Under the Radar Courses

Saw something a while back on Twitter from Bacon and Zac Blair asking about people’s favorite under the radar courses. Anyone have any hidden gems that nobody seems to know/talk about?

My favorite for this category is Austin Golf Club in Spicewood. Crenshaw built it and still oversees basically everything that goes on there. No sign at the entrance, no website and must be invited by a member to play.

Does a private course count as "under the radar"? Since most can't play, they don't even pay attention.

I'll throw out there, from my home state, Inn of The Mtn. Gods in Ruidoso and Pendaries in Angel Fire. First off NM is under the radar for golf, but these 2 courses go under the radar for golfers in NM.

For me it's Talking Stick in Scottsdale. Doesn't get included with the big names like Troon and Grayhawk very often but it's a true Coore/Crenshaw design, always fun to play with a lot of strategy, zero houses along the course, and can be played most of the year for around $20-30 if you find deals (excluding winter prime time/Phoenix Open). There's times when I've had the north course all to myself and I just can't believe it. They named one of the holes "Sand Hills" which might be the closest I ever come to playing there lol.

Talking Stick definitely doesn't get the love it deserves. Primarily because it's missing the eye candy and elevation changes that other AZ courses often have. Here are links to photo tours of both Talking Stick courses:https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157650870733865 Talking Stick Northhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157631875241268 Talking Stick South

Talking Stick South

Talking Stick North #13

That place has $30 green fees?! That’s unbelievable. I live in Oklahoma City and our local munis charge more and don’t look anything like that haha

Absolutely, it can. I wasn’t necessarily trying to narrow it down to public vs private, just curious about people’s experiences at courses that don’t get (or in AGC’s case, don’t want) much attention.

Did you miss the stickied thread at the top of this forum? Because, that's what it's all about.

--kC

$30 only in the middle of summer in 110 degree heat!

Buffalo Dunes in Garden City, Kansas.