Best Public Course In Your State

Depends on who you ask.

Most would give you the following list with any of these being #1

Firekeeper Golf Club (Mayetta...just north of Topeka) MY personal #1 pick
Colbert Hills Golf Club (Manhattan)
Sand Creek Station (Newton...just north of Wichita)
Prairies Highlands (Olathe)...where we had the 2015 KC Invitational
 
Montana is a tough one because most of the very good courses are part of ultra-exclusive developments, many of which have private ski access to go along with the golf course. The best course that has public access is probably The Wilderness Club, which was originally intended as part of one those types of developments, but it was converted into more of a resort when the development didn't take off (probably because it is in the far northwest corner of the state, far closer to Canada than any city with a substantial population). I've also heard that the Rock Creek Cattle Company will actually allow public play for a hefty price, although it markets itself as exclusive. If that is true, it's probably the winner.

Beyond those two, there is a substantial drop off. My pick for next in line would be Northern Pines. I've only played it twice because it's about 500 miles away, but it has a great layout, it's usually in good shape, and the price is somewhat reasonable. The course that has kept its name on such lists forever through some marketing hocus pocus is Eagle Bend in Bigfork. It absolutely does not belong on any list that doesn't include the words overrated and overpriced though.
 
One of the best courses is not even on the list. It's The Cliff 's at possum kingdom lake. Not to far from Abilene.

Although I have not played every course on that list, my favorite is Black Jacks Crossing. There is just something special about that course. There are just to many in Texas to choose from for there to be a #1 that all can agree on.
I have previously heard of Possum Kingdom, but was led to believe it was private, is that not true?

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In Florida the best I have played are Doral and PGA National with the PGA the more fun IMO. Doral was before the Trumping of it and it was not in the best condition.
 
I was torn between a couple but I've settled on Predator Ridge. It's just as close to Golf Nirvana as you can get up here.

It's followed closely by Tobiano but being in the middle of nowhere kind of kills the appeal.
 
While I've never played the course, "Lake of Isles" is a casino owned course, and it's rated very high in CT. While it is technically a public course, its supposedly nicer than some of the high end private courses in the State.
One of my coworkers played that this fall and LOVED it. I think they have pretty decent deals going too. I will get over there for sure in 2016.

I'd have to think it's Bethpage Black.
I really don't think it's close really. Playing there again has been on my mind A LOT lately.
 
This is the Golfweek 2015 list. I haven't played ACCC (or 4, 6, 8, or 10) so I can't comment on those, but I would add another vote to Ballyowen as #1 for me. Neshanic and Architects are next, followed closely by Royce Brook (East) and Wild Turkey. There's something good in Boonton? Devrickus, please defend this!

(m) - modern course; (c) - classic course; * - new to list

  • 1. Atlantic City CC, Northfield (c)
  • 2. Crystal Springs Resort (Ballyowen), Hamburg (m)
  • 3. Twisted Dune, Egg Harbor Township (m)
  • 4. Shore Gate, Ocean View (m)
  • 5. Neshanic Valley, Neshanic Station (m)
  • 6. Ballamor GC, Egg Harbor Township (m)
  • 7. Architects GC, Lopatcong (m)
  • 8. Knoll GC (West), Boonton (c)*
  • 9. Crystal Springs Resort (Wild Turkey), Hamburg (m)
  • 10. Sand Barrens GC, Swainton (m)

I've only played Twisted Dune and Sand Barrens from this list.
Last time I played Sand Barrens (4 years ago maybe), the course was not in good shape.
I'm quite surprised it made this list unless something has changed as far as ownership/maintenance goes.

I'd probably add Blue Heron Pines and Seaview Bay Course to the top ones.

I definitely need to get up to Crystal Springs next season and play some of those courses
 
[FONT=Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif]This is the Golfweek 2015 list. I haven't played ACCC (or 4, 6, 8, or 10) so I can't comment on those, but I would add another vote to Ballyowen as #1 for me. Neshanic and Architects are next, followed closely by Royce Brook (East) and Wild Turkey. There's something good in Boonton? Devrickus, please defend this!

[/FONT] (m) - modern course; (c) - classic course; * - new to list

  • 1. Atlantic City CC, Northfield (c)
  • 2. Crystal Springs Resort (Ballyowen), Hamburg (m)
  • 3. Twisted Dune, Egg Harbor Township (m)
  • 4. Shore Gate, Ocean View (m)
  • 5. Neshanic Valley, Neshanic Station (m)
  • 6. Ballamor GC, Egg Harbor Township (m)
  • 7. Architects GC, Lopatcong (m)
  • 8. Knoll GC (West), Boonton (c)*
  • 9. Crystal Springs Resort (Wild Turkey), Hamburg (m)
  • 10. Sand Barrens GC, Swainton (m)

You got to get to ACCC, it's one of the best classic courses I've played.

Ballyowen is right up there as well, lots of very good holes and maybe a few that are head scratchers.

I'm pretty high on Architects. It's a nicely laid out course. Neshanic is good, at least 18 holes of it, but still need to get to Twisted and Shore Gate.
 
