| Golf Courses |
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| MARYLAND |
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| Longview |
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Longview is a great course for beginner and intermediate golfers. One of five public
courses in Baltimore County, Longview is very popular in- season. It is also very
affordable. There is little water on the course and it is almost impossible to lose your
golf ball. Longview has relatively short par 4s and par 5s. The two par 3s on the front
nine are both short but have challenging sloped greens. One par 3 on the back is about 160
yards long and the other is 200 yards. The course staff is very helpful and there are no
on-course rangers. The clubhouse facilities are average. Walk-ons are accommodated, but
in-season you can sometimes wait up to an hour or more.
I avoid Longview during the main golf season, as rounds can be 5 hours or more. But in
the winter, if you play year-round, Longview is one of my top choices.
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B- |
Winter 2009 |
| Greystone |
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Greystone, in Northern Baltimore County, is one of two
high-end public courses (Woodlands is the other). It’s very popular, but in my
opinion, a bit too pricey. Greystone is a scenic layout—one of the prettiest courses
in all of Maryland—but there are about 6 greens that should be destroyed (i.e
dynamited) and completely redone. 3 putts, 4 putts, and even 5 putts, can be had on these
nasty sloping greens. The clubhouse is high-end and the staff is efficient and very
courteous. Greystone is located about 10 minutes from my home. Despite this, I only play
it about twice a year, mostly because of the price (there are many cheaper alternatives
nearby) and because I find it very difficult to post a good score (because the greens are
so absurdly difficult).
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B |
March 2008 |
| Diamond Ridge |
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Diamond Ridge is a lot like Longview, only a trifle longer
and with a little more variety and personality. Like Longview, it is very affordable and
very popular, so rounds can be long during the height of the golf season. The clubhouse
was recently rebuilt and modernized and the staff is very courteous and helpful. There are
no on-course rangers. Diamond Ridge is also one of my favorites, especially in the winter.
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B |
Winter 2007-8 |
| Woodlands |
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Woodlands is the other high-end public golf course in
Baltimore County. Located on property that is adjacent to Diamond Ridge (both course share
the same recently modernized clubhouse and staff). Woodlands is a challenging track with
lots of tree-lined, somewhat narrow landing areas. As the name implies, be prepared to
spend much of your rounds in the woods, looking for your errant shots, if you’re not
a straight hitter. The par-3s are rather short and unchallenging, and there are a few
really short par-4s, but overall the holes have variety and the greens are expansive, but
full of hills and valleys. For my money, I prefer to play the older, more wide-open
Diamond Ridge or one of the other more affordable public courses. |
B- |
Winter 2007 |
| Rocky Point |
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Rocky Point holds a special place in my heart, since it is
the first course I played when I got hooked on golf in 1996. It is also one of the most
affordable and popular public Baltimore County run courses. Parts of the course look out
over the Chesapeake Bay. This is one of the longer public courses, but it is mostly open
and forgiving. The greens are large and relatively flat. The clubhouse is old and not very
inviting. During the golf season, Rocky Point gets crowded with lots of inexperienced
golfers, so rounds can be exceedingly prolonged. For this reason, I usually only play here
during the winter, but because of it’s proximity to the water, Rocky Point gets less
snow than most other courses in the Baltimore area, and it often remains open when other
public courses are closed. |
B |
Winter 2009 |
| Pine Ridge |
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Pine Ridge looks and feels like a Baltimore County public
course (it is even located in Baltimore County just a mile or two from Longview). However,
it is owned and operated by Baltimore City. This is one of the most scenic tracks in
Maryland. Pine trees abound on just about every hole and water can be seen (and reached)
on several holes. If you like deer standing around near the tee box while you hit, or if
you like driving your cart through occasional flocks of geese, you’ll love this
course. It is so popular during the golf season that you must enter a lottery to get tee
times during the weekend. Walk-ons are accepted, but you can sometimes wait forever to
find an opening. The course is interesting and forgiving and the greens are fine, except
they can be a little "stubbly" during the winter. Again, because of the crowds,
I generally only play this course during the winter time. |
B |
Winter 2009 |
| Forest Park |
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Forest Park, owned and operated by Baltimore City, is the
first golf course I every played as a young boy in the late 1950’s. My father played
there and took me with him occasionally. I returned there as a teenager many times,
hacking away with my similarly unskilled friends, and I even rented an apartment that
faced the 5th fairway when I started medical school, although I had absolutely
no interest in golf at that time. I haven’t played Forest Park in years so I
can’t really tell you how it is now. Someday I’ll have to go back and relive old
memories (even though there were few memorable ones). |
? |
1996 |
| Clifton Park |
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Clifton Park is another Baltimore City owned and operated
public course. It’s not located in the best of Baltimore neighborhoods, so people
don’t always feel safe playing there. I haven’t played Clifton Park in years and
don’t plan on going back. The course is short and not very challenging. It used to be
dirt-cheap, but prices have gone up in recent years. |
D |
1998 |
| Mt. Pleasant |
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2000 |
| Wakefield Valley |
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2005 |
| Timbers of Troy |
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I recently played Timbers after not having visited it for
several years. The course has been well-maintained and additional renovations are still
underway. Hole #3, a short par 4, was closed for extensive repair, so we had to skip that
hole and play #10 a second time. The greens had been recently aerated, but putting was not
affected very much. Overall, I enjoyed the course and would recommend it. |
B |
March 2008 |
| Francis Scott Key (River Downs) |
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2004 |
| Challedon |
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2000 |
| Mountain Branch |
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2005 |
| Piney Branch |
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Piney Branch is a private club in Hampstead, MD. It has a
fixed number of members to keep play available to all. The clubhouse and dining area have
recently been renovated. The course was in excellent shape, with smooth, quick greens.
