The Good in Golf - Issue 24.3.2

WELCOME TO THIS EDITION OF THE GOOD IN GOLF.

WE APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE.

A good thing about golf is is it gets out outside, and whether we walk or ride, we are exercising.

Among the health benefits of golf are

• Improves heart health

• May improve life span

• Great way for all ages, including seniors, to exercise

• Reduces stress due to physical activity and the joy of being close to nature

• Is an excellent way to stay in touch with friends

• Improves social interactions by bringing together people who have a shared interest

• Develops a sense of bonding with your community

• Helps you retain a sense of achievement by becoming better at something that you enjoy doing

• Actively engages your body and mind

One of the Good things about Golf is the variety of courses we can play, from the desert to the mountains to the coasts, we have a large assortment of courses in all price ranges, from which to enjoy and test our games.

One of the fun things to do every year is to look at the lists that are compiled, of the top course. These can be grouped by

• Top Courses in the USA

• Top Public Courses

• Top Budget Courses

• Top Walking Courses

• Top Resort Courses

• and there are also lists for each state

Now the lists are subjective, but they are one opinion you can agree with, or not. In either case, you will probably see some courses you haven’t heard of, and maybe one or two you can go try out.

So for starters, here are the top 10 Courses in the USA. Hard to argue …

1. Augusta National Golf Club (Augusta, Georgia) - Home of The Masters, this exclusive club is famous for its beautiful and challenging course, as well as its rich history in the sport of golf.

2. Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach, California) - Known for its stunning coastal views and challenging play, Pebble Beach has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful courses in the world.

3. Pine Valley Golf Club (Pine Valley, New Jersey) - Often topping the lists of the world's best golf courses, Pine Valley is celebrated for its natural landscaping and unique design.

4. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (Southampton, New York) - As one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States, Shinnecock Hills has hosted several U.S. Opens and is known for its undulating greens and challenging conditions.

5. Oakmont Country Club (Oakmont, Pennsylvania) - Known for its fast greens and challenging layout, Oakmont has hosted numerous major championships and is often described as one of the most difficult courses in North America.

6. Cypress Point Club (Pebble Beach, California) - Situated along the coast, Cypress Point is famed for its scenic beauty and challenging holes, particularly the 16th, which requires a tee shot over the ocean.

7. Merion Golf Club (Ardmore, Pennsylvania) - Merion has a storied history and has been the site of numerous significant competitions, including the U.S. Open. It’s known for its strategic layout and the wicker basket-topped pins.

8. Winged Foot Golf Club (Mamaroneck, New York) - Home to multiple U.S. Opens, Winged Foot is renowned for its challenging greens and deep bunkers.

9. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon, Oregon) - With multiple courses designed by famous architects, Bandon Dunes is a favorite among golfers for its links-style play and stunning ocean views.

10. Bethpage Black Course (Farmingdale, New York) - A public course known for its difficulty, Bethpage Black has hosted the U.S. Open and is considered one of the best public courses in the country.

Not a bad start.

Here are some other lists we found interesting and useful. Enjoy!

• The Top 10 Public Golf Courses in the USA

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links, California: Iconic for its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and challenging play.

2. Pinehurst Resort (No. 2), North Carolina: Known for its historic design by Donald Ross and hosting several major championships.

3. Whistling Straits (The Straits Course), Wisconsin: A Pete Dye masterpiece on the shores of Lake Michigan, famous for hosting PGA Championships and the Ryder Cup.

4. Pacific Dunes, Oregon: Part of the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, it's praised for its natural, rugged terrain and ocean views.

5. Bethpage State Park (Black Course), New York: A demanding course known for hosting the U.S. Open among other major events.

6. Kiawah Island Golf Resort (The Ocean Course), South Carolina: Host of the 1991 Ryder Cup and 2012 PGA Championship, renowned for its beauty and difficulty.

7. Bandon Dunes, Oregon: The original course at Bandon Dunes Resort, offering a true links experience.

8. Shadow Creek, Nevada: An exclusive, high-end experience in Las Vegas, known for its luxurious setting and impeccable condition.

9. TPC Sawgrass (The Players Stadium Course), Florida: Famous for the 17th hole "Island Green," it's a regular host of The Players Championship.

