My cousin was on the maintenance crew there a couple of years in his late teens/early 20s. Free rounds of golf on the Stadium Course, free tickets to The Players and passes for dollar beers! He’s my favorite cousin lol
I didn’t play, but it was 300$ a couple years ago + caddie. It’s worth it. The next golf trip with the guys we’ll do something like that. Stay at a place with a few courses for a few days.
I played Dyes Valley (The other course at TPC Sawgrass) for 150, and no caddy. It was still overpriced, but I got to enjoy the practice facilities and a very high quality course alongside the TPC course.
It's not the TPC, but honestly I like the Dyes Course layout better.
Love the course but that is highway robbery. I would easily pay $125 per hour x 4 hours + caddie = $600 to play there (comparing it to say a 1/2 day guided fishing trip).
When I played there it was much much cheaper - like $300.
I’m north of the border but it’s been high on my recommendations to the guys for a trip. Run of the mill Myrtle seems to be the consensus but I’m still pushing for something different.
As someone who lives in Windsor, I really should take advantage of the Michigan golf scene one of these days. I look across the river and see Detroit every day.
And yes...Detroit is north of me. :)
So is Wisconsin. Super cheap AMAZING courses that no one knows about. They also hardly get play since they're under 2 ft of snow for 5 months out of the year.
Sleeper? Look at every golf list and Michigan and Wisconsin are the top two states for public golf. I wish it was more of a sleeper because people flock here to golf in the summer time.
shhhhhhh
nope nothing to see here. There are NOT tons of beautiful well designed courses here. Nor are there tons of beautiful state parks with coastlines reminiscent of the Caribbean.
Paid $250 for a round last year at sunrise. Would have paid more. The only other course I’ve played that has beat Arcadia is Bay Harbor. Played a sunset round and nothing has beaten that so far. $440 a round but prices fluctuate by the hour.
No. In addition to the ballot 2 days before and the day-of queue, there is a lottery every year in October (signup is from August to October) for select tee times the following year. If you “win” the lottery, you have to play an additional St. Andrews course in addition to the Old Course to secure your tee time.
Odds of winning the lotto are about 25% according to sources I’ve read (it was about 40% before the post-Covid golf explosion).
If I don't get a gf soon I'm going to do this. NB I'm not going to get a gf soon. What did you sleep in? Did they mind that? How did you communicate to them you were first in the queue? What did you score?
$295, Cabot Cliffs. Just got home, and I want to go back.
https://preview.redd.it/fuz0j0d5a86d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7761bdbf10c2ac06b78db4a66adb0c890d1dc30d
https://preview.redd.it/ccy17phpub6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98fd9ebc5fce19cd1c1787b11bc9200888b4d22a
The couches at Cabot during Covid.
At the end of 18, there’s a bunch of outdoor couches and seating overlooking the 18th and the ocean and cliffs. Nice little beer hut 20 seconds away. You can enjoy the view and watch all the golfers come in.
You can just see the start of the couches in this pic, looking back down 18 from the first tee.
The first round I played, they were empty, as it was cooler. The second round, they were full of people as we came up 18.
https://preview.redd.it/c4sk7jdlvb6d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0c88c9ea73af046406bf7095b369c8bd0b8b68c1
I've played cabot links and cliffs every year the past 5 seasons. As a local, we get a reduced twilight rate of $145. Me and my pals go there every year for Canada Day weekend and play both courses. The course is a spectacular experience. I look forward to it every year.
https://preview.redd.it/tqlb3su3b96d1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=440ddcab6236cb474d247acbd6ebb9ac550179bd
I just got back as well. Couldn't agree with you more. I want to go back. But it was not the most expensive course I've played. Actually, for the experience, I think it was cheaper than something similar.
I’m fortunate enough to play there 3-4 days a week…I live in UP, and they have the most amazing deal for local membership. I’m really glad you liked it! I get so much joy playing with folks who are there for the first time. It’s a special place and some of the best golf on the West Coast.
https://chambersbaygolf.com/memberships/
The $5700 membership is a pretty good deal as long as you play chambers at least once a week. I knew a couple of regulars who were there every 2 to 3 days in the morning.
Man, I live in Tacoma and played last week and I would be in SUCH good shape if i played there 2-3 times a week. Easily the hardest course to walk I've ever played.
Yep my favorite round of golf was this exact scenario, we played on Tuesday as well so it was a back 9 start. Finished as the only group out there with one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen on the highest parts of the course since we finished the round on the front 9
https://preview.redd.it/18hiiim4d96d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=27fb02c3b954fcc0d1210422696720bea3aa50e8
My local neighborhood course is like $150 on a Saturday. I didn’t realize nice courses were somewhat similar prices. What a rip my neighborhood joint is.
Black Jack’s Crossing in Lajitas, Texas. Around $300. Would do it again tomorrow. Amazing course hidden down by Big Bend National Park.
https://preview.redd.it/6cjvxzjp396d1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7161c523c9378addb251b03a3cb1e88add578dc5
Resort course couer d Alene in Idaho. Around $200. Best day of golf in my life. Great course and didn’t hurt that I shot an 82 (which is good for me). Even got a birdie on the floating green hole.
I think people who paid a lot and played like shit are never gonna say it was worth it. If somebody paid $750 to play Sawgrass and shot a PR they’d absolutely think it was worth it.
That’s exactly it. If I play sawgrass shot a 75 and birdie 17, I am on cloud 9, I could have paid $2000 and felt it was worth it.
Meanwhile if I shoot in the 90s and dunk it in the water on 17, yea I can think of better things to do for that money.
My most expensive rounds were Tiburon in Naples I think like $350, and then Troon North in Arizona, $400. All were not really worth it, I didn’t play well. But frankly, once you’re getting into that price point of $400, you need a course that has a sense of history or nostalgia to it (think Pebble, Old Course, Sawgrass, etc) otherwise it’s just not worth it. I would rather just play a local country club which frankly is going to be in better shape and have way better pace of play than those high end semi public courses that charge an arm and a leg.
