Your bucket list course with a twist

[GolfSpy_BEN]

A quick preface: If this topic has been covered recently, then a thousand pardons. I did a quick search but didn't see it posted.

 

As golfers, we all keep a list of fairly unattainable courses, which given the opportunity to play, we might remark that one is on my bucket list. While there is no doubt that some of you lucky few have played courses like Augusta, or Cypress Point, or Pine Valley, the vast majority of the rest of us, the great unwashed, have not. So we dream. 

 

For the purposes of this exercise, I acknowledge that these lists are undoubtedly great and as a collective, the master bucket list would probably have a fair amount of commonality. However, I am more interested in your "local" bucket list courses. You know, the private courses in your town or city where even God would need a reference from a standing member and a credit check. 

 

My contribution to this list lies 2.2 miles from my home. A quick 6 minute car ride would deliver me to what I imagine Heaven might look like. Admittedly, there are a few country clubs in the area that are probably a bit more exclusive and untouchable than my selection, but this course has bedeviled and beguiled for over a decade now. I speak of TPC River's Bend in Maineville, OH. We moved out to this part of southwestern Ohio in 2010 and I have been driving past the entrance to this course with some regularity ever since. In the passing years, I have had no fewer than three times where I thought I had a round lined up only to have it crumble in the lead up to it. These 18 holes of championship caliber golf and the immaculate practice area that fronts the road that runs by it have and continue to haunt my dreams. Over the years, I have built this course up in my mind to a degree that TPC River's Bend is highly unlikely to ever meet these lofty expections, but I will continue to endevour to find out. What's yours?

 

As an aside, if the local bucket list course for you is Augusta, Cypress Point, or Pine Valley, then aim high you big, beautiful dreamers and please let us know when you catch that golden ring.

[Siamese Moose]

I'm also in the Cincinnati area. TPC River's Bend looks great from the road, but it has a lousy reputation. There's a reason the Champions Tour played once and left, and none of the local pro tournaments are held there anymore. I haven't played it, but my instructor has told me to pass on it.

In Cincinnati the course I would most like to play is Camargo. It's on everybody's top 100 in the world lists, and is super exclusive. They keep the fee schedule private, but I understand it's a $500k initiation.

[GolfSpy_BEN]

6 minutes ago, Siamese Moose said:

I'm also in the Cincinnati area. TPC River's Bend looks great from the road, but it has a lousy reputation. There's a reason the Champions Tour played once and left, and none of the local pro tournaments are held there anymore. I haven't played it, but my instructor has told me to pass on it.

In Cincinnati the course I would most like to play is Camargo. It's on everybody's top 100 in the world lists, and is super exclusive. They keep the fee schedule private, but I understand it's a $500k initiation.

I remain undeterred. At this point, it has become a battle of wills between this course and me. However, your point regarding Camargo is well taken and well made. That is the most exclusive course in our area without a doubt.

[revkev]

Interedting - when I lived in the northeast this would have been easy enough Shinnecock or Pine Hills. 
 

In Florida it’s not as difficult - most of the name courses are resorts and played for a fee (a big one but you can get on.) I’ve played a few, there’s too many and not enough time to play them all but any of us could play say - Sawgrass or Doral or Bayhill if we wanted - I’ve played Sawgrass twice and would again, anytime.  Fun, fun course that all of us know because we see it on TV every year.

 

In my county we have a new club that is very exclusive. My pro can get me on any of the other clubs in the area but not this one. Still it has a B and B attached tgat gas stay and play privileges. Plus seeing it on TV in the lpga tournament it hosts there are still a lot of holes remaining from the original Donald Ross layout. 
 

Seminole on the Eastcoast of Florida would be the closest thing to a bucket list course here I suppose but I was unmoved seeing it on TV last year. It did nothing to really wow me. 
 

 

[tony@CIC]

Any course next to the ocean would be my pick. We played Barnboogle, a course in Australia which is consistently ranked top 50 in the world. The course is on the Bass straight  and it was a surreal experience. Something about the sound of the ocean in the background, the sea breezes, and the ocean smells that just enhances the golf experience. 

[cnosil]

 Nothing really exclusive in my area that I would consider bucket list worthy.  There are some private courses but you never hear anyone saying it is a must play.  Most courses are semi private so you can make a tee time and play.  

[jkimbrell0]

I think all the Houston area folks would say Bluejack National since it's beautiful and associated with Tiger. I'll also throw in River Oaks Country Club. Buddy used to work for caddy master so I did get lucky to play out at Carlton Woods Niklaus course which just hosted LPGA event 2 weeks ago. But BJ remains the big goal, don't think it's out of the question either

[DaveP043]

I'm in the Washington Dc area.  I get to play all of the private close-in courses in Virginia semi-regularly, as part of an inter-club league, including the Trump course where LIV will be in a few weeks.  I got to play at Congressional in a Member Guest.  The only real bucket-list courses, based on exclusivity, would be Burning Tree (Maryland), Kinloch near Richmond VA, and the RTJ course in Gainesville, VA.  

