood out to me.
The range is small, short, and looks more like hitting balls onto The Sandlot, but it doesn't detract from the experience. Right outside the pro shop is the first tee, a driveable par 4. As with most of the course, water does not come in play. But...there are plenty of natural, unlandscaped areas that include ditches, fescue, and other places you don't want to find yourself. Such is the area around the first green that awaits your wayward drive or approach.
Garden City's simplicity is its beauty. Creative bunkering, green complexes, and contouring are more utilized than trees, lakes, or creeks. It's a walking course that I'd love another chance at to appreciate the subtleties.
The 18th is a mid-length par 3 over a lake toward the clubhouse. It's a bit daunting because there can often be a crowd eating on the patio and watching your every move. I didn't break any windows and secured an up-and-down par, so I didn't embarrass myself or my host.
Garden City and many classic courses of the same era do not wow you with an opulent clubhouses or tricked-up golf holes. It is a window in to golf from 100 years ago, which has a distinct feel and reverence.
Golf Digest: #49
Golfweek: #28 Classic
A trip to New York was supposed to include a visit to Deepdale Golf Club, but my friend that planned to host had qualified for the U.S. Open Sectionals the same week and thus was tied up trying to leave his mark on history. So it appeared no golf was in the cards. However, one of the other members of our intended foursome called in a favor and we were back on...at Garden City Golf Club. Talk about a fortunate turn of events!
Much has been written about the history of Garden City, which was established in 1899. I don't intend to, nor do I have the credentials to, walk through the lengthy happenings at GCGC. The club has hosted a U.S. Open, multiple U.S. Amateurs, and a Walker Cup. Arriving at the property and walking through the doors wearing a jacket (as required) feels like turning the calendar back by 100 years. You'd never know it was 2016. The front desk is to your left as you walk in, and the gentleman manning it is more than happy to point you in the right direction. To the right is the locker room through a swinging saloon-style half door. The dark green room has a giant moose head on the wall, and lockers that are boxy, wooden, and have a bit of metal grating on the front. They probably haven't been touched in decades other than minor repairs. Jackets hang on numerous coat racks as members shed them prior to heading out to the course. On the opposite side of the clubhouse, behind the front desk, is the bar and then the grill. The bar appears just as old as the rest of the edifice, as does the grill. I felt like Walter Travis himself could walk in and it wouldn't be surprising.
On to the course. The terrain is essentially flat with fairways winding through tall grasses that often present crappy lies in addition to the hosel-grabbing fescue. I found myself in the weeds many times, and often the recovery was not pretty. In my defense, we played in a 2-3 club wind all day, which is abnormal at GC. It was fun nonetheless, even though the course record was not in anyone's cross hairs.
Again, a hole-by-hole walk through has been done before, so my focus will be on what stood out to me.
The range is small, short, and looks more like hitting balls onto The Sandlot, but it doesn't detract from the experience. Right outside the pro shop is the first tee, a driveable par 4. As with most of the course, water does not come in play. But...there are plenty of natural, unlandscaped areas that include ditches, fescue, and other places you don't want to find yourself. Such is the area around the first green that awaits your wayward drive or approach.
Garden City's simplicity is its beauty. Creative bunkering, green complexes, and contouring are more utilized than trees, lakes, or creeks. It's a walking course that I'd love another chance at to appreciate the subtleties.
The 18th is a mid-length par 3 over a lake toward the clubhouse. It's a bit daunting because there can often be a crowd eating on the patio and watching your every move. I didn't break any windows and secured an up-and-down par, so I didn't embarrass myself or my host.
Garden City and many classic courses of the same era do not wow you with an opulent clubhouses or tricked-up golf holes. It is a window in to golf from 100 years ago, which has a distinct feel and reverence.
Baltusrol GC - Lower
Rankings
Golf Digest: #41
Golfweek: #45 Classic
How I got on: The GM from my home club arranged a round, and I was impressed with our treatment by the staff of Baltusrol. They treated us like kings - first rate the entire day!
