Arg's Travel Log

[Argonne69]

A really fun day at Mark Bostic GC at the University of Florida. 'So glad that I made the drive up from Ocala. I've probably played a dozen university courses, and this one definitely falls into the top 1/3rd. Rolling terrain with some nice elevation changes. Not a proper parkland layout, but enough trees to be penal. Tricky undulating greens with several false fronts, and steep drop offs. A bit too light on the fairway bunkering, but then I'm rarely satisfied with it. I certainly didn't play the tips, but I was surprised that this par 70 layout only stretches to 6656 yds. Seemed short for a university course. 

 

Good mix of par 4s. The three 5s were mundane. Par 3s were a mixed bag. 

 

Conditions were excellent. Fairways were getting decent rollout. Bunkers were groomed with sufficient sand. The dormant Bermuda rough was penal. Greens were near perfect, and rolling at least 11. Throw in a bit of downslope and being above the hole was a real knee knocker. 

 

Considering the speed and difficulty of the greens, I was extremely pleased with one birdie and six bogies. I love fast greens, but it was hard adjusting to the speed after a so many rounds on shag carpeting. Lol. It would take a few rounds to really get a feel for the greens. Highlight of the day was a 50 foot lag putt that left a two foot tap in for par on the 17th that broke at least 6 ft right. The pin was in a peninsula in the back with severe drop offs on the three sides, and there was no way I was firing at that sucker pin. One of my playing partners had a 20 footer that he managed to putt off the back of the green. Yikes. 

 

I'll give this one six cows. Not a destination course, but if you're in north central Florida, definitely check it out. OK, I did have to tell a little white lie about being an alumni, but they didn't ask for any proof. For less than $50 it was a steal. They really should allow some limited public play, as I'd have no problem paying double that. 

 

Edited January 28, 2022 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Mark Bostic GC at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/98jwdks4f0m41q6/AACCf6jfv6cdVGPCSZu_SgqEa?dl=0

 

[Argonne69]

A nice Belgian Tripel, Belgian Quad, and imperial stout at World of Beer in Gainesville. 50+ taps with something for everyone. 

 

 

 

 

[Argonne69]

Bummer. Tomorrow doesn't look particularly promising. Temps are going to drop to the mid 30s tonight, and the winds in the morning are going to be 15 to 20 mph. RealFeel will be in the 20's. The afternoon will be a little better, but the winds are still going to be a factor. Sunday morning is supposed to be colder with temps in the low 20s, but the winds will subside. Probably going to play it by ear. Have a cup of hot coffee in the morning and see if it's worth heading out. 

 

I have a tee time at Kinderlou Forest in Valdosta, GA, on Tuesday morning, and it wouldn't kill me to have three days off in a row. I think. Lol. 

 

Edited January 28, 2022 by Argonne69

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I think next time I pass thru Gainesville I will play Bostick. Looks fun. 

 

That's how I got on Univ of Michigan's course, walked in during an away football game day, and said I was alumni, paid my greens fee and off I went!!!! 

Edited January 28, 2022 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[Argonne69]

2 minutes ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

I think next time I pass thru Gainesville I will play Bostick. Looks fun. 

 

That's how I got on Univ of Michigan's course, walked in during an away football game day, and said I was alumni, paid my fee and off I went!!!! 

 

The University of Michigan course was probably my favorite. Real beast. Sewailo GC, home of the University of Arizona, was a close 2nd. 

 

[jerebear21]

I told you it would be a good walk. The course was in rough shape 20 years ago before the school took over. It was known as Gainesville country club.  From your pictures it seem like they built a couple new tee boxes since last I played. Really has an old school classic feel to it. And walking is the prefer choice there. 

[StudentGolfer4]

6 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

The University of Michigan course was probably my favorite. Real beast. Sewailo GC, home of the University of Arizona, was a close 2nd. 

 

Given your proximity I’m guessing you have, but played either of the Purdue University courses? If so what are your thoughts. 

[Argonne69]

On 1/28/2022 at 10:08 PM, StudentGolfer4 said:

Given your proximity I’m guessing you have, but played either of the Purdue University courses? If so what are your thoughts. 

 

Yes, I've played the two Birck Boilermaker courses. Both were solid layouts. Being a sucker for elevation changes, I actually preferred the Ackerman course. The Kampen was the harder of the two.

 

Others I've played include Papago (Arizona State), Finkbine (U. of Iowa), University Ridge (U. of Wisconsin), Warren (Notre Dame), Stone Creek (U. of Illinois), Washington National (U. of Washington), Eagle Crest (Eastern Michigan U), Duke University, and UNC Finley (U. of North Carolina). I'm sure I'm forgetting one or two.

 

Edit: Also played The Rawls course in Lubbock, TX (Texas Tech), and Karsten Creek (Oklahoma State).

