Cheap Pars

#25-FLEMMING PARK
(Orange Park, FL)
#43-SOUTHERN HILLS
(Hawkinsville, GA)
#47-STONE BRIDGE
(Rome, GA)
#37-DRAPER VALLEY
(Draper, VA)
#31-DOGWOOD
(Grenada, MS)
#3-GRAY PLANTATION
(St Charles, LA)
#23-RAWLS COURSE
(Lubbock, TX)
#7-SANTA ANNA
(New Mexico)
#11-BLACK MESA
(La Messila, NM)
#6-PINON HILLS
(Farmington, NM)
#28-RUSTIC CANYON
(Moorpark, CA)
#new-MONARCH DUNES
(Nipomo, CA)
#42-PACIFIC GROVE
(Pacific Grove, CA)
#33-TOKATEE
(McKenzie Bridge, OR)
#10-GOLD MOUNTAIN
(Bremerton, WA)
#new-WHITE HORSE
Kingston, WA)
#12-BIG MOUNTAIN
(Kalispell, MT)
#new-CANYON RIVER
(Missoula, MT)
#1-OLD WORKS
(Anaconda, MT)
#2-HAWK TREE
(Bismarck, ND)
#5-WILLINGERS
(Northfield, MN)
#20-THE SUMMIT
(Cannon Falls, MN)
#16-NORTHWOOD
(Rhinelander, WI)






















Flemming Park Country Club

DATE:


February 28th

LOCATION:


Orange Park, FL

Our Observations:

The front nine was slightly disappointing-non-descript holes lined with basic condos and modest homes. The back nine was a visual improvement on the eyes in both the houses and golf holes starting with number 10-a par 3 and number 12-a short par 4 that didn’t seem that way when standing on the tee due to the forced carry over the marsh. The back nine was an interesting layout with some memorable holes. Other observations-rough traps, cart paths unpaved (which I like as the concrete does not detract from the natural feel), friendly pro.

Rankings

Amentities: 6 - Full bar, driving range, putting chipping area, had to ride
Layout: 6 - Front nine boring, back nine interesting, unique holes, good mix of sand and water
Course Condition: 5 - rough around the edges, especially traps
Staff Services: 6 - Friendly, sparce
OVERALL - 6

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Southern Hills Country Club

DATE:


March 4th

LOCATION:


Hawkinsville, GA

Our Observations:


Nice hilly course winding through housing. Typical layout through houses and condos. Still, some interesting downhill and dogleg holes. Water around but mo real forced carries. Nothing eternally memorable but kept our interest.

Rankings

Rankings

Amentities: 6 - Limited bar, driving range, putting chipping area, walking allowed
Layout: 6.5 - Some interesting holes, obviously built for housing, elevations and doglegs
Course Condition: 4 - Dried out (due to drought?)
Staff Services: 6 - Friendly, sparce
OVERALL - 6

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Stonebridge Country Club

DATE:


March 6th

LOCATION:


Rome, GA

Our Observations:


Prettiest course so far. The drought in Northern Georgia had this course crying for water Everything but the greens were brown and crunchy. However, course routing was fun and interesting. One par 5 had a short layup and then tempted to be greedy over the water. Wound through tall pines.

Rankings

Amentities: 6 - No bar, driving range, putting chipping area, walking allowed
Layout: 7.5 - Fun and varied. Kept things interesting.
Course Condition: 5 -Practice areas awful. Course had possibilities if not so dry.
Staff Services: 6 - Limited service. No one around.
OVERALL - 6.5

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Draper Valley Golf Course

DATE:


March 28th

LOCATION:


Draper, VA

Our Observations:


Course started out very benign. Wide open, straight away with little danger. This changed when we crossed the road after hole 6. No. 7 was a par 3 with a hundred foot drop and a pond on the left. The 30 mile per hour wind we were playing in didn't help matters. The rest of the course was challenging and interesting winding over the hills of the Shenandoah Valley.

Rankings

Amentities: 4 - Half decent pro shop but not for women. No drinking water on course. Limited snack bar. No walking until after 3.
Layout: 7 - First four holes not too exciting but after that very varied layout with doglegs, elevation changes and hazards.
Course Condition: 6 - Fairways in good shape but greens were brown and slow.
Staff Services: 7 - Staff attentive. Starter at 1 was friendly and informative. Ranger present but not pushy.
OVERALL - 6

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The Dogwoods Golf Course

DATE:


March 31st

LOCATION:


Grenada, MS

Our Observations:


Wow! Fantastic layout. Each hole is cut through a forest of pines and dogwoods. Wide but interesting fairways. Each hole had a personality of it's own. No flat holes, some with dramatic elevated tees. Sand strategically placed on all the holes, especially around the greens. The greens were very large but with specific target areas. This made for some interesting long putts. Really a fun course to play.

