My Favorite Golf Courses...

I have been very fortunate to play a lot of different golf courses over the last 10 years.  There are some that I really liked and others that I disliked for one reason or another.  However, on this site, I am only going to talk about the courses that I would go back and play anytime!  These are not in any order (they are all great courses and it would not be fair to rank them!).

1) Myers Park Country Club - Charlotte, NC (my home course): This is an old Donald Ross course which is deceptively wide open, however, the old trees present hidden obstacles. The course is not long, but if you ever get the chance to play, I encourage you play. Like most Ross courses, it is a fair challenge. 

2) Pebble Beach - Monteray, CA: Very pricey, but worth every penny. I would love to play there again. The course was in excellent shape, and I picked a beautiful day to play (April 15, 1998). This course offers just about everything a golfer could want, and more. Next time I play, if the weather is nice, I will walk the course (I suggest getting a caddie - it's not much more expensive than a cart). I have some good pictures from this trip in my "Photo Album" section. Pebble Beach Pictures. In addition, check out my golf links section. Pebble Beach has a home page with great information and downloadable files.

3) Tidewater Golf Course - Cherry Grove, SC: When you tee off, they tell it will take at least 4 1/2 to 5 hours to play. The reason, it is a CHALLENGE. Slick greens, unbelievable layout, wind -- say no more. It a must if your in the area.

4) TPC Sawgrass - Ponte Verdre, FL: This is another challenging course. In fact, I shot 77 in the morning at Long Bay (Amelia Island) and then shot 94 at Sawgrass. However, my claim to fame -- a birdie on 17 ( the island green)!!!

5) Old North State - Uhwarrie Point, NC: Absolutely the best 3 finishing holes I have ever played. 16 is a 400+ par 4 with a green surrounded by water on three sides. 17 is a 190 yard par 3 with a lot of water. And 18 is a par 5 dogleg left with water on the left (how much of the corner do you want to bite off?). Believe me, you don't want to pass up an opportunity to play this course.

6) Harbour Town - Hilton Head, SC: This is another very tough course. Very small greens and a tight layout are just part of the challenge (don't forget the water and the wind). A very good course, although somewhat pricey.

7) Grayhawk (Talon Course) - Scottsdale, AZ:  This was the first desert course that I played.  It was definitely a challenge.  I hit the ball well, but my putting let me down.  I was out there in the middle of November ('99), and the weather was unbelievable.  Low 90's and not a cloud in the sky.  Also played Sunridge Canyon, which is just east of Scottsdale.  This was another very nice desert course.  I have some good pictures from this trip in my "Photos" section - Arizona Pictures.

8) Wynstone Golf Club - Chicago, IL:  This is a very nice, very exclusive golf course.  It is the only Nicklaus course in the Chicago area and is very challenging.  This is a total first class golfing experience from start to finish.  When I arrived, not only did the staff take my clubs, but they also valeted the car.  The members at Wynstone typically just show up Saturday morning and arrange a game (there are only about 250 members), while eating breakfast.  After the round everyone just hangs out eats lunch and watches golf.  The staff were incredibly nice and the golf course itself was very good.  If you every get the chance...play this course.

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