Traps were well sanded. The rough was slightly thick, but not too penalizing. Most
fairways were generous, with several challenging hole designs. Par 3s were easily
reachable and there were no super-long Par 5s. |
B |
August 2007 |
| Bay Hills |
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1999 |
| Queenstown |
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Queenstown is a beautiful public course located on the
Eastern shore of MD. There are two 18 hole tracks, one of which (the River Course) has
much water in play. |
B |
Winter 2009 |
| Scottish Links? |
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2002 |
| Waverly Woods |
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2000 |
| Wisp |
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1999 |
| Musket Ridge |
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Winter 2009 |
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| Ocean City, MD |
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| Bear Trap Dunes |
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This high-end course is one of the more popular tracks in
Ocean City, MD. It’s a fairly long course and is moderately challenging. As the name
implies, there are numerous traps. The course is well-maintained and the greens are ample
in size. |
A- |
Sept 2007 |
| Virginia |
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| Augustine Golf Club |
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Located about 30 minutes south of DC off I-95 in Stafford,
VA, this very popular course is fun to play. It is moderately priced and very busy during
the season. I usually play it once or twice each winter, mainly when the courses in
Maryland are closed due to snow. I was disappointed to find that the course was not in
great shape when I played it this spring. The fairways had lost their lush grass in many
places and the greens were somewhat bumpy. Hopefully, it will come back during the high
season. |
B- |
March 2008 |
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| MYRTLE BEACH, SC |
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| Sea Trail |
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Sea Trail is a nice course located north of N. Myrtle Beach.
Both the course and the greens were is good shape. A better than average Myrtle Beach
option |
B |
March 2007 |
| Farmstead |
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Farmstead is an interesting course located north of Myrtle
Beach, right on the NC-SC border. In fact, the course is well-known for its 676 par 6 18th
hole, which starts in SC and ends in NC. The greens were in good shape and many of
the fairways were generous. Overall, the course was challenging and fairly difficult. |
B+ |
March 2007 |
| The Dunes |
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The Dunes is an older country club type course that I played
once before. I was not very pleased with this course, especially since it charges a high
premium for play. I found the greens hard to hold and very protected with multiple traps.
Hole #13 was interesting—a long, horseshoe par 5 that wraps around the circumference
of a large lake. Overall, there are many better options in Myrtle Beach. |
C- |
March 2007 |
| Meadowlands |
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The Meadowlands is a nice course, but nothing special. Greens
were in good shape and there were a few interesting holes. Not a bad choice. |
B- |
March 2007 |
| Grand Dunes |
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Grand Dunes, as distinct from The Dunes, is an upscale course
in an upscale condo development. The course is expensive but a good value. Many
interesting and challenging holes. |
B+ |
November 2008 |
| Myrtlewood |
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There are two nice 18’s (Palmetto & Pinehills) at
this traditional resort location in N. Myrtle Beach adjacent to the Intercoastal Waterway.
I played both and they were equally enjoyable. The course was well-maintained and the pace
of play was good. I also stayed in a condo at the resort and the accommodations were
excellent. There is a nice breakfast buffet in the clubhouse every morning. Not the best
courses in Myrtle, but still a good value. Both courses get lots of play in the area. |
B |
November 2008 |
| River Hills |
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River Hills is a higher end course located just north of N.
