EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES WORLD GOLF COURSE RANKING

6,111 Views | 73 Replies | Last: 4 mo ago by AggieDruggist89
AggieDruggist89
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2:19p, 8/14/24
AG
Quote:
As an idiom, use of the story's title refers to something widely accepted as true or professed as being praiseworthy, due to an unwillingness of the general population to criticize it or be seen as going against popular opinion. The phrase "emperor's new clothes" has become an idiom about logical fallacies.

I don't like links golf. I've called Bandon Dunes golf Mickey Mouse golf and received hefty criticism. It's all good. Personal preference.

So we walked off Royal Dornoch shaking our heads..2 reasons, 300 pound driver headcover and questions of why is this course ranked #2 - #5 in the world???? City of Dornoch is hard to get to, limited restaurant access in town, ****ty parking, crappy old clubhouse and 4 stall net driving range and a goat track of a practice putting green. It was not breath taking beautiful. Your typical Scottish pot bunkers... what am I missing besides Donald Ross is from there??

The Old Course. I personally didn't like the city of St. Andrews...just a major tourist trap gouging Americans. The Old Course other than the history, what makes this course great?

7 shared greens...didn't know which pin to shoot at. No real beauty to the course. Some nuances of shared spaces like having to wait for golfers on #7 as we were playing 13 maybe..It's a stupid golf course "for me." Also, the romantic notion of get a caddie was just as fallacious as most caddies weren't golfers rather unemployed locals who really didn't want to be out there but wanted a big tip.

Once I finally shared my opinion with my buddies, I proceeded go triple triple. Yes, Golf Gods punished me but I've made peace with that.

Sure, this definitely is an unpopular opinion and I may be the only ******** who feels this way. But It needed to be said. Just like I don't think Pebble Beach is worth playing twice, the Old Course isn't worth it. Other than getting a picture on the Swilcan Bridge.

Don't get me wrong. We had a great time. 9 rounds of golf and even brought home Covid.

2 courses worth playing, Kingsbarns and St. Andrews Castle Course.
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bagger05
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3:29p, 8/14/24
AG
Re: Dornoch - I think the rating is based on it being some of the best links golf in the entire world. One of the courses that defined what links golf even is. So if you like links golf, I think it's totally pure. Like going to a restaurant and ordering a steak that is so prime and prepared so well that it needs nothing but a little salt and pepper.

Like you said, you don't like links golf. So I don't think you're nuts -- you're not missing anything. You were served a filet but you don't like steak.


Re: The Old Course - I actually understand what you're saying a little more on this one. Like as a course I think it pales in comparison to some of the other courses I've played. And you'll either find the quirkiness to be charming or annoying. Without the history, no way it's ranked like it is.


Everyone gets to decide what they like. Glad you had a good trip overall.

Curious to know what the best golf trip you've ever taken was since some of the usual suspects aren't your cup o' tea.
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Fdsa
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6:36p, 8/14/24
You aren't the only serious golfer I've heard "one and done" from for Bandon.

Ranking golf courses is like ranking ski resorts….I like many for different reasons and most of all, I appreciate the variety of scenery and design. Once you get to prime conditions, they are all hard to say "best".
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TBufkin11
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6:49p, 8/14/24
AG
What do people not like about Bandon? Just for reference, what is your style of golf course?
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bagger05
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In reply to TBufkin11 • 6:58p, 8/14/24
AG
Not saying this is Druggist but I've heard some complaints from what I call Myrtle Beach golfers. Their basic complaint is that it's not riding around in a golf cart getting hammered.
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TBufkin11
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In reply to bagger05 • 7:09p, 8/14/24
AG
Got ya. Definitely a different experience if that's what someone is going for, no judgement if that's your style of golf. I was just curious.
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AggieDruggist89
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7:10p, 8/14/24
AG
I love Bandon and Bandon Dunes golf outing. I don't like links golf. Hence I enjoy playing Bandon Trails.

My OP point was what's the accolade for the Old Course and Dornoch? For me Carnoustie was more fun. Castle Stuart ( Cabot Highlands) and Nairn were also more fun for me. But none of these courses would make my top 10.

Now, Kingsbarns and the Castle Course were fantastic and I'd play them again. Perhaps these courses have some elevation changes and cognitive input to the design of the course?

The courses I love in the states are Spyglass, Crosswater, Primland, PGA West Stadium, Nicklaus, Sand Hollow, Poppy, Baltusrol, etc.

I live 2.5 hours from Pinehurst so that's next.

Not done any MI or WI courses. And I don't know I want to pay more than $500 green fees except #2.

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AggieDruggist89
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In reply to bagger05 • 7:13p, 8/14/24
AG
bagger05 said:
Not saying this is Druggist but I've heard some complaints from what I call Myrtle Beach golfers. Their basic complaint is that it's not riding around in a golf cart getting hammered.


Definitely not us. Walking 9 rounds, I lost 7 pounds.
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Aggie369
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7:15p, 8/14/24
AG
Just different opinions

I loved dornoch...played 36 in 2 different winds

St andrews was ok

Bandon is fun and as close to playing scottish/Irish golf as you can get in the states

Kingsbarns is fun but not a very difficult course...not nearly as challenging as dornoch.

