Most Over Rated Course on the Major Rotation

[imakaveli]

To those who think my beloved Bethpage Black is overrated:

-You probably didn't listen to the warning sign that basically says you are going to have a bad time if you aren't any good. This is what I am interpreting from your comments. You probably tried to tip the course, in which case yes, it is very long and challenging. But hey, if you play from the whites or reds on a year when they aren't hosting a tournament, the rough and fescue are not bad at all, and the length is more than manageable.

-Bethpage Black is a Tillinghast masterpiece. Each hole stands out in my mind as memorable and challenging in their own ways. The bunkering is gorgeous and the hole design is stunning.

-It is a MUNICIPLE course and a damn good one at that. What is a better major venue than one you can try out yourself?

-Every pro who plays there respects the hell out of it.

Bethpage is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most challenging tracks in the country, and a terrific major venue at that.

 

Rant over.

 

I understand and agree with everything you said, I have never played BB but I would love to one day. I just think that sign is lame, it makes you think you really are gonna hurt yourself if you are not good like on a ski slope :D

[EKELLY]

To those who think my beloved Bethpage Black is overrated:

-You probably didn't listen to the warning sign that basically says you are going to have a bad time if you aren't any good. This is what I am interpreting from your comments. You probably tried to tip the course, in which case yes, it is very long and challenging. But hey, if you play from the whites or reds on a year when they aren't hosting a tournament, the rough and fescue are not bad at all, and the length is more than manageable.

-Bethpage Black is a Tillinghast masterpiece. Each hole stands out in my mind as memorable and challenging in their own ways. The bunkering is gorgeous and the hole design is stunning.

-It is a MUNICIPLE course and a damn good one at that. What is a better major venue than one you can try out yourself?

-Every pro who plays there respects the hell out of it.

Bethpage is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most challenging tracks in the country, and a terrific major venue at that.

 

Rant over.

 

I understand and agree with everything you said, I have never played BB but I would love to one day. I just think that sign is lame, it makes you think you really are gonna hurt yourself if you are not good like on a ski slope :D

Here is what you need to think of. In the 80's I was a +4 everywhere. And i was long at the time. Keep in mind the bombers on Tour back then hit it 280. If you hit it 240-260 like the best club players , you have ZERO chance, ZERO +ZERO, of breaking 80 from the tips at the Black.......Today, when every tool on the planet can almost pop 300 with a cut swing, the sign is irrelevant........When that sign was first hung, when i was a kid in NY, it was just a warning that you better 'bring some game", or you'll get beat up!!.........

[EKELLY]

To those who think my beloved Bethpage Black is overrated:

-You probably didn't listen to the warning sign that basically says you are going to have a bad time if you aren't any good. This is what I am interpreting from your comments. You probably tried to tip the course, in which case yes, it is very long and challenging. But hey, if you play from the whites or reds on a year when they aren't hosting a tournament, the rough and fescue are not bad at all, and the length is more than manageable.

-Bethpage Black is a Tillinghast masterpiece. Each hole stands out in my mind as memorable and challenging in their own ways. The bunkering is gorgeous and the hole design is stunning.

-It is a MUNICIPLE course and a damn good one at that. What is a better major venue than one you can try out yourself?

-Every pro who plays there respects the hell out of it.

Bethpage is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most challenging tracks in the country, and a terrific major venue at that.

 

Rant over.

Played it probably 100 times, great track.

[lowheel]

To those who think my beloved Bethpage Black is overrated:

-You probably didn't listen to the warning sign that basically says you are going to have a bad time if you aren't any good. This is what I am interpreting from your comments. You probably tried to tip the course, in which case yes, it is very long and challenging. But hey, if you play from the whites or reds on a year when they aren't hosting a tournament, the rough and fescue are not bad at all, and the length is more than manageable.

-Bethpage Black is a Tillinghast masterpiece. Each hole stands out in my mind as memorable and challenging in their own ways. The bunkering is gorgeous and the hole design is stunning.

-It is a MUNICIPLE course and a damn good one at that. What is a better major venue than one you can try out yourself?

-Every pro who plays there respects the hell out of it.