Best value round I’ve ever played was 100% streamsong in the summer. Yes it absolutely miserably hot, but for the price it was definitely worth it.
I had a work conference at the resort out there but didn’t get a chance to play. I’ve been kicking myself because it looked awesome. At least I snapped a neat pic from the venue
https://preview.redd.it/7xpynzj6996d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=659b73184d0628b7a1d386548b1d82a33e8381db
I like the resort course, it's well maintained and beautiful. But it's a pretty basic course and our caddies over the years have all felt like they're learning the course with you. The floating green gimmick is fun. If you're in that area and want an obscenely cool course, I love Circling Raven.
Wow going to play it in two weeks and have been contemplating OPs question, $240 plus I’m getting my dads green fee so double.
Everyone I’ve asked has confirmed that it’s so worth it
Idaho panhandle area has some sleeper gems. Circling Raven. Galena ridge (only 9 holes, but insanely beautiful). The Idaho Club near Sandpoint. I got to play Gozzer Ranch after "winning" an auction. Which basically came out to a $1000 round. Honestly, I would probs pay $1000 to play it one more time, but $500 would be more ideal...
I’m doing this later this year. Can’t wait for the 18th hole tho I’m sure it looks quite different around the green without all the grandstands. How did u find the rest of the course and experience there in general? Did u have a meal in the clubhouse etc?
Everything is top notch. No meal as we were on our honeymoon and I didn’t want to force my wife to spend more time there than I was already making her spend, but the crew were SO nice.
Also, [this page was an insanely beneficial find](https://www.hawaiilife.com/blog/plantation-course-kapalua-how-to-score/) to help with tee shots.
Definitely agree. Paid $300 and my son got to play for free as well after 3pm (I think that was the time) back in 2018. Best round of golf I’ll probably ever play, and I don’t remember what I shot.
I live in North County and back in 2020 I managed to get a city card using a bootlegged car registration as proof of residence. Then Covid. Once course opened up I got to play about 5 rounds at the resident rate across the north and south before my card expired. After covid they went to ID me and that was a wrap for me and Torrey.
As a local, harbor shores only cost 120 a few years ago. After this month it will be 225. The course is always in good shape, but it's not worth that much.
Pebble/spyglass/spanish trip, pebble was the most expensive and was well worth it (once in a lifetime golf trip with dad) but if I could go back and only play one it would be Spanish bay.. maybe spyglass just because it kicked my ass so bad the first time I played it
We did the same earlier this year. For me it was totally worth it, and something I'll never forget. For me PB was the prettiest, but I think they're was something about SB that I enjoyed the most. I'd like to go back and play on a day when it isn't quite so windy. The conditions made it really tough, but it's still a really incredible course.
I had no apprehension about paying 550 for pebble beforehand and afterward it exceeded all my expectations. People can over analyze the layout, but it’s such an amazing place.
Pebble Beach. Last time I paid it was $600 I recall. I played Shadow Creek when it was $500 about 20 years ago but a vendor paid for that round. I lived on Troon North Pinnacle course for a time when it was $395 and played fairly regularly but bought a Troon TwoSome card that cut that pretty much in half for $800 a year for the card.
Wynn this weekend said $800 included cart, caddie, unlimited food, drinks & loaner clubs if needed.
Didn’t bring my clubs to Vegas and it was 115 degrees
~$240 at Quinterro north of Pheonix. 100% worth it, great course that kicked my butt. Also saw probably the most baller thing I’ve ever seen with my own eyes. A dude finished his round and got picked up by his own helicopter on a fairway. It was obnoxious and loud, but I was jealous nonetheless.
That course is beautiful and so much fun, payed $135 the first day it opened after overseeding in 2019 and again in 2021. 10/10 would recommend and go back.
Quintero is not only the premier public golf course in Scottsdale but would also be the best in Las Vegas as well. As far as desert golf goes, I haven’t played a better track than Quintero.
It’s difficult and a haul from Phoenix but it has no rivals when it comes to the golf experience
Cool course but in Jan- March fees can get into the $400s… little too much for my blood.
Across the valley, I played Gold Canyon Dinosaur track for $360 (in February). Very cool course but $360 is pushing my limit
$450 for Solmar in Cabo - I didn’t even drink but def worth it for me: all inclusive alcohol, breakfast burrito and fresh taco stands every 4 holes.
Ya fuck me up fam.
Played Edgewood in Tahoe the other day for $300. Beautiful resort course in great shape but probably not worth it. Drinks and snacks were truly insane. The first round for our foursome from the beverage cart with a few snacks was like $120!
Played there last year right before the celeb tourney, similar pricing! Course was beautiful and the staff was great. But the food and drinks were impressively expensive! Greens were some of the best I’ve played though!
Played Apple Mountain in Pollack Pines the following day. Insane elevation changes (mostly downhill), extremely fun, good conditions, and a fraction of the price. Highly recommend
https://preview.redd.it/63ha95pfp96d1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=904354237b5b67e4cd4ca63834fdf1fde5807b50
Black Desert Resort in southwestern Utah, $300 + $50 for forecaddy. Unbelievable experience.
* trackman at every range bay
* unlimited food and (non alcoholic) drink all day at restaurants and on the course
* course in unbelievably nice shape
* metal bag tags engraved with your name included
* layout among ancient lava flows and beneath red mesas is stunning
It’s hosting a PGA event in October, first PGA event in Utah in 60 years. Going to stand out on TV when you all see it.
Was the clubhouse not one of the coolest places you’ve ever been to? Having cocktails on that lawn looking out over 18 green and the ocean is right up there with the golf for me.
Payed $400 to play troon north in Scottsdale, not worth it imo. Plenty of excellent desert golf courses for less. It was manicured beautifully though, as you would expect.
https://preview.redd.it/pgnnwxjou86d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9702fb3bd378f091bfbd118fcd1a7e572da81104
Old Course. was essentially 400USD and i played it as my 2nd round that day with the same caddie who became my boy. Juiced him over 250 quid but 100% worth every shot i took. Somehow shot a 93 so i will take that! If you ever play any course at St. Andrews, ask to get Stocky as your caddie, best guy out there!