[StrokerAce]

The Country Club - site of the 2022 US Open

Myopia Hunt

Eastward Ho!

Nantucket GC

Charles River CC

Newport CC - site of the 2024 US Senior Open

Rhode Island CC

...quite a few around me. a lot of rich people around here.

[JerryB]

There's one country club in town, Kishwaukee CC.  Just like @Ben Joest I drive past it all the time and would like to play it just once, just to say I've played it.  No idea what its like and it may be a goat track for all I know but I just have to try it.

About a half hour away is Rich Harvest Farms, which hosted a LIV event last year, and Black Sheep Golf Club.  Everything says those courses are nice.  Would be cool to play, but I'm sure I couldn't afford to even look at them!

[sirchunksalot]

There's only one near me and I drive past the entrance when I take the back road through Ooltewah and that is The Honors Course. Driving by, you wouldn't know it's there. There's no splashy gate you can see from the road, but I know it's just right there.

A buddy of mine sent me photos from there one day as he works construction and was building a new feel at the clubhouse. 

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

Add me to @StrokerAce and the country club in Brookline, MA. One of the most exclusive courses around (Tom Brady was on a wait list out it that way)….if only….

I interviewed the Facilties director there years back when I was in school because my long term career goal is to manage an exclusive club somewhere. I was hoping he would invite me for a round but alas wasn’t the case…..had my clubs in the car and everything. My Infiniti G37 looked like a peasant car in that lot.

[Placasse61]

2 hours ago, Lacassem said:

Add me to @StrokerAce and the country club in Brookline, MA. One of the most exclusive courses around (Tom Brady was on a wait list out it that way)….if only….

I interviewed the Facilties director there years back when I was in school because my long term career goal is to manage an exclusive club somewhere. I was hoping he would invite me for a round but alas wasn’t the case…..had my clubs in the car and everything. My Infiniti G37 looked like a peasant car in that lot.

I agree the Country Club in Brookline, I just found out a former student is the special functions coordinator there, but know I have a better shot at TPC Boston in Norton MA. 

[Thin2win]

I mean... Augusta and Cypress are pretty hard to beat,  but I'll put a public course at the top of my bucket list,  St. Andrews.

Edit, i suck. And missed the "local" aspect of the OP. So let me pretend that i didn't say what i said. 

Local course,  would be Sahalee. It's only local as in its in the same state,  i went in... 97? For the pga championship,  it's beautiful tree lined hell that would no doubt kick my teeth in.  But i want a peeve of it.  The lpga is back there next year,  so I'll go see it again and dream.

Edited May 10, 2023 by Thin2win

[JeremyD]

If we're talking local, then I'll have to say Pinehurst #2 since it's walking distance from my house. Maybe the new #10 in the next year, since I played the now former Pit back in 1996.

[Golfnut80]

For me locally would be Pine Valley, Merion, and Galloway National. Big bucket list would include St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines.

[DiscipleofPenick]

For Cleveland, I'd lean more towards the more famous courses - Canterbury CC (hosted numerous PGA and Senior events) and Firestone South (former home of the WGC). The Country Club and Lakewood are probably the most exclusive courses, so I would like to play those if possible. I'd also love to get down to Muirfield in Columbus where Jack holds his tournament.

[brenttharp]

I live 3 miles from Torrey Pines, but for the purposes of this survey, it's gotta be either Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club (only $100k initiation fee and two member recs! And to add insult to injury, they let the public walk the perimeter walkway so they can see what they can never have) or The Farms Golf Club. A local guy I know is a member at The Farms. When I mention taking me there as a guest, he chortles hysterically. 

[Blaine Dye]

Mine would defiantly be Pinnacle CC here in NW Arkansas its where they play the LPGA event beautiful course I walked it when the last event came through but besides when there is a big tournament it is a gated and secured community I would love even just playing 9 there  

[GolfSpy_APH]

Thankfully most all the courses around me are accessible... But for a price point I'm just not willing to pay.

Zurich and Lucerne have some gorgeous high end courses and maybe one day I'll play. However I will admit Tara Iti is first on this list for me.

[bigchipper]

old course at st andrews

[GolfSpy_KFT]

For me, the local bucket list courses are Erin Hills and even closer to where I reside, Sand Valley (Mammoth Dunes, Sand Valley and The Lido), which is located in Rome, WI and 5 minutes from my in-laws cabin. I have to drive past the sign all year and want to play so bad, but it’s pricey for a golfer of my skill at $235 plus a caddie fee. Someday I’ll play it, but I want to be better so I can truly enjoy myself. 

For those who have not heard of Sand Valley, their website is worth a look (would be an AMAZING spot for an MGS outing as they have accommodations right on the course). The Lido is an exact copy of the course that was originally located in Long Island, NY, which was purchased and demolished by the Navy during WW2. A ton went into course design and it is said to play exactly as the course in NY would have played, down to wind patterns. 

https://sandvalley.com

[MuniGolfer]

On 5/9/2023 at 7:30 AM, StrokerAce said:

The Country Club - site of the 2022 US Open

Myopia Hunt

Eastward Ho!

