Hands Down #1 Bucket List Golf Course

[GolfSpy_KFT]

Just as the title states, I want to know your hands down, no questions asked #1 bucket list golf course. What is the one course you would play no matter what else was on your schedule if given the opportunity?

Photos HIGHLY encouraged for everyone to daydream over!

[GolfSpy_APH]

Not even going to say where or what the course is. If you know. You know!

[vandyland]

Mammoth Dunes, great condition and wide and totally unlike what I encounter in middle TN. Bandon seems like a spiritual place but Sand Valley/Mammoth seems to embody some of that while (seemingly) being more playable and less exposed to the elements….

 

[Byrnzee]

#1 for me right now probably has to be Old Head of Kinsale in County Cork, Ireland. We were able to visit the clubhouse and eat lunch there on a 2022 trip with my family. Unfortunately didn't get a chance to tee it up there, but I hope to in the next few years!

[GolfSpy_KFT]

24 minutes ago, vandyland said:

Mammoth Dunes, great condition and wide and totally unlike what I encounter in middle TN. Bandon seems like a spiritual place but Sand Valley/Mammoth seems to embody some of that while (seemingly) being more playable and less exposed to the elements….

 

@vandyland as someone who has been on-site at SV (have only played the Par 3 course, sadly), You are 100% correct. Once you enter the property you feel like you're transported to a different area of country. It is NOT at all what Wisconsin geographically is anywhere else in the state. Truly a special place.

...if you make the trek to play it someday, let me know! My in-laws have a lake house 10 minutes away! Would gladly join you and take you on a cruise on the lake afterward!

[cksurfdude]

Was gonna say Bandon .. with #2 = Sand Valley & Mammoth Dunes .. but .. I think @vandyland and @Jnoble89 might've just flip flopped my picks!!

 

Oh PS: most likely will be joining that Midwest July outing to Wild Horse, NE

Edited January 25 by cksurfdude

[bens197]

It’s Shinnecock Hills.  

I’d compromise and play Maidstone, Fishers Island, National Golf Links or Friar’s head though

 

[funkyjudge]

1 hour ago, Jnoble89 said:

Just as the title states, I want to know your hands down, no questions asked #1 bucket list golf course. What is the one course you would play no matter what else was on your schedule if given the opportunity?

Photos HIGHLY encouraged for everyone to daydream over!

I am playing that course (hint: it’s the “home of golf”) in just a bit more than four months.

[CFreddie]

Love your choice Jamie!

Mine is a bit closer to home, but I will probably never have the opportunity to step foot on it (Cypress)...

I'm going to knock off two more courses next year on my trip to Scotland (Old Course & Royal Dornoch) - 

[IndyBonzo]

How in the Wide World of Sports can I be the first to post this pic?  I am so impressed with my speed . . .

 

[funkyjudge]

6 minutes ago, CFreddie said:

Love your choice Jamie!

Mine is a bit closer to home, but I will probably never have the opportunity to step foot on it (Cypress)...

I'm going to knock off two more courses next year on my trip to Scotland (Old Course & Royal Dornoch) - 

When will you be at The Old Course?

I would love to play Royal Dornoch, but it’s not in the cards on this year’s trip; however, I do get to play a few other courses on my “bucket list”, including Carnoustie and North Berwick.

[GolfSpy_KFT]

49 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

Was gonna say Bandon .. with #2 = Sand Valley & Mammoth Dunes .. but .. I think @vandyland and @Jnoble89 might've just flip flopped my picks!!

 

Oh PS: most likely will be joining that Midwest July outing to Wild Horse, NE

I'll extend the same invite! If you make it to SV let me know so I can join and we will finish the evening with cocktails and a boat cruise! 

[J7Hawkins]

Great courses listed so far! To echo what @IndyBonzo said, I’m shocked to be the first to list Pebble Beach! 

if I was given a second choice I’d go east coast with Tobacco Road in NC!

[CFreddie]

1 hour ago, funkyjudge said:

When will you be at The Old Course?

I would love to play Royal Dornoch, but it’s not in the cards on this year’s trip; however, I do get to play a few other courses on my “bucket list”, including Carnoustie and North Berwick.

Plan is early April 2025 - it will just be my wife and I so I’m hoping to jump on as a solo, although I’ll go through the lotteries for a guaranteed time.  

Goal is to also play Muirfield and North Berwick (along with Royal Dornoch) - can’t wait!

[CFreddie]

33 minutes ago, J7Hawkins said:

Great courses listed so far! To echo what @IndyBonzo said, I’m shocked to be the first to list Pebble Beach! 

if I was given a second choice I’d go east coast with Tobacco Road in NC!