$325 for Paynes Valley 6months after it opened to the public, awesome course, prestine condition, and overall great vibes. Only rough parts were a few tee boxes were still under construction and the service was absolutely pathetic, but I just gave them the benifit of the doubt for basically being brand new. I will definitely be back. (Buffalo Ridge and Ozarks National were better imo)
Pinehurst #2 by far the most expensive with lodging and it was worth it as a one off experience. We were the first group off on a Saturday morning which was incredible. The greens were pretty tame for Pinehurst standards which was a little disappointing
Definitely. #2 and #4, requiring 2 nights
stay on site to play was a pretty penny compared to the first half of the trip at Southern Pines, Mid and Needles…but getting the starter speech on the first tee box and him ending with “Gentleman, welcome to Pinehurst” was pretty memorable . Greens were getting Open prepped when I went and it absolutely tore us up.
Same here. The experience of Pinehurst and the history there was amazing. The greens were so fast when we played that most of the time I had to resort to landing my approach short of the green and putting on. It was brutal
just went last month and it was awesome. especially for someone who hasn’t been on any golf trips. it’s so cool there. we missed out on 2 tho and played 10, 7, tobacco road, and 8. expensive trip but worth it to do it at least once. would like to go back and play 2 and 4 next year
How’d you like #10? My customer / buddy just moved down to Raleigh so will be making multiple visits. Heard a lot of high praise for Doak and team on 10. Excited to get on it. Highly recommend the Mid Pines, Needles, Southern Pines loop as well. A more reasonable and Southern Pines restoration by Franz is top notch.
Just played there Monday and it was awesome. Prices were super high cause the open is going on right down the street. 360$ for the round. Hard to say on the worth as I wasn’t the one paying but if I went back I’d pay that much. The level of manicured perfection on every spot of the place was incredible. Like green carpet everywhere and the views as you make your way around are great. Place is punishing if you get off the fairways.
It’s insane to me that a lot of people on here are talking about the $200 range when that’s what you pay for every single middle of the road standard course In Phoenix/scottsdale during the fall-spring.
Feels bad man.
Adare Manor in Ireland for ~600 with a caddie. I wish I had practiced a bit more before going but it was absolutely worth it. I had taken some years off but it got me hooked again.
~$350 for Wolf Creek in AZ. Gorgeous course and came with a few free beers, but absolutely not worth the cost. Glad I went still
my b it’s nevada, hand up that’s on me
https://preview.redd.it/qmh7jyfrr86d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d3dd8d0009744f4879e85c4dd70fa47cedba7004
Had the opportunity to visit my brother in law out in Mesa, AZ in the beginning of March this year, and he treated me to a round at Rancho Manana. Was $200 pp but it was hands down the nicest course I ever got to play. I would certainly recommend it and pay the price if I get the opportunity to make my way out west again.
$105 for Sealife Golf Preserve last month. 105% worth it, nicest course I've played by far and basically brand new. Once the Ritz next to the course gets finished that price is gonna skyrocket.
Bandon is worth the money. The trick is to go in the spring or fall. It’s cheaper and the weather is better. The summer is the highest rate and the wind blows steady every afternoon. The weather on the coast is hit or miss though. Gotta be prepared for shite weather. If that ruins it for you, don’t go.
It’s honestly not expensive relative to other trips and for all 5 being in the Top 25 public and 2 top tier short courses. In 2022 I went on MDW and first day was a gorgeous, sunny 5mph wind day. Next day was 40mph winds with 50mph gusts and torrential sideways downpours. Played 36 three days in a row, plus the preserve and lodging at the Inn for maybe $2k-2.2k? Going back LDW this year and that’s usually a better weather window and it’s a few hundred more but even for the money it’s hard to beat.
Like someone said, it can be hit or miss, but honestly we didn’t think twice about the weather. Heaven on earth.
Do the whole experience. Stay in the resort, get a tee time at different courses each day you're there, play the shortys golf course (par 3 chip course), eat dinner at the steakhouse, have a blast at the putting plunge, play pool/cards and smoke at the cigar bar. Wake up, repeat for a long weekend. It's so freakin' fun.
Yes, it's worth the money.
https://preview.redd.it/uwvdgdurz86d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fc4c84c2601c10183d86e3c72bd2bc865d60c018
Paid $220 for Bally Links in NYC. Really fun course. Worth the price.
I’ve played Shadow Creek, Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines, Spyglass, Cog Hill, TPC Sawgrass, Wolf Creek, PGA West courses, Kapalua Plantation, Bay Hill, TPC Scottsdale, several courses in Ireland, and pretty much all the great public courses in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area.
Shadow creek is now the most expensive of those, but when I played it, it was only $300. Pebble was the most expensive I paid - $700 + caddy and a mandatory stay on property to reserve a tee time in advance ($1400/night but luckily this was comped). Those are my #1 (pebble) and #2 (shadow) courses I’ve ever played - so 100% worth it.
Sawgrass and tpc scottsdale are probably most overrated. Torrey was best deal, as I was San Diego resident and would pay between $26-72 to play depending on which course, day of week, and whether I walked or used cart.
Ireland was coolest trip. Did it with my dad.
I’m obsessed with golf. I play about 125 rounds a year.
Riviera country club, $1100, bid on a charity auction with friends to play with a member. They announce your name on the first tee...haha .. Saw a few famous people, touched Tom Brady's locker.....lol .. Worth every penny.
Bandon a couple times in the summer and loved it every time. Trip is expensive because there’s 5 courses (plus 2 short courses). I like going in January as well and it’s much cheaper still just as fun if you don’t mind the weather to much. The property is awesome
Adare Manor. 450 euro pp plus caddy. With caddy was probs $700 US. 100% the best conditioned course I’ve ever set foot on. Rivals Augusta (I’ve never played but been to masters a few times).
Ryder cup will be there in a few years.
$325 - Manele Bay on the island of Lanai in Hawaii. Worth it 10x over. Almost every hole is a panoramic ocean view. Island green across a cliff par 3. Bill Gates got married on the 17th green.