We played in early April and it had just snowed a couple weeks prior. The course was still recovering from the long winter, so the grass was brownish and the greens were shaggy. The clubhouse and course had a special feel to them though. We joined up with a couple members for the last few holes and they were amazing. We joined them for a drink (coke for me as a non-drinker) after the round, and had a great conversation. It was obvious Baltusrol would be a great home club. I'd love to get another crack at this one when it is running firm, fast, and is in peak summer shape.
Golf Digest: #41
Golfweek: #45 Classic
How I got on: The GM from my home club arranged a round, and I was impressed with our treatment by the staff of Baltusrol. They treated us like kings - first rate the entire day!
We played in early April and it had just snowed a couple weeks prior. The course was still recovering from the long winter, so the grass was brownish and the greens were shaggy. The clubhouse and course had a special feel to them though. We joined up with a couple members for the last few holes and they were amazing. We joined them for a drink (coke for me as a non-drinker) after the round, and had a great conversation. It was obvious Baltusrol would be a great home club. I'd love to get another crack at this one when it is running firm, fast, and is in peak summer shape.
The Olympic Club - Lake
Rankings
Golf Digest: #33
Golfweek: #31 Classic
How I got on: My college roommate, Ryan, arranged a round with a connection he had and we made a trip with two foursomes.
Lucky for me, Southwest had a hard time getting my clubs from Southern to Northern California on a direct flight. How's that happen? I'm not genius, but that one is difficult to screw up. We were slated to play the Lake course twice and the par 3 course. I had to rent clubs for my first round and borrow shoes - a MAJOR disappointment for any avid golfer. I don't think it affected my score thought. The U.S. Amateur was being held the next week at Olympic, so the rough was being grown out. And when I mean grown out, I mean 6-7" long - so long it was laying over like a bad hairdo. If we missed the fairway, by only a few inches, we'd need to shuffle our feet around the area we thought the ball entered and only rarely found our balls. Talk about difficult!!! And my friend Ryan shot around par for both rounds - two of the best rounds I've seen.
Olympic Lake has no water, and feels like a classic. It bends with many doglegs that require working the ball due to the tall, tree-lined fairways. I love courses that require you to hit a certain shot at specified times. Olympic Lake makes you do that a number of times. I remember many of the holes a decade later - something I can't say for a lot of nationally ranked tracks.
The par 3 course sits overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The holes are short, but have unique green complexes that are superbly maintained. I'm fond of the ability to play a pitch and putt that feels like it is maintained with the same care as the championship courses.
Golf Digest: #33
Golfweek: #31 Classic
How I got on: My college roommate, Ryan, arranged a round with a connection he had and we made a trip with two foursomes.
Lucky for me, Southwest had a hard time getting my clubs from Southern to Northern California on a direct flight. How's that happen? I'm not genius, but that one is difficult to screw up. We were slated to play the Lake course twice and the par 3 course. I had to rent clubs for my first round and borrow shoes - a MAJOR disappointment for any avid golfer. I don't think it affected my score thought. The U.S. Amateur was being held the next week at Olympic, so the rough was being grown out. And when I mean grown out, I mean 6-7" long - so long it was laying over like a bad hairdo. If we missed the fairway, by only a few inches, we'd need to shuffle our feet around the area we thought the ball entered and only rarely found our balls. Talk about difficult!!! And my friend Ryan shot around par for both rounds - two of the best rounds I've seen.
Olympic Lake has no water, and feels like a classic. It bends with many doglegs that require working the ball due to the tall, tree-lined fairways. I love courses that require you to hit a certain shot at specified times. Olympic Lake makes you do that a number of times. I remember many of the holes a decade later - something I can't say for a lot of nationally ranked tracks.
The par 3 course sits overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The holes are short, but have unique green complexes that are superbly maintained. I'm fond of the ability to play a pitch and putt that feels like it is maintained with the same care as the championship courses.
The Honors Course
Rankings
Golf Digest: #31
Golfweek: #23 Modern
How I got on: I qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur championship in 2007.
