What would be your dream golf course to play?

[Queen of the Beach]

What would be your dream golf course to play before you die? Could be a private course or a public course and anywhere around the world! *tee hee* :)

[Hoz-ay]

St. Andrews & Augusta would definitely be on top of my list.

[Mule56]

St. Andrews & Augusta would definitely be on top of my list.I have to go with Hoz-ay on these two choices. You could pack me up after that.
Mule

[Mok]

What would be your dream golf course to play before you die? Could be a private course or a public course and anywhere around the world! *tee hee* :)
here's my list:
pebble beach
highlands links
royal melbourne
muirfield
hirono

[Ego Woods]

If I were to restrict myself to Canada only.......I'd probably say Hamilton GCC and Bigwin Island! :p

[Mok]

If I were to restrict myself to Canada only.......I'd probably say Hamilton GCC and Bigwin Island! :p
ego, you wouldn't wanna play highland links if it was canada only???

[Focker Singh]

I'll join Hoz-ay and Mule in their group for once in a life time courses. Would be awesome to play Augusta.

[speedoodler]

augusta National followed by Muirfield Village, then Ballybunion or any Ireland course

[Queen of the Beach]

ego, you wouldn't wanna play highland links if it was canada only???Hamilton is the #1 rated golf course in Canada as rated by Score Golf magazine....Bigwin Island is ranked #2 in Ontario and #6 in Canada...*tee hee* :p

[Mok]

Hamilton is the #1 rated golf course in Canada as rated by Score Golf magazine....Bigwin Island is ranked #2 in Ontario and #6 in Canada...*tee hee* :p

:confused: qb, so?

ego: hamilton i can understand, why bigwin island? just curious...cause highland links was a #1 course...

[Queen of the Beach]

:confused: qb, so?

ego: hamilton i can understand, why bigwin island? just curious...cause highland links was a #1 course...

I think everyone CPGA pro has their own criteria for what they think is #1. And there might be some debates about that. As I'm sure we all have our own opinions about what is #1.

For myself...I would like to play the following courses in the US of A:
Pebble Beach, TPC at Sawgrass, Brandon Dunes, Spyglass Hill and Kiawah Island.
Oh and any course on Hawaii would be awesome!

[Mule56]

.
Oh and any course on Hawaii would be awesome! Played more than a few of them and you are sooooo right. Those trade winds can get nasty, but you hardly notice for the intoxicating beauty of the scenery.
Mule

[Ems]

Played more than a few of them and you are sooooo right. Those trade winds can get nasty, but you hardly notice for the intoxicating beauty of the scenery.
Mule
Hmm, don't know names, but I have seen pics of golf courses with the Rocky Mountain as a background. Definitely want to play there... So, without listing any names, and maybe other people can put the names to the sceneries, but I'd love to try:

1. Green green courses with snowcapped mountains as the backdrop
2. Courses on a cliff overlooking the vast blue ocean
3. Any gimmicky courses with unusual holes. i.e., TPC Sawgrass

[Special_K]

What would be your dream golf course to play before you die? Could be a private course or a public course and anywhere around the world! *tee hee* :)
Augusta National!

[Ego Woods]

:confused: qb, so?

ego: hamilton i can understand, why bigwin island? just curious...cause highland links was a #1 course...
I dunno Mok.....does my dream course that I WANT to play in have to be highland links???? ahahaha.......

Bigwin Island is just that ......a golf resort island....I just think that's super-cool to go to such a resort, kick back, play some golf and get spoiled like no tomorrow!.......

[Queen of the Beach]

Hmm, don't know names, but I have seen pics of golf courses with the Rocky Mountain as a background. Definitely want to play there... So, without listing any names, and maybe other people can put the names to the sceneries, but I'd love to try:

1. Green green courses with snowcapped mountains as the backdrop
2. Courses on a cliff overlooking the vast blue ocean
3. Any gimmicky courses with unusual holes. i.e., TPC Sawgrass

Hey Ems. One of the greatest golf courses in Western Canada is Bear Mountain Golf Club near Victoria, BC. It is designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son. The holes are backdropped by Mount Finlayson. I hear that Victoria is a nice peaceful and historic city. So you should definitely go!

[mikejb]

Bigwin Island is just that ......a golf resort island....I just think that's super-cool to go to such a resort, kick back, play some golf and get spoiled like no tomorrow!.......I do not know what my dream courses would be too play. But I will tell you Bigwin Island as a golf destination has gone downhill. I was lucky enough to play it twice during the 2003 season, once mid-summer and once early fall. On both occasions I had a fantastic golfing experience for a golf resort.