Bethpage is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most challenging tracks in the country, and a terrific major venue at that.

 

Rant over.

 

I understand and agree with everything you said, I have never played BB but I would love to one day. I just think that sign is lame, it makes you think you really are gonna hurt yourself if you are not good like on a ski slope :D

 

Honestly the sign is there for 1 reason and 1 reason only. If the rough is up and youre playing the wrong tees you will lose 6-8 balls at least. i played with a guy who walked off after 9 because he lost 10 balls.We told him to move up a few sets of tees but he was fuming and refused. there are 3/4 forced carrys just to get to the fairway that some cant even make so its logical it being a muni and trying to speed up play that they would have signs and marshalls stating this

[lowheel]

To those who think my beloved Bethpage Black is overrated:

-You probably didn't listen to the warning sign that basically says you are going to have a bad time if you aren't any good. This is what I am interpreting from your comments. You probably tried to tip the course, in which case yes, it is very long and challenging. But hey, if you play from the whites or reds on a year when they aren't hosting a tournament, the rough and fescue are not bad at all, and the length is more than manageable.

-Bethpage Black is a Tillinghast masterpiece. Each hole stands out in my mind as memorable and challenging in their own ways. The bunkering is gorgeous and the hole design is stunning.

-It is a MUNICIPLE course and a damn good one at that. What is a better major venue than one you can try out yourself?

-Every pro who plays there respects the hell out of it.

Bethpage is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most challenging tracks in the country, and a terrific major venue at that.

 

Rant over.

 

I understand and agree with everything you said, I have never played BB but I would love to one day. I just think that sign is lame, it makes you think you really are gonna hurt yourself if you are not good like on a ski slope :D

Here is what you need to think of. In the 80's I was a +4 everywhere. And i was long at the time. Keep in mind the bombers on Tour back then hit it 280. If you hit it 240-260 like the best club players , you have ZERO chance, ZERO +ZERO, of breaking 80 from the tips at the Black.......Today, when every tool on the planet can almost pop 300 with a cut swing, the sign is irrelevant........When that sign was first hung, when i was a kid in NY, it was just a warning that you better 'bring some game", or you'll get beat up!!.........

 

well said.

[JoeyJoeyJoeJoe]

I think Pinehurst Number 2 looks like s***. The #2 is fitting for that place.

[teejaywhy]

... A Major Championship course for the PGA Tour? ...

 

That would be the TPC Sawgrass, right?

[imakaveli]

To those who think my beloved Bethpage Black is overrated:

-You probably didn't listen to the warning sign that basically says you are going to have a bad time if you aren't any good. This is what I am interpreting from your comments. You probably tried to tip the course, in which case yes, it is very long and challenging. But hey, if you play from the whites or reds on a year when they aren't hosting a tournament, the rough and fescue are not bad at all, and the length is more than manageable.

-Bethpage Black is a Tillinghast masterpiece. Each hole stands out in my mind as memorable and challenging in their own ways. The bunkering is gorgeous and the hole design is stunning.

-It is a MUNICIPLE course and a damn good one at that. What is a better major venue than one you can try out yourself?

-Every pro who plays there respects the hell out of it.

Bethpage is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most challenging tracks in the country, and a terrific major venue at that.

 

Rant over.

 

I understand and agree with everything you said, I have never played BB but I would love to one day. I just think that sign is lame, it makes you think you really are gonna hurt yourself if you are not good like on a ski slope :D

Here is what you need to think of. In the 80's I was a +4 everywhere. And i was long at the time. Keep in mind the bombers on Tour back then hit it 280. If you hit it 240-260 like the best club players , you have ZERO chance, ZERO +ZERO, of breaking 80 from the tips at the Black.......Today, when every tool on the planet can almost pop 300 with a cut swing, the sign is irrelevant........When that sign was first hung, when i was a kid in NY, it was just a warning that you better 'bring some game", or you'll get beat up!!.........

 

So? What should a Carnoustie sign have said? WARNING DANGER OF DEATH AHEAD? :D

[41NAS]

I think Pinehurst Number 2 looks like s***. The #2 is fitting for that place.