I played like garbage during the tournament, but the course was a privilege to play and I've been able to play it a few times since. As a tribute to amateur golf, the club feels exactly like you'd expect for a Southern golf club. It will always be one of my favorites due to the circumstances of my first rounds there. It is a true championship course, and while not very old, the clubhouse, lockers, and cabins (where you can stay on-site) have a throwback feel to them.
You'll likely miss the driveway to the course on your first visit. It's in the middle of nowhere outside Chattanooga. But once you make it down the first 100 yards of nondescript driveway, the trees open up into a perfect plot of land for a course.
Most of the holes are perfectly memorable. I do remember teeing off on the first during my opening round of the mid-am, and I'm shocked I made contact. I think my full arm, no shoulder turn landed in a fairway bunker less than 200 yards off the tee. But I didn't whiff!
The greens are lightning quick and do not present many simple putts. You need to think your way around the course and set yourself up for easier approaches. And don't miss on the wrong side of the greens. Most of the course winds through dense trees, with a few that open up a bit. But the ones that do open up have thick rough or fescue to defend. Maybe I just didn't have my game (every time I played there), but from the tips it has beaten me down.
I'd recommend a trip to Chattanooga if you can find a host to get on Honors. Bring some extra balls - there's a lot of fescue, water, trees...I believe I found other trouble, but have blocked the rest out.
Golf Digest: #31
Golfweek: #23 Modern
How I got on: I qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur championship in 2007.
I played like garbage during the tournament, but the course was a privilege to play and I've been able to play it a few times since. As a tribute to amateur golf, the club feels exactly like you'd expect for a Southern golf club. It will always be one of my favorites due to the circumstances of my first rounds there. It is a true championship course, and while not very old, the clubhouse, lockers, and cabins (where you can stay on-site) have a throwback feel to them.
You'll likely miss the driveway to the course on your first visit. It's in the middle of nowhere outside Chattanooga. But once you make it down the first 100 yards of nondescript driveway, the trees open up into a perfect plot of land for a course.
Most of the holes are perfectly memorable. I do remember teeing off on the first during my opening round of the mid-am, and I'm shocked I made contact. I think my full arm, no shoulder turn landed in a fairway bunker less than 200 yards off the tee. But I didn't whiff!
The greens are lightning quick and do not present many simple putts. You need to think your way around the course and set yourself up for easier approaches. And don't miss on the wrong side of the greens. Most of the course winds through dense trees, with a few that open up a bit. But the ones that do open up have thick rough or fescue to defend. Maybe I just didn't have my game (every time I played there), but from the tips it has beaten me down.
I'd recommend a trip to Chattanooga if you can find a host to get on Honors. Bring some extra balls - there's a lot of fescue, water, trees...I believe I found other trouble, but have blocked the rest out.
Los Angeles CC
Rankings
Golf Digest: #26
Golfweek: #16 Classic
How I got on: My friend from Big Canyon CC, Stewart, is also a member at LACC.
Golf Digest: #26
Golfweek: #16 Classic
How I got on: My friend from Big Canyon CC, Stewart, is also a member at LACC.
Friars Head
Rankings
Golf Digest: #23
Golfweek: #3 Modern
How I got on: An industry friend, Bob, found out I was a golfer and we took a detour from our property tour to play an "emergency round." I like the way Bob thinks.
Golf Digest: #23
Golfweek: #3 Modern
How I got on: An industry friend, Bob, found out I was a golfer and we took a detour from our property tour to play an "emergency round." I like the way Bob thinks.
Pacific Dunes
Rankings
Golf Digest: #18
Golfweek: #2 Modern
See my Bandon Trails post for a more detailed description of this trip. Pacific Dunes was the first track I played at Bandon, and I don't think I was really awake after my 3am arrival. So I'm not sure I was paying very good attention. Pacific is traditionally rated as the favorite of the four courses, but I didn't see much that made it better than the others except for overlooking the ocean on many holes. I definitely need to play it again to see if I understand the excess hype on PD. I'll keep the review short since the course was a bit of a blur, but all the courses at Bandon are special. It's a perfect place to get away and do nothing but golf. I loved the entire experience.