I returned this fall to play again, and was shocked by the price of everything.
$10 for a ham and cheese sandwich, $10 for a burger. Green fees in the range of $175, come on, you can play and get feed at Wooden Sticks for that. It was out of this world. That is not the number 6 course in the country, and those that think it is belive that soley because they did not pay for anything. All of the course's in PEI are better quality than Bigwin, from the tee to the green and to the club house and everything in between.

Oh, and sorry for such a long first post.

[laxgolf]

ego, you wouldn't wanna play highland links if it was canada only???
I've played Highland Links a few times. It's definitely a course everyone should play at least once in their lives. If you do, make sure to walk. The experience is so much better.

As for courses I'd like to play...after being at the Masters this past April, it's easily Augusta National. I have a patch of grass in my backyard that I took from Augusta National.

[Andru]

Augusta National Bar None.

You did say Dream. Because that's the only way you're ever going to play it. Pebble and the others you can play if you're willing to fork over the dough. You have a better chance winning the US Amateur and getting invited.

[Focker Singh]

Good point...lots of places we can go play if we fork out the dough...so its not really a "dream" golf course...Augusta is a dream...no money will get you on that course, even famous people can't get a membership there...

[Dormie]

followed closely by pebble beach

[East Coast Golfer]

Definitly Augusta.

[Nocturnal]

Old Course at St Andrews - where it all started. (and you can actually live the dream for a mere £52)

[Shadow]

What would be your dream golf course to play before you die? Could be a private course or a public course and anywhere around the world! *tee hee* :)
Old Course, St. Andrews
Augusta National
Pebble beach.

[tk416]

Pebble Beach...

Gotta save up those pennies... $395 US a round ouch...

[haribo]

in no particular order ...

Pebble Beach
Bandon Dunes
Pinehurst
TPC at Sawgrass
Whistling Straits

Loch Lomond
Dornoch
Ballybunion ( and other courses in Ireland)

Banff
Kananaskis
Whistler
Mt. Tremblant


haribo

[pudubny]

Love these types of debates. I am surprised that so many courses listed are public. Pebble, Kiawah, Bandon, Spyglass are all expensive but public courses.
Augusta is on most people's list and it is on mine as well. My top courses to play that I have not played would likely be:

Pine Valley
Cypress Point (right beside Pebble).
Pinehurst #2 (will likely play this year)
Shinnecock (hopefully this year)
Bethpage (this year)
Several in Ireland and Scotland.

As for all the comments about Bigwin. It is a beautiful course. Expensive no doubt but in all of my travels I haven't seen a more beautiful course.
Thanks!

[Focker Singh]

Pine Valley
Cypress Point (right beside Pebble).
Pinehurst #2 (will likely play this year)
Shinnecock (hopefully this year)
Bethpage (this year)
Several in Ireland and Scotland.


Hey pudubny,
I will be in the NY City area this summer and was thinking about hitting Bethpage. I read that its public and only about $60-$80 US to play. Are you booking ahead of time or just walking up? Just want to know how you go about booking these famous courses without any contacts?

[pudubny]

Folker,
I have a friend in New York and I am hoping he takes care of the whole thing. But I believe New York residents can book some tee-times, everyone else is walk on. Weblink:
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/golf/
Look for Bethpage and call them. They used to have a better webpage with more booking info but I cannot find it.
Bethpage is an fairly undoctored Tillinghast design and they are rare. One other Tillinghast design that has not been totally destroyed is Scarborough Golf Club.
The only thing I have heard about the Black course is that the marshalls are strick about the level of play and the pace. If you are not a decent player (I am not inferring you are not) they ask you to pick up your ball and go to another of the courses. Must make for some interesting arguments. As for Shinnecock I am fortunate enough to know a man who knows a few members. I must admit I am a little excited about playing Shinnecock and the Black in one trip. One of the better vacations I will ever have I suspect.
Hope that helps.

[Big Shooter]

Augusta

Pebble Beach

Valderamma (Spain)

TPC Scotsdale

Torrey Pines

The Cliffs (North Carolina)

The Pete Dye course in West Virginia that they play a Nationwide Tournament at...don't know the name!?

Coueur D'Alene (in Idaho!!!)

Sahalee

Bethpage Black

Kiawah Island (South Carolina)

and here in Ontario....

