I Can't Get Away Without Some Scatter-Brained Thoughts

I think of golf as ranch land gone bad. I guess if you are good at the game it ain't gone so bad. A good walk not ruint then?

Even though the slam-dunk may be the most dramatic hole-in-one, the "three bouncer and in" is the best shot. It shows more accuracy as to the exact line. This should be executed with back spin for perfection, but three forward bounces will suffice.

MY TOUGHEST DYNAMICS FAULTS:
Front foot comes up at heel on backswing-result is big slice o.b. or worse.
Wrists cock at takeaway-result is shank, probably o.b. Also, no corresponding back hip turn same result.
Drop rear shoulder-result is nice straight chili-dip with beautiful divot.
No hip/leg action-result is dead pull out of play*Caution: Do not want hip/leg action in bunkers.

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Then Play on...

the hideout, monticello, ut
beaver creek, avon, co, r t jones jr
rio grande, south fork, co
las vegas paiute (sun mt), las vegas, nv, p dye

oops, wrong blog. That's the title of a great old Fleetwood Mac song. But I guess it does go well for these 25 "More Than Honorable Mention" courses that I've been lucky enough to play.
4 above
21 below

sedona golf resort, sedona, az, panks
rolling stone ranch, steamboat springs, co, r t jones jr
saddle rock, aurora, co, phelps
the gauntlet, tigerville, s c, p b dye
vistoso, tucson, az, weiskopf
starr pass, tucson, az, cupp-palmer
pa a ko ridge, sandia park, n m, k dye
cantigny, wheaton, il, north-packard
fairway pines, ridgway, co
hobble creek, springville, ut
lawsonia (links), green lake, wi
broadmoor (east), colorado springs, co, ross (1-6, 16-18)-r t jones sr
bandon crossings, bandon, or
river valley ranch, carbondale, co, morrish
arizona national, tucson, az, r t jones jr
red fox, tryon, n c
sonnenalp, edwards, co, cupp-morrish
las sendas, mesa, az, r t jones jr
coral canyon, washington, ut, foster
keystone ranch, keystone, co, r t jones jr
bear dance, larkspur, co

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T H E E N D

Afterword

So there you have it. That's not exactly 50 "Reviews" as promised, but I couldn't resist putting the 7 private and "guests only" (and the one out of U.S.A. test) on this listing of great courses to come up with LVIII. They were just too good to omit. So there are still 50 public access courses. I've been lucky to play these. My apologies for not covering some of the great golf areas in the country. Unfortunately I haven't been to the R. T. Jones Golf Trail in Alabama, but hope to get there. I blew a chance to play Bethpage Black when I was in NYC. I haven't been invited to Shinnecock or Augusta. I'll keep on truckin' then.

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LVIII Review of "The Ridge at Castle Pines North"

THE RIDGE AT CASTLE PINES NORTH, Castle Rock, Colorado: Last but not least is this quintessential Tom Weiskopf concoction near Interstate 25 between Denver and Colorado Springs, situated in the beautiful Rocky Mountain foothills. The 11th. hole is not really "Forever" as it's called. It is just 600 yards. The course appears on many "Top Courses You Can Play" lists. RATINGS: 73/134 COST: $60 (off-season)-$145 including cart

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LVII Review of "Wolf Creek"

WOLF CREEK, Mesquite, Nevada: People rave about this course, and I see why, but it's too difficult for me. A player who is very accurate and not mortal might handle it. I'm afraid that I have a better chance at the Mesquite slot machines. This course has a well deserved spot on Golf Digest's "America's 50 Toughest Courses", ranked below Spyglass and The Bear (I disagree, I finished those two), which are reviewed previously. It's described there as a fantasy golf calendar come to life. Yes, true. The landscape is surrealistically superb. From the tips the slope rating is just one point below maximum possible. Maybe next time I'll try the 4100 yardage. I didn't record a score as I ran out of balls, so I can't really say it's the hardest course that I've ever played. If I hadn't taken my clubs I think I would have loved it! RATINGS: 75.4/154 COST: $85 (summer)-$195 including cart

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LVI Review of "Pole Creek"

POLE CREEK, Winter Park, Colorado: Like Eagle-Vail, ditto the "Colorado scenic", but not so fair. That means it's more penal if you miss a shot. This one is not as easy on the access either, being 30 miles north of I-70, but worth the trouble. Golf Digest rated it "The Best New Public Course in America" when it was finished in 1985. A couple of hours north of this ski town is Rocky Mountain National Park, for tundra walking (at the Alpine Visitor Center) and wildlife viewing. During golf season the park should be open. Don't miss that. RATINGS: (Original 18) Meadow/Ranch 73.7/145
COST: $73-$99 including cart
This is now a 27 hole facility; I haven't played "The Ridge" 9.