Golf Digest: #18
Golfweek: #2 Modern
See my Bandon Trails post for a more detailed description of this trip. Pacific Dunes was the first track I played at Bandon, and I don't think I was really awake after my 3am arrival. So I'm not sure I was paying very good attention. Pacific is traditionally rated as the favorite of the four courses, but I didn't see much that made it better than the others except for overlooking the ocean on many holes. I definitely need to play it again to see if I understand the excess hype on PD. I'll keep the review short since the course was a bit of a blur, but all the courses at Bandon are special. It's a perfect place to get away and do nothing but golf. I loved the entire experience.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Riviera CC
Rankings
Golf Digest: #24
Golfweek: #20 Classic
Living in Southern California for a decade would seem to make Riviera an easy get. As it turns out, it was harder than expected. I finally got the call in the Spring of '16 after my friends Ryan and Scott called in a favor. I didn't know what to expect since I've never walked the Northern Trust Open (or the Nissan, or whatever you want to call it). My first impression upon arriving was Pebble Beach-like. Not as many people as Pebble, but a corporate feel versus a quiet, old-school course.
The clubhouse is large and the locker room felt a bit like a resort, but very nice. The starter announced our names for no one to hear but ourselves, and off we went. Our two caddies proved to be excellent. Apparently Larry David was playing a couple holes in front of us - I guess he doesn't come off funny in person, but Adam Sandler does (they're both members). Who knew?
We chose to play the furthest tees that had markers out - the blues - playing 7,000 yards and par 71. The black plates were another 350 yards, but we weren't trying to kill ourselves.
I won't go through all the holes, but #1 is a fairly easy par 5 from an elevated tee with a gulch running across the fairway that is reachable for long hitters. Nothing crazy. Hole #2 is roughly the same distance, but a par 4 that plays uphill at the end - it's the real deal! I bombed a drive and still had 200+ yards uphill and into the wind. I smoked a 4-iron to pin-high with the back pin, and snuggled my first putt close enough for par. It felt like a birdie.
Hole #4 is a beast of a par 3 (235 yards) that was playing slightly into the wind. A great hybrid got me on and a lagged putt got me a par...I was feeling like a champ!
Hole #5 is a 415 yard par 4 that just didn't set up well to my eye. I tried to hit hybrid but blocked it into the trees right, but got lucky when the golf gods spit it out. After a yanked 6-iron, poor chip, and three putts, my double was secured. The green was deceptively tilted, and the approach blocks the right side of the green and convinces you to play left. It messed with me pretty good.
Hole #6 is the iconic bunker in the middle of the green par 3 (see photo). It's a short hole, but cool to play having seen it on TV a bunch. Luckily, I hit a good shot that didn't scare the bunker - but couldn't make the birdie putt. eh...
Hole #7 is a par 4 that sweeps right. It shouldn't be too difficult, but a bunker runs up the left side and a barranca runs up the right with OB further right. Knowing my wild driver, I subconsciously yanked it over the bunker left and into a parallel fairway. Little did I know the green was a table top, and even though my approach was open, I left it short, skanked a chip, and locked up a two-putt bogey. Poor performance. (see photo looking from behind the green back to the tee)
Hole #8 is a split fairway, and our entire threesome couldn't choose one of them so we all played up the center barranca. It isn't impossible, but it doesn't yield a lot of good lies. I don't remember what I got on this hole after missing the green. I think I two putted for bogey - maybe I sank it for par - I have the scorecard somewhere.
Hole #9 is intended to be tough because it is uphill and long, but it was tough for me because I blocked my drive right, clipped a tree, and my ball bounded into the maintenance area - OB. Awesome! It was the hot dog at the snack shack that screwed me. Luckily, I flubbed my provisional to the left, hit my ball up to 30 feet, and drained my bogey putt. Sweet justice! Still a bogey...but a good hole had I played any of it. I never touched the fairway.