 

Couldn't agree more with this.

[EKELLY]

I think Pinehurst Number 2 looks like s***. The #2 is fitting for that place.

 

Couldn't agree more with this.

I agree. I played 2 probably 100 times when I was at Bragg. The re-design doesn't do much for me.......

[EKELLY]

To those who think my beloved Bethpage Black is overrated:

-You probably didn't listen to the warning sign that basically says you are going to have a bad time if you aren't any good. This is what I am interpreting from your comments. You probably tried to tip the course, in which case yes, it is very long and challenging. But hey, if you play from the whites or reds on a year when they aren't hosting a tournament, the rough and fescue are not bad at all, and the length is more than manageable.

-Bethpage Black is a Tillinghast masterpiece. Each hole stands out in my mind as memorable and challenging in their own ways. The bunkering is gorgeous and the hole design is stunning.

-It is a MUNICIPLE course and a damn good one at that. What is a better major venue than one you can try out yourself?

-Every pro who plays there respects the hell out of it.

Bethpage is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most challenging tracks in the country, and a terrific major venue at that.

 

Rant over.

 

I understand and agree with everything you said, I have never played BB but I would love to one day. I just think that sign is lame, it makes you think you really are gonna hurt yourself if you are not good like on a ski slope :D

Here is what you need to think of. In the 80's I was a +4 everywhere. And i was long at the time. Keep in mind the bombers on Tour back then hit it 280. If you hit it 240-260 like the best club players , you have ZERO chance, ZERO +ZERO, of breaking 80 from the tips at the Black.......Today, when every tool on the planet can almost pop 300 with a cut swing, the sign is irrelevant........When that sign was first hung, when i was a kid in NY, it was just a warning that you better 'bring some game", or you'll get beat up!!.........

 

So? What should a Carnoustie sign have said? WARNING DANGER OF DEATH AHEAD? :D

There are 3 holes where even some Tour pros BARELY reached the fairway from the back tees.........lol

[bscinstnct]

To those who think my beloved Bethpage Black is overrated:

-You probably didn't listen to the warning sign that basically says you are going to have a bad time if you aren't any good. This is what I am interpreting from your comments. You probably tried to tip the course, in which case yes, it is very long and challenging. But hey, if you play from the whites or reds on a year when they aren't hosting a tournament, the rough and fescue are not bad at all, and the length is more than manageable.

-Bethpage Black is a Tillinghast masterpiece. Each hole stands out in my mind as memorable and challenging in their own ways. The bunkering is gorgeous and the hole design is stunning.

-It is a MUNICIPLE course and a damn good one at that. What is a better major venue than one you can try out yourself?

-Every pro who plays there respects the hell out of it.

Bethpage is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most challenging tracks in the country, and a terrific major venue at that.

 

Rant over.

 

I understand and agree with everything you said, I have never played BB but I would love to one day. I just think that sign is lame, it makes you think you really are gonna hurt yourself if you are not good like on a ski slope :D

Here is what you need to think of. In the 80's I was a +4 everywhere. And i was long at the time. Keep in mind the bombers on Tour back then hit it 280. If you hit it 240-260 like the best club players , you have ZERO chance, ZERO +ZERO, of breaking 80 from the tips at the Black.......Today, when every tool on the planet can almost pop 300 with a cut swing, the sign is irrelevant........When that sign was first hung, when i was a kid in NY, it was just a warning that you better 'bring some game", or you'll get beat up!!.........

 

So? What should a Carnoustie sign have said? WARNING DANGER OF DEATH AHEAD? :D

There are 3 holes where even some Tour pros BARELY reached the fairway from the back tees.........lol

 

Hard to explain the black course to people.

 

You can stand there watching people come in and they *all* look like they just got their @ss kicked. Heads down, exausted.

[teejaywhy]

 

Hard to explain the black course to people.

 

You can stand there watching people come in and they *all* look like they just got their @ss kicked. Heads down, exausted.

 

Sounds delightful.