Rankings

Amentities: 7 - Small pro shop. Informational scorecards and tee markers. No bar but excellent sandwhiches and burgers. Walking permitted (same price).
Layout: 9 - Challenging but fair layout. A lot of variety in hole design. Very fun to play, all holes isolated.
Course Condition: 8 - Fairways and greens in good shape. Greens slow and traps shaky because of a 3" rain the night before.
Staff Services: 8 - Staff very basic and very friendly. No starter or ranger but none needed.
OVERALL - 8.5

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Gray's Plantation Golf Course

DATE:


April 5th

LOCATION:


Lake Charles, LA

Our Observations:


Nice course. Had more services because it is a semi-private course. Nice layout-very walkable cosidering it was through housing development which usually means long walks between holes. Some very interesting holes that created risk reward shots but the housing and overall flatness of the course made it somewhat less than memorable.

Rankings

Amentities: 8.5 - Had all the frills of a resort course because it was semi private. Having range balls included was a nice touch. Walking permitted (same price).
Layout: 6.5 - Some interesting risk reward choices. A couple of island greens. Flat layout with large undulating greens. Housing very much in your vision. Not a lot of variety.
Course Condition: 8 - Fairways and greens in good shape. Greens ran true and fairly fast. Traps and tees in great shape. No rough to speak of.
Staff Services: 8 - Staff attentive and friendly. Starter and cart girl, because of course being semi-private.
OVERALL - 7.5

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Rawls Golf Course

DATE:


April 11th

LOCATION:


Lubbock, TX

Our Observations:


Ouch!. This was a toughy. A links design where the fairways were generous, rough was non-existent but the green areas were elevated, undulating (sometimes severely) and guarded by deep large bunkers. Approach shots had to be precise. Add in a typical Texas wind and I have to say this was the toughest challenge we faced so far.

Rankings

Amentities: 7.5 - Very small clubhouse (basically a trailer) but was well stocked as was the snack bar. Rangers and a cart girls were always around and they also have one of the largest driving ranges in the state.
Layout: 7.5 - Not as scenic as some but every hole was very strategic. Drives and approaches had to be in thr right spot to score well.
Course Condition: 6 - Fairways were so thin I had trouble getting a club under the ball. There was no rough and the traps had a course dark brown sand that was more like dirt. Greens were great.
Staff Services: 7.5 - Staff was friendly, especially for college kids.
OVERALL - 7.0

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Santa Anna Golf Course

DATE:


April 15th

LOCATION:


Santa Ana, NM

Our Observations:


Great course. It was on an Indian reservation and was isolated. Fun course and every hole had a nice view of mountains.

Rankings

Amentities: 8.5 - Nice amenities. Had everyting. All first rate.
Layout: 8 - Beautiful course. Wonderful views of mountains. On an indian reservation so no houses, isolated. Fun holes, all different.
Course Condition: 8 - Fairways were thin here also. Greens were great but very fast. It took us 9 holes to adjust. Everything else in great shape
Staff Services: 8.5 - Staff was great, very friendly.
OVERALL - 8.0

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Black Mesa Golf Course

DATE:


April 18th

LOCATION:


Santa Ana, NM

Our Observations:


Totally unique course. Over $50 now but worth it. My favorite so far. Every hole seemed to be cut out of the surrounding rocks. You were isolated on almost every hole. I felt like I was playing in a national park.

Rankings

Amentities: 7.5 - Basic amenities. Walking allowed with paths to next hole. Water available everywhere.
Layout: 9 - Every hole was unique and beautiful. Couldn't wait to get to the next tee.
Course Condition: 8.5 -Fairways were a little dry. Everything else top notch.
Staff Services: 8 Friendly and professional. One extra- It was so dusty they blew off your clubs with compressed air at the end.
OVERALL - 8.5

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Pinon Hills Golf Course

DATE:


April 20th

LOCATION:


Farmington, NM

Our Observations:


Truly a municipal course. Golfers were mostly from town. Course showing some wear but still beautiful.