Hole #10 is great! A 300 yard par 4 that begs to be driven, but it has bunkers of death all around it. But I'm a sucker to I pasted a blocked drive right in front of the greenside bunker, flopped it into the bunker, then left it in the bunker, and knocked my fourth shot tight for bogey. The green is crazy narrow and slopes off most sides. The smart play is to hit something left off the tee, and bring a little wedge in from the angle that gives you all kinds of room in front and behind. Not our group though! Who wants to leave Riviera talking about their amazing layup birdie on 10? Bor-ing...
Holes #12 and #13 are tough par 4s that curve right and left, respectively. The drive is key, but they played into the wind which made them long as well. A great couple holes.
Hole #15 is a giant par 4 - 450 yards playing into the wind on the day we played. I blocked this hole out a bit, but I think I duck hooked my drive on this big dogleg right...yes, the hook is not the shot to play here. Then I blasted a 4-wood up to the fringe into the stiff breeze and I may have gotten up and down - I don't quite remember. But let's just say it was a par and move on. Don't take this hole for granted, it'll bite you.
Hole #16 is a cool par 3 with great bunkering (see photo). It isn't long, but the bunkers mess with your mind and make the green look tiny. I did not score a GIR, but found one of the bunkers. No up and down for me...bogey time.
Hole #17 is a long par 5 back uphill a bit. It's a good test, but I played it the wrong way so I didn't get a good feel for the hole. I duckhooked the drive, tried to play a big hook back in the fairway but blocked it. Then I hit a great hybrid on the back of the green and two putted for par. It was a fight.
Hole #18 plays uphill and is a blind tee shot up to a plateau. The tees were up that day, so the line we took was funky. It's not my favorite hole because I had no idea where I was going. I hit a crap drive anyway, but got away with it because the big sidehill on the left kept me in play. The hole sweeps to the right from the tee, but effectively plays straight and uphill on your approach. It is a cool sight with the big clubhouse in the background. I pushed my approach off the sidehill lie and ended up just off the fringe right. I chipped it up to three feet and got my ugly par. 8-over, 79. Not great, but it is a tough track the first time around, and in general.
I really enjoyed my round, mainly because I like difficult courses. Most holes had something unique about them, which is what makes courses memorable. I wouldn't say it is the best course I've played, but it's a great test and was more enjoyable than I thought it'd be - a must play if you live in SoCal and can find a way to play it. I'm not a big kikuyu grass fan because around the green it acts like Velcro and the ball takes odd bounces; however, Riv gets a pass because the layout is so well done. I'd love to have another crack at it IF I can find a member to play with. The unaccompanied green fees are over $600!!!
Golf Digest: #24
Golfweek: #20 Classic
The clubhouse is large and the locker room felt a bit like a resort, but very nice. The starter announced our names for no one to hear but ourselves, and off we went. Our two caddies proved to be excellent. Apparently Larry David was playing a couple holes in front of us - I guess he doesn't come off funny in person, but Adam Sandler does (they're both members). Who knew?
We chose to play the furthest tees that had markers out - the blues - playing 7,000 yards and par 71. The black plates were another 350 yards, but we weren't trying to kill ourselves.
I won't go through all the holes, but #1 is a fairly easy par 5 from an elevated tee with a gulch running across the fairway that is reachable for long hitters. Nothing crazy. Hole #2 is roughly the same distance, but a par 4 that plays uphill at the end - it's the real deal! I bombed a drive and still had 200+ yards uphill and into the wind. I smoked a 4-iron to pin-high with the back pin, and snuggled my first putt close enough for par. It felt like a birdie.
Hole #4 is a beast of a par 3 (235 yards) that was playing slightly into the wind. A great hybrid got me on and a lagged putt got me a par...I was feeling like a champ!
Hole #5 is a 415 yard par 4 that just didn't set up well to my eye. I tried to hit hybrid but blocked it into the trees right, but got lucky when the golf gods spit it out. After a yanked 6-iron, poor chip, and three putts, my double was secured. The green was deceptively tilted, and the approach blocks the right side of the green and convinces you to play left. It messed with me pretty good.
Hole #8 is a split fairway, and our entire threesome couldn't choose one of them so we all played up the center barranca. It isn't impossible, but it doesn't yield a lot of good lies. I don't remember what I got on this hole after missing the green. I think I two putted for bogey - maybe I sank it for par - I have the scorecard somewhere.