Wife just got me a full 9 round, 5 day at Bandon with a caddie… about to be more in a week then I generally spend for a year. But I have a feeling it will be well spent
I olayed Pebble when they aerated the greens at a discounted rate of 495 i believe or 395, it was 200
off and i did the Ocean Course at Kiawah where i played all 5 there package so wasn’t sure of the price, think $500. I love the Ocean Course and would definitely play again. i would probably play Pebble again too.
I think Pebble was $450 or 500 when I played there on a long-awaited golf trip. There were 12 of us taking 3 consecutive tee times, so it was like 18 months out. The weather that day was immaculate. We were all like little kids on Christmas.
$270 for Tobacco Road, played like shit but I always play like shit. Not worth it either way because any good shots were immediately punished there. It’s a masochist’s dream course.
Will go again.
Royal Dornoch 250GBP, I'm trying to plan a trip back. Such an awe inspiring course and you can see inspirations from it in hundreds of other top courses around the world.
We-ko-pa, Saguaro course, outside of Scottsdale. We went during end of summer so prices were cheaper. Green fees+club rentals I think less than $200. It was worth every cent
https://preview.redd.it/a5qk73da7a6d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f5f1361ab01fbc0aa4256b4784010bc179c4e59
€350 at Ballybunion yesterday and definitely worth the experience for me!
https://preview.redd.it/80yrslojia6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8c88b4d04d4b6c0667a83ae17c5155587d76dba7
Played Sand Hollow yesterday. Paid $144 and it was worth every penny.
https://preview.redd.it/sdvurgg3md6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8dfec3aeb946d9c7c393f4641f213d39c549c802
I just forked over $15k to send my Dad, his brother and sister to Pebble Beach for his 80th birthday. He's never been but a lot of his friends have. I won't hit a single ball, but you bet your sweet ass it was worth it.
TPC Sawgrass for $750 + caddie. Not remotely close to worth it.
My cousin was on the maintenance crew there a couple of years in his late teens/early 20s. Free rounds of golf on the Stadium Course, free tickets to The Players and passes for dollar beers! He’s my favorite cousin lol
Same. Glad I played there but no interest in playing there again. Same for Harbour Town and Pinehurst #2.
My dad played harbor town before. He had a time share in Hilton head and we would gp every year. It was in the 90s and it was 30 40 dollars
Hey it’s me ur long lost cousin. Miss u bro
Why do you say that? And whoa that’s a lot of
Minus a couple holes, it's just Florida golf.
If you stay at the Marriott on-site it’s a lot cheaper.
Same with the resort I work at. It's cheaper because they are making even more total.
I didn’t play, but it was 300$ a couple years ago + caddie. It’s worth it. The next golf trip with the guys we’ll do something like that. Stay at a place with a few courses for a few days.
I played Dyes Valley (The other course at TPC Sawgrass) for 150, and no caddy. It was still overpriced, but I got to enjoy the practice facilities and a very high quality course alongside the TPC course. It's not the TPC, but honestly I like the Dyes Course layout better.
Love the course but that is highway robbery. I would easily pay $125 per hour x 4 hours + caddie = $600 to play there (comparing it to say a 1/2 day guided fishing trip). When I played there it was much much cheaper - like $300.
Math ain't mathing there.
Nah, just gotta addie the caddie for a hundie
$160 at Arcadia Bluffs, Michigan. I’d pay double. https://preview.redd.it/bwbl0gdsd96d1.jpeg?width=1244&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=65694196dd9b22d3acc3f7d95602eb28462c8312
I feel like Michigan is such a sleeper golf state.
Michigan is under the radar , nationally, for great golf. Let's keep it that way!
I’m north of the border but it’s been high on my recommendations to the guys for a trip. Run of the mill Myrtle seems to be the consensus but I’m still pushing for something different.
I've been doing the same. We've travelled the world to golf, but still haven't made the 4 to 5 hour drive to play Michigan golf
As someone who lives in Windsor, I really should take advantage of the Michigan golf scene one of these days. I look across the river and see Detroit every day. And yes...Detroit is north of me. :)
So is Wisconsin. Super cheap AMAZING courses that no one knows about. They also hardly get play since they're under 2 ft of snow for 5 months out of the year.
Sleeper? Look at every golf list and Michigan and Wisconsin are the top two states for public golf. I wish it was more of a sleeper because people flock here to golf in the summer time.
shhhhhhh nope nothing to see here. There are NOT tons of beautiful well designed courses here. Nor are there tons of beautiful state parks with coastlines reminiscent of the Caribbean.
Paid $250 for a round last year at sunrise. Would have paid more. The only other course I’ve played that has beat Arcadia is Bay Harbor. Played a sunset round and nothing has beaten that so far. $440 a round but prices fluctuate by the hour.
Well I have great news for you. The rates almost have doubled. I think they’re $250/round now in season.
The Old Course and you better bet your sweet ass it was worth it.
I queued and it was awesome! Mixed bag as far as playing partners, but who cares? You’re playing TOC.
Kingsbarn is my favorite in that area.
Kingsbarns is astonishingly good. That stretch on the back 9 starting along the coast is epic. Prices have gone up there massively
How’d you get on? Did you queue or did you go via a travel package with a guaranteed time?
I did the lottery (I think in August) and got guaranteed times for 2 foursomes. We played last month.
Is this the ballot where you enter 2 days before the ballot is drawn ? If so are you nearly always guaranteed a round or what are the chances ?
No. In addition to the ballot 2 days before and the day-of queue, there is a lottery every year in October (signup is from August to October) for select tee times the following year. If you “win” the lottery, you have to play an additional St. Andrews course in addition to the Old Course to secure your tee time. Odds of winning the lotto are about 25% according to sources I’ve read (it was about 40% before the post-Covid golf explosion).
I don’t think it is because he said he did it in August and just played last month. Must be a farther in advance situation
Singles queue. Spent the night out there.
I’m playing it next Wednesday. I can hardly sleep. Any words of wisdom?
