AmenCorner

I personally believe that you cannot please all of the people all of the time. I'd say the average golfer has a worse ego than course designers. Why? Because they insist on playing a course that allows them to score rather than be challenged. After playing golf for 21 years, I'm tired of playing bland courses that don't challenge me. Now, I'm playing the tips, all the time. Eventually, I think it will help me improve my game. I have now played a total of 13 member-guest golf tournaments over the last few years. Every single time I have played, the "Tournament" tees end up being at or near the Senior tee box. What's up with that? Clearly the older or shorter hitting members are complaining enough to get their way. It is now to the point where I can rarely hit driver because I would face too much trouble. As a result, I cannot use my distance to my advantage. Not fair in my opinion. Whoever says you have to score well to enjoy Golf is missing the point. It's a game far more challenging the other of our more primitive sports. I don't think designers should have to have a red carpet to the green on every hole. Rewarding someone for not being able to get the ball airborn is not a real challenge in my book. I enjoy novelty and creativity of designers. Not every hole is meant to be birdied, eagled, or reached in less than regulation. I remember a story about Ben Hogan chipping down to a lower tee box in a pro tourney because the hole was too long and windy. I don't remember him complaining. People said Shinnecock Hills was way too long for a short hitter to win, then Corey Pavin took home the title with a fairway metal approach on the Par-4 18th. This is golf, enjoy the challenge and uniqueness of each and every golf course. Because in my eyes, they are all masterpieces. If you would like conformity, there is always tennis and basketball.

Been playing for 21 years (yikes) and been as low as a 6 handicap. -0- holes in one. My dad picked up the game with me and has the same number, and he's a solid 8 right now. Both of us have been incredibly close. Last year we were playing in a member-guest when he rolled one right over the cup and rested right behind it. Everyone with us thought it was in. Too bad considering he would have won an 80,000 Mercedes. I was on my honeymoon in Hawaii. I played a round, by myself, on the Manele Bay course in Lana'i. Amazing course on the ocean. I bounced a 6-iron in and out of the cup from 167 yards. There was a grounds worker on the green that saw the whole thing. Probably a good thing I didn't get one by myself. I guess officially it wouldn't have counted. Some day.

Yeah, but it's straight. 1 out of 2 ain't bad at all.

I could not agree more, on all counts. Nice post.

3 iron here...God only knows where it's going though.

actually, the lack of rough is what makes Augusta difficult in its own unique way. Whereas the rough would typically keep players from rolling in to the trees or the creek, the rough is not there to do that. This includes the greenside mounds which they shave during the tourney. Difficult, but in its own way. Actually, the thing that affects the playability the most at Augusta is precipitation. When it stays dry, the place is treacherous. When it rains alot, they go low.

I've lived in Houston for the past year, here's what I know. 1) Redstone is immaculate (but closed for 3 months due to Houston Open) Pricey at around $120 bucks, but you get a forecaddie too which is sweet. 2) Augusta Pines is immaculate. Went to hit balls the other day and check it out, it looks amazing. 3) Blackhorse is great 4) Wildcat is a little carnival to me, but good practice setup. 5) Meadowbrook Farms I'm playing on Saturday, supposed to be a great Greg Norman course. 6) Memorial Park is a great Muni, but VERY busy and overplayed in my opinion. Fairways hard as a rock. Closed Tuesdays 7) River Ridge is out West in Searcy, pretty nice. 3 nines, but a little hard right now. 8) Cypresswood: up towards airport in Humble. Tradition Course is natural and very beautiful. Nobody has mentioned this course but I absolutely loved it. Not very expensive either at $67 bucks or so. Houston Open qualifier is held here. LOVE this place. Don't mind a little drive? 9) Waterwood is a Pete Dye course in Huntville that is supposed to be awesome. 10) High Meadow Ranch is a little bit of a hike, but supposed to be a beauty as well. We are spoiled here in Houston There are a ton of other solid daily fee courses you can play. Try www.myavidgolfer.com for the full skinny. They have rankings of public courses and such. That's how I found out about the courses I've played so far. Hope this helps.