Hole #9 is intended to be tough because it is uphill and long, but it was tough for me because I blocked my drive right, clipped a tree, and my ball bounded into the maintenance area - OB. Awesome! It was the hot dog at the snack shack that screwed me. Luckily, I flubbed my provisional to the left, hit my ball up to 30 feet, and drained my bogey putt. Sweet justice! Still a bogey...but a good hole had I played any of it. I never touched the fairway.
Hole #10 is great! A 300 yard par 4 that begs to be driven, but it has bunkers of death all around it. But I'm a sucker to I pasted a blocked drive right in front of the greenside bunker, flopped it into the bunker, then left it in the bunker, and knocked my fourth shot tight for bogey. The green is crazy narrow and slopes off most sides. The smart play is to hit something left off the tee, and bring a little wedge in from the angle that gives you all kinds of room in front and behind. Not our group though! Who wants to leave Riviera talking about their amazing layup birdie on 10? Bor-ing...
Holes #12 and #13 are tough par 4s that curve right and left, respectively. The drive is key, but they played into the wind which made them long as well. A great couple holes.
Hole #15 is a giant par 4 - 450 yards playing into the wind on the day we played. I blocked this hole out a bit, but I think I duck hooked my drive on this big dogleg right...yes, the hook is not the shot to play here. Then I blasted a 4-wood up to the fringe into the stiff breeze and I may have gotten up and down - I don't quite remember. But let's just say it was a par and move on. Don't take this hole for granted, it'll bite you.
Hole #17 is a long par 5 back uphill a bit. It's a good test, but I played it the wrong way so I didn't get a good feel for the hole. I duckhooked the drive, tried to play a big hook back in the fairway but blocked it. Then I hit a great hybrid on the back of the green and two putted for par. It was a fight.
I really enjoyed my round, mainly because I like difficult courses. Most holes had something unique about them, which is what makes courses memorable. I wouldn't say it is the best course I've played, but it's a great test and was more enjoyable than I thought it'd be - a must play if you live in SoCal and can find a way to play it. I'm not a big kikuyu grass fan because around the green it acts like Velcro and the ball takes odd bounces; however, Riv gets a pass because the layout is so well done. I'd love to have another crack at it IF I can find a member to play with. The unaccompanied green fees are over $600!!!
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Muirfield Village
Rankings
Golf Digest: #15
Golfweek: #12 Modern
My Muirfield Village invite was a surprise. A good friend's stepdad and uncle were planning a Scioto-Muirfield trip and I was lucky enough to get the invite to round out the foursome. That's a phone call I don't mind getting.
On to Muirfield Village Golf Club...not to be confused with the Country Club of Muirfield Village next door...is quite a spectacle. The clubhouse and facilities are top notch - and you are treated like a king the moment you set foot on the property. We played it in early spring, and it was as if the course was open year round. Typically, the winter takes its toll on courses that fight snow and cold, but Muirfield recently had some rough weather and not a blade of grass was out of place. It was perhaps one of the most lush courses I've ever played.
As for the layout, it's no joke! I found just about every bush, OB, water, and sand trap I could; the score was not pretty. However, there are so many great holes at Muirfield that I don't have that nagging negative feeling you get after embarrassing yourself over the course of 18 holes. I really hope to make it back to redeem myself, but have fond memories nonetheless.
My favorite hole is the par 5 11th with a creek that runs up the left and crosses the fairway midway through the hole. I found the creek, maybe more than once if I remember correctly. It was picturesque and enjoyable despite my excess shots.
Pictured above is the short 14th, where I finally hit a good drive and dribbled it on the fringe. A mere three putts later I had my par, yay? But what a great little hole with a perfectly manicured creek running up the left, crossing, and then running all the way up the right past the green. Muirfield is filled with these creative and fun holes.
That's probably plenty for the course description since you can all watch the hole by hole when Jack hosts his tourney in June. But, after your round don't forget to enjoy the famous milkshakes. They won't disappoint.