The National

King Valley

St. Georges

Deerhurst Highlands

Redtail

Bigwin Island

[duffer_devon]

I dunno Mok.....does my dream course that I WANT to play in have to be highland links???? ahahaha.......

Bigwin Island is just that ......a golf resort island....I just think that's super-cool to go to such a resort, kick back, play some golf and get spoiled like no tomorrow!.......
I played there two weeks ago and you are bang on. It's a great place to go to feel like a King for a day. It was THE place for the rich and famous in the 20s.

[boo1]

Augusta and Pebble. Since this is a fantasy thread I'll throw in Cyprus Point as well. Pebble on the morning, lunch at the beach club and Cyprus in the afternoon. How's that for a day:D :D :D

[TehFlakes]

if i can get back on st.G's this year again i'll let ya'll know..
played 27 holes their this year:)

[noback]

Would have to be St.Andrews. Home of golf. http://forum.ottawagolf.com/images/smilies/golfing_banana.gif (http://forum.ottawagolf.com/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=0&forumid=4#)

[Ego Woods]

Only one person has said Pine Valley, the #1 rated course by Golf Digest. Probably because not much is known about the course because it's private and has never hosted and probably will never host a PGA event. I really am curious to know why it's #1. Anyone know or possibly even experience the #1 course in the world?

[focal]

if i can get back on st.G's this year again i'll let ya'll know..
played 27 holes their this year:)


how did you land this? who do you know?

[pudubny]

Ego Woods,
First I have not played the course but I have meet a few people who have and their appreciation for the place is considerable. It's tough, but fair and that is more rare than people think.
Their are many reasons why it is considered great.
A pretty good essay on the subject can be found here.
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/pinevalley1.html
When you look at the architects who consulted on the course it is little wonder that it is held in wide regard.
You are right it will likely never hold a major tournament for a variety of reasons which include the fact that holding large crowds on the course could be a problem.
I somehow doubt the board at Pine Valley would propose holding a major tournament to either the USGA or the PGA of America. Invariably those bodies bring in somebody like RT Jones Jr. to "modify"(i.e. ruin) the course. If you have Pine Valley, the last thing you should do is allow the USGA within 500 miles of the place. In fact, a restraining order would be a better idea.
Woodensticks has many holes that copy Pine Valley. The holes with the waste areas. I cannot say how closely they model the original but they will give you some visual idea.
The course has hosted a US Amateur I believe and also a Shell's Wondeful World of Golf event in the 70's. That is available on tape somewhere and contains some pretty good visuals of the course.
As you may have heard, Phil Michelson played Pine Valley last Wednesday as a warm-up to the PGA Champ.
I hope I get an invite some day from my friend to join him there, but admittely, that is unlikely.
Enjoy.
Pud.

[TpBoomer]

My favs in no particular order

St. Andrews
Augusta National
Pebble Beach
TPC at Sawgrass
Troon North
Whistler
Banff

[ForeontheFloor]

Augusta National, by myself in the morning with a bottle of fine scotch in my bag and lunch with Mike Weir in the butler cabin afterwards. Just another thought, If you could only play one course for the rest of your life???. I am going with Woodensticks

[Grass Roots Tour]

Augusta

Pebble Beach

Valderamma (Spain)

TPC Scotsdale

Torrey Pines

The Cliffs (North Carolina)

The Pete Dye course in West Virginia that they play a Nationwide Tournament at...don't know the name!?

Coueur D'Alene (in Idaho!!!)

Sahalee

Bethpage Black

Kiawah Island (South Carolina)

and here in Ontario....

The National

King Valley

St. Georges

Deerhurst Highlands

Redtail

Bigwin Island

Took the words right out of my mouth. Of coarse I've played Deerhurst Highlands AND Bigwin but I'll more than gladly take this whole tour with anyone who'll have me. I have a member who says he can get us on Redtail but I can't part with that much of my hard earned for one round. :eek:

[Big Shooter]

Took the words right out of my mouth. Of coarse I've played Deerhurst Highlands AND Bigwin but I'll more than gladly take this whole tour with anyone who'll have me. I have a member who says he can get us on Redtail but I can't part with that much of my hard earned for one round. :eek:
Thanx GRT, I'll keep you on the 'short-list' for when I win the lottery....We'll play 'em all, and then some!!! :)

[Big Shooter]