Carnoustie was just ok for me

I prefer lahinch and prestwick style courses
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AggieDruggist89
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In reply to TBufkin11 • 7:15p, 8/14/24
AG
TBufkin11 said:
What do people not like about Bandon? Just for reference, what is your style of golf course?


It's probably me. I just no longer have a need to hit punches and knock downs and I suck at bump and run. Because my course doesn't require it. Perhaps that's why I snub at Links golf.
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Aggie369
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7:17p, 8/14/24
AG
Royal Birkdake was awesome

Liverpool was just ok

Lytham was fun and difficult
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AggieDruggist89
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In reply to Aggie369 • 7:19p, 8/14/24
AG
It all depends on the wind. Kingsbarns, Dornoch and Carnoustie played fairly easy... No wind.

When we played the castle course, 20-30mph. It was a beast!!!!
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Aggie369
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In reply to AggieDruggist89 • 7:23p, 8/14/24
AG
Castle Stuart was super fun...like Kingsbarns was. Both courses would be great to play every day. Dornoch was hard...Royal Lytham was hard....I loved them too but not courses I would want to play every day
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TBufkin11
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In reply to AggieDruggist89 • 7:49p, 8/14/24
AG
Yeah that's fair enough. I loved going out there and getting to experience something different. Also, just an amazing guys golf trip setting. To be fair, Bandon Trails was my favorite course too! But, I enjoyed all of them.
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BigHitterDaLama
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7:49a, 8/15/24
I think i read Whistling Straits is up to $700+ now. Played all four courses there back in 2016. As much as I love Whistling, I wouldn't pay that much to play it again.
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AggieDruggist89
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In reply to Aggie369 • 8:29a, 8/15/24
AG
Aggie369 said:
Castle Stuart was super fun...like Kingsbarns was. Both courses would be great to play every day. Dornoch was hard...Royal Lytham was hard....I loved them too but not courses I would want to play every day
Castle Stuart (Cabot Highlands) near Inverness was our first course and I thought the course was fun and in great shape. The Castle Course (Part of St. Andrews) right outside of St. Andrews to me was special. Right up there with Kingsbarns or for me, it may be the best course in Scotland, again, for me. And it was only 170 GBP. I could play it daily.

I'd choke myself to death if I had to play the Old Course everyday...@ 320 GBP...what is that like $400? St. Andrews New Course (170) is better than the Old course.
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Aggie369
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In reply to AggieDruggist89 • 8:53a, 8/15/24
AG
St Andrews I think gets harder the more you play it. You can't see most of the trouble from the tee so it looks wide open. If i knew where some if those bunkers were i think doubt starts to creep in. A handful of greens are so big the pin placements can change holes drastically.

We played it in heavy winds and on/off rain
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98Ag99Grad
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8:53a, 8/15/24
AG
Leaving Saturday. Playing Prestwick, Royal Dornich, Cabot Highlands, Dumbarnie, and Kingsbarnes with our names being entered for Old Course play. If can't get on will try one of the other St Andrews courses.
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Aggie369
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In reply to 98Ag99Grad • 8:58a, 8/15/24
AG
If your playing prestwick call Troon and see if they have any open spots. It's right next door

Also right by prestwick is the red lion pub where they first came up with the idea of the British Open...go grab a pint
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AggieDruggist89
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In reply to 98Ag99Grad • 9:27a, 8/15/24
AG
98Ag99Grad said:
Leaving Saturday. Playing Prestwick, Royal Dornich, Cabot Highlands, Dumbarnie, and Kingsbarnes with our names being entered for Old Course play. If can't get on will try one of the other St Andrews courses.
If playing the Old Course is a big deal, your chances are better doing the daily individual ballot. This could wreak havoc with the rest of your schedule and losing refunds etc. Daily Ballot stations are in both "Old Pavilion" and the "New/Jubilee" clubhouse. The Castle Course is a gem.

Not sure what your tee times are...but say its after 3pm and you get done around 8, having to drive to get dinner, remember that the google maps may show the restaurants are open til 11PM but most of the kitchens close at 9PM. We had to resort to late night Indian Food (excellent), McDonalds, and Chinese Take Away (twice).

If you're planning to eat in Dornoch, go ahead and reserve now. Luigis in Dornoch kicked us out quickly...didn't want 4 of us in wet golf clothing.

If you're driving (it sucks on the wrong side), don't get excited to see 1.40..... it's per liter. But the mercedes diesel van we drove got us around 40-45 mpg.
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98Ag99Grad
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In reply to AggieDruggist89 • 10:27a, 8/15/24
AG
I'll be driving the rental car. Hoping the roads are better than what we experienced in Ireland but prepared for the worst. Wife has all the food places mapped and reservations made so not too concerned there but thanks for the heads up. The Old Course area is at the end of our trip so no conflicts with other times anywhere. I gotta try and play it once; made it to The Masters in April through the ticket draw and now trying for the old course a few months later would pretty much be a dream golf season.
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AggieDruggist89
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In reply to 98Ag99Grad • 10:45a, 8/15/24
AG
Look to the right when entering the roundabout!