Rankings

Amentities: 7 Basic, typical for small muni.- Walking seemed to be the norm.
Layout: 8.5 - Nice routing through the arroyos and hills. Good variety of holes, interesting routing.
Course Condition: 7 - Greens airated and very bumpy, almost unplayable. Fairways and rough in good shape. Traps and fringes need some work.
Staff Services: 7.5 - Basic and competent. nothing extra, typical municipal
OVERALL - 8.0

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Papago Golf Course

DATE:


LOCATION:


Phoenix, AZ

Our Observations:


CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS!

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Rustic Canyon Golf Course

DATE:


May 23rd

LOCATION:


Moorpark, CA

Our Observations:


Unlike any course we have played in the states. It felt like courses we played in Scotland. The course is nestled in s csnyon between rolling hills. A true links course with wide fairways, hidden pot bunkers snd large greens. Situated in a state park, very isolated. We loved it!

Rankings

Amentities: 6.5 - Typical. A real walkers course. True golf. No beverage carts etc.
Layout: 7 - Fantastic. Each hole a links chalenge. Looks open but danger lurks. Fun strategic decisions.
Course Condition: 8.5 - Rough around the edges like a true links course should be. Fast tricky greens.
Staff & Services: 7.5 - People were friendly and professional. No starter or bag guys. None needed.
OVERALL - 8.5

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Monarch Dunes Golf Course

DATE:


May 24th

LOCATION:


Nipomo, CA

Our Observations:


Very intersting layout built among houses and more houses. A great course crowded by the development it was built for.

Rankings

Layout: 7 - Great interesting holes. Short but target golf. It was mentally tiring but fun. Way to many houses in your face.
Course Condition: 7.5 - A little rough in some areas but mostley in nice shape. Greens were great and super fast.
Services: 8 - (NOTE- I am combining amentities and staff services starting with this course). Extensive. Starter, beverage cart, pro very friendly. Trying to become country club level.
OVERALL - 7.5

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Pacific Grove Golf Links

DATE:


May 25th

LOCATION:


Pacific Grove, CA

Our Observations:


Interesting dichotomy. Front 9 is an old municipal course routed through an old neighborhood. Back 9 is a mini Pebble Beach routed along Monterey Bay.

Rankings

Layout: 8 - Front nine a 5, old short and somewhat boring.- back nine a 9, seaside, beauiful and interesting. Back 9 makes it great.
Course Condition: 6.5 - Front nine a little rough - no good - Back nine a little rough as it should be.
Staff & Services: 5.5 - A true municipal course built and run for the local population. No frills but adequate. No yardage books and no water on course.
OVERALL 7 -

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Tokatee Golf Course

DATE:


June 1st

LOCATION:


McKenzie Bridge, OR

Our Observations:


Isolated course in he shadow of Mt. Hood (although not visible) Pretty mountain course. Enjoyable to play but not very challenging.

Rankings

Layout: 7 - Pretty mountain scenery but not very interesting. Very flat for a mountain course.
Course Condition: 8 - Nice greens. Very few sandtraps but well maintained. Very lush due to climate of northwest.
Staff & Services: 6.5 - Municipal feel. Minimal staff, invisible ranger. Allows walking. Has a yarage card, although not needed much. Small snack bar.
OVERALL 7 -

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Gold Mountain Golf Course

DATE:


June 12th

LOCATION:


Bremerton, WA

Our Observations:


Beautiful course on the Olypic Peninsula. Great layout through tall pines. Interesting hilly routing. A favorite so far.

Rankings

Layout: 9 - Holes were unique and intreresting. Nice elevation changes, beautiful views. Sand and water were present but not overwhelming.
Course Condition: 9 - Lush and green. Greens were perfect. Everything in great shape.
Staff & Services: 8.5 - Very friendly and helpful staff. Nice bar area with indoor and outdoor fireplace. Yardage books. Walking course. Only negative was no water.
OVERALL 9 -

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White Horse Golf Course

DATE:


June 14th

LOCATION:


Kingston, WA

Our Observations:


New course. Very fun but very difficult. Toughest course so far.

Rankings

Layout: 8.5 - Very challenging. Elevated and protected greens. No forced carries but must be accurate. Interesting layout.
Course Condition: 8 - Nice fairways and green. Lots of rain helps.
Staff & Services: 4 - Small trailer as clubhouse. No snackbar. No water on course. New course but not that new. Should have it together by now.
OVERALL 7 -

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Big Mountain Golf Course

DATE:


June 17th

LOCATION:


Kalispell, MT

Our Observations:


Nice mountain scenery but uninspiring layout.

