What golf course exceeded your expectation this year?

[Bellyhungry]

I mean you walked onto a course expecting it to be crappy or mediocre and then was pleasantly surprised.

Obviously how you played that day and your overall experience with the service level would probably be factors.

[L8NVR]

For me , it was Osprey Hoot. Had never played there or even heard of the place before. Tee time set up by fellow TGNers, so I just had to show up and play. It is an absolutely fantastic course, way better than I was expecting (even though I did not know what to expect), the condition was amazing, great layout and the company was fantastic, overall a great experience and it definitely will not be the last time I play that course.

[dekker]

The most surprising for me wasn't a highly rated course at all,in fact I've never heard a kind word said about it,but Circled Pine at Camp Borden was fun and challenging. Manufacturing the shots to hold the smallish slick greens were just tremendous fun.

[Big Shooter]

Trillium Woods in Belleville...last time I played there, there was construction on and around the course, and the bugs were terrible, the clubhouse was tiny....but that ALL changed....great day with Mule56 & Little Shooter on Canada Day!! :)

and Glen Oak in Amherst, NY...recommended by Goshawk, love it so much, I've played it twice in the last month!!! :)

[slightdraw]

Bellyhungry, I'm wondering why you think that how you played at a course would have anything to do with the overall experience? If you like a course it shouldn't be important if you played well or not. Judge the design, the scenery, the service, but how you played should have nothing to do with it.
I have played bad on courses I love, it didn't influence my opinion of it.

[goshawk]

My most pleasant surprise was a little out-of-the-way course I had never heard or read anything about before visiting. Hemmingford Golf Club is about 35 mins south of Montreal, just west of Hwy 15 near the US border (exit 2, I think). The course was immaculate. I didn't see a single ball mark on the greens (the course was just short of being full that day), the flowers were in bloom and very well decorated, and the layout was very challenging. Even though I had to play the back nine on the public course and the front nine on the members course, I did get to see practically the entire facility. Clubhouse was nothing fancy, but very functional and enough room for a small banquet. Service.....top-notch, from the head pro to the grass cutters. I'll be playing there every time I get the chance on future trips to Montreal.

www.golfhemmingford.com/welcome.htm

[JEBS]

Bellyhungry, I'm wondering why you think that how you played at a course would have anything to do with the overall experience? If you like a course it shouldn't be important if you played well or not. Judge the design, the scenery, the service, but how you played should have nothing to do with it.
I have played bad on courses I love, it didn't influence my opinion of it.


I think if you play well at a course you will probably be more likely to file those memories in the happy vault.

[Golftime]

Bavarian Hills in St Mary's Pennsylvania exceeded my expectations. The approach to the town was uninspiring and so was the inn we stayed at but the course itself was perfect for the group that we had. Course was only 5,900 yards but had severe elevation changes so club selection was difficult. There were also lots of mature trees and enough water to force you to hit straight. Greens fees with a cart for $35 and $10 for a 2nd round weren't hard to take.

[Bellyhungry]

I think if you play well at a course you will probably be more likely to file those memories in the happy vault.

Exactly...

[MannyR]

Gotta go with SilverRock Resort in LaQuinta, CA.

PGA quality public course (will be one the Hope courses in 2008) that was unbelievable...from the bag drop to the 18th hole it was first class all the way.

Green Fees: $65
Included power cart, GPS system, access to first class practice facility with new Nike range balls.
Immaculate course...quick and tricky greens...awesome scenery...weather 85* and sunny.

Will be playing there again this April.

Check out the 190 yard 17th hole...par 3...heaven.

9652

[grass connoisseur]

Braeben- I grew up in Mississauga and hated the city my whole life- finally got out of there about 4 years ago -when I was told we're playing the old dump I laughed -little did I know.....

Honestly with the "land" they're working with there I dont think anyone could have built/designed a much better course -way to go Ted! it makes up for Lionhead.

[avsforthecup74]

For me it has to be either Shelburne or Lakeview...wasnt expecting much out of either of them but they both ended up being very good courses and with low gf's that much more enjoyable. I think lakeview seemed that much better because it was less than a week after the canadian tour was there so the rough was still deep and challenging...both solid courses for the cost.

[Jaytee]

I would go with Timber Ridge. While I didnt expect it to suck, but it was much better then I expected and one of my favourite courses to play this year. Its roughly half the cost of Bondhead or Wooden Sticks, but I found it more enjoyable then those two.

I played it twice that day ($20 replay) and the pair we were with matched with played it three times. Crazies.

[golferboy]

Totally enjoyed my day trip to belleville...played black bear ridge and trillium woods....fantastic course, great service and cheap green fees....worth the driver for sure.