The Creek Golf Course in Locust Valley, New York, designed by Charles Blair Macdonald in 1923, showcases several classic template holes including the famous island Biarritz 11th. While the template holes draw attention, the course's original designs may be its strongest features.
Golf course architecture expert challenges common criticisms of Michigan's Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club, defending its routing and design philosophy. Despite being labeled 'more beauty than brains' by some, the reviewer argues the course's massive scale and dramatic lakefront setting create an exceptional golf experience.
Victory Ranch Club in Park City, Utah offers golfers thrilling elevation changes and stunning mountain vistas across its Rees Jones-designed layout. While the course may lack architectural sophistication, its dramatic shot opportunities and heroic carries make it a compelling destination for the general golfing public.
West Palm Beach Municipal Golf Course, a former PGA Tour venue designed by Dick Wilson and restored by Mark McCumber, delivers exceptional value at just $24. The course features firm, fast conditions that encourage ground game strategy, making it stand out among Florida's typically overwatered layouts.
Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario, stands as a masterpiece of design and conditioning, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers. With its strategic layout, pristine fairways, and innovative greens, the course has earned praise as one of Canada's finest. While the finishing holes may not match the brilliance of the middle stretch, Beacon Hall remains a must-play for enthusiasts.
Crystal Downs Country Club, a 1929 Alister Mackenzie/Perry Maxwell design along Lake Michigan, remains one of golf's most strategic tests. The 6,518-yard par-70 layout features deceptive length, brilliant green complexes, and a legendary five-hole stretch that challenges even elite players. Nearly a century after its creation, the course continues to showcase architectural genius through its natural bunkering and demanding false fronts.
The Los Angeles Country Club's North Course exemplifies golf course restoration done right, blending George Thomas's original design with modern updates by Gil Hanse and Geoff Shackelford. This 7,236-yard, par-71 layout challenges golfers with strategic bunkering, deceptive greens, and a mix of power and precision demands. The restoration serves as a model for preserving classic architecture while enhancing playability.