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LV Review of "Eagle-Vail"

EAGLE-VAIL, Avon, Colorado: As the name implies, it's between Eagle and the famous Colorado ski town. The course is very fair and not too difficult if you are hitting them good. Easy access from Interstate Hwy. 70 (if mountains appeal to you, the prettiest freeway in the country) is included. I've entered it on the list mostly for the scenery factor. It's in very good condition during a short season and not too tough except for a few "tree-tunnel" holes. RATINGS: 70.9/131 COST: $65-$98 including cart

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Other Public Access College Courses Not to Be Missed

The only top 20 university course I've played is UNM (#17) in Albuquerque, but there are many great ones. In the top 20, (I don't know what the criteria is, but I wouldn't be concerned) there's some by the "Old Masters", like Yale's course, finished by C. B. MacDonald in 1926. It comes in at #2, and should just about be mature. Alister McKensie produced and directed two top ten courses, at Ohio State University ("Scarlet" at #4) and University of Michigan (1938 & 1930). Donald Ross gets credit for the Mark Bostick Golf Course (1921) at University of Florida and Orchards Golf Club (1922) at Mount Holyoke College.
More recently some great new products have emerged:
Karsten Creek (#1 and spendy at $300), Oklahoma State's course by Tom Fazio, as well as the Finley Golf Course at University of North Carolina by the Tom. Fazio is the modern genius with two top ten entries.
The red-hot Tom Doak did the Texas Tech University track, which is the Rawls Course.
Pete Dye was the architect for Purdue University's Kampen Course.
Coore/Crenshaw did Notre Dame's green cathedral, Warren Golf Course.
The R. T. Jones's did some fine institutional work. Senior worked on Colgate University's Seven Oaks course, U.S. Air Force Academy's Eisenhower ("Blue"), and Duke University Golf Club. The U.S.A.F. course in Colorado Springs is no. 1 among Department of Defense layouts. Junior was the architect at University ("Ridge") of Wisconsin.
Jim Colbert checks in at #3 of the best with his namesake course at Kansas State University. Colbert Hills also has the distinction of being on the list of America's toughest courses, along with Charles Blair's entry at Yale.

These are some of the finest names in course building, and you can get on most of the top 20 college courses for about a "Benjamin" or less. U. of Fla., Ohio State, Yale, Mt. Holyoke, U. of Michigan, and Tiger's alma mater (by G. Thomas, 1930) are a problem, if you don't know someone. If you are not military, you will need to know someone at Eisenhower. The rest of the very best university courses are "public friendly".

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LIV Review of "University of New Mexico Championship (South) Course"

UNM CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE, Albuquerque, New Mexico: College students don't deserve this kind of course! Just kidding. Anyway they are willing to share it with the rest of us, as a daily fee venue. It's in the top 20 university courses in the country, and there are some great ones. I hear Yale has a better course, but I'd have to see it to believe it. The South Course ain't Ivy League, but it ain't bad.
I hear New Mexico State University, in Las Cruses, has a good course too.
RATINGS: 74.6/133 COST: $60-$70 including cart. THIS IS A GREAT VALUE.

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LIII Review of "Running Y Ranch"

RUNNING Y RANCH, Klamath Falls, Oregon: What is this great course doing here? It's hours from anywhere. Apparently, like the great Bandon, Oregon courses, it has done fine. "If we build it, they will come" is a theory that works for good courses. This Arnold Palmer/Audubon cooperative venture compares favorably with famous courses anywhere. IT'S TOUGH AND AWESOME! RATINGS: 73.4/132 COST: $75 (off-season)-$150 including cart

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LII Review of "Boulders North"

BOULDERS NORTH, Carefree, Arizona: This appropriately named Phoenix area course is built, as is the South Course, in an unreal landscape of ancient lava boulder formations. Both courses are Jay Morrish (who often works on Weiskopf masterpieces) designs, and well worth the $$$ just for the photos. RATINGS: 72.3/137 COST: $75 (summer)-$285 including cart

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All Things Considered....

I would say these 20 are the best that I have played. (Means generally, by my criteria, difficult and beautiful.) For me to split hairs to determine #1 and #20 would be futile, as these are all heaven on earth. In no particular order then and listed by difficulty regarding slope rating:
THE BEAR, J. NICKLAUS, 148, MI
MONUMENT, T. WEISKOPF/J. MORRISH, 147, AZ
PRINCE, R. T. JONES, JR., 145, HI
PEBBLE BEACH, J. NEVILLE/D. GRANT (EAGAN), 144, CA
SPYGLASS HILL, R. T. JONES, SR., 143, CA
MAKALEI HAWAII, D. NUGENT, 143, HI
KEMPER LAKES, K. KILLIAN/D. NUGENT, 143, IL
COG HILL #4, D. WILSON/J. LEE (R. JONES), 142, IL
CHOLLA, T. WEISKOPF/J. MORRISH, 137, AZ
COTTON RANCH, P. DYE, 136, CO
FRANCIS H. I'I BROWN, H. FLINT/R. CAIN/R. NELSON, 135, HI
REDLANDS MESA, J. ENGH, 135, CO
BOULDERS NORTH, J. MORRISH, 135, AZ
KING'S COURSE, T. WEISKOPF/J. MORRISH, 133, HI
CRESTED BUTTE, R. T. JONES, JR., 133, CO
BANDON TRAILS, B. COORE/B. CRENSHAW, 132, OR
CATAMOUNT RANCH, T. WEISKOPF, 132, CO
PACIFIC DUNES, T. DOAK, 129, OR
ENTRADA, J. MILLER, 127, UT
SAND HILLS, B. COORE/B. CRENSHAW, NONE, NE
Honorable mention, Black Mesa, B. Spann, 141, NM
() indicate reworked or upgraded

Well, even though they don't count on the domestic list, I'd love to add some of the great British Isles courses to my memories. In this country, Pete Dye's (Straits) Whistling Straits in Wisconsin would be nice. I'd like to try Tom Doak and Jim Urbina's new one in Oregon next year.

