Comments for Golf Course Classics

Comment on Royal Melbourne by John

John — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:17:04 +0000

I agree with Al when it comes to service at NSWGC. I visited there in October 09 and was less than impressed with the welcome at both Reception and the Pro shop. By contrast, Royal Sydney couldn’t be more welcoming or helpful. As for the lack of service employees in Australian clubs, I guess that’s what keeps our fees at a reasonable level - most are happy to dust off their own shoes after a round of golf. Looking forward to seeing you in Melbourne in the future Al, after our brief meeting your fine club last year.

Comment on Oakmont Country Club by joe weisz

joe weisz — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:12:27 +0000

I visited Oakmont in 1986 but didn’t play. Back then they had all the trees. The course looks much better after the tree removal program and I believe fits in better with the original links concept that William Fownes wanted. Have fun playing what I consider is the best course in the world, along with Merion, Shinnecock and Chicago Golf Club.

Comment on Oakmont Country Club by Lou Kitsko

Lou Kitsko — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:16:26 +0000

Thanksfor the great information. I am playing here thursday and can’t wait.

Comment on Chicago Golf Club by mcdonalds coupons

mcdonalds coupons — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:55:57 +0000

Thank you much for this nicely written entry.

Comment on Royal Melbourne by Al Jamieson

Al Jamieson — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:42:01 +0000

played both, but in their winter, July 2007. A frost delay on July 23!!

Sorry about your indifferent treatment by the locals. I played with members, but I tend to agree with you that Au. has a more egalitarian culture whereby the employees may in fact not be so deferential to members and/or paying customers.
My other observation was the almost total absence of service employees at all the clubs ie: caddies, shoe care, etc.

on the other hand, golf in Oz is not all about money.

I play my golf in San Francisco where the hi-tech guys from “the Valley” have distorted all values, real estate, golf, dining, et al. Average clubs cost six figures to join.

cheers

Comment on Ballyneal by steve

steve — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:49:49 +0000

i was fortunate to play ballyneal in mid-october. the course was in great shape. the weather was ideal - mid 60s, low 70s. i love the numerous shot options available on each hole and how creativity is accepted and often rewarded. on any given hole one can choose to bump and run or go aerial. if the wind is up, being comfortable playing the ground game is definitely rewarded.

i flew into denver international airport and was at ballyneal in 2.5 hrs. it is a very easy drive with the first and only stop light being in the town of holyoke. straight interstate and highway until get to holyoke.

if sand hills can be successful located 6.5 hrs from omaha and 6 hrs from denver; i trust the 2.5 hrs to ballyneal will not be a problem. heck, in a big city, one can drive 2.5 hrs just to get 30 miles out of town to a pub links. this easy 2.5 hrs lands one in golfer’s nirvana.

as one blogger posted, ‘ballyneal is 1000 miles from my house and if i had to walk to the course to get a chance to play a second round, i’d start walking now’.

Comment on Ballyneal by Allen

Allen — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:11:00 +0000

You must not have gone to the same course as me.

The drive is 2:15 to 2:30 minutes unless you stop along the way for brunch. The nearest airstrip is in Holyoke, within 15 minutes of the course and the restaurant, lodge, and services is understated and superb.

Try playing the course in June, July, September, or October.

You obviously missed the point of the course, the experience and what attracts it to me and other members.