Golf Top 18 - Golf Top 18 Recent Courses Blog

How Could I Forget?

6/3/2017

For the first time since launching the website, I simply forgot to upload a golf course I played. Usually, there is some lag between when I play and when I post, and some reviews may be uploaded purposefully out of order, but this is the first time I actually just forgot to upload. So, without further delay, you can now see the review of Lake Tahoe Golf Course, which I played last October and pictured above. Additionally, the updated review of Edgewood (improved and still on the GolfTop18 Course list) can also be found.

The Obligatory Picture

5/22/2017

I recently was able to finally go experience Bethpage in Farmingdale, NY. Although I used rental clubs that were pretty good, that still hampered my ability to score well as is the norm with learning new clubs. I still mixed in a few good shots and was very happy with the 36 holes of walking golf. I was indeed tired, especially after the butt kicking I received at the hands of the Black Course back nine in the afternoon, but the Red Course was also a good challenge for my morning round. I am also proud to announce that, like every other golfing yahoo ever who has played the Black Course, I got the quite famous picture below. I do not understand why anybody would play the back tees, other than a scratch golfer or below, as the white tees are hard enough for most mortals.

Bethpage Black Difficult Course Sign Picture

The Ol' Switcheroo

5/17/2017

I recently played Westridge Golf Club in La Habra and updated my review. They switched nines, which I can only surmise has something to do with trying to get more snack bar business between nines, but it took a very good three closing holes and relegated them to holes 7-9, which is less dramatic. They also, due to drought I think, removed a couple of cool tee boxes, but the golf course is still fun.

Orange County Golf Picture

TPC Teams

4/29/2017

The tour has come this week to TPC Louisiana with a new team format, which I think is a good move; I played the course for the first time last year and I always like watching the pros play some place I've been.

TPC Louisiana Golf Course Review Picture

When the Game Disappears

2/25/2017

Mile Square Golf Course Review Picture

Sometimes the golfer's game completely disappears. Such was the disaster that happened to me at my last visit to the Players Course at Milesquare. Fortunately, I was with three friends and, although they took my money, the weather was nice and the company was outstanding. At least a got a few new pictures for the review.

A Sterling Start to 2017

2/5/2017

2017 got off to a great golfing start with me playing a weekend round in perfect weather with my son. He's only 8 and this is about his 5th 18 hole round; and it was his best with him scoring his lowest ever. I set him up with a course length around 3,000 yards and he does a great job learning and getting better.

For me, after laying off golf for about 5 weeks, it took a few golf holes to get my swing back but I played lights out for the middle 10 holes of the round and then ran out of gas, but limped in with a good score. I'm also happy to update my Sterling Hills review with a few more pictures and updated review. it's still one of the more enjoyable courses to play in Ventura County.

Ventura Golf Course Review Picture

Watching in January

1/29/2017

Although not nearly as long as last year's golf drought, I'm still in the middle of a stretch where my only golf exposure is through the television (I'm scheduled to play once or twice in February). The "West Coast Swing" as it is dubbed, is one of my favorite windows of golf watching, mostly because I've played the majority of the courses it encompasses. I have not played Waialae or Riviera, but I've been on all the other courses, so it is great to re-live those memories and watch the pros do what they do. Pictured above is Torrey Pines North, which I understand from watching this week's coverage has been re-routed and re-designed. I guess I'll have to put it back on my list of to-do's.

End of 2016

12/31/2016

This was a very good year of golf where I got to play in four different countries and four states in the U.S., hitting up some of the most world renowned efforts. The last two months, however, is where I "came down" off