Hope y'all get some sight seeing.

We toured the Castle Urquhart on Loch Ness. May need to reserve online but worth it. Make sure to start the tour with the 8 minute theater presentation.
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98Ag99Grad
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In reply to AggieDruggist89 • 11:06a, 8/15/24
AG
oh yeah lots of sightseeing stuff planned. we'll be there 2 weeks and only 5 rounds of golf planned, 6 if we get on old course, so time to see other stuff. gotta take care of the wife too on these trips. she doesn't complain about the golf so I keep my mouth shut on everything else we do while over there.
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oldflyer
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In reply to 98Ag99Grad • 11:56a, 8/15/24
AG
98Ag99Grad said:
I'll be driving the rental car. Hoping the roads are better than what we experienced in Ireland but prepared for the worst.
The roads in Scotland are a lot better than Ireland. You should not have any problems if you have driven on the left before.
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Aggie369
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In reply to AggieDruggist89 • 11:59a, 8/15/24
AG
We did that tour as well
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jonj101
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12:56p, 8/15/24
AG
98/99 - hope you have a good trip over there.

Not trying to jack this thread but I just saw this from TXGA and I was wondering if this is a pretty decent deal from anyone who has made the trip over the pond: https://www.theexperiencegolf.com/uk/associations/texas-ga/

If not, is there a different package/guide you'd recommend?

I kind of like what you said 98/99, but whenever I went to London for work I didn't drive and I'd have to be comfortable with that if I was going to be self-guided.
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AggieDruggist89
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In reply to jonj101 • 1:22p, 8/15/24
AG
That's $10,000. I feel like I can put together a trip much more economically than using an agency.
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98Ag99Grad
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In reply to oldflyer • 1:53p, 8/15/24
AG
oldflyer said:
98Ag99Grad said:
I'll be driving the rental car. Hoping the roads are better than what we experienced in Ireland but prepared for the worst.
The roads in Scotland are a lot better than Ireland. You should not have any problems if you have driven on the left before.


Was hoping that was the case since it's in the UK but wasn't sure. Good to hear
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Lt. Joe Bookman
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In reply to AggieDruggist89 • 2:19p, 8/15/24
AG
I'd like to see your ranking of the Bandon courses.

Obviously, Trails first.

You ranking crossings above the rest of the 4?

Mine:

Pac Dunes
Bandon Dunes
Old Mac
Sheep
Trails

The thing for me though, is I think Trails is phenomenal and it's better than 99% of courses I've played… but I love links golf. Pacific Dunes is number 1 for me because of the view but also because I got to play it with my grandfather last year. But it's probably the least "links like" of the main 5, aside from Trails.
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Aggie369
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In reply to jonj101 • 3:28p, 8/15/24
AG
I think that's high priced for what your getting

You can spend 10k and get more from a service or you could spend 5-7k and do it yourself

Check out Perry golf or if you want it 5* check out haversham and baker
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AggieDruggist89
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In reply to jonj101 • 4:23p, 8/15/24
AG
I just looked up the green fees. GBP1,880 for the 7 rounds. I'd sincerely recommend not playing Crail-Balcomie and instead play Jubilee.

8 nights at Rusacks (on the 18th fairway of the Old Course in June (better chance to get on the Old Course) is GBP3,800 but I bet you can find lodging for 1500-2500 easily. Then the rental car.

If and when I go back, I'll book 4-5 rounds of golf over 8-10 days and do it cost effectively.
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AggieDruggist89
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In reply to Lt. Joe Bookman • 4:26p, 8/15/24
AG
Lt. Joe Bookman said:
I'd like to see your ranking of the Bandon courses.

Obviously, Trails first.

You ranking crossings above the rest of the 4?

Mine:

Pac Dunes
Bandon Dunes
Old Mac
Sheep
Trails

The thing for me though, is I think Trails is phenomenal and it's better than 99% of courses I've played… but I love links golf. Pacific Dunes is number 1 for me because of the view but also because I got to play it with my grandfather last year. But it's probably the least "links like" of the main 5, aside from Trails.


You know I love Crossings. Id join that course over Coos CC or is it Watson Ranch... Still owned by the ex ESPN guy from Seattle??

I'd go

PT
Crossings,
BD
Old Mac
PD
Not played SR yet.

I used to hate PD passionately. I'm warming up to it.
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Lt. Joe Bookman
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In reply to AggieDruggist89 • 11:06a, 8/16/24
AG
That seems about right.

Haven't played Coos Golf Club, but have heard good things. My company's hq is in Coos Bay and we've got a few employees that are members.

Crossings is really good. Have you played Bar Run in Roseburg, yet? Same architect and has a lot of the same creativity.
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The Milkman
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1:14p, 8/16/24
AG
It sounds like AggieDruggist would find solace in Jack Nicklaus designed courses.

Whether or not you take that as a dig is up to you.
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jonj101
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2:31p, 8/16/24
AG
Thanks for the suggestions.
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