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LI Review of (The Golf Club at) "Redlands Mesa"

REDLANDS MESA, Grand Junction, Colorado: This James Engh designed course is in the Great Basin Desert of western Colorado. Engh delivers a very tough test strewn with eye-candy. I hear some people can score here, but not me. The "Redlands" refers to the red-hued mesas of the Colorado National Monument, a lesser known national park that is a geologic wonder (and a backdrop for this golf course). The park is well worth a visit. RATINGS: 72.1/137 COST: $105 including cart.

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L Review of "The Brute"

THE BRUTE, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Completed in 1968, this aptly named brute was part of the original Lk. Geneva Playboy Club Resort, when the empire was still in focus. The companion course, "The Briar Patch", was originally designed by Pete Dye/ Jack Nicklaus. They left the project over some dispute. That course is now "The Highlands", reworked by Robert Cupp in 1995. Lets play 36! The Brute is an oldie but a goldie, at the resort now called Grand Geneva. RATINGS: $55 (off-season)-$155 including cart

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XLIX Review of "Black Mesa"

BLACK MESA, La Mesilla, New Mexico: For my money, this is the best course in New Mexico, and one of the best in the nation. It's in an eerie desert landscape (if you like desert scenery, it's so beautiful that it seems like a mirage), and for all of it's difficulties, quite fair. Only finished in 2002, it ranks in the top 40 of Golf Magazine's "Top 100 Courses You Can Play" list already. This is a Baxter Spann design. La Mesilla is near the larger town of Espanola, where there is plenty of food and lodging. RATINGS: 73.9/141 COST: $82-$87 including cart

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XLVIII Review of "Sun Ridge Canyon"

SUN RIDGE CANYON, Fountain Hills, Arizona: If you do well at Eagle Mountain, play this one, which is nearby, and situated with the Superstition Mountains to the east and the McDowell Mountains to the west. Do you want to see sunrise or sunset over the mountains? Let's play 36! There's a chance to humiliate yourself here, though. It's a Golf Magazine top 50 "Places You Can Play" track, designed by Keith Foster and nature. Very little earth was moved in it's creation. A dangerous beauty where Saguaro-studded canyon vistas are everywhere. RATINGS 72.6/142 COST: $55 (summer)-$150 including cart

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XLVII Review of "Eagle Mountain"

EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Fountain Hills, Arizona: This is more great Phoenix Sonoran Desert golf. Even though the course rating is tough, Scott Miller designed a very fair course in the McDowell Mountains. If you're hitting it good you will be rewarded here, in a stunning landscape. Arizona golf publications have bestowed many accolades on the facility RATINGS: 71.2/136 COST: $60 (summer)-$195 including cart

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XLVI Review of "Eagle Ranch"

EAGLE RANCH, Eagle, Colorado: This is a great Colorado Rocky Mountain valley course designed by the Arnold Palmer organization. Like so many new tracks, it is on an old ranch. This trend is disturbing for ranching but great for golfing. Classic vistas abound on this very difficult layout. Access is easy from Interstate 70, a wonder in itself. There's a chance for that 130 score here if you count 'em all. RATINGS: 74.8ouch/141 COST: $69-$99 plus cart

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"Reverie", The Best Ever it Was

I tell you what. The first time I came around the corner on #4 at Bandon Dunes, my heart caught. It was like when I was much younger (and high on something other than golf), and the picture spun around in it's frame. Then a reaffirmation at the 16th. tee.
Now Tom Doak, Jim Urbina, and the Earth have created a special feeling at Old MacDonald at the same resort. I've played hundreds of great courses. The only other time I felt entirely that "this course is THE ONE what it's about", in the U.S., was at Sand Hills. O. M. is a must! Full 18 open late Spring 2010. Huge, undulating greens for 4 and 5 putts will be available. With inspiration by C. B. MacDonald.