Here's a list for Illinois put up by golf.com.....
1.
Cog Hill (No. 4), Lemont (THP has been there)
2. The Glen Club, Glenview (Good course)
3. TPC Deere Run, Silvis (Tour Stops here)
4. Weaver Ridge, Peoria (I've heard good things)
5. Eagle Ridge (General), Galena (Also heard good things)
6. Orchard Valley, Aurora (Never played and haven't heard much about)
7. Thunderhawk, Beach Park (Great track. I'd love to see this and Shepherd's Crook paired up for a THP Event)
8. Pine Meadow, Mundelein (Meeeh.... Not worth all the hype it gets)
9. Cantigny (Woodside/Lakeside), Wheaton (Never played, but they have a really nice practice facility)
10. Highlands of Elgin, Elgin (THP Has been there a few times)
11. Ravisloe, Homewood (Used to be private. Nice place. Tight!)
12. Harborside International (Starboard), Chicago (Haven't played. Heard good things)
13. Stonewall Orchard, Grayslake (5 mins from my house and it's AWESOME! Nice practice facility as well. )
14. Annbriar, Waterloo (Never been or heard anything about)
15. Mistwood, Romeoville (Good course. THPers played there before the Wilson event a couple years ago)

I like the list, and although I'd switch a few courses in positions, either because I haven't played them or because I think they are better than the others, I think they did a decent job with the overall list. In my area there are a LOT of private courses which are incredible in terms of conditions and layouts...but super tough to get on. The high end courses tend to be pretty pricey as well.
 
Valley View is amazing. I can't wait to get back to Utah to play it.

If we can get the timing to work, I'll take you to Oakridge CC that's right by Valley View.

Those are two of the best in state and are only 10 minutes apart
 
Here's a list for Illinois put up by golf.com.....
1.
Cog Hill (No. 4), Lemont (THP has been there)
2. The Glen Club, Glenview (Good course)
3. TPC Deere Run, Silvis (Tour Stops here)
4. Weaver Ridge, Peoria (I've heard good things) Good not top 5 in the state in my opinion.
5. Eagle Ridge (General), Galena (Also heard good things)
6. Orchard Valley, Aurora (Never played and haven't heard much about) Should not be on any list of this nature in my opinion.
7. Thunderhawk, Beach Park (Great track. I'd love to see this and Shepherd's Crook paired up for a THP Event)
8. Pine Meadow, Mundelein (Meeeh.... Not worth all the hype it gets)
9. Cantigny (Woodside/Lakeside), Wheaton (Never played, but they have a really nice practice facility)
10. Highlands of Elgin, Elgin (THP Has been there a few times)
11. Ravisloe, Homewood (Used to be private. Nice place. Tight!)
12. Harborside International (Starboard), Chicago (Haven't played. Heard good things)
13. Stonewall Orchard, Grayslake (5 mins from my house and it's AWESOME! Nice practice facility as well. )
14. Annbriar, Waterloo (Never been or heard anything about) Heard good things, was in the news for a huge sink hole accident a couple of years back.
15. Mistwood, Romeoville (Good course. THPers played there before the Wilson event a couple years ago)

I like the list, and although I'd switch a few courses in positions, either because I haven't played them or because I think they are better than the others, I think they did a decent job with the overall list. In my area there are a LOT of private courses which are incredible in terms of conditions and layouts...but super tough to get on. The high end courses tend to be pretty pricey as well.

This list always has seemed a bit odd to me.... How does OV get on a list like this? I was disappointed in Mistwood, I was really excited to play it after the reno but it just didn't live up to the hype for me. It felt really disjointed, some holes have a links feel with pot bunkers and revetted sod and then you have that stretch around the lake at the end. It felt like a weird mash up of golf courses to me. The facility is really really nice though.
 
Some really good stuff in here including a ton of THP Events
 
Torrey Pines- South.
 
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This list always has seemed a bit odd to me.... How does OV get on a list like this? I was disappointed in Mistwood, I was really excited to play it after the reno but it just didn't live up to the hype for me. It felt really disjointed, some holes have a links feel with pot bunkers and revetted sod and then you have that stretch around the lake at the end. It felt like a weird mash up of golf courses to me. The facility is really really nice though.
Orchard Valley used to be one of my favorite IL tracks. I've heard horrible things with the change in management and I haven't played there in like 6 or so years. For the most part they have the courses on the list right, just not in the right order :)
 
There are quite a few that are in the conversation for this in MA.

I would have to say Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, MA. (The International in Bolton could possibly beat it, but it went private again this year)

(one course that would possibly top that would be Taconic in Williamstown, which I will be playing in 2016)

Adding The Ranch in Southwick to the conversation because it's a heck of a course and facility.
 
Here in SC, for me at least its Anything on Kiawah Island. They are just such awesome courses. Not the cheapest, but so much fun to play and always in pristine shape.

I'd probably follow those up with a combo of Caledonia / True Blue in Pawleys Island, and Harbor Town in HHI.
 
Of the courses I've played I'd say Valley View or Soldier Hollow. Some of the southern courses are super nice like Entrada but I think they're back to private. They seem to flip flop every 5-7 years

Glad you mentioned Valley View - I grew up playing there and I think it's a fantastic course at a great value. That would get my vote for Utah as well.
 
Top-rated, I think it's either We-Ko-Pa or Troon North.

The best I've played is probably Sewailo, with AZ National not far behind. Surely wouldn't mind playing Arizona National again.
 
Top-rated, I think it's either We-Ko-Pa or Troon North.

The best I've played is probably Sewailo, with AZ National not far behind. Surely wouldn't mind playing Arizona National again.
Did we play AZ Nat'l in 2014?
 
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