Tobacco Road is a BLAST- prob the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course. 

[GolfSpy_KFT]

29 minutes ago, CFreddie said:

Tobacco Road is a BLAST- prob the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course. 

Chris that last photo is just absolute

Tobacco road is for sure on my list

[CFreddie]

Just now, Jnoble89 said:

Chris that last photo is just absolute

Tobacco road is for sure on my list

Thanks man - we played 36 that day and 13 in the afternoon was def a highlight. 

[GolfSpy_BEN]

Because we have an actual plan in place to play this one, I’m going with Old MacDonald at Bandon Dunes

I don’t want to lose any time getting there, but 2026 is going to be a special year

[Josh Parker]

2 hours ago, Jnoble89 said:

@vandyland as someone who has been on-site at SV (have only played the Par 3 course, sadly), You are 100% correct. Once you enter the property you feel like you're transported to a different area of country. It is NOT at all what Wisconsin geographically is anywhere else in the state. Truly a special place.

...if you make the trek to play it someday, let me know! My in-laws have a lake house 10 minutes away! Would gladly join you and take you on a cruise on the lake afterward!

How do I sign up for this?  

[CFreddie]

4 minutes ago, GolfSpy_BEN said:

Because we have an actual plan in place to play this one, I’m going with Old MacDonald at Bandon Dunes

I don’t want to lose any time getting there, but 2026 is going to be a special year

Can't wait to go back - I've heard from many that the "cheat code" is to go in December.  Greens fees are managable ($110 for first round, $55 for replay) and weather is actually quite manageable (Bandon, OR is in the "banana belt" of Southern Oregon).

I have to ask...why 2026? Why not...2024? 

[GolfSpy_BEN]

Just now, CFreddie said:

Can't wait to go back - I've heard from many that the "cheat code" is to go in December.  Greens fees are managable ($110 for first round, $55 for replay) and weather is actually quite manageable (Bandon, OR is in the "banana belt" of Southern Oregon).

I have to ask...why 2026? Why not...2024? 

It is a group trip and some of the group are traveling in from Europe. So 2026 gives us enough time to coordinate schedules and what not. 

[CFreddie]

1 minute ago, GolfSpy_BEN said:

It is a group trip and some of the group are traveling in from Europe. So 2026 gives us enough time to coordinate schedules and what not. 

Where's the sign-up for this? 

[GolfSpy_KFT]

3 hours ago, GolfSpy_BEN said:

Because we have an actual plan in place to play this one, I’m going with Old MacDonald at Bandon Dunes

I don’t want to lose any time getting there, but 2026 is going to be a special year

Cannot WAIT for this one!!!

[Preeway]

Playing my #1 in June at Bandon Dunes. Sand Valley is a very close 2nd and will definitely be taking you up on that offer, @Jnoble89!

[Al Handelit]

8 hours ago, CFreddie said:

Love your choice Jamie!

Mine is a bit closer to home, but I will probably never have the opportunity to step foot on it (Cypress)...

If you were to tell me that the only way I could get a chance to play Cypress was if I did it wearing only my underwear, with no golf shoes, during a ladies club day, I'd be like-

Me: Hey Honey, here's $10,000, you're going to need it.

Wife: What for?

Me: bail money. I'm going golfing and won't need a suitcase.

I'm going to knock off two more courses next year on my trip to Scotland (Old Course & Royal Dornoch) - 

 

[GolfSpy_APH]

This is a new one to my list, but is currently number 2 on my list!

[bumpandrun]

10 hours ago, CFreddie said:

Love your choice Jamie!

Mine is a bit closer to home, but I will probably never have the opportunity to step foot on it (Cypress)...

I'm going to knock off two more courses next year on my trip to Scotland (Old Course & Royal Dornoch) - 

Mine as well great choice. I'm not playing Cypress, but I am going to get to play Whistling Straits in Aug.

[Cmra1]

 

My next bucket course, McLemore on Lookout Mt, TN

[Peaksy68]

I’ve played my 2 top bucket list courses 3 times each, Royal Melbourne West and Cape Wickham, so my next bucket list would have to be The Old Course. I’ve walked around it( on a Sunday) and raked a bunker. My daughter is spending 6 months in Scotland this year and I’m planning a Europe trip so might be a chance.

Edited January 26 by Peaksy68

[MacGavel2014]

My number one bucket list course would obviously be Augusta National, but since that's not a reasonable ask, the next would be the tournament course at TPC Sawgrass.