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XLV Review of "Makalei Hawaii"

MAKALEI HAWAII, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii: Dick Nugent's design, built among lava tubes, is not as well known as some of the coastal courses, but it should be. It is built a little bit upland from the famous oceanside courses, near beautiful Kailua-Kona. What a special part of the world Kona is. Much flora and fauna on the islands occurs no where else in the world. If you can't stand the beautiful weather every day, it's a short drive across the Big Island to Hilo, where it rains A LOT. I love this course! RATINGS: 74.3/144 COST: $69-$99 including cart

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XLIV Review of "Mauna Kea Beach"

MAUNA KEA BEACH, Kamuela, Hawaii: It's just another scenic, tough Hawaiian golf experience on the coast of the "Big Island". Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and finished in 1964, renovation was completed by son Rees in 2008. Oh boy, sand bunkers were kept just below 100. Just like my score. Not! RATINGS: 77.2/136 COST: $250 including cart

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XLIII Review of "(Francis H. I'i Brown) South Course"

SOUTH COURSE (Mauna Lani), Kohala Coast, Hawaii: Don't miss this great Big Island extreme experience. As, a matter of fact, make it the first course you play. It is quintessential Hawaii. #15, the par 3 signature hole, is one of the most photographed holes in the world. If you've seen any Hawaiian golf pics, you have seen it. I nailed the all ocean carry with a 3 wood. One of the best feelings ever there was! That's all I remember; probably 3-putted. The weather is hard to take here: 70 at night, 80 during the day, sunny usually. RATINGS: 133/72.8 COST: $260 including cart

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XLII Review of "Crested Butte Country Club"

CRESTED BUTTE COUNTRY CLUB, Crested Butte, Colorado: This course is not very accessible, so you may have this awesome Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Rocky Mountain beauty to yourself. Isolated by the Maroon Bells Wilderness, the historic town of Crested Butte is a circuitous route from anywhere to get to. Hang out here in the high country atmosphere awhile if you can. It's worth the trouble to get to this normal, penal Trent Jones layout. Like father, like son you know. Get ready to curse your bad luck on your great shots. At least you'll have some big drives at this altitude. RATINGS: 73/135 COST: $95 (off-season)-$135. I am uncertain if rates include cart.


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XLI Review of "Devil's Thumb"

DEVIL'S THUMB, Delta, Colorado: Opened in 2002, it was rated 2nd. in "Best New Affordable Courses" category that year by Golf Digest. Designed by Rick Phelps, it's kind of rough and raw, but a great design. "Devil's Thumb" is aptly named in a devilish, adobe high-desert landscape. Really, LOOK FOR THE THUMB! This facility offers another outstanding value. RATINGS: 72.9/132 COST: $35-$42 plus cart.

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XL Review of "Catamount Ranch"

CATAMOUNT RANCH, Steamboat Springs, Colorado: This typically brutal but awesome Tom Weiskopf course, at 6500 feet elevation, is built on old ranch land that was probably homesteaded in the Rockies. Just outstanding golf architecture on pristine land. Some of the old ranch structures were left in place for essential ambiance. The town of Steamboat Springs is now a scenic ski resort town. Unfortunately, Catamount is a members only facility. Fortunately, there are several great public access courses courses in town. If you know the right friend, T. W.'s design is the best. Warning: This ain't a cheap town to hang around in. Probably not as bad as Aspen or Vail though, as it is more remote than those two ski towns. RATINGS: 73.2/149 PRIVATE

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XXXIX Review of "Riverdale (Dunes)"

RIVERDALE (DUNES), Brighton, Colorado: Another Pete Dye design, this is a Scottish links style course on the South Platte River, about 30 miles north of Denver. Along with Pinon Hills (in northwest New Mex.), this is one of the best values in the country. It suffers from overplay because of over-popularity. Still, this one is not to be missed. It's companion course, "The Knolls", is a pretty good track also, albeit not Dye. RATINGS: 72.1/129 COST: $38-$45 plus cart.

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XXXVIII Review of "Arrowhead"

ARROWHEAD, Littleton, Colorado: This course is on my hit-list especially for the scenic surroundings of Roxbourough Park, located in southwest suburban Denver. It must be seen to be... Oh, forget it, you won't believe it even if you see it. I was waiting to see dinosaurs roaming about. One of the most photogenic courses I've ever seen. AND it's unusually playable for a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. concoction. RATINGS: 71.7/137 COST: $69 (off-season)-$145 including cart

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Builders Who Tear Down Bogie Golfers

The most severe golf course architects (& assocs. is inferred) are the R. T. Jones's. I'll give the nod to Sr. over Jr. for the worstest. Unplayable eye-candy, says he. Then every once in a while I surprisingly find one to be playable. Why would they do that? Wimps! Sellouts! A close 3rd. place finish to railroader Pete Dye. Those three guys will definitely punish good shots. Two former Tour players who make courses for Tour players, Johnny Miller and Tom Weiskopf, tie for 4th. Beautiful, impossible stuff. Tied for 5th. in severity stats are "The Golden Bear", Tom Doak, Jim Engh, and the Coore/Crenshaw team. That group is playable on a good day. The following guys fall into the "fair" group (finally!): Arnold Palmer and Ken Dye. Who do I like? All of the above. I'm an idealist. And: Donald Ross, with postage stamp size greens. Unplayable, but I like his style. But I hate Pinehurst #2. I've only played one top-ranked Baxter Spann course, but I love it. He is challenging, aesthetically smooth, and fair.