If you could only play one course for the rest of your life???. I am going with Woodensticks
To each his own, but, really, I think you can do a whole lot better than Wooden Sticks, you'll get sick of the gimmick:nono: ...GO for something that is ORIGINAL/Traditional...Blue Springs, Greystone, Ballantrae, Osprey Valley, Legends of Niagara Battlefield come to mind!:)

[Big Shooter]

bu-bu-bump....for an older fun thread;)

[RobertThompson]

Only one person has said Pine Valley, the #1 rated course by Golf Digest. Probably because not much is known about the course because it's private and has never hosted and probably will never host a PGA event. I really am curious to know why it's #1. Anyone know or possibly even experience the #1 course in the world?
I've had the good fortune to play Pine Valley twice. In fact, I've played many of the courses that are listed in Golf Magazine's Top 100, like St. Andrews, Muirfield, Pebble Beach, Royal County Down, Portrush, Merion, Pacific Dunes, Royal Dornoch, Seminole, Turnberry, etc. It is just one of the benefits of what I do for a living and it is a nice benefit indeed.
I've toured Augusta, but not played it. I came away more impressed than I expected I would. Interestingly, it is the course most people would want to play, but those who have had the good fortune to play all of the Top 10 in the world often come away underwhelmed. You can't remove the Masters and its history from Augusta, but as a golf course there are many comparable experiences. Also interesting to note that among a certain group of people, Augusta is not considered a tough round to obtain. Places like Seminole in Florida and Cypress Point are much more difficult to gain access to.

Why is Pine Valley #1? It is the ultimate golf architecture exercise -- amazing topography, fascinating mix of holes, tremendous greens and a majestic setting. It is also a great link between old world and modern golf. It is tough as nails, but fair at the same time.

That said, I am partial to Royal Portrush as arguably the best golf course I have ever had the good fortune to play. It has an ocean setting, an amazing array of holes and is incredibly challenging. If it were not for two average holes at the end, I think it would be the best in the world. As it is, I think it stands at #12.

Where would I like to play? Sand Hills in Nebraska has some saying it is the best in the world and I would love to see it. I'm also very keen on seeing Shinnecock, Friars Head and National Golf Links, and there's a chance I'll get to do that next year. Interestingly, there's a new course in Long Island that is just opening. It is called Sebonack and it is a collaboration between Tom Doak and Jack Nicklaus. Memberships run in the $500,000 range....

[Big Shooter]

Anyone played Kiawah Island, we're headed there THIS SUNDAY!

(yes, The Ocean Course)....what's it like, and what are the other courses like, I think there's about 3 or 4 others?

[Bellyhungry]

If I am dying tomorrow, I will play:

- Warm up at Merion for 9 holes, then Pine Valley in the morning, and
- jet to play Augusta National in the afternoon

If I am still alive after tomorrow, I will want to play

- Sand Hills, NE - arguably the strongest course designed by a (ex) touring pro
- Cascata, NV
- Shadow Creek, NV

If limited to GTA, I will play

- St Georges
- Hamilton
- The National

[Carlton]

Hmmm, I'll add these to my list but in no particular order:

Augusta National
St.Andrews old course
Pebble Beach
Kapalua
TPC Sawgrass
Ballybunion
Teeth of the Dog
Green Monkey

[RobertThompson]

Hmmm, I'll add these to my list but in no particular order:

Augusta National
St.Andrews old course
Pebble Beach
Kapalua
TPC Sawgrass
Ballybunion
Teeth of the Dog
Green Monkey
Carlton: You've caught my interest -- why the Green Monkey?

[Bellyhungry]

Maybe because it was featued in the latest Golf Magazine?

[iyell4]

Augusta.

[RobertThompson]

Maybe because it was featued in the latest Golf Magazine?
Didn't know that. I had the opportunity to play the course in April, 2004. It was good, but it wasn't among the best I've played. In fact, I think Royal Westmoreland in Barbados is a better track.

[Bellyhungry]

I am pretty sure about Golf Magazine featuring Green Monkey at Barbados. I recall them mentioning how it is Padraig Harrington's favorite course in Barbados.

Also, I stumbled acorss the following site recently:

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/COURSES_BY_COUNTRY.html

It has some pretty detailed write-ups on some courses around the world accompanied by pictures. I particularly enjoyed the piece about Pine Valley.

I also used maps.google.com to zoom in satellite pictures of some of the premium golf courses and get to see them from bird's eye view. It is rather fascinating to be able to see those courses closely.

