Many prestigious golf magazines offer reviews from professional golf writers. These reviews are sometimes opinions on famous courses that everyone, even non-golfers, have heard of. Do we really need more reviews on Pinehurst #2, Pebble Beach, and Augusta National? I do not think so. So, let’s find out some of the more obscure, but great courses that people need exposure to. Hopefully these reviews are aimed at the regular golfer, that is, the golfer who shoots triple-digit scores. (The sad but true fact is that ninety percent of golfers are hackers.) I’ve chosen to write about some of the toughest courses I’ve ever played, golf being at its kindest and inherently sweet to most of us anyway. I have selected a special course from each of the following areas of the United States: the Midwest (or Great Lakes region), the eastern United States, the west coast, and the desert southwest.
THE BEAR (Grand Traverse Resort), Acme, Michigan: This is a Jack Nicklaus designed beauty. The “Golden Bear” (and Tigger isn’t quite hitting the Jack’s Major record!) was proud enough of this achievement to award the nickname after him. Jack was asked to design a most difficult course, and he delivered with a bear course. With only a five-month growing season, Northern Michigan courses are in the best shape in the country due to lack of play. This course is ranked among the twenty most difficult courses in the United States (public or private) by Golf Digest. Everyman won’t break 100 but will enjoy every minute of suffering. The tycoons of no. #16 make a wonderful photograph, but it is recommended not to hit them. Course grade is 76.3/slope 148.
CLEGHORN PLANTATION, Rutherfordton, North Carolina: Who is George Cobb? Well, he’s the course architect and he sure knew what he was doing. This is a lovely (and mature, forty-year-old) course located in the southern foothills of the Appalachians. It is very wooded, very dangerous. The views from every tee are incredible and often any hole, other than the one being played, is not in view. The price is also amazing ($50 includes a ride-on cart!). That’s southern hospitality! This course is highly rated by Golf Digest and Golflink. Some have liked Augusta National. While that may be a bit of an exaggeration, the similarities are there. Course grade is 74.6/slope 134.
BANDON DUNES (Bandon Dunes Resort), Bandon, Oregon: While this course may no longer fit the dark model, it needs to be mentioned. The original Bandon Dunes Resort course was designed by Scotsman David Kidd. It represents the beautiful and playable European golf. Hole #16 is one of the most visually pleasing holes out there. If golf can ever make a person teary-eyed, this view from the tee box could stir the emotions. The course is ranked #6 on America’s Best Courses “You Can Play” by Golf Magazine. Beautiful Pacific Ocean views abound. This course can be WALKED ONLY (carts available for people with physical disabilities). Carts are available. December and January can be quite misty, so to speak. Course grade is 74.1/slope 143.
SNOW CANYON ENTRY, St. George, Utah: The St. George area of Utah, in the southwestern corner of the state, is a tremendous little-known golf destination. This course is one of the best of the great courses out there. The back nine are devilish due to the Johnny Miller (architect) factor and the very narrow playing area through lava fields on several holes. St. George is also not far from Mesquite, Nevada, which has more excellent courses (and casinos galore if gambling is a people’s hobby). Negatively, the field is open to Inn at Entrada guests and owners only. It’s worth it. A non-summer experience is recommended as it is very hot from June to August. Course grade is 73.6/slope 131 but it’s harder than that slope.