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XXXVII Review of "Cotton Ranch"

COTTON RANCH, Gypsum, Colorado: I wouldn't forget Pete Dye on a "best of" list. As the name implies, this course covers some lovely acreage on an old converted ranch. The "railroad tie" course designer is always unique and challenging (or "Dyeabolical"). #8 might be a 165 yard sand wedge for you, with the tee way above the green. RATINGS: 72.9/130 COST: $69-$92 including cart

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XXXVI Review of "Kemper Lakes"

KEMPER LAKES, Kildeer, Illinois: Kemper Insurance's corporate office sits amid the company's namesake course. This is not a detriment, for it is a very attractive building on a very attractive site. The course hosted the 1989 P.G.A. Championship, so it is quite a stern test. I love the 17th. island (technically a peninsula) hole. Alas, it is now private. Magnifico if you can get on, it's designed by Ken Killian and Dick Nugent. RATINGS 76.2/143 PRIVATE

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XXXV Review of "Breckenridge"

BRECKENRIDGE GOLF CLUB, Breckenridge, Colorado: Jack Nicklaus's only 27 hole municipal course is in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The average guy can drive the ball 300 yards or so here, but that's the end of the easy part. I've always thought of Jack as a fair architect, but these tracks are very difficult. At 9300 feet elevation, acclimation may also be required. There is eye-candy everywhere in this "Rocky Mountain High", if you get pooped and need a rest. Just put the clubs away and get out the camera. RATINGS: 73.1/146 (for Bear/Beaver 18, which is the original course) COST: $60 (off-season)-$107 plus cart.

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XXXIV Review of "Dalton Ranch"

DALTON RANCH, Durango, Colorado: If you can't get on the "Glacier Club", play this one. Many people think this is the better course. Well, it does seem to be fairer if the ball striking is good. Ken Dye designed this course, built along the Animas River, and near the San Juan Mountains. It is a very scenic environment. RATINGS: 72.2/132 COST: $59-$89 including cart

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XXXIII Review of "Glacier Club"

GLACIER CLUB, Durango, Colorado: First, this course was called "Tamarron", then "The Cliffs at Tamarron", and now "The Glacier Club". There are 2 ways to get on the course. One is to reserve a "stay-and-play" package through Purgatory/Durango Mountain Resort. Specify that a condo with a membership is needed. The other way is to rent a vacation condo from a private owner who is a member at the Glacier Club. Let him know that you'll want to play golf. Either way, it's worth the hassle. The course is awesome in the fall, when the forest is turning colors. You can't find your ball for all the leaves on the ground though, so bring the camera or bring two dozen balls. There are 300 yard drives available here, at 7600 feet elevation, but I recommend leaving the driver at home. The course is tight! (Last avail.) RATINGS: 73.0/142 PRIVATE

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XXXII Review of "Entrada (at Snow Canyon)"

ENTRADA, St. George, Utah: This is my favorite of the St. George area courses. Better score on the front side here. The back nine is devilish eye-candy with lava fields (if you are not in the fairway) and the Johnny Miller factor. He is a tough customer as a golf course architect. St. George is also not far from Mesquite, Nv., which has more great courses and casinos galore, if you like gambling. RATINGS: 73.6/131 COST: Rates available for guests of Inn at Entrada only.

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A Great Move Every Time

I have lived in many regions of this beautiful country for golfing.
Here are some courses highly recommended.
I lived near Phoenix, Arizona and would like to go back and play "The Monument" at Troon North, Scottsdale; The original We Ko Pa course at Fort McDowell, now called "Cholla"; Boulders Resort in Carefree, either course is awesome; Grayhawk in Scottsdale, either ditto; and a hidden gem, "Apache Stronghold", San Carlos, Az.
I am originally from the Chicago area, which has too many great courses. I frequented these: "Cog Hill #4" (Dudsdread), Lemont, Il; "Golf Club of Illinois" in Algonquin; "George W. Dunne National", Oak Forest; "Kemper Lakes" (you will have to know someone), which has hosted a PGA Major, in Kildeer, Il.; and in Stevens Point, Wi., the "Sentry World" course.
I now live in Oregon. The best so far are: Any of the Bandon Dunes Resort courses, of course; "Running Y" in Klamath Falls; "Crosswater", Sunriver Resort; "Ghost Creek" at Pumpkin Ridge, in the Portland outlier of North Plains.
Northern Michigan has some of the best courses, due to a short season. I favor "The Donald Ross Memorial Course" in Harbor Springs; "The Legend" at Shanty Creek in Bellaire; "Masterpiece" at Treetops Resort in Gaylord; and a Nicklaus design in Acme (near Traverse City), "The Bear".
The Interstate 70 corridor in Colorado is loaded with golf, through the desert and mountains. When I lived in the area I loved "Redlands Mesa", Grand Junction, Co.; "Battlement Mesa", near Parachute; "Beaver Creek" in Avon; Jack Nicklaus designed "Breckenridge" in the same named town; Pete Dye's "Cotton Ranch" in Gypsum is great.
The best courses for the money, in my opinion (and two year stay) in the Four Corners area are: "Rio Grande" in South Fork, Co.; "Dalton Ranch" in Durango, Co.; "Pinon Hills" in Farmington, N.M.; "Black Mesa" in Espanola, N.M.; and the almost unknown "The Hideout" in Monticello, Ut.
Well I never lived in Hawaii or the Las Vegas area, but played plenty of golf there. Hawaii boasts these beauties: "Makalei", Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island; The "Francis I'i Brown" (South Course) at Mauna Lani Resort, on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island; another Big Island course, "Kings Golf Course", at the Waikoloa Resort; and on the island of Kauai, "The Prince" at Princeville is awesome; the best value in all of Hawaii is "Wailua" in Lihue, Kauai. These are great, within driving distance of Las Vegas: "Entrada" in St. George, Ut.; "Green Springs" in the same town, which boasts the hardest hole in the state; The "Palmer Course", which is the original course at the Oasis Resort in Mesquite, Nv.; and the obscenely difficult and beautiful "Wolf Creek" in the same town. Leave your clubs in the car, or maybe try "Palms" instead if you want a score; and in Las Vegas, I like the courses at the Las Vegas Paiute Resort.
Let's see, how about Arizona in December or January? As for Hawaii, I like to be there during the Ironman Triathlon (October), but any time is great. Illinois and Wisconsin have good weather in May and September. October then for Oregon golf. The desert in Nevada and Utah would be good in February or March. The summer or early fall is my pick for Michigan golf. I like Colorado mountain golf in the summer. Grand Junction is a little hot though. The Four Corners area can be accessible much of the year, other than South Fork and Monticello in the winter.