[RobertThompson]

If one is interested in the nuances of golf architecture, Golfclubatlas.com is the site for you. I've been a member of the site for a number of years, though occasionally they dig too deeply into off-beat US courses for my interests....

[Carlton]

Carlton: You've caught my interest -- why the Green Monkey?I'd love to play the top courses in the Caribbean. I've known about the Green Monkey on Sandy Lane beach faciltiy for some time. The course pics just looks amazing. Never been there but have friends who live/lived there.

I'd like to play the Mt.Irvine Golf Course and the Plantations course in Tobago as well! Mt.Irvine was featured back in 1969 on Shell's Wonderful World of Golf as well as having hosted the Johnny Walker International Pro-Am. I did a mini photo shoot on Mt.Irvine before but I wasn't into golf back then. ARGH!! Stupid me. LOL

[Digs]

When Bandon Trails opens up, I would'nt mind doing the 54 holes in a day experience at the Bandon Dunes complex on the Oregon Coast. Includes the namesake and a Doak design, Pac Dunes. Supposed to be up there with Pinehurst and St. Andrew's for a Public golf complex, some say better.........Then I can wake up from that dream

[Golfbum]

St Andrews Old Course
All of the other OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP COURSES
Valderama in Spain.
Augusta National in GA
Pebble Beach
That should cover the bank account :)

[Big Shooter]

bump, for New additions....

[davevandyk]

I would have to say:

Augusta
Pine Valley
Carnoustie

[Gligster The Amatuer]

Pebble Beach
Augusta
St. Andrews
Carnoustie
(Had TPC @ Sawgrass on the list but knocked it off over x-mas!!)

[Section ThirtyOne]

Augusta National
Cypress Point
Seminole
Pine Valley
Hamilton

That would be my top 5. :)

[ForeontheFloor]

Augusta National
Cypress Point
Seminole
Pine Valley
Hamilton

That would be my top 5. :)

Hamilton......nice

[felsteinb]

Agusta National for sure, it's such a beautiful lush course. The fact that I know that I will probably never play it makes me want to that much more. It would be a dream come true. I have made and oath to my self that I will go to the Masters at least once in my life.

[Pingnut]

I'd like to play the old course - and then play some other coastal links while I'm across the pond.

[abz-pete]

I've been fortunate enough to play the Old course about half a dozen times (I'd never tire of playing there) so Augusta would have to be my first choice, followed by Muirfield Village.

[Section ThirtyOne]

Hamilton......nice
After walking the course at the last Open held there, it really intrigued me. I didn't know a whole lot about it prior to the event, but it is definitely the nicest venue of all the Opens i've attended.

Devil's Paintbrush/Pulpit should also be on my list. I would put Westmount on there, but it is my goal to be a member there inside the next 10 years. :eek:

[simar]

St. Andrews. and there are a bunch that would also want, but if there was only one, then St. Andrews.

[hogannut]

What would be your dream golf course to play before you die? Could be a private course or a public course and anywhere around the world! *tee hee* :)

Augusta

[Chrisf]

Cypress Point
Shadow Creek
Pine Valley
The National
Augusta

[corchard]

What would be your dream golf course to play before you die? Could be a private course or a public course and anywhere around the world! *tee hee* :)

Apr 6-9 Augusta National Golf Club
Jun 15-18 Winged Foot Golf Club
Jul 20-23 Royal Liverpool GC
Aug 17-20 Medinah Country Club

and for the hell of it
Sep 7-10 Hamilton Golf & Country Club

:rofl:

[nailer]

Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Royal Portrush Co. Antrim, Ireland
Royal County Down, Co. Down, Ireland

[DubRepublic]

I can't wait to get back to Hilton Head and play Harbour Town and the Arthur Hills at Palmetto Dunes

http://jeremyjive.com/gallery/albums/album01/photostitch.sized.jpg
This is the end of the fairway on 2 looking at the shot to the green. The par 3 third is on the left.

[Big Shooter]

I can't wait to get back to Hilton Head and play Harbour Town and the Arthur Hills at Palmetto Dunes

http://jeremyjive.com/gallery/albums/album01/photostitch.sized.jpg
This is the end of the fairway on 2 looking at the shot to the green. The par 3 third is on the left.


awwww....
....and you'll have different sticks!! ;)

[Ben Hogans]

St. Andrews
Carnoustie (against Van de Velde)
Bethpage Black
Kapalua - Plantation (in January)

[colonel]

St. Andrews, Pebble, Royal Melbourne and Augusta for certain.