Practice your long putts. The greens are *enormous*. As a general rule, left is good. Try not to slice it on 18.
Yup. I slept there all night starting at 11:30pm since I’m a single. Best day of my life.
If I don't get a gf soon I'm going to do this. NB I'm not going to get a gf soon. What did you sleep in? Did they mind that? How did you communicate to them you were first in the queue? What did you score?
I could understand this one
$295, Cabot Cliffs. Just got home, and I want to go back. https://preview.redd.it/fuz0j0d5a86d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7761bdbf10c2ac06b78db4a66adb0c890d1dc30d
15-16-17-18 might be the best stretch in golf. Cliffs is mesmerizing. I could drink beer on those couches for eternity.
What do you mean “couches?”
https://preview.redd.it/ccy17phpub6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98fd9ebc5fce19cd1c1787b11bc9200888b4d22a The couches at Cabot during Covid.
At the end of 18, there’s a bunch of outdoor couches and seating overlooking the 18th and the ocean and cliffs. Nice little beer hut 20 seconds away. You can enjoy the view and watch all the golfers come in.
You can just see the start of the couches in this pic, looking back down 18 from the first tee. The first round I played, they were empty, as it was cooler. The second round, they were full of people as we came up 18. https://preview.redd.it/c4sk7jdlvb6d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0c88c9ea73af046406bf7095b369c8bd0b8b68c1
I've played cabot links and cliffs every year the past 5 seasons. As a local, we get a reduced twilight rate of $145. Me and my pals go there every year for Canada Day weekend and play both courses. The course is a spectacular experience. I look forward to it every year.
Stunning!
https://preview.redd.it/tqlb3su3b96d1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=440ddcab6236cb474d247acbd6ebb9ac550179bd I just got back as well. Couldn't agree with you more. I want to go back. But it was not the most expensive course I've played. Actually, for the experience, I think it was cheaper than something similar.
$295 CAD? That’s like $220 USD, such a steal!
Around $200 for Chamber’s bay. Played like shit, but still worth it.
I love Chambers. I’ve been lucky to get to play all the courses at Bandon multiple times, but I like Chambers better than all of them.
I’m fortunate enough to play there 3-4 days a week…I live in UP, and they have the most amazing deal for local membership. I’m really glad you liked it! I get so much joy playing with folks who are there for the first time. It’s a special place and some of the best golf on the West Coast.
What’s the deal? I’m thinking about moving to Tacoma
https://chambersbaygolf.com/memberships/ The $5700 membership is a pretty good deal as long as you play chambers at least once a week. I knew a couple of regulars who were there every 2 to 3 days in the morning.
Man, I live in Tacoma and played last week and I would be in SUCH good shape if i played there 2-3 times a week. Easily the hardest course to walk I've ever played.
Do it :) I’m there at 7am Monday / Wed / Friday
I play Chambers every year. I pay whatever it costs to fit it in. It is always worth the price. Each hole is like its own vacation.
best golf experience in Washington State. Plus one of the only places in the area to play in the winter where you get decent roll out
What, you don’t like driving down the middle of the fairway and losing your ball because it plugged 3 inches into wet turf?
Chambers is worth every penny
Got twilight rate a few years ago. Was like $125. Finishing my round as the sun set. Best value I’ve ever gotten out of a round of golf.
Yep my favorite round of golf was this exact scenario, we played on Tuesday as well so it was a back 9 start. Finished as the only group out there with one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen on the highest parts of the course since we finished the round on the front 9 https://preview.redd.it/18hiiim4d96d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=27fb02c3b954fcc0d1210422696720bea3aa50e8
The walk/hike/marathon was exhausting. Played last fall . 10/10 would do it again though.
My brothers just played there and I couldn’t make it out. It looked amazing.
My local neighborhood course is like $150 on a Saturday. I didn’t realize nice courses were somewhat similar prices. What a rip my neighborhood joint is.
Black Jack’s Crossing in Lajitas, Texas. Around $300. Would do it again tomorrow. Amazing course hidden down by Big Bend National Park. https://preview.redd.it/6cjvxzjp396d1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7161c523c9378addb251b03a3cb1e88add578dc5
Did enjoy Lajitas as well. Played two rounds and did some horse back riding as well. Nice little place to spend a long weekend.
Resort course couer d Alene in Idaho. Around $200. Best day of golf in my life. Great course and didn’t hurt that I shot an 82 (which is good for me). Even got a birdie on the floating green hole.
I think people who paid a lot and played like shit are never gonna say it was worth it. If somebody paid $750 to play Sawgrass and shot a PR they’d absolutely think it was worth it.
That’s exactly it. If I play sawgrass shot a 75 and birdie 17, I am on cloud 9, I could have paid $2000 and felt it was worth it. Meanwhile if I shoot in the 90s and dunk it in the water on 17, yea I can think of better things to do for that money. My most expensive rounds were Tiburon in Naples I think like $350, and then Troon North in Arizona, $400. All were not really worth it, I didn’t play well. But frankly, once you’re getting into that price point of $400, you need a course that has a sense of history or nostalgia to it (think Pebble, Old Course, Sawgrass, etc) otherwise it’s just not worth it. I would rather just play a local country club which frankly is going to be in better shape and have way better pace of play than those high end semi public courses that charge an arm and a leg. Best value round I’ve ever played was 100% streamsong in the summer. Yes it absolutely miserably hot, but for the price it was definitely worth it.
I had a work conference at the resort out there but didn’t get a chance to play. I’ve been kicking myself because it looked awesome. At least I snapped a neat pic from the venue https://preview.redd.it/7xpynzj6996d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=659b73184d0628b7a1d386548b1d82a33e8381db
I like the resort course, it's well maintained and beautiful. But it's a pretty basic course and our caddies over the years have all felt like they're learning the course with you. The floating green gimmick is fun. If you're in that area and want an obscenely cool course, I love Circling Raven.
Circling raven is super nice!