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XXXI Review of "Talon"

TALON (at Grayhawk), Scottsdale, Arizona: This is your standard unbelievable Sonoran Desert course, designed by David Graham and Gary Panks. Tucson has great golf but doesn't compare to the Phoenix metro area, which Scottsdale is part of. I could not even sneak any Tucson courses onto my top 50 list. It gets a little warm here though. In the summer you can play for $50 after 10 A.M. Quite a deal, if you can take the sun. I have not played the "Raptor" at the same resort but it's a Tom Fazio so it is good. RATINGS: 74.1/143 COST: $50 (summer)-$190 including cart.

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It Couldn't Happen But Did

#1, Tiger Woods had never been beaten in a Major when he led going into the last round. #2, Tiger Woods had never won a Major coming from behind in the last round. On August 16, 2009 things switched from #1 to #2 during the round and he did not win. Instead we got the first Asian Major championship winner. Who knows what one may overcome if one does not think in Tiger's language.

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El-dre(a)d.......Again

As Tiger closes in on his 15th. Major title, I am reminded that when he is is on his game, no golf god of any time could have beat him. Who, what, when or where, I don't care. Featherie, gutta percha, Hogan, Morris, spoon or brassie, I don't care. I am an old stubborn Jack fan. Tiger Woods started earlier, had better equipment, better teachers, no challengers. What about 1st's and 2nds. combined? It's just blah blah. I became a believer when the guy won a U.S. Open on one leg last year. That's impossible against the best players in the world, right? I call that one of the most unbelievable sports accomplishments (for overcoming injury or illness) in my elder memory. It goes with: #1 Lance Armstrong's first of seven straight Tour de France (the hardest competition in sports) victories in 1999, after overcoming advanced cancer. #3 Crippled Kirk Gibson's one-armed home run in a World Series game against one of the best pitchers in baseball. "I don't believe what I just saw!"..Jack Buck. #4 Michael Jordan's NBA Finals performance in 1997, when he could hardly walk or stand or see. He only got 38 against a decent Utah team.

Here's a couple of other Hall of Famer's besides Tigger who played with no wheels. Jack Youngblood played the 1980 NFL playoffs, Super Bowl, and even the Pro Bowl with a broken leg. Bob Gibson pitched to two batters and into a partial count on the third before his broken leg snapped in July, 1967. The leg had been broken earlier, due to a Roberto Clemente line drive laser.

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XXX Review of "Battlement Mesa"

BATTLEMENT MESA, Battlement Mesa, Colorado: This is another hidden gem. But the course is almost sitting on scenic Interstate 70, about an hour east of Grand Junction, so you'll find it. It was originally commissioned by Exxon when they had too much money in the 1980's, during the last oil shale boom in the area. Come to think of it, the big E is still doing alright. Anyway, the '80s boom went bust but the course survived. Bad for the local economy, good for the public. The layout is a Joe Finger/ Ken Dye design and a top 10 public course in the state (says Golf Digest). RATINGS: 73.4/130 COST: $59 including cart

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XXIX Review of "Bally Bandon Sheep Ranch"

BALLY BANDON SHEEP RANCH, Bandon, Oregon: The only "gawf" course on the review list, it actually used to be manicured by sheep. Bring your gutta percha and use a brassie on the greens (they are fuzzy-not quick). The course is built on the windiest Pacific coastal cliffs in Oregon (fact) and has only 12 greens. Find your way around to 18 scores on this cross-country course by using the same greens several times from different tees. What ambiance! It's a great experience. "Caddy Shack" weather happens here, but not much lightning. For traditionalists, it's a private course available by special arrangement only. No more clues. NO COURSE RATING (very tough). COST: About $100 (daily fee) WALKING ONLY. Closed in summer due to no irrigation. Open as dictated by nature.