Myrtle beach. The course was in excellent condition, but when I played it was cart path
only and the pace of play exceeded 5 hours. The course features densely wooded terrain and
gently rolling hills. The course recently underwent a $2 million renovation, including
upgrading the clubhouse. |
B+ |
November 2008 |
| Caledonia |
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A- |
March 2008 |
| Tigers Eye |
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B+ |
March 2008 |
| Panthers Run |
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B |
March 2008 |
| Brunswick Plantation |
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Located just a few minutes north of North Myrtle Beach in
Calabash, NC, this is an enjoyable and scenic course to play. There is water on multiple
holes but it is mostly avoidable. The fairways were generous and open, and the greens were
fast and in good condition. I played the Magnolia and Dogwood nines and both were fun and
of average difficulty. |
B+ |
April 2009 |
| Pine Lakes |
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Known as the "Granddaddy" of golf courses in Myrtle
Beach, Pine Lakes was originally built in 1927. It has recently undergone major
renovations, so some of the course features are not yet fully mature. We found the
fairways to be overly hard with inadequately grown-in grass. The greens were very firm and
extremely difficult to hold on approach shots. The putting surfaces were fine and the
fairways were mostly open and generous, but the ball would often roll into hazards or
wooded areas on well-struck shots. I’d give the course a few more years before trying
it again, and I can’t recommend it at this time. |
C- |
April 2009 |
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| Florence, S.C. |
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March 2008 |
| Beaver Creek |
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Beaver Creek is a mature, somewhat short course located just
a few minutes from the Florence airport. It’s actually an interesting and enjoyable
course to play. There are many interesting holes and the back nine is particularly
challenging. Mature trees line most holes and fairways slope one way or the other. The
greens were in decent shape. The cost is very low for a regulation golf course, so the
value is good. A nice warm-up course on your way to Myrtle Beach. |
C+ |
November 2008 |
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| Charleston, SC |
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| Patriots Point |
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This is a nice public course located just a few minutes
outside of Charleston in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. It’s not an upscale course, but it was
fun to play. The course advertises "stunning views of the Charleston Harbor" but
I wasn’t impressed with these views (if indeed they were there). The course is
located in large park setting, and it felt very park-like to play. But I did have a good
time. Not sure I would come back too soon, as there are probably more interesting courses
in this area to play. |
C |
December 2008 |
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| PENNSYLVANIA |
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| Pleasant Valley |
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Pleasant Valley is one of my favorite Central PA courses. The
rates are low, the pace of play is fast, and the course has many interesting and somewhat
challenging holes. There are many sloping fairways here, and in the dead of summer, the
turf gets rock hard giving you way more distance off the tee than you really deserve.
There are two "optical illusion" greens on the back nine, where putts seem to
defy gravity and the apparent slope of the green. You won’t hit many mid-irons here.
You’ll either be hitting fairway woods or wedge shots on most holes. All in all, a
great course for the money. |
B |
Winter 2009 |
| Heritage Hills |
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Heritage Hills is one of my favorite courses in the York, PA
area. Open all year, this mid-priced public course is not very long but has several
interesting and challenging holes. Fairways are modest in width and are contiguous to
others on many holes. Thus, it is not uncommon to play your second shot from an adjacent
fairway or to have other golfers playing in yours. The 5th hole is a par three
with an extremely elevated tee shot, down to a two-tiered green. The 16th hole
also features an elevated tee box to a narrow fairway on a short par4. |
B+ |
Winter 2009 |
| The Bridges |
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2005 |
| Armitage |
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| Dauphin Highlands |
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This city-owned and operated public course is very close to
my work, so I play it frequently during the evenings in season. The course is very popular
with Harrisburg golfers. It is fairly forgiving and not too long. It is usually
well-maintained. Unfortunately, the course has been losing money for many years, and the
city may be selling the land to a developer, who would close it. |
B |
Summer 2008 |
| Hershey Country Club |
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Hershey, PA has 4 associated golf venues in close proximity
to the amusement part/resort complex. The Hershey Country Club is the premier facility
with two fine courses. The East course is the longer and more challenging of the two and
annually hosts a LPGA pro event. The West course is almost as good, but just a little
shorter. Both are fun to play, but both are pricey. They are well-maintained year round.