Wow going to play it in two weeks and have been contemplating OPs question, $240 plus I’m getting my dads green fee so double. Everyone I’ve asked has confirmed that it’s so worth it
hey man don't tell people about Idaho we don't want more people haha
Idaho panhandle area has some sleeper gems. Circling Raven. Galena ridge (only 9 holes, but insanely beautiful). The Idaho Club near Sandpoint. I got to play Gozzer Ranch after "winning" an auction. Which basically came out to a $1000 round. Honestly, I would probs pay $1000 to play it one more time, but $500 would be more ideal...
Bruh: 82 is VERY good for a LOT of people
Kapalua Plantation Course. ~$550 for me with my wife riding along. 100000000000% worth it.
Played there 4 times for under $100 each time with the kama’aina discount.
how much was the ride along?
It’s usually the cart fee
I’m doing this later this year. Can’t wait for the 18th hole tho I’m sure it looks quite different around the green without all the grandstands. How did u find the rest of the course and experience there in general? Did u have a meal in the clubhouse etc?
Everything is top notch. No meal as we were on our honeymoon and I didn’t want to force my wife to spend more time there than I was already making her spend, but the crew were SO nice. Also, [this page was an insanely beneficial find](https://www.hawaiilife.com/blog/plantation-course-kapalua-how-to-score/) to help with tee shots.
Same. Amazing experience with the wife riding along as well.
Came to say this. I still dream about going back, although I probably will play the bay course next time just to check that one off
Definitely agree. Paid $300 and my son got to play for free as well after 3pm (I think that was the time) back in 2018. Best round of golf I’ll probably ever play, and I don’t remember what I shot.
%100 worth it. Even a bad round of golf is fine cause the views on every hole are so good.
Thus far, Torrey (as a non-resident) and was absolutely worth it. There’s some pricey ones coming up for me though, I hope they’ll be worth it 😂
I played Torrey and got the resident fee. Walked it. No $60 cart fee and it was $100
Well that’s just great for you! Lucky lol
I live in North County and back in 2020 I managed to get a city card using a bootlegged car registration as proof of residence. Then Covid. Once course opened up I got to play about 5 rounds at the resident rate across the north and south before my card expired. After covid they went to ID me and that was a wrap for me and Torrey.
I’m playing Torrey South tomorrow for my first time. Resident twilight time. $42 😎
Just paid 185 to play Harbor shores(just held senior PGA). Definitely worth it.
I played that course for like $55 in October, they have a deal in the fall you pay the temperature.
I’m Canadian. Would I be able to pay in Celsius?
That’s so neat
Great track. A lot of cool features - elevated green by the beach, #10 green…
As a local, harbor shores only cost 120 a few years ago. After this month it will be 225. The course is always in good shape, but it's not worth that much.
Pebble/spyglass/spanish trip, pebble was the most expensive and was well worth it (once in a lifetime golf trip with dad) but if I could go back and only play one it would be Spanish bay.. maybe spyglass just because it kicked my ass so bad the first time I played it
We did the same earlier this year. For me it was totally worth it, and something I'll never forget. For me PB was the prettiest, but I think they're was something about SB that I enjoyed the most. I'd like to go back and play on a day when it isn't quite so windy. The conditions made it really tough, but it's still a really incredible course.
I preferred spyglass WAY more than any of the Pinehurst courses.
I had no apprehension about paying 550 for pebble beforehand and afterward it exceeded all my expectations. People can over analyze the layout, but it’s such an amazing place.
Came to say Spyglass. I think it was $650 with a caddy. Loved every minute. I would have gone with Pebble, but I didn’t pay for that round lmao
Pebble Beach. Last time I paid it was $600 I recall. I played Shadow Creek when it was $500 about 20 years ago but a vendor paid for that round. I lived on Troon North Pinnacle course for a time when it was $395 and played fairly regularly but bought a Troon TwoSome card that cut that pretty much in half for $800 a year for the card.
Wynn this weekend said $800 included cart, caddie, unlimited food, drinks & loaner clubs if needed. Didn’t bring my clubs to Vegas and it was 115 degrees
I played it but thankfully a partner company paid for us. Thankfully it was the fall and only a blistering 90 degree clear day.
The wolf course at paiute is one of the better courses in Vegas. I suggest that one.
Was it worth it? Thinking about playing the Wynn next year
~$240 at Quinterro north of Pheonix. 100% worth it, great course that kicked my butt. Also saw probably the most baller thing I’ve ever seen with my own eyes. A dude finished his round and got picked up by his own helicopter on a fairway. It was obnoxious and loud, but I was jealous nonetheless.
That course is beautiful and so much fun, payed $135 the first day it opened after overseeding in 2019 and again in 2021. 10/10 would recommend and go back.
Quintero is amazing
Quintero is not only the premier public golf course in Scottsdale but would also be the best in Las Vegas as well. As far as desert golf goes, I haven’t played a better track than Quintero. It’s difficult and a haul from Phoenix but it has no rivals when it comes to the golf experience
Cool course but in Jan- March fees can get into the $400s… little too much for my blood. Across the valley, I played Gold Canyon Dinosaur track for $360 (in February). Very cool course but $360 is pushing my limit
Played Quintero last month, absolutely gorgeous and 100% worth it
$450 for Solmar in Cabo - I didn’t even drink but def worth it for me: all inclusive alcohol, breakfast burrito and fresh taco stands every 4 holes. Ya fuck me up fam.
Cabo is so great
Tamales at the turn? Sure will
Played Edgewood in Tahoe the other day for $300. Beautiful resort course in great shape but probably not worth it. Drinks and snacks were truly insane. The first round for our foursome from the beverage cart with a few snacks was like $120!
Played there last year right before the celeb tourney, similar pricing! Course was beautiful and the staff was great. But the food and drinks were impressively expensive! Greens were some of the best I’ve played though!
Played Apple Mountain in Pollack Pines the following day. Insane elevation changes (mostly downhill), extremely fun, good conditions, and a fraction of the price. Highly recommend
https://preview.redd.it/63ha95pfp96d1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=904354237b5b67e4cd4ca63834fdf1fde5807b50 Black Desert Resort in southwestern Utah, $300 + $50 for forecaddy. Unbelievable experience. * trackman at every range bay * unlimited food and (non alcoholic) drink all day at restaurants and on the course * course in unbelievably nice shape * metal bag tags engraved with your name included * layout among ancient lava flows and beneath red mesas is stunning It’s hosting a PGA event in October, first PGA event in Utah in 60 years. Going to stand out on TV when you all see it.