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"Old Tom" ADTI

Almost Did The Impossible.
I don't blame Stewart Cink. If golf wasn't such an honest game, I'm sure that he would have taken a dive in the playoff with Tom Watson. Oh well, Watson has another shot at the Senior British Open next.
Congrats to Stew. It's his first major triumph, won under tremendous negative pressure, to beat a living legend.
It was a hollow victory for most of us, though.

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XXVIII Review of "Jackson Hole"

JACKSON HOLE, Jackson Hole, Wyoming: This is the "must play" course if you happen to be visiting Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons. Stay in the area an extra day for this Robert Trent Jones, Jr. track. Featured are good drives at 6200 feet elevation and awesome scenery. R. T. J., Jr. fine tuned the course in 2007. I hadn't noticed that it needed it. RATINGS: 72.5/126 COST: $65 (off-season)-$175, I believe plus cart

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Keeping Up With Other Sports News

On July 1, 2009, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Alex Rodriguez hit homers in the same game. So what? THEY ALWAYS HIT HOMERUNS, DUMBO. Surprisingly, it's only the second time two players with 550 home runs have done that. Hank Aaron and Willie Mays did it, before "juice" without the hops had sullied some records.
In fairness, I believe (hope) Ken has been career-clean.

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My Favorite Bumper Sticker

"I'd Rather Be Driving A Titliest."

XXVII Review of "Edgewood Tahoe"

EDGEWOOD TAHOE, Stateline, Nevada: Although not really in play, the cool, serene water of Lake Tahoe seems to permeate the round here. That makes the place a nice antithesis to your fevered casino action nearby. It's, by the way, a great course too. A very fair but tough dreamland rated in the top public courses of America by Golf Digest. It's designed by Tom Fazio's Uncle George. RATINGS: 75.5/144 COST: $140 (weekdays-offseason)-$240 including cart

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XXVI Review of "Bandon Dunes"

BANDON DUNES, Bandon, Oregon: The original Bandon Dunes Resort course was designed by Scotsman David McLay Kidd. It's beautiful, playable, and European. #16 is one of the most eye pleasing holes in existence. The owners of this resort are indeed visionaries. This track is ranked #6 in the top U.S. courses "you can play" by Golf Magazine. Although it is not more than ten years old, it has hosted a a Mid-Amateur Championship. RATINGS: 74.1/143 COST: $100(rainy season)-$275 WALKING ONLY, caddies add'l cost, carts available for the physically challenged.
By the way: When you are in Bandon, Or. playing this great course, slip over to the "Old Bandon Golf Links" and play golf with 1890's clubs and balls. It's a blast and it's difficult.

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XXV Review of "George W. Dunne National"

GEORGE W. DUNNE NATIONAL (Forest Preserve Nat'l), Oak Forest, Illinois: This course is the pride of the Cook County Forest Preserve District and is certified by Audubon International as a "Cooperative Sanctuary". It has been renamed for a former powerful Cook Co. Board president. Chicagoland is blessed with many great courses, and this one is top tier. And it is run governmentally! A phenomena indeed. People used to start lining up at 10 P.M. the night before to play at the "first come, first (tee time) served course". It was worth the trouble. Now it's too easy. They take phone-in tee times. The Ken Killian/Dick Nugent design is a toughie and an outstanding value. RATINGS: 75.4/142 COST: fluctuates at Cook County's whims. approx. $50-65 including cart

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XXIV Review of "Pinon Hills"

PINON HILLS, Farmington, New Mexico: Designed by Ken Dye, this course just may be the best value in the country. A great track (voted #1 muni in the U.S.A. in 2002) for too cheap. That's hard to say but true. I thought too cheap was impossible until I played it. It has a brutal front nine holes. This area of New Mexico is not the prettiest place, however the course is immaculate and not to be missed if you are passing through. RATINGS: 73.9/139 COST: $45-$50 including cart

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XXIII Review of "King's Course"

KING'S COURSE, Waikoloa, Hawaii: The Weiskopf/Moorish Hawaii lava masterpiece this is. It was built amongst the 'a'a (or Pahoehoe) lava fields on the Kohala coast of the big island of Hawaii. Even though the Big Island is constantly forming through volcanic eruptions, you have no worry about getting burned at this beautiful resort. (By the way, don't miss Hawaii Volcanoes Nat'l Park on another part of the island.) Stay in the fairway as balls don't get found in the lava fields-bouncy bounce. If they do get found, they don't play well and are gouged. This side of the island is awesome and dry (Hilo is the wet side) and 80 degrees and sunny. An interesting note: People don't believe there is snow here. There is, but not on this course of course. RATINGS: 135/73.4 COST: $195 including cart

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XXII Review of "Monument"

MONUMENT (at Troon North), Scottsdale, Arizona: The Weiskopf/ Moorish Saguaro masterpiece this is. All Phoenix area golf is beautiful, but this one is a speciality among them. The greatest things about this course: 1) Every hole is suitable for framing. Bring a digital so that you can take 5 pics on each hole. 2) The score don't matter. 3) Wowie-Zowie RATINGS: 72.9/147 COST: $55 (summer)-$170 including cart