10. Torrey Pines (South Course), California: A scenic course overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it has hosted the U.S. Open and is a regular stop on the PGA Tour.

• The Top 10 Resort Golf Courses in the USA

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links at Pebble Beach Resorts, California: Frequently topping lists, this course offers breathtaking seaside views and a rich history of championship golf.

2. Pinehurst No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina: A masterpiece by Donald Ross, Pinehurst No. 2 is famous for its crowned, undulating greens and has hosted numerous major tournaments.

3. Whistling Straits (The Straits Course) at Destination Kohler, Wisconsin: Designed by Pete Dye, this course mimics an ancient seaside links, with vast bunkers and windswept terrain along Lake Michigan.

4. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina: Another Pete Dye design, known for hosting the "War by the Shore" Ryder Cup in 1991 and the PGA Championship. It's celebrated for its beauty and the challenge posed by the Atlantic winds.

5. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Oregon: With multiple courses (like Pacific Dunes, Bandon Dunes, Bandon Trails, and Old Macdonald) designed by world-renowned architects, the resort offers a pure golf experience reminiscent of ancient Scottish links.

6. Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, Nevada: A luxurious and exclusive Tom Fazio design, offering a tranquil yet challenging experience in the desert, available to guests of MGM Resorts.

7. TPC Sawgrass (The Players Stadium Course) at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Florida: Home to the famous 17th-hole island green, this Pete Dye course is a bucket list item for many golfers and hosts The Players Championship annually.

8. Sea Island (Seaside Course) at Sea Island Resort, Georgia: A classic Harry S. Colt and Charles Alison design, later updated by Tom Fazio, known for its beauty and challenging layout on the Georgia coast.

9. The Broadmoor (East Course) in Colorado Springs, Colorado: This historic course has hosted numerous USGA championships and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

10. Kapalua (Plantation Course) in Maui, Hawaii: The host of the PGA Tour's Sentry Tournament of Champions, this Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design is renowned for its dramatic elevation changes and views of the Pacific Ocean.

These resorts not only provide exceptional golfing experiences but also offer luxurious accommodations, dining, and other amenities, making them perfect destinations for both avid golfers and those seeking a leisurely retreat.

• Courtesy of the Walking Golfers Society, here are state by state lists of the best walking courses.

• Top 10 Budget Golf Courses in the USA

Finding top-quality budget golf courses in the USA that combine great value with a memorable golfing experience can be a bit of a treasure hunt. As of my last update, the following courses have been recognized for offering excellent play at affordable rates. These selections are based on a combination of green fees, overall course quality, history, and player reviews. Prices and conditions can vary, so it's a good idea to check the latest details before making plans.

1. Bethpage State Park (Black Course), New York: While it has hosted major championships and is a stern test of golf, the other courses at Bethpage offer more affordable rates and are accessible to a broader range of golfers.

2. Torrey Pines (North and South Courses), California: The South Course is more famous but pricier; however, both courses offer stunning ocean views and challenging golf at relatively good value, especially for residents.

3. Pacific Grove Golf Links, California: Often referred to as a "poor man's Pebble Beach," this course offers some of the best ocean views in golf at a fraction of the price of its more famous neighbors.

4. Muny (Lions Municipal Golf Course), Texas: Located in Austin, this historic course has been a local favorite for decades, known for its affordability and inclusive atmosphere.

5. Taconic Golf Club, Massachusetts: As a college course (Williams College), it offers exceptional value and quality. Non-affiliated golfers can play with some restrictions, enjoying one of New England's top courses at a reasonable rate.

6. Cobblestone Golf Course, Georgia: This course is highly regarded for its conditions and layout, offering a high-end golf experience at public course prices.

7. Highland Links, Massachusetts: Situated in Cape Cod, this 9-hole links course provides stunning ocean views and a taste of traditional links golf at a budget-friendly price.

8. Chambers Bay, Washington: Known for hosting the U.S. Open, it offers off-peak and resident rates that make it more accessible for budget-conscious golfers.

9. Brackenridge Park Golf Course, Texas: As the oldest public golf course in Texas, it combines historical significance with a solid golfing experience at an affordable price.

