Courses in Best Condition

[4LEX]

Wentworth West these days is always different level. Greens on sub air, limited footfall and a huge greenkeeping team.

 

[PNWokingham]

What was better there compared to Bearwood Lakes and Queenwood?

Only played Queenwood once and that was also amazing condition albeit greens were not at their speedy as best as they had just relaid them. Bearwood is in great nick outside of the wet winter period but the greens and overall conditioning at JCB were on a different level - it is brand new and has probably a tenth of the traffic of bearwood so not hard ro understand why - and knowing the architect and following his journey through the build, they went to town on drainage and their maintenance routine of sand banding etc is top notch. They are all stunning compared to most and Queenwood likely to be amazing all the time but I was so impressed with JCB given the monsoon of previous days

 

[AddisonRoad]

I think pro courses, particularly in the US, can look flawless but don't underestimate the amount of extra staff brought in, the restrictions to play coming up to the tournament. You also won't often see the walks between tees and greens that always get the most wear. In saying that, the list I gave, first ones in particular, have all excelled when I have been lucky enough to play them. They really did stand out in a way you can only appreciate when you played that level of course. I didn't 'get it' before playing them, I do now.

I would also throw in, it can depend when you play a course. We have a tough spell in the UK from mid October through to late April/mid May where we don't get much growth and it is asking an awful lot for perfection during those times. The best courses still do that, or come mighty close but that comes down to a lot of staff, top eqt etc.

Yes, I guess the US courses also have a habit of spray painting all the greens and fairways. Perhaps my assessments of courses have been a bit tough since I haven't been playing the peak summer months. Looking forward to seeing what it's like in June/July.

 

[woofers]

How about ‘courses in best condition that are accessible to all’ ?
A lot those mentioned are exclusive and do not welcome visitors.

 

[Bdill93]

No matter when I’ve played it, the London Club has always been in great condition.

Another worthy mention is forest pines considering the numbers that play there

Im looking forward to playing there soon!

 

[Deleted member 1147]

How about ‘courses in best condition that are accessible to all’ ?
A lot those mentioned are exclusive and do not welcome visitors.

You can play nearly all the clubs mentioned so far. Only a few you can’t.

 

[woofers]

You can play nearly all the clubs mentioned so far. Only a few you can’t.

Apologies, I’ve read it again, my mistake, I just got sucked into the Bearwood, Queenwood, JCB discussion, along with mention of The Wisley and Valderamma, correct me if I’m wrong but I don‘t think they are open to green fee players.

 

[Bobthesock]

Apologies, I’ve read it again, my mistake, I just got sucked into the Bearwood, Queenwood, JCB discussion, along with mention of The Wisley and Valderamma, correct me if I’m wrong but I don‘t think they are open to green fee players.

Valderamma is but it's about 500 euros with the mandatory caddie. Not worth it imho but more than happy to play it once a year for free ?

 

[John Evans 9]

Silloth-on-Solway. A great course ,always in good nick and consistently voted best value.

 

[richart]

Loch Lomond and Finca Cortesin. Not a blade of grass out of place.

Birkdale was immaculate but I don’t think you can get a links course to be as manicured as a parkland.

Finca Cortesin is stunning, though it probably helps that very few can afford the green fees.

 

[richart]

Hindhead is always in great condition, and I have heard good things about Farnham from a mate that played their last week.

 

[Tashyboy]

On me journey back from Scarborough yesterday we passed Ganton, never knew where it was but heard a few on here rave about it. Just had a peruse on Google maps. ? it looks brutal.

 

[evemccc]

On me journey back from Scarborough yesterday we passed Ganton, never knew where it was but heard a few on here rave about it. Just had a peruse on Google maps. ? it looks brutal.

Superb course. A cross-between Woodhall Spa’s Hotchkin and Aldeburgh IMO

Lovely far-reaching views, as well as being a great strategic challenge - and most of all, a brute ?

 

[patricks148]

Tbh the best condition course I've ever played be it winter or summer is Muirfield. I don't think you could ever say that had heavy traffic. Last time I played I can't even remember seeing so much as a divot.

 

[KenL]

Tbh the best condition course I've ever played be it winter or summer is Muirfield. I don't think you could ever say that had heavy traffic. Last time I played I can't even remember seeing so much as a divot.

Agreed, Muirfield appears to always to be in great condition.
Although, the once I played in (July about 5 years ago) the greens were no better than my own club or St. Andrews old in October or Royal Troon in summer.

A long time ago but, at that time, the best greens I had ever played on were at Frilford Heath. I hadn't played a real quality course before there (1995?) and they blew me away.

 

[SyR]

East Sussex National in it's prime was always immaculate in the spring and summer. As they have increased the footfall, then fear the quality has dropped. I heard they also phased out the bent grass greens, but I can't find anything reliable to confirm that.

 

[Bobthesock]

Are all top courses not always in great condition? If I payed more than £50 for a green fee I would expect nothing less than immaculate!

 

[clubchamp98]

On me journey back from Scarborough yesterday we passed Ganton, never knew where it was but heard a few on here rave about it. Just had a peruse on Google maps. ? it looks brutal.

We have done work on Ganton.
Your right it’s a fantastic golf course if you have your A game ,if not it’s brutal.
Has a dormy house and is a great place to play golf.

 

[Tashyboy]

We have done work on Ganton.
Your right it’s a fantastic golf course if you have your A game ,if not it’s brutal.
Has a dormy house and is a great place to play golf.

I think it has gone on my wish list. ?

 

[Tashyboy]

Are all top courses not always in great condition? If I payed more than £50 for a green fee I would expect nothing less than immaculate!

You would expect that but what happens when you turn up the week after they have had work on the greens