"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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