[imakaveli]

 

I understand and agree with everything you said, I have never played BB but I would love to one day. I just think that sign is lame, it makes you think you really are gonna hurt yourself if you are not good like on a ski slope :D

Here is what you need to think of. In the 80's I was a +4 everywhere. And i was long at the time. Keep in mind the bombers on Tour back then hit it 280. If you hit it 240-260 like the best club players , you have ZERO chance, ZERO +ZERO, of breaking 80 from the tips at the Black.......Today, when every tool on the planet can almost pop 300 with a cut swing, the sign is irrelevant........When that sign was first hung, when i was a kid in NY, it was just a warning that you better 'bring some game", or you'll get beat up!!.........

 

So? What should a Carnoustie sign have said? WARNING DANGER OF DEATH AHEAD? :D

There are 3 holes where even some Tour pros BARELY reached the fairway from the back tees.........lol

 

Hard to explain the black course to people.

 

You can stand there watching people come in and they *all* look like they just got their @ss kicked. Heads down, exausted.

 

As I said before my friend, let's play Carnoustie together, same a** kicking (if not more) but no silly warnings ;)

[gioguy21]

i got nothin --- i love BPB. it's the only course i've played that i tell people "it's the kind of course that you get through 9, look at your scorecard and go, whew, i only shot that?...then you stand on 10 tee and go....effin a, i gotta go 9 more"

 

...then 2 hours later you want a cold beer, a good hard smoke and a nap. she'll do you dirty, but promise you'll have a smile on your face when you're done.

[Obee]

To those who think my beloved Bethpage Black is overrated:

-You probably didn't listen to the warning sign that basically says you are going to have a bad time if you aren't any good. This is what I am interpreting from your comments. You probably tried to tip the course, in which case yes, it is very long and challenging. But hey, if you play from the whites or reds on a year when they aren't hosting a tournament, the rough and fescue are not bad at all, and the length is more than manageable.

-Bethpage Black is a Tillinghast masterpiece. Each hole stands out in my mind as memorable and challenging in their own ways. The bunkering is gorgeous and the hole design is stunning.

-It is a MUNICIPLE course and a damn good one at that. What is a better major venue than one you can try out yourself?

-Every pro who plays there respects the hell out of it.

Bethpage is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most challenging tracks in the country, and a terrific major venue at that.

 

Rant over.

 

I understand and agree with everything you said, I have never played BB but I would love to one day. I just think that sign is lame, it makes you think you really are gonna hurt yourself if you are not good like on a ski slope :D

Here is what you need to think of. In the 80's I was a +4 everywhere. And i was long at the time. Keep in mind the bombers on Tour back then hit it 280. If you hit it 240-260 like the best club players , you have ZERO chance, ZERO +ZERO, of breaking 80 from the tips at the Black.......Today, when every tool on the planet can almost pop 300 with a cut swing, the sign is irrelevant........When that sign was first hung, when i was a kid in NY, it was just a warning that you better 'bring some game", or you'll get beat up!!.........

 

So it looks like the rating is 78.1 and the slope is 152. Tough course for sure. My home course is 75.7/146.

 

Do you think it plays tougher than 78.1?

[JonnyKrasnodar]

Any PGA champ course.

 

St. Andrews is awesome, totally different style of golf. Can't judge until you've played it. But that's just my opinion :)

 

If St Andrews was in the middle of Iowa, they'd be lucky to get $7 for greens fees because of the course conditions. IMO

 

 

Greg

If St. Andrews was in the middle of Iowa, the course conditions would be nothing like they are ;)

 

Regarding Greens fees, I have no idea~

 

Of course, as always, just my .03 worth?

 

Cheers,

RP

 

It's about an hour's drive for me and it is quite disappointing. Yes, it's beautiful. Yes you feel the air and the history on the first tee. But as a distinctly average golfer t's not that difficult a course. If you hit the ball straight as I do, there's little trouble. Few greens are nightmares to read but it's an enjoyable course. Wasn't impressed, wasn't as challenging as I thought it would or should be.

 

 

[JD3]

Any PGA champ course.