Rankings

Layout: 6.5 - Not much going on. Mostly flat and straight. A couple doglegs and some elevated greens but holes seem the same.
Course Condition: 7.5 - Good shape. Greens were slow but rolled perfectly. Tall grass thick and penal. Not many traps but they were scottish style.
Staff & Services: 6 - Walking encouraged. Water on almost every hole. Average clubhouse and lounge. No starter or marshall.
OVERALL 6.5 -

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Canyon River Golf Course

DATE:


June 22nd

LOCATION:


East Missoula, MT

Our Observations:


Built in a canyon. Nice scenery but a course built to attract home builders.

Rankings

Layout: 6 - Routed through homesites. Long walks between holes. Through a valley along a creek created nice ambiance but when housing is complete will ruin that. Uninspired hole design.
Course Condition: 7 - Everything in good shape but nothing great. Greens were very slow. OB everywhere because of home sites.
Staff & Services: 7 - Walking permitted for now. Friendly employees. Basic lounge and snack bar. No starter or other staff.
OVERALL 7 -

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Old Works Golf Course

DATE:


June 23rd

LOCATION:


Anaconda, MT

Our Observations:


Famous Nicklaus course built on old copper mine slag heap. Very unique.

Rankings

Layout: 8.5 - Routing through, up and down old copper mine site. Front nine had many elevated tees and greens. Some holes right against 200 ft hills. Tough and protected greens. Some holes along rushing creek.
Course Condition: 8 - Greens were topdressed and slow, not typical. Traps were filled with black slag cinders. Stunning to look at, a bitch to play out of. Some ran full length of holes. Fairways in nice condition.
Staff & Services: 9 - Staff top rate and friendly. Had all the amenities. Lounge small but great food. Walking allowed. Great service as expected for a Troon owned course.
OVERALL 8.5 -

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Hawk Tree Golf Course

DATE:


June 23rd

LOCATION:


Anaconda, MT

Our Observations:


Beautiful course on the rolling plains. Normally windy, we played in 50 mph gales. $65 fees plus cart but worth it.

Rankings

Layout: 8.5 - Very memorable holes with wide sweeping turns and elevation changes. More black sand (ouch!). Wide fairways with scrubgrass as rough. A thinking course, fun if you are somewhat accurate. Watch out for snakes!
Course Condition: 7.5 - Greens were in good shape, not fast. Fairways were spoty in places, due, I'm told, to the lack of snow this winter which protects the grass from the cold and wind.
Staff & Services: 7.5 - Inattentive college kids at desk. No starter or ranger. We were pushed all day by an alternate shot tourney. Very nice bar and restaurant with friendly staff. Walking permitted but tough.
OVERALL 8 -

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Willingers Golf Course

DATE:


July 1st

LOCATION:


Northfield, MN

Our Observations:


Split personality makes this a fun course to play. 141 slope from the whites (5950 yards) makes it challenging!

Rankings

Layout: 8 -
Front nine winds through fairly flat wetlands, back nine through rolling woodlands. Nice combination. Had strategic sand placement and many elevated greens. Course Condition: 8 - Greens were perfect. Fairways were in good condition, as was the thick rough. BEautiful wetland scenery.
Staff & Services: 8.5 - Nice staff. Good and free practice facilities. Nice bar with good food. Water on every other hole. Cart girl. Needed yardage book for walkers because of hazards everywhere.
OVERALL 8 -

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Summit Golf Course

DATE:


July 3rd

LOCATION:


Cannon Falls, MN

Our Observations:


Another course with a split personality that tries hard but the front nine and services come up a little short.

Rankings

Layout:7 - Uninspired front nine but the back nine was a hilly bear. Severe drops and elevated greens made up for the tame start.
Course Condition:8 - Rough around the edges but the greens were perfect and the rough as thick and penal.
Staff & Services:4 - Freindly people and a great tip sheet could not make up for the lack of spinkler yardages, lack of water and no snack bar.
OVERALL:6 -

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Northwood Golf Course

DATE:


July 5th

LOCATION:


Rhinelander, WI

Our Observations:


Our last official course was a nice walk in the trees but nothing outstanding.

Rankings

Layout:6.5 - All holes cut through the forest. Tough undulating greens. Hole designs were ordinary especially on front side.
Course Condition: 7 - Lush fairways, nice greens but a little spotty in the rough and bunkers.
Staff & Services:7 - No yardage book for walkers, few sprinkler yardages, surly starter but beautiful log clubhouse and bar, good practice facilities, cartgirl and pullcarts.
OVERALL: 6.5 -

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