Just as impossible but a bit more local would be to have a round at all of Torontos private courses.

Rosedale, Islington, Weston, St. Georges, The Hunt Club etc...:hyper:

[mikejb]

St. Andrews, Pebble, Royal Melbourne and Augusta for certain.

Just as impossible but a bit more local would be to have a round at all of Torontos private courses.

Rosedale, Islington, Weston, St. Georges, The Hunt Club etc...:hyper:

The Toronto Hunt on Kingston? Why???

I personally am working on getting onto Redtail and Mount Bruno for this summer. I do not think that will be tough.

[RCCHGA]

in no particular order ...

Pebble Beach
Bandon Dunes
Pinehurst
TPC at Sawgrass
Whistling Straits

Loch Lomond
Dornoch
Ballybunion ( and other courses in Ireland)

Banff
Kananaskis
Whistler
Mt. Tremblant


haribo

Just happened on Haribo's post and would like to say I admire his taste in courses. I had the distinct pleasure of playing Loch Lomond a couple of years ago with a pal from London who is a member. It's not the best course you'll ever play (Coppinwood is better) but it's the best overall golf experience you'll ever have. Better than sex! You'll think you've died and gone to golf heaven! As to your other picks, I haven't played any of them but will be testing Ballybunion next May.

[3whack]

I share RCCHGA's high regard for (most) of Haribo's choices.

I would certainly love to play both Bandon Dunes and Whistling Straits. I have already had the good fortune to play Pebble Beach (and Coppinwood, which is kind of like an even more attractive Shinnecock Hills).

However, I have to disagree about TPC at Sawgrass. Played there many years ago and it was one of the most disappointing courses that I have had played, given its fame. Possibly a toss-up with Harbour Town on Hilton Head (mind you, I had very high hopes for both, and neither was in good shape as I played them out of season).

As for my #1, difficult to choose although I would be prepared to "settle" for a round on Cape Kidnappers!

[Gligster The Amatuer]

I played TPC Sawgrass last decemeber and it was unreal i dont know why it was in such bad shape when you played it but when i was playing there everything was MINT! Probably top 3 courses that i have played.

[golf nut]

Kings Barns..again.
St Andrews...never again.
Brampton.. again and again.

[BowmanvilleJim]

Number 1 dream course would be the one that I designed and own (which I don't but this is a dream right?)
Number 2 - Augusta National
Number 3 - PineValley

[landlord]

I'd really like to play the 17th and 18th at St Andrews, just once. Okay, several times.

Honourable mention to Augusta, Sawgrass and Royal Melbourne.

Around here, The National.

[3whack]

I played TPC Sawgrass last decemeber and it was unreal i dont know why it was in such bad shape when you played it but when i was playing there everything was MINT! Probably top 3 courses that i have played.

Played it mid-November, about 12 years ago or so.

As we were all plunking down our Visas, they said that the course had received a lot of rain. Therefore, they supposedly couldn't cut the fairways. As a result, we were to lift and place our balls and hit from the ROUGH!!!

No discount, no previous warning, and also not true...clearly the real situation was that the fairways had been overseeded recently as new, fine blades of grass were growing everywhere...they just wanted it to grow in before the pro tournament.

I soon thereafter met someone who had suffered the identical experience two years before.

Based upon your positive review, it seems like they eventually got a good spanking and cleaned up their bushleague act.

[Frank101]

My dream courses in general is are both courses at Ballyliffin and Rosapenna. Love the remoteness and love the courses and love the people and love the scenery!

[duffer den]

As for my #1, difficult to choose although I would be prepared to "settle" for a round on Cape Kidnappers!
Not sure how often Cape Kidnappers ever shows up on lists, but this is a spectacular course from the visuals alone, though with Tom Doak behind the design, I have to think it is more than just a pretty course. For those unfamiliar with it, it was named Course of the Year by Travel + Leisure Golf magazine in 2004 and ranked #27 in the Top 100 Courses in the World, by Golf Magazine 2005. The sister course, Kauri Cliffs, also in New Zealand, is also pretty stunning with views. A trip out to NZ to play these would be great as the country is an amazing vacation destination - so much to do and so few people to compete with, other than in Auckland.

As for my own pick of a course, it has been listed many times, but I would have to pick Augusta National for the history and aura alone, though I guess one could get that by being a "patron" at the Masters.