 

St. Andrews is awesome, totally different style of golf. Can't judge until you've played it. But that's just my opinion :)

 

If St Andrews was in the middle of Iowa, they'd be lucky to get $7 for greens fees because of the course conditions. IMO

 

 

Greg

If St. Andrews was in the middle of Iowa, the course conditions would be nothing like they are ;)

 

Regarding Greens fees, I have no idea~

 

Of course, as always, just my .03 worth?

 

Cheers,

RP

 

It's about an hour's drive for me and it is quite disappointing. Yes, it's beautiful. Yes you feel the air and the history on the first tee. But as a distinctly average golfer t's not that difficult a course. If you hit the ball straight as I do, there's little trouble. Few greens are nightmares to read but it's an enjoyable course. Wasn't impressed, wasn't as challenging as I thought it would or should be.

It's been there for centuries and stood the test of time. You simply cant compare it to later courses that were adapted to the equipment. Bethpage with the elevation changes would have been unplayable back then.

[RobS14526]

Any PGA champ course.

 

St. Andrews is awesome, totally different style of golf. Can't judge until you've played it. But that's just my opinion :)

 

If St Andrews was in the middle of Iowa, they'd be lucky to get $7 for greens fees because of the course conditions. IMO

 

 

Greg

If St. Andrews was in the middle of Iowa, the course conditions would be nothing like they are ;)

 

Regarding Greens fees, I have no idea~

 

Of course, as always, just my .03 worth?

 

Cheers,

RP

 

It's about an hour's drive for me and it is quite disappointing. Yes, it's beautiful. Yes you feel the air and the history on the first tee. But as a distinctly average golfer t's not that difficult a course. If you hit the ball straight as I do, there's little trouble. Few greens are nightmares to read but it's an enjoyable course. Wasn't impressed, wasn't as challenging as I thought it would or should be.

It's been there for centuries and stood the test of time. You simply cant compare it to later courses that were adapted to the equipment. Bethpage with the elevation changes would have been unplayable back then.

Has it stood the test of time? I suppose it has at least for us. I look forward to playing it.

 

That being said, my memory of the last open at St Andrews was they had two choices, wedge fest when the wind laid down or unplayable when the wind blew.

 

It's still all that it has been for me and my buddies but does it still hold up as a championship course?

 

 

[HoffTTM]

To those who think my beloved Bethpage Black is overrated:

-You probably didn't listen to the warning sign that basically says you are going to have a bad time if you aren't any good. This is what I am interpreting from your comments. You probably tried to tip the course, in which case yes, it is very long and challenging. But hey, if you play from the whites or reds on a year when they aren't hosting a tournament, the rough and fescue are not bad at all, and the length is more than manageable.

-Bethpage Black is a Tillinghast masterpiece. Each hole stands out in my mind as memorable and challenging in their own ways. The bunkering is gorgeous and the hole design is stunning.

-It is a MUNICIPLE course and a damn good one at that. What is a better major venue than one you can try out yourself?

-Every pro who plays there respects the hell out of it.

Bethpage is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most challenging tracks in the country, and a terrific major venue at that.

 

Rant over.

 

I understand and agree with everything you said, I have never played BB but I would love to one day. I just think that sign is lame, it makes you think you really are gonna hurt yourself if you are not good like on a ski slope :D

 

You likely are seeing as many greens are 15 to 20 feet above the fairway with forced carries over rough/deep deep bunkers and 25 yard fairways on the vast majority of the holes.

[JD F57]

Any PGA champ course.

 

St. Andrews is awesome, totally different style of golf. Can't judge until you've played it. But that's just my opinion :)

 

If St Andrews was in the middle of Iowa, they'd be lucky to get $7 for greens fees because of the course conditions. IMO

 

 

Greg

 

Can't quite read your tone but that sounds like an incredibly ignorant comment . Explain to me how you think the old course is in poor condition ?

 

I walked all 18 holes the Sunday before the Scottish Open (the course was closed so I walked it and took photos of each hole) and there was at least 100+ divots per every fairway and the greens were in really bad shape. Lots of bare ground in play. It looked very much like a very abused muni. So the fact that I was there recently, walked the course and have been in the golf business for 48 years (34 as a PGA Golf professional), I think it was based on eye witnessed fact and not so much an "incredibly ignorant comment".