Golf Digest: #15
Golfweek: #12 Modern
On to Muirfield Village Golf Club...not to be confused with the Country Club of Muirfield Village next door...is quite a spectacle. The clubhouse and facilities are top notch - and you are treated like a king the moment you set foot on the property. We played it in early spring, and it was as if the course was open year round. Typically, the winter takes its toll on courses that fight snow and cold, but Muirfield recently had some rough weather and not a blade of grass was out of place. It was perhaps one of the most lush courses I've ever played.
As for the layout, it's no joke! I found just about every bush, OB, water, and sand trap I could; the score was not pretty. However, there are so many great holes at Muirfield that I don't have that nagging negative feeling you get after embarrassing yourself over the course of 18 holes. I really hope to make it back to redeem myself, but have fond memories nonetheless.
My favorite hole is the par 5 11th with a creek that runs up the left and crosses the fairway midway through the hole. I found the creek, maybe more than once if I remember correctly. It was picturesque and enjoyable despite my excess shots.
Pictured above is the short 14th, where I finally hit a good drive and dribbled it on the fringe. A mere three putts later I had my par, yay? But what a great little hole with a perfectly manicured creek running up the left, crossing, and then running all the way up the right past the green. Muirfield is filled with these creative and fun holes.
That's probably plenty for the course description since you can all watch the hole by hole when Jack hosts his tourney in June. But, after your round don't forget to enjoy the famous milkshakes. They won't disappoint.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Chicago Golf Club
Rankings
Golf Digest: #14
Golfweek: #10 Classic
A lot of my course reviews will be less hole-by-hole, and more of my observations and enjoyment of the experience. Chicago GC ranks near the top of the list in terms of experience. Partially because I realize that with a membership of ~125, I'm extremely lucky to have played it twice.
In my profession, I spend a lot of time evaluating public real estate companies. I contacted one such company's COO to discuss suggestions for golf in Chicago, and gave him the usual Top 100 list to choose from, but left Chicago GC off the list because I thought it was an impossible ticket. He responded with his choices for top Chicago courses, and said if I was open to playing Chicago GC instead of the options I provided, he could arrange it. Talk about good fortune! What a score.
Chicago GC is understated all the way around. The sign at the driveway is small, the locker room appears virtually untouched by time, and the pro shop is modest. Even the scorecards are lacking flash. I could probably count on one hand the number of other groups I saw during each visit. Everything feels perfect.
The caddies are young mid-western kids that may or may not know much about golf, but they keep up, help out as best they can, and avoid heat stroke (well, not all of them. We lost a caddie during my first visit on the 9th hole.). While I'm not an "architect guy," I'm starting to notice cool attributes that early 20th century course designers use. CB MacDonald designed Chicago GC, and he has a distinct style. Many greens fall off steeply into bunkers that generally run around the back half of most greens. So you can't miss by much or you'll spend lots of time at the beach.
I love the old school locker rooms and clubhouse. A handwritten membership application was hanging from the board in the locker room during one of my visits, and the applicant appeared to be quite pedigreed. However, the process is the process, and he had to jump through all the same hoops. Pretty cool.
I can't wait to go back. Knowing a member is a luxury, but it may not last forever. I hope to make another trip, but also have a lot of Chicago courses to check off the list. Luckily the best one was my first.
Pebble Beach
Rankings
Progressing through the round, holes 2 is a straightforward par 5. Hole 3 is a sweeping par 4 dogleg left that allows you to cut the corner depending on the tees you play, how far you hit it, and the strength of the wind. Hole 4 is a treacherous short par 4 straight uphill with a cliff leading to the ocean on the right (see photo). The 5th is a redesigned par 3 with more cliff/ocean to the right. The 4th is my favorite hole of this stretch because a miss right is never far from your mind, and you have a lot of options off the tee.