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by Argonne69

[caniac6]

18 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Edited January 29, 2022 by caniac6

[Argonne69]

Well, here's another ridiculous case of a course advertising its "Best You Can Play" status, without being able to on the course. I'll be passing through Biloxi in two weeks, and want to play Fallen Oak. It's ranked as the #1 course in the state of Mississippi on GolfWeek's Best in State list. I called the course, but they don't handle tee times. I called the reservation center, and the hotel is fully booked for the entire week, even though the course's teesheet is wide open. Apparently golfing is not a big attraction for the guests at the resort. You'd think that just maybe they'd set aside some rooms for golfers, or better yet, let a number of non-guests play a round at a premium price. I asked if I could pay for a "room", even though I wasn't going to stay at the hotel, and they said no.

 

I'll give them a call in a week to see if there have been any cancelations, but it's not looking good.

 

[MountainKing]

22 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Mark Bostic GC at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/98jwdks4f0m41q6/AACCf6jfv6cdVGPCSZu_SgqEa?dl=0

 

 

 

Super wide fairways, assuming you hit all 14?

[jerebear21]

You heading through Tallahassee ? There’s a couple walking courses there. A bit rough around the edges but enough elevation and good vibes to make it worth your time. 

[Argonne69]

43 minutes ago, MountainKing said:

 

Super wide fairways, assuming you hit all 14?

 

Lol. Nope. I managed only 8. Other than finding the bunker on the final hole the misses weren't too bad. Scrambling saved the day. 

 

[Argonne69]

32 minutes ago, jerebear21 said:

You heading through Tallahassee ? There’s a couple walking courses there. A bit rough around the edges but enough elevation and good vibes to make it worth your time. 

 

Yeah, I'll arrive next Thursday, and be there until the following Monday. Capital City CC is at the top of the list. 

 

[mci711]

5 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Yes, I've played the two Birck Boilermaker courses. Both were solid layouts. Being a sucker for elevation changes, I actually preferred the Ackerman course. The Kampen was the harder of the two.

 

Others I've played include Papago (Arizona State), Finkbine (U. of Iowa), University Ridge (U. of Wisconsin), Warren (Notre Dame), Stone Creek (U. of Illinois), Washington National (U. of Washington), Eagle Crest (Eastern Michigan U), Duke University, and UNC Finley (U. of North Carolina). I'm sure I'm forgetting one or two.

 

 

 

You'll have to play IU's new course. It is great. better than Purdue and Notre Dame in my opinion. 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I too have played both Purdue Courses, and the older style, renovated course at Purdue is BETTER in my opinion. This summer I plan on playing the renovated Indiana Univ course as well.

Edited January 29, 2022 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Can you call Fallen Oak's pro shop and see ig they will let you pay and play a round? I might, in March, take a quick weekend trip down to Mississippi and play Old Waverly and Mossy Oak and Sewanee GC in Tenn. on the way home. Will have to stop and eat at Sugar's BBQ near Chattanooga also!

Edited January 29, 2022 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[Argonne69]

5 minutes ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

Can you call Fallen Oak's pro shop and see ig they will let you pay and play a round? I might, in March, take a quick weekend trip down to Mississippi and play Old Waverly and Mossy Oak and Sewanee GC on the way home.

 

I called the pro shop, and they told me that all rounds have to be booked through the hotel. The staffer said they don't have access to the tee sheet for additions. 

 

I'm planning/hoping to play Old Waverly and Mossy Oak in March when I double back from Texas to Montgomery and Birmingham.

 

[jerebear21]

I was going to say hop on Capital City.  Weather should be warming up this coming week. 

[hammergolf]

3 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Well, here's another ridiculous case of a course advertising its "Best You Can Play" status, without being able to on the course. I'll be passing through Biloxi in two weeks, and want to play Fallen Oak. It's ranked as the #1 course in the state of Mississippi on GolfWeek's Best in State list. I called the course, but they don't handle tee times. I called the reservation center, and the hotel is fully booked for the entire week, even though the course's teesheet is wide open. Apparently golfing is not a big attraction for the guests at the resort. You'd think that just maybe they'd set aside some rooms for golfers, or better yet, let a number of non-guests play a round at a premium price. I asked if I could pay for a "room", even though I wasn't going to stay at the hotel, and they said no.

 

I'll give them a call in a week to see if there have been any cancelations, but it's not looking good.

 

I’ve played almost all the courses in the Biloxi area. Since you can’t get on Fallen Oak, try Grand Bear. It’s a really good Nicklaus design that’s just as good. The Senior PGA Tour event that was at Fallen Oak is switching to Grand Bear this year too.
 

https://grandbeargolf.com/golf/course-rates/

Edited January 29, 2022 by hammergolf

[Bonneville85308]

25 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

I’ve played almost all the courses in the Biloxi area. Since you can’t get on Fallen Oak, try Grand Bear. It’s a really good Nicklaus design that’s just as good. The Senior PGA Tour event that was at Fallen Oak is switching to Grand Bear this year too.
 

https://grandbeargolf.com/golf/course-rates/

 

I was in Biloxi in 2017 and played both Fallen Oak and Grand Bear. I actually liked playing Grand Bear a lot better and would probably make that course my top pick if I visit the area again. I was staying at Beau Rivage anyway in the 2017 trip, the hotel and casino were pretty packed but Fallen Oak was empty. On a beautiful fall Thursday I teed off alone around 1pm, played through a twosome around # 7, and didn't catch anyone else until a foursome on # 18.