Nantucket GC

Charles River CC

Newport CC - site of the 2024 US Senior Open

Rhode Island CC

...quite a few around me. a lot of rich people around here.

“Old money” out there.

 Around my house in Utah, I was lucky enough that a friend of mine was a course rater for golf digest and golf weekly, and so I knocked off most. That said, I still am trying to get Promontory in park city, specifically the Nicklaus course. My wife’s uncle is the lawyer for Promontory, but he has had trouble convincing the pro that I should be allowed on. Hopefully I will get it one day.

[MadHatter]

My local bucket list here in VA would be the Cascades and Kinloch. Definitely want to play there, but I need to get improve my game before I step on a course like those.

[JeB]

I’ve got two that are reasonably close. Within 20 minutes of my house in opposite directions are Old Chatham and Raleigh Country Club. 

[Swood1994]

I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot of the smaller private clubs in my area through family, friends, and acquaintances. Only one I haven’t played is Onondaga Country Club. I got the chance to play Oak Hill east course about 1.5yrs ago and have tickets to go to the pga championship this year so it will be very cool to say that the first major championship I ever attended I got to play the course

If I had to pick a bucket list of courses near me and they’re not really close, but it’s NY, would be Shinnecock, Winged Foot, and Bethpage black. These courses are still a decent 4.5hrs from me but would be really cool to even step foot on the grounds given the history at each

A closer (35-40min) more attainable option is Atunyote at The Turning Stone where DJ won his first pga tour event. I’m hopping this year I’ll play that course.

[Swood1994]

19 hours ago, Jnoble89 said:

For me, the local bucket list courses are Erin Hills and even closer to where I reside, Sand Valley (Mammoth Dunes, Sand Valley and The Lido), which is located in Rome, WI and 5 minutes from my in-laws cabin. I have to drive past the sign all year and want to play so bad, but it’s pricey for a golfer of my skill at $235 plus a caddie fee. Someday I’ll play it, but I want to be better so I can truly enjoy myself. 

For those who have not heard of Sand Valley, their website is worth a look (would be an AMAZING spot for an MGS outing as they have accommodations right on the course). The Lido is an exact copy of the course that was originally located in Long Island, NY, which was purchased and demolished by the Navy during WW2. A ton went into course design and it is said to play exactly as the course in NY would have played, down to wind patterns. 

https://sandvalley.com

My great uncle lives about 40 mins from Erin Hills and I’ve been wanting to set up a trip to go out there and play there and Whistling Straits. A lot of high end courses in your area. 

My brother in-law played sand valley and could not say a bad thing about it. Definitely agree that it’s a perfect set up for an outing especially since they have on site lodging similar to pinehurst

[GolfSpy_KFT]

Just now, Swood1994 said:

My great uncle lives about 40 mins from Erin Hills and I’ve been wanting to set up a trip to go out there and play there and Whistling Straits. A lot of high end courses in your area. 

My brother in-law played sand valley and could not say a bad thing about it. Definitely agree that it’s a perfect set up for an outing especially since they have on site lodging similar to pinehurst

I would LOVE to see an MGS outing somewhere in the upper midwest here. Wisconsin is loaded with great courses. Erin Hills & Whistling Straights as you mentioned, Sand Valley is really good, The Golf Courses of Lawsonia are great courses, Sentry World (Home of the 2023 U.S. Senior Open) & Stevens Point CC in Stevens Point, WI (private course but allows limited public tee times). Then just near where I live, there are two great courses in Wisconsin Dells in Trappers Turn (an Andy North design) & Wild Rock GC.

I'll just keep hoping it someday happens and then I can be the group bartender and make everyone old fashioneds (which I make a mean cocktail, if I do say so myself )

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

17 hours ago, MuniGolfer said:

“Old money” out there.

 Around my house in Utah, I was lucky enough that a friend of mine was a course rater for golf digest and golf weekly, and so I knocked off most. That said, I still am trying to get Promontory in park city, specifically the Nicklaus course. My wife’s uncle is the lawyer for Promontory, but he has had trouble convincing the pro that I should be allowed on. Hopefully I will get it one day.

Very old money

[CFreddie]

13 minutes ago, Jnoble89 said:

I would LOVE to see an MGS outing somewhere in the upper midwest here. Wisconsin is loaded with great courses. Erin Hills & Whistling Straights as you mentioned, Sand Valley is really good, The Golf Courses of Lawsonia are great courses, Sentry World (Home of the 2023 U.S. Senior Open) & Stevens Point CC in Stevens Point, WI (private course but allows limited public tee times). Then just near where I live, there are two great courses in Wisconsin Dells in Trappers Turn (an Andy North design) & Wild Rock GC.

I'll just keep hoping it someday happens and then I can be the group bartender and make everyone old fashioneds (which I make a mean cocktail, if I do say so myself )

You let me know when the MGS outing is happening and I will DEFINITELY be there!