The next stretch is what makes Pebble Pebble. The 6th is a par 5 from an elevated tee to a valley, followed by a straight uphill approach that sweeps a little to the right with ocean further right. It is reachable in two for long hitters, but it requires a couple good pokes. It's an incredible hole that you won't forget. Hole 7 is famous, but shorter than you'd think - 105 yards virtually straight downhill. It can play longer with a stiff breeze that leaves little margin for error, but I'm not a huge fan of the 7th. Now the 8th hole is the best on the course, and perhaps my favorite hole on the planet. You hit a tee shot from near sea level up a steep hill to the plateau above. It's probably 240-250 yards. Go to far and you roll over massive cliff into a cove below. Hit it too short and you'll leave 200+ yards to a postage stamp green that sits on the other side of the cove that is virtually all carry. Not only are the views amazing, the shot required demands perfection unless you bail out left. But then you're chipping to a green that goes away from you with a cliff behind. No easy 4s here! (see photo showing the approach shot)
Hole 18's tee sits right on the ocean and the tee shot is imposing (photo is looking back to the blue tees from the white tees). Houses right, the Pacific left. It sets up as if you want to hit a strong draw, but the ocean comes into play closer in that you realize. If you can find the fairway, getting on in two is no gimme. A tree right and ocean left, combined with a traditionally strong breeze, makes a lay-up feel like a manly play even for those that typically bomb at anything. The 18th is such a recognizable hole that looking back from the green after you hole out makes you wish you'd paid more attention to it during your walk up the fairway (or the rough/rocks in my case).
Golf Digest: #7
Golfweek: #8 Classic
I've had the pleasure of playing Pebble Beach in high school, and three or four times since. It is definitely an amazing experience - especially after watching it on TV for years during U.S. Opens and the AT&T Pro-Am. Seventeen Mile Drive, the incredibly scenic road that winds between Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, Monterey Peninsula CC, Spyglass, and The Links at Spanish Bay, is an amazing experience in its own right. It is one of my favorite locations in the world, and playing golf there is a bonus.
Pebble has so much history and notoriety that it is hard to play the course and not feel that each hole should be savored. I can't say I've played well there, but it has always been memorable.
The first tee is adjacent to the pro shop and retail stores, and as such you are rarely without a gallery for your inaugural tee shot. It is pressure enough knowing you are beginning your trek over hallowed ground, only to be magnified by the handful to dozens of people that may stop to watch. The first hole is nothing special, but you'll never forget the tee shot.
Holes 9 and 10 and are solid par 4s paralleling a cliff that drops off to the beach. The greens are small and not forgiving. Holes 6-10 are most of what you pay for at Pebble.
Hole 11 is a straight uphill par 4 that has a green that can provide some crazy putts due to its narrowness and severe slopes. An easy birdie is possible, but so is double. Hole 12 is a good par 3, and 13 is an uphill par 4 with great views and a severely sloped green.
Hole 14 is a long, uphill, swinging dogleg right that used to have a green that was diabolical. However, it is currently going through a redesign that is meant to tame it given the limited pin position options, and penal slopes. I'm not sure I agree because I'm a fan of holes that border on difficult/unfair. However, this green was probably due for a fix. A monster bunker guards the front of the green. I've spent some good time begging for mercy in it.
Hole 15 is a nondescript par 4. Hole 16 is a par 4 with more character, but is overshadowed by 17 and 18.
Hole 17 is a straight-into-the-breeze par 3 that can play brutally long in strong winds. The green is a diagonal hourglass, and it's easy to find yourself on the wrong side with a long putt - sometimes you can't get to the hole with a putt and should chip if you weren't afraid of marring God's greens. This is the best par 3 on the course.
Pebble Beach is a treat that any golfer should experience once, assuming the $500 green fee is in the budget. You'll also likely need to stay at the lodge since tee times are only given out the day-of for non-guests. So it's expensive. You can also walk the course for free (I think) since I always seem to see stragglers wandering around when I play - although maybe they're renegades.
Pebble can be a long round with players taking numerous photos, and many infrequent golfers deciding they need to play it while taking 140 shots. But if you're paying $500 to play Pebble, don't rush it (because you can't). Would I prefer to play a ultra exclusive, historic club for the first time rather than this commercialized mecca? Probably, since Pebble allows anyone with a checkbook to play, but there isn't a more beautiful place on earth and I'll never tire of going there.
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