What do you look for in a good course?

[Deleted member 15344]

Picturesque which is why you are preferring parkland? Got to be a wind up

Parklands can also be very picturesque - it's all in the eye of the beholder

 

[Swingalot]

Parklands can also be very picturesque - it's all in the eye of the beholder

Spot on. Lots of people i know find links courses bleak and soulless places.

This may come as a shock to some, but not every golfer must think links are the best type of courses.

 

[Slab]

For it to be a ‘good’ course as noted in the OP it should cover much that has already been stated & have everything from good quality & consistency on greens & fairways to good distance markers and other playing signage (but it’ll start with the booking & welcome) plus it’ll need:

• Interesting & varied course design
• One short picturesque par 3
• Expected elapsed pace on scorecard (based on actual times rather than what they want)
• Good local rule signage
• Up to date GUR areas
• Decent & consistent level of sand in bunkers
• Well defined & maintained hazards & 1st cut rough
• Good practice range and short game area
• Starter who actually starts groups properly
• Days pin placement sheet
• Good locker room with showers/towels etc
• Reasonable quality & VFM in clubhouse

I’m sure there’s more...

 

[Val]

Spot on. Lots of people i know find links courses bleak and soulless places.

This may come as a shock to some, but not every golfer must think links are the best type of courses.

I agree in your last point but there is a reason there are so many in GM top 100.

Everyone is different and every eye is different that's why opinions on courses are very subjective.

 

[MashieNiblick]

Course should be interesting, challenging and enjoyable for all standards of golfer. Thoughtful design with varied holes, well placed hazards, requiring a range of shot making and allowing different options. Greens should reflect the course topography but should not be too flat or gratuitously overly contoured. Of course it should be well maintained. Course should look good and individual holes should make you want to play them. Course should look like it belongs in its setting and almost as though it was discovered rather than built.

Can be often be summed up in 2 words - Harry Colt.

 

[Break90]

After my requirements for traditional dress code (both on course and in bar/dining area) and joining fee (even if playing as a visitor, it signifies a well run affluent club) have been satisfied, i@d look at the following, in no order:

Fairness of course (rough should be punishing but not a memorable feature)
Mixture of long and short par 3's and 4's
Welcome from staff and members
Facilities (lockers, changing rooms, showers etc)
Catering and Bar facilities
History ( eg Ryder Cup memories at the Belfry)
At least one 'standout' hole
Pace of play ( ideally no longer than 4 hours)
Maintenance and course condition - greens, tees, fairways, bunkers

Theres probably more

 

[bernix]

- scenery
- fairways/greens in good condition
- reasonable pace of play
- quality pint at the bar

 

[markgs]

Fixed that for you

lucky im not off 15 then..

 

[huds1475]

Course should be interesting, challenging and enjoyable for all standards of golfer. Thoughtful design with varied holes, well placed hazards, requiring a range of shot making and allowing different options. Greens should reflect the course topography but should not be too flat or gratuitously overly contoured. Of course it should be well maintained. Course should look good and individual holes should make you want to play them. Course should look like it belongs in its setting and almost as though it was discovered rather than built.

Can be often be summed up in 2 words - Harry Colt.

Just described my new place