 

If @Argonne69 also wants a value-priced walkable course in the Biloxi area, I had a good experience at Sunkist CC back in 2017, not sure what it's like today. I was going to play Great Southern too, but couldn't make it work in my schedule. 

[hammergolf]

2 minutes ago, Bonneville85308 said:

 

I was in Biloxi in 2017 and played both Fallen Oak and Grand Bear. I actually liked playing Grand Bear a lot better and would probably make that course my top pick if I visit the area again. I was staying at Beau Rivage anyway in the 2017 trip, the hotel and casino were pretty packed but Fallen Oak was empty. On a beautiful fall Thursday I teed off alone around 1pm, played through a twosome around # 7, and didn't catch anyone else until a foursome on # 18.

 

If @Argonne69 also wants a value-priced walkable course in the Biloxi area, I had a good experience at Sunkist CC back in 2017, not sure what it's like today. I was going to play Great Southern too, but couldn't make it work in my schedule. 

Yeah, I’ve played both many times and if I had to choose it would be Grand Bear for me too. 

[Argonne69]

24 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

Yeah, I’ve played both many times and if I had to choose it would be Grand Bear for me too. 

 

I was down in Biloxi in late 2015. I played Grand Bear, The Preserve, Windance, and Shell Landing. 

 

Grand Bear was a real treat. Loved the isolation. 

 

 

[hammergolf]

39 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

I was down in Biloxi in late 2015. I played Grand Bear, The Preserve, Windance, and Shell Landing. 

 

Grand Bear was a real treat. Loved the isolation. 

 

 

You hit all the good ones. Fallen Oak is nice, but I think Grand Bear is the better layout of the two. 

Edited January 29, 2022 by hammergolf

[Argonne69]

26 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

You hit all the good ones. Fallen Oak is nice, but I think Grand Bear is the better layout of the two. 

 

Fallen Oak is also close to $400 (weekday) with the required resort/casino stay. The green fee is roughly $175, and the room is over $225. Weekend rounds are over $500. I'm assuming the course isn't worth the price. 

 

[hammergolf]

16 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Fallen Oak is also close to $400 (weekday) with the required resort/casino stay. The green fee is roughly $175, and the room is over $225. Weekend rounds are over $500. I'm assuming the course isn't worth the price. 

 

Yeah, it’s not worth that. I was fortunate that I was in the golf business when I lived in New Orleans so I was comped. Have you played the RTJ Magnolia Grove in Mobile, AL? It’s really good and 1/5 the price of Fallen Oak.

[Dancin]

11 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Well, here's another ridiculous case of a course advertising its "Best You Can Play" status, without being able to on the course. I'll be passing through Biloxi in two weeks, and want to play Fallen Oak. It's ranked as the #1 course in the state of Mississippi on GolfWeek's Best in State list. I called the course, but they don't handle tee times. I called the reservation center, and the hotel is fully booked for the entire week, even though the course's teesheet is wide open. Apparently golfing is not a big attraction for the guests at the resort. You'd think that just maybe they'd set aside some rooms for golfers, or better yet, let a number of non-guests play a round at a premium price. I asked if I could pay for a "room", even though I wasn't going to stay at the hotel, and they said no.

 

I'll give them a call in a week to see if there have been any cancelations, but it's not looking good.

 

deleted since someone else reponded. Not worth what they charge for it.

Edited January 30, 2022 by Dancin

[Argonne69]

14 hours ago, hammergolf said:

Yeah, it’s not worth that. I was fortunate that I was in the golf business when I lived in New Orleans so I was comped. Have you played the RTJ Magnolia Grove in Mobile, AL? It’s really good and 1/5 the price of Fallen Oak.

 

Yes, I've played both courses at Magnolia Grove, and the Azalea course at Lakewood. I should try to play the Dogwood course at Lakewood while I'm in the area. 

 

I've played most of the 18 hole courses on the RTJ Trail. I'll play two or three of the nines at Highland Oaks in two weeks, and hopefully Capital Hill Senator and Legislator, and Silver Lakes in March when I'm heading back from Texas.

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Looks like I'm striking out in my quest to play the top "courses you can play". I called Camp Creek, #12 on Golfweek's Best in State, and they don't allow any public play. 'Not sure why the course has been on the list for years. The staffer said that Shark's Tooth allows public play, but only guests at the Watercolor Inn. I gave the inn a call, and yes, I can play the course for $245, with a room costing a minimum of $340 plus tax. Ouch.

 

Anyone play Shark's Tooth? Worth 6 Benjamins? I'm guessing the answer is no.

 

Any recommendations for the Panama City Beach to Pensacola stretch? I've played the two course at Bay Point, Regatta Bay, Windswept Dunes, Burnt Pine, and Raven GC in the area. Santa Rosa? The Links? Emerald Bay? Kelly Plantation?

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by Argonne69