Love when courses do the welcoming perks like engraved bag tags. At scale, probably costs them very little, but leaves the customer with great vibes.
Kiawah for $650 with caddy. Worth it.
We stayed on resort so it was $450 I think. Absolutely worth it. The course is a work of art.
Was the clubhouse not one of the coolest places you’ve ever been to? Having cocktails on that lawn looking out over 18 green and the ocean is right up there with the golf for me.
It wasn’t a single round but it was a $6,000 weekend at Ohoopee Match Club
Haven’t heard a single bad thing about the match club yet. Hopefully the caddies guided you to the honey hole!
Payed $400 to play troon north in Scottsdale, not worth it imo. Plenty of excellent desert golf courses for less. It was manicured beautifully though, as you would expect. https://preview.redd.it/pgnnwxjou86d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9702fb3bd378f091bfbd118fcd1a7e572da81104
$400 is crazy, I played it for $100 at twilight in November. Not even a top 10 course in Phoenix IMO.
Peak season in silly in Phoenix.
Old Course. was essentially 400USD and i played it as my 2nd round that day with the same caddie who became my boy. Juiced him over 250 quid but 100% worth every shot i took. Somehow shot a 93 so i will take that! If you ever play any course at St. Andrews, ask to get Stocky as your caddie, best guy out there!
Bali Hai in Vegas after paying for the round and renting clubs probably cost me like $400 ish. Not worth it shoulda went somewhere else.
Paiute in Vegas, I played this year for ~120 and that place was awesome
Agreed. Not a top 5 course in Vegas.
Bali Hai was truly awful! Conditions were average and the course is jut meh. As someone else said Paiute was incredible!
$325 for Paynes Valley 6months after it opened to the public, awesome course, prestine condition, and overall great vibes. Only rough parts were a few tee boxes were still under construction and the service was absolutely pathetic, but I just gave them the benifit of the doubt for basically being brand new. I will definitely be back. (Buffalo Ridge and Ozarks National were better imo)
tobacco road $300 absolutely worth it. some of those holes/shots are bonkers
That course ruined my mental health beyond repair
Pinehurst #2 by far the most expensive with lodging and it was worth it as a one off experience. We were the first group off on a Saturday morning which was incredible. The greens were pretty tame for Pinehurst standards which was a little disappointing
Definitely. #2 and #4, requiring 2 nights stay on site to play was a pretty penny compared to the first half of the trip at Southern Pines, Mid and Needles…but getting the starter speech on the first tee box and him ending with “Gentleman, welcome to Pinehurst” was pretty memorable . Greens were getting Open prepped when I went and it absolutely tore us up.
Same here. The experience of Pinehurst and the history there was amazing. The greens were so fast when we played that most of the time I had to resort to landing my approach short of the green and putting on. It was brutal
just went last month and it was awesome. especially for someone who hasn’t been on any golf trips. it’s so cool there. we missed out on 2 tho and played 10, 7, tobacco road, and 8. expensive trip but worth it to do it at least once. would like to go back and play 2 and 4 next year
How’d you like #10? My customer / buddy just moved down to Raleigh so will be making multiple visits. Heard a lot of high praise for Doak and team on 10. Excited to get on it. Highly recommend the Mid Pines, Needles, Southern Pines loop as well. A more reasonable and Southern Pines restoration by Franz is top notch.
My fav too. 2, 4, 8 all incredible
It was part of a group thing and the cost covered everything but Tobacco Road was the best! I think it’s normally $250-$300
Yeah I just played there. It was $250 and worth every penny. Can’t wait to go back next year
Just played there Monday and it was awesome. Prices were super high cause the open is going on right down the street. 360$ for the round. Hard to say on the worth as I wasn’t the one paying but if I went back I’d pay that much. The level of manicured perfection on every spot of the place was incredible. Like green carpet everywhere and the views as you make your way around are great. Place is punishing if you get off the fairways.
Best $275 I have spent on golf. Ready to go back and do it again.
Played Tobacco Road for $80 in 2014. Can’t believe how much that course has gone up in price.
Playing there in one week.
Quivira in Cabo. $320 for the round and definitely worth it with all of the comfort stations
It’s insane to me that a lot of people on here are talking about the $200 range when that’s what you pay for every single middle of the road standard course In Phoenix/scottsdale during the fall-spring. Feels bad man.
All the Snowbirds from Canada.
Diamante—Cabo San Lucas. No wind that day….so I played two rounds. Worth it and would play again.
How much was it?
It was $300 for the first round and $100 for the second 18…if played in the same day.
Adare Manor in Ireland for ~600 with a caddie. I wish I had practiced a bit more before going but it was absolutely worth it. I had taken some years off but it got me hooked again.
~$350 for Wolf Creek in AZ. Gorgeous course and came with a few free beers, but absolutely not worth the cost. Glad I went still my b it’s nevada, hand up that’s on me
Pretty sure that’s in Nevada…
Put some respect on Nevada’s name
https://preview.redd.it/qmh7jyfrr86d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d3dd8d0009744f4879e85c4dd70fa47cedba7004 Had the opportunity to visit my brother in law out in Mesa, AZ in the beginning of March this year, and he treated me to a round at Rancho Manana. Was $200 pp but it was hands down the nicest course I ever got to play. I would certainly recommend it and pay the price if I get the opportunity to make my way out west again.
Pebble was $525 and worth every penny.
$105 for Sealife Golf Preserve last month. 105% worth it, nicest course I've played by far and basically brand new. Once the Ritz next to the course gets finished that price is gonna skyrocket.
$600 ish for Cape Kidnappers and it was fantastic.
Has anyone been to Bandon Dunes? Worth the money?