The greens are ample and not too difficult. |
A- |
Summer 2008 |
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| ARIZONA |
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| Octillo Golf Resort |
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Octillo is a mid-upper level course in Phoenix that is part
of the Troon system. It has 3 nines (White, Blue, Gold). I played the White and Blue. The
course was in great shape and is a resort-style layout. There was water everywhere on this
course (bring your flippers) but it was still fun to play. Internet discount rates are
available |
A- |
Feb 2009 |
| Troon North |
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This has got to be one of the most spectacular courses in
Phoenix and one of the best I have ever played. I played it once before, back in 2009, and
all I could remember was the large Saguaro cacti all around and one hole with a 2 story
boulder (as big as a small house) right in the middle of the fairway. The course was even
better the second time around. It was in great shape, the views were exceptional, and even
though it is very pricy ($250), we found an internet discount for more than 50% off. |
A+ |
Feb 2009 |
| We-Ko-Pa |
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This is another high-end Phoenix desert style course that
gets rave reviews and that I have wanted to play for years. There are two scenic 18s
(Saguaro, Cholla) and we played them both on the same day. There is a slight discount for
playing both, but it was still very pricy. I didn’t notice much difference between
the two courses. Both were top-notch and very special, but I didn’t think they were
worth the huge price tag. I would play it again, but only if I could find a 50% or more
discounted rate. |
A |
Feb 2009 |
| Kokopelli |
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This is a nice mid-low level resort style course in Phoenix.
Internet discounts are available. For me, it was a nice warm-up course on my day of
arrival, but there are many nicer courses to play, so I can’t recommend it, unless
you are on a tight budget. |
C+ |
Feb 2009 |
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| Arizona Golf Resort |
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This is a nice resort-type course in Mesa, AZ. It’s fun
to play and the fairways are wide and forgiving. The course is connected to a resort and
conference center, and many of the holes are bordered by houses. It’s not too hard to
end up in someone’s front or back lawn. This course used to be well-priced at about
$60, but this year, the fees have been increased to $90. |
B |
Feb 2008 |
| Camelback @ Marriott |
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There are two 18-hole courses at the Camelback resort in
Scottsdale, AZ. I played both of them and was not impressed with either. The fairways were
in poor shape and the greens were hard as rock. It was almost impossible to hold any
approach shot on the green. With all the other fine courses in the area, there’s no
need to spend your money on this one. |
D |
Feb 2007 |
| Silverado |
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Another enjoyable, mid-priced resort-style course in the
Scottsdale area. I’ve played this course several times and have enjoyed each round.
The staff is very friendly, the greens are well-maintained, and many of the holes are
interesting. |
B |
Feb 2008 |
| Point Hilton Lookout Mountain |
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I’ve only played this course once, but I didn’t
like it. The winds were stiff and the course was much too difficult for my meager game. At
a price of $100+, you can do much better. |
C |
Feb 2007 |
| Gold Canyon—Dinosaur Mt. |
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I played the Gold Canyon Dinosaur course back in 2000. It was
really cool. As a mountain course, there were many scenic elevated tee shots, and the
course was littered with giant cacti and scenic views on every hole. I played it for the
second time in Feb 09, and it is clearly one of the best public courses you can play in
AZ. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but if you get a discount card like the SW Golf
Pass, you can play it at 50% off. |
A+ |
Feb 2009 |
| Gold Canyon--Sidewinder |
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Sidewinder is the sister course to Dinosaur Mt. and is
flatter, designed around the base of the mountain. Some say it is a few strokes more
difficult than Dinosaur. It is also very scenic and was fun to play. Both courses are a
bit on the expensive side, but if you get a discount card like the SW Golf Pass, you can
play it at 50% off. |
B+ |
March 2007 |
| Starfire @ Scottsdale CC |
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Starfire has 3 9s, The King, Hawk, and Squire. They are all
well-maintained and the greens were in excellent shape. The three layouts play about the
same and this is a nice, mid-priced resort course in the heart of Scottsdale. |
B+ |
Feb 2008 |
| Wigwam |
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There are 3 18-hole tracks (Red, Blue, Gold) at this
resort-style course about 40 minutes SE of Phoenix. I played the Blue and the Gold. Both
were nice, but the Gold was a bit longer and more challenging. The course and greens were
well-maintained. A nice set of courses, not spectacular, but fun to play. |
B |
March 2008 |
| Cave Creek Golf Course |
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I usually stay away from municipal courses, but got talked
into playing this one by a friend, who liked the low price. The course was in poor shape.