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XXI Review of "Cholla"

CHOLLA (at We Ko Pa), Fountain Hills, Arizona: On the Fort McDowell Yavapai reservation there is a gem of a golf course (currently ranked in the top 40 "Courses You Can Play"). It is convenient to Phoenix and designed by Scott Miller.
This was the original We Ko Pa course and it made so much money (it couldn't have been the casino) that Ben Crenshaw & Bill Coore have added a course at the facility. Very good conditioning is a plus at this venue. RATINGS: 73.3/137 COST: $75(summer)-$180 including cart

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XX Review of "Golf Club of Illinois"

GOLF CLUB OF ILLINOIS, Algonquin, Illinois: This course is not listed on anyone's "best of" lists and that is a travesty. Built in Illinois native prairie, it is a must play. It boasts one of the longest par 5s in the country (just a hair under 700 yards). Go with driver, driver, 3 iron and two putt the tiered green. Routine par. Dick Nugent designed the course. RATINGS: 73.9/132 COST: $46-$59 including cart.

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XIX Review of "Bandon Trails"

BANDON TRAILS, Bandon, Oregon: This is the newest of the Bandon Dunes Resort courses, finished in 2005. (There will be another in 2010). Coore/ Crenshaw know what they are doing a little bit. This course doesn't have the awesome ocean views that the other two courses on the property have, but it is the toughest. Boy, par 71's always seem tough. It's somewhat inland and not sooo windy (except for #18). The resort's lowest ranked course, it's still not too bad as a top 15 in the country (and underrated at that). The greens are murder. Missing the hole by an inch can mean 3 putts. RATINGS: 72.8/132 COST: $100 (rainy season)-$265 WALKING ONLY, caddies additional cost, carts for physically challenged may be available

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Golf Stuffs

Well, have you heard about the new course they are building in Australia that is going to be 1365 kilometers long? Yes it will be a par 72. It's not done yet, so as of now, the longest course in the world is no where near as long as the longest prime number. Longest golf course=about 4.8 miles long, longest prime number=20 1/2 miles long. My attention span is too short to remember this whole joke (you can look it up I'm sure) but here's the gist: Tiger Woods was talking to Stevie Wonder. Stevie said he was a scratch golfer. Tiger said "Let's play sometime." Stevie says "O.K. what night do you want to play?" Sorry I ruined it, but you heard it before anyway.

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Pictures-Wi,Ut,Or,NM,Nv,Mi,Co,Ca,Az

XVIII Review of "Pine Meadow"

PINE MEADOW, Mundelein, Illinois: This is another Jemsek Golf gem, created out of an old Catholic seminary course (ca. 1929). Joe J. leased the land from the Catholic Archdiocese and transformed the dormant course into a championship layout. This is where I met Joe and he let me play a free round before the course even opened. He had 6 or 7 courses, but he seemed proudest of this one. At least this is the one he hung out at. The great public golf advocate died in 2002 at the age of 89. Pine Meadow was voted the best new public course in America in 1986 by Golf Digest, a well deserved honor. RATINGS: 74.6/138 COST: $79-$89 plus cart

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XVII Review of "Cog Hill #4"

(DUBSDREAD) COG HILL #4, Lemont, Illinois: Founder Joe Jemsek was one of public golf's great pioneers. This course is his symphony. Read about Joe sometime. He drove a golfball 500 yards at the 1934 World's Fair. I won't reveal the details. Look it up. He was an outstanding man and great public access golf in the Chicago area is his legacy. Dubsdread has been hosting the Western Open since 1991. Apparently it still wasn't tough enough, as Rees Jones has been fine tuning the Dick Wilson/Joe Lee design for 2 years in hopes of enticing a U.S. Open to come there. I think that there are 25 sand bunkers on every hole. It sure seems like it. RATINGS: (last available) 75.4/142 COST: $150 including cart

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XVI Review of "Palmer Course"

PALMER COURSE (Oasis Resort), Mesquite, Nevada: An Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay bit of genius is here in the adobe canyons of the transition zone between the Great Basin & Mohave deserts. This is the original "Oasis" course. A person might shoot his handicap. But if the swing plane is off a hair, plan on a big number in the unforgiving arroyos. Enjoy surreal scenery whatever the score is. RATINGS: 71.7/133 Cost: $50 (summer)-$140 including cart

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XV Review of "Thanksgiving Point"

THANKSGIVING POINT, Lehi, Utah: This is the #1 public course in Utah according to Golf Digest. The course is designed by Johnny Miller, but his middle names must be "Trent Jones". It's BRUUUUTAL at a 76.2/140 rating. Johnny was a great pro (he owns the best U. S. Open final round scoring record) and he builds unbelievable courses. Over 7700 yards, from the tips, is enough for me on a good day. There is not a weak hole out there, but there are no tricks. Straight forward unrelenting. COST: $55-$85 including cart

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