 

But I did say it was my opinion. The first time Sam Snead saw St Andrews he said "we would't even grow cow beets on land that looked like this place"

 

 

Greg

 

I'd still play it.

[dreich]

OK, don't ban me for this comment (lol), but I think the final 2 holes at Augusta are overated. There's many other tour stops that have a more dramatic closing holes. Don't get me wrong, I love Augusta, but 17 and 18 to me are just, meh. Hole 15 would make a more dramatic finish if it were logistically possible, (probably not). I'm probably the only one who thinks this though.

[nogopehrs]

TPC Sawgrass and the deafening "5th major" banter.

[GarrettFM]

Oh wow, some of these comments about St. Andrews...

[cradd10]

OK, don't ban me for this comment (lol), but I think the final 2 holes at Augusta are overated. There's many other tour stops that have a more dramatic closing holes. Don't get me wrong, I love Augusta, but 17 and 18 to me are just, meh. Hole 15 would make a more dramatic finish if it were logistically possible, (probably not). I'm probably the only one who thinks this though.

 

Ask Kenny Perry if he thinks 17 & 18 are overrated from 2009

[cyr67]

Carnoustie. End thread:) Totally overrated.

Played it in '09 and didn't rate it. Played it again in '11, convinced I "Just didn't get it." Again, not impressed. Why?

1) It has trees FFS! Holes 8, 9 and 10 feature them and the course runs through/near a newish residential area. I didn't come all the way to Scotland for that. It destroys the aesthetic for me.

2) Feels like it's no where near the ocean. Sure it's in the distance, probably as the crow flies, not that far, but it doesn't feel like it is.

 

OK, not a bad course...there are some great holes--particularly 17 and 18. But it is really overrated for me.

[300yard+]

Torrey ..... So many other iconic and memorable courses that have memorable holes.. I dont think its fair to host a US open .PGA would be Baltusrol..it seems just meeh compared to Medinah...

[EKELLY]

i got nothin --- i love BPB. it's the only course i've played that i tell people "it's the kind of course that you get through 9, look at your scorecard and go, whew, i only shot that?...then you stand on 10 tee and go....effin a, i gotta go 9 more"

 

...then 2 hours later you want a cold beer, a good hard smoke and a nap. she'll do you dirty, but promise you'll have a smile on your face when you're done.

LOLOL.......But you end up wanting more tomorrow!........

[Obee]

Carnoustie. End thread:) Totally overrated.

Played it in '09 and didn't rate it. Played it again in '11, convinced I "Just didn't get it." Again, not impressed. Why?

1) It has trees FFS! Holes 8, 9 and 10 feature them and the course runs through/near a newish residential area. I didn't come all the way to Scotland for that. It destroys the aesthetic for me.

2) Feels like it's no where near the ocean. Sure it's in the distance, probably as the crow flies, not that far, but it doesn't feel like it is.

 

OK, not a bad course...there are some great holes--particularly 17 and 18. But it is really overrated for me.

 

I loved Carnoustie. Played there four years ago.

[Obee]

Any PGA champ course.

 

St. Andrews is awesome, totally different style of golf. Can't judge until you've played it. But that's just my opinion :)

 

If St Andrews was in the middle of Iowa, they'd be lucky to get $7 for greens fees because of the course conditions. IMO

 

 

Greg

If St. Andrews was in the middle of Iowa, the course conditions would be nothing like they are ;)

 

Regarding Greens fees, I have no idea~

 

Of course, as always, just my .03 worth

 

Cheers,

RP

 

It's about an hour's drive for me and it is quite disappointing. Yes, it's beautiful. Yes you feel the air and the history on the first tee. But as a distinctly average golfer t's not that difficult a course. If you hit the ball straight as I do, there's little trouble. Few greens are nightmares to read but it's an enjoyable course. Wasn't impressed, wasn't as challenging as I thought it would or should be.

 

I had a completely different experience. Absolutely loved St. Andrews.

 

You are correct about the difficulty, though: we played on a day with only 10 mph winds, and it was not very difficult.