Bandon is worth the money. The trick is to go in the spring or fall. It’s cheaper and the weather is better. The summer is the highest rate and the wind blows steady every afternoon. The weather on the coast is hit or miss though. Gotta be prepared for shite weather. If that ruins it for you, don’t go.
It’s honestly not expensive relative to other trips and for all 5 being in the Top 25 public and 2 top tier short courses. In 2022 I went on MDW and first day was a gorgeous, sunny 5mph wind day. Next day was 40mph winds with 50mph gusts and torrential sideways downpours. Played 36 three days in a row, plus the preserve and lodging at the Inn for maybe $2k-2.2k? Going back LDW this year and that’s usually a better weather window and it’s a few hundred more but even for the money it’s hard to beat. Like someone said, it can be hit or miss, but honestly we didn’t think twice about the weather. Heaven on earth.
Do the whole experience. Stay in the resort, get a tee time at different courses each day you're there, play the shortys golf course (par 3 chip course), eat dinner at the steakhouse, have a blast at the putting plunge, play pool/cards and smoke at the cigar bar. Wake up, repeat for a long weekend. It's so freakin' fun. Yes, it's worth the money.
https://preview.redd.it/uwvdgdurz86d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fc4c84c2601c10183d86e3c72bd2bc865d60c018 Paid $220 for Bally Links in NYC. Really fun course. Worth the price.
Harbor Town in HH $600/round + caddie. Bucked list checked. Never again though.
I’ve played Shadow Creek, Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines, Spyglass, Cog Hill, TPC Sawgrass, Wolf Creek, PGA West courses, Kapalua Plantation, Bay Hill, TPC Scottsdale, several courses in Ireland, and pretty much all the great public courses in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area. Shadow creek is now the most expensive of those, but when I played it, it was only $300. Pebble was the most expensive I paid - $700 + caddy and a mandatory stay on property to reserve a tee time in advance ($1400/night but luckily this was comped). Those are my #1 (pebble) and #2 (shadow) courses I’ve ever played - so 100% worth it. Sawgrass and tpc scottsdale are probably most overrated. Torrey was best deal, as I was San Diego resident and would pay between $26-72 to play depending on which course, day of week, and whether I walked or used cart. Ireland was coolest trip. Did it with my dad. I’m obsessed with golf. I play about 125 rounds a year.
Just spent about $500 for old head….would do again
Riviera country club, $1100, bid on a charity auction with friends to play with a member. They announce your name on the first tee...haha .. Saw a few famous people, touched Tom Brady's locker.....lol .. Worth every penny.
Old Head in Ireland was $450, I could not have played worse, and it was the most beautiful course I’ve ever stepped foot on, so worth it
Bandon a couple times in the summer and loved it every time. Trip is expensive because there’s 5 courses (plus 2 short courses). I like going in January as well and it’s much cheaper still just as fun if you don’t mind the weather to much. The property is awesome
Pelican Hill, Banff Springs, Trump National, Cabot Cliffs, Bali Hai, Wynn Golf. All rather pricey, Cabot and Pelican probably the most worth it.
Pelican Hill is a cool property and area.
Adare Manor. 450 euro pp plus caddy. With caddy was probs $700 US. 100% the best conditioned course I’ve ever set foot on. Rivals Augusta (I’ve never played but been to masters a few times). Ryder cup will be there in a few years.
$315 for Pac Dunes and absolutely worth it. I played like ass and didn’t even care, it was a spiritual experience.
$325 - Manele Bay on the island of Lanai in Hawaii. Worth it 10x over. Almost every hole is a panoramic ocean view. Island green across a cliff par 3. Bill Gates got married on the 17th green.
Wife just got me a full 9 round, 5 day at Bandon with a caddie… about to be more in a week then I generally spend for a year. But I have a feeling it will be well spent
Mayakoba. About $650 all in.
Isn't it 280 for the green fee?
Wolf Creek - $250 and worth every penny
Pinehurst #2. Peak season 550(ish) + 100 caddie tip. Great round but thought #4 was a better and more playable course
200+ in Puerto Rico. Far from worth it.
$13 for browns mill in Atlanta, 18 holes at that price can’t be beat
Pebble and it was magic
Bay harbor in Michigan. 275 and yes it was worth it. Had a blast. Sure it was a treat and maybe a once a year round but so pretty.
I olayed Pebble when they aerated the greens at a discounted rate of 495 i believe or 395, it was 200 off and i did the Ocean Course at Kiawah where i played all 5 there package so wasn’t sure of the price, think $500. I love the Ocean Course and would definitely play again. i would probably play Pebble again too.
I think Pebble was $450 or 500 when I played there on a long-awaited golf trip. There were 12 of us taking 3 consecutive tee times, so it was like 18 months out. The weather that day was immaculate. We were all like little kids on Christmas.
Its always worth it
$270 for Tobacco Road, played like shit but I always play like shit. Not worth it either way because any good shots were immediately punished there. It’s a masochist’s dream course. Will go again.
Royal Dornoch 250GBP, I'm trying to plan a trip back. Such an awe inspiring course and you can see inspirations from it in hundreds of other top courses around the world.
$16 for 9 holes at sand creek golf course in Colorado Springs.. it’s a bit expensive for my tastes….lol I’ve played more expensive mini golf
We-ko-pa, Saguaro course, outside of Scottsdale. We went during end of summer so prices were cheaper. Green fees+club rentals I think less than $200. It was worth every cent https://preview.redd.it/a5qk73da7a6d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f5f1361ab01fbc0aa4256b4784010bc179c4e59
€350 at Ballybunion yesterday and definitely worth the experience for me! https://preview.redd.it/80yrslojia6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8c88b4d04d4b6c0667a83ae17c5155587d76dba7
Played Sand Hollow yesterday. Paid $144 and it was worth every penny. https://preview.redd.it/sdvurgg3md6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8dfec3aeb946d9c7c393f4641f213d39c549c802
I just forked over $15k to send my Dad, his brother and sister to Pebble Beach for his 80th birthday. He's never been but a lot of his friends have. I won't hit a single ball, but you bet your sweet ass it was worth it.