The fairways were not lush and were dried out in spots. The greens were not great either.
We both agreed that we wouldn’t go back. |
D |
Feb 2008 |
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| NC |
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| The Pit |
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The Pit is a unique and fun course about 5 miles from
Pinehurst in a town called Aberdeen. It features an island par 3 hole and lots of dirt
mounds and hills scattered around the playing area. Some of these mounds are 8-10 feet
high and can become serious obstacles if you hit an errant shot. There are also several
holes with challenging water carries. You should definitely play this course at least
once, and if you do, you might find yourself coming back again. |
B- |
Feb 2007 |
| Mill Creek |
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This community course located in Mebane, NC is fine if you
don’t mind expensive houses bordering most of the holes. It’s an upscale
community course that is not terribly unique, but it plays well. |
B- |
Feb 2007 |
| Talamore |
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This is a nice mid-end course in the Pinehurst/Sandhills
area. It’s most famous for it lamas that are housed on the property and that you can
rent to carry your bag. It’s a well-maintained course with excellent greens, nice
fairways, and playable rough. From the white tees, the course is not overly long and is
enjoyable to play. There are a good many traps, both fairway and greenside. All in all, a
good value for the price, especially if you go off-season, when rates are reduced. |
B |
December, 2008 |
| Brunswick Plantation (Calabash) |
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(See Myrtle Beach courses above) |
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| NEW JERSEY |
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| Ballyowen |
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Hamburg, NJ—Rated one of the top public courses you can
play in NJ, this course lived up to its billing. With a Scottish links design, and its
scenic beauty, you’ll definitely enjoy your experience here. The course is not easy
and it’s also not cheap. But it was fun to play and the course is maintained in great
shape. A little out of the way, but worth the trip. |
A- |
Aug 2008 |
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| MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA |
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| Mink Meadows |
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One of the few public courses on the island, this 9 hole
course (two times around from different tees) is fun to play. The price is moderate for
resort location golf and the course is well maintained. I did not play any of the other
public courses on the island, but I would not mind playing this course again, should I
return. |
B- |
Aug 2008 |
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| FLORIDA |
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| JACKSONVILLE |
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| The Golf Club at North Hampton |
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There are many popular golf courses in the Jacksonville area.
I thought I had played most of the excellent ones, but I was very surprised by how much I
enjoyed playing at North Hampton. It’s about a 40 minute drive north of Jacksonville
(near Amelia Island), but the trip is well-worth it. There are many scenic holes and the
fairways are quite broad. Everything was well-maintained and the greens were in great
shape. The winter fees were very reasonable for the value received. I would definitely
play this course over and over again. |
A- |
December 2008 |
| ORLANDO |
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| TAMPA |
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| Serenoa |
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This is a nice course in the Sarasota/Bradenton area.
It’s a mid-level course that is enjoyable to play. Free range balls are provided with
your round and the course was well-maintained, and the greens were in excellent shape. |
B |
Feb 2009 |
| The River Club |
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Another nice course in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. I liked
this course better than Serenoa. It was a little more upscale and more scenic. It was fun
to play. |
B+ |
Feb 2009 |
| Bobby Jones Golf Club |
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This very popular municipal course in Sarasota features two
18-hole regulation tracks and a par-3 executive course. The two main courses are named
American and British. I played the British, which was more wide open. The fairways were
very generous on almost every drivable hole, so it was fun to bomb away. For a municipal
course, I was quite satisfied. |
C+ |
Feb 2009 |
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| DAYTONA BEACH |
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| Halifax Plantation |
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This is a gem of a course, located just a few minutes north
of Datona Beach at Ormond Beach, FL. It was reasonably priced and well-maintained. The
fairways were generous and the greens played well. I thoroughly enjoyed my round here and
would definitely come back again, next time I am in the area. |
B+ |
December 2008 |
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| COCOA BEACH |
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| Cocoa Beach Country Club |
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There’s not a lot of great golf in the Cocoa Beach area,
but the Cocoa Beach CC is a nice exception. This is one of my favorite courses to play and
I’ve revisited many times. The course features three 9s (River, Dolphin, Lakes),
which are all fun to play. There is water on several holes each 9, but the course is not
difficult and is usually well-maintained. Many holes border the water with scenic views.
You might even see an alligator or two sunning near one of the ponds. |
B+ |
December 2008 |
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| FT. LAUDERDALE |
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| Colony West County Club |
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C |
January 2009 |
| Inverrary |
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B+ |
January 2009 |
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