10. The Cradle at Pinehurst, North Carolina: While Pinehurst No. 2 might be out of the budget range, The Cradle is a 9-hole short course that offers fun and affordability, letting you experience the Pinehurst atmosphere without the high cost.

These courses demonstrate that you don't have to break the bank to enjoy great golf in the United States. Whether you're a local or planning a trip, checking for online deals, twilight rates, and resident discounts can also help you save money while enjoying some of the best courses the country has to offer.

Here are some more Budget lists!

• And finally, there are many outstanding golf courses outside the USA. Here are the Top 10 Golf Courses in the World, outside the USA, and in addition, here is a link from Golf Magazine of the Top 100 Courses in the World.

Excluding courses in the USA, the top golf courses around the world are celebrated for their design, history, natural beauty, and the unique challenges they present to golfers. Here's a list reflecting a global perspective on the best the sport has to offer, based on their reputation, the quality of the golfing experience, and their iconic status in the golf world as of April 2023:

1. St. Andrews (Old Course), Scotland: Often referred to as the "Home of Golf," the Old Course is renowned for its history, iconic design, and being the frequent host of The Open Championship.

2. Royal County Down Golf Club, Northern Ireland: Known for its stunning natural beauty and challenging links, it's set against the Mountains of Mourne and the Irish Sea.

3. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course), Australia: Widely considered the best course in the Southern Hemisphere, it's praised for its strategic design crafted by Alister MacKenzie.

4. Muirfield, Scotland: Home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield is a prestigious links course with a rich history of hosting The Open Championship.

5. Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Scotland: Offering a pure links experience, its challenging layout and scenic beauty make it a favorite among golf purists.

6. Royal Portrush Golf Club (Dunluce Course), Northern Ireland: Known for its rugged coastal links and having hosted The Open Championship, it's one of the most challenging and beautiful courses in the world.

7. St. George's Golf and Country Club, England: Often featured in major championship rotations, this course is celebrated for its tough but fair layout and pristine conditioning.

8. Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course), Ireland: A classic Irish links, known for its towering dunes, tight fairways, and the unforgiving Atlantic wind.

9. Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, New Zealand: Renowned for its dramatic coastal views atop cliffs, this course combines natural beauty with golfing challenge.

10. Royal St. George's Golf Club, England: Having hosted multiple Open Championships, it's known for its undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens, presenting a stern test of golf.

These courses are bucket-list destinations for golf enthusiasts, offering not just a game of golf but an immersive experience into the traditions, challenges, and scenic beauty that the best courses around the world provide.

Golf is great at raising money for charities. One of the prime methods of doing this is a charity golf event at a nice golf course. And sometimes, it gives the golfer a chance to not only contribute to a good cause, but also to play a well known or hard to get on golf course.

WE will highlight in our newsletter some of the big Golf charity events that occur duing the year. But there are many other places you can check.

• The American Cancer Society publishes a calendar of charity golf events. Here is the link - https://www.cancer.org/involved/fundraise/golf-tournaments.html

• Every state has a PGA Section and local state golf association which host State Championships, govern the rules and manage golf operations in their respective state. Many state golf associations have a list of charity golf tournaments on their website.

• Eventbrite is a popular ticket registration website where people can list their charity golf events for people to sign-up. If you are looking to find charity golf tournaments, I’ve found that there are many golf local tournaments listed on this website. Check out golf on eventbrite

• GoFindGolf.com makes organizing tournament dates so much easier. They post tournaments across the nation from local amateur events and USGA Championships. Search by course, date, location, and tournament type. Anyone can post golf tournament information to GoFindGolf.com. It's completely free and takes seconds. Follow your favorite courses and get email notifications when new tournaments are added.

• Many golf courses list tournaments on their websites. If you like playing
  at a specific course locally, checking the tournament calendar on a local course website or on the event board at the club can be helpful to find upcoming charity golf tournaments. Check with your local PGA or LPGA Professional as they will know where to find charity tournaments which the club is hosting or may know some other good causes and events happening in the area. 

• Use Google - just type into google ‘Charity Golf Event’, and you’ll see local events in your area.

  So get out there, find an event, support a good cause, and have some fun!