by Jeff Skinner
The fine people at Golf Digest have come up with their “Greatest Courses” list in their May issue. At the
top of the list is Augusta National. After watching the Masters this week I can understand how Augusta is ranked number one. It supplanted perennial number one, Pine Valley by a fraction. Pebble Beach is the only public course in the top ten. Since I’ll never have a chance to play any of the exclusive private courses, I stuck to the “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” list. I wondered what it would take to get me and a few of my buddies on some of those “public” layouts. I came to this conclusion. These “public” courses aren’t as public as you think and it will take a bunch of cash to play most of these high end courses. Here is a breakdown of the cost of the top ten “Greatest Public Courses in America.” Bethpage Black is the least expensive, but getting out on that baby isn’t an easy task. After I win the lottery I’ll put together a real dream golf trip and hit every one of these.
Pebble Beach Golf Links: Greens Fees are $495 and you have to stay on site at $595 per night, with a two night minimum (2 per room). That’s $1090 per round. One time before I die!
Pacific Dunes: A non-guest can get on for $275, plus $55 for caddie and tip. So that’s about $365 for those ocean-side links.
Whistling Straits, Straits Course: Its $340 to start and a caddie for $60 plus $35 tip, $435 total for a Wisconsin summer.
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island: Have to stay on site with a package. Cheapest I could get on the website is $374 per person and $120 surcharge for the Ocean Course. That’s $494 and carts are on the paths, always!
Bethpage Black: This is the best bargain of the bunch. Non residents of New York State will spend $125 to play this year’s US Open course (New Yorkers=$65). You can’t beat that!
Pinehurst #2: I could only find Pinehurst Packages where you stay at the resort. Cheapest package is a two night minimum at $393 per person, per night and a $175 surcharge for good old #2. Total = $961, ouch.
Bandon Dunes: Same as Pacific Dunes: A non-guest can get on for $275, plus $55 for caddie and tip. So that’s about $365.
Shadow Creek, Las Vegas: This course is owned by MGM Mirage Properties, the Steve Wynn casinos. The only chance of getting on this is if you are a high roller staying at a MGM property. They don’t have any prices on the website either. If you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it.
TPC Sawgrass, Stadium Course: $375 gets you on “The Players Championship” course. Bring some cheap balls for seventeen.
Arcadia Bluffs, Arcadia Michigan: $180 sounds like a steal after all the others on this list. Not as big a bargain as Bethpage but at least your don’t have to sleep in the parking lot.
I think I’ll start my own list,” The Best Courses For $50 Bucks.” I’ll take the “The Early Bird Special” please.
Related Articles
Greetings from California’s Central Coast and Pebble Beach Resorts — starting May 1 we’re offering a new “Stay and Play” package WITH two nights at either The Lodge at Pebble Beach or The Inn at Spanish Bay with two (2!) rounds of golf (one at Pebble Beach Golf Links and one at The Links at Spanish Bay) PLUS $100 retail credit at any Pebble Beach Resorts shop — package starts at $1,940 — this is the year to come, before the 2010 U.S. Open with the courses in top notch shape. Talk with a reservation agent to learn more (866) 226-5442. Best Success, /Aven Wright-McIntosh, Public Relations Manager, Pebble Beach Resorts
What is the #1 golf region in the country?
My vote is for the Monterey Peninsula hands down, it offers the most spectacular golfing I have ever experienced and i have played all over the world. I was pinching myself the whole time i was there just to make sure I was not dreaming. Monterey offers the best natural golf courses in the world! I just got back from another retreat to the Monterey Peninsula and must say it was the best golf vacation i have ever had!
View the courses for yourself: Map of Monterey Peninsula Golf Courses
Seriously, I would love to see a list of the top 100 course under $50 bucks. Even if there was a top 100 course under $100 would be extremely impressive.
I have played the Ocean Course at Kiawah twice and both without carts, only caddies. The surcharge is a caddie fee if I am not mistaken. Still spent $350 per round plus tip for caddie. Well worth it in my opinion. Sage Valley, just outside of Aiken SC is also expensive, but worth it if you have a chance. A great course (on the Top 100 list) with an Augusta National feel without the pomp and circumstance.
Great profile of some of the most elite golf courses around. It is great to know what the big money will get you…now how about some excellent economy courses. This would be a great list for those who love the sport but are on a budget. Thanks for submitting this post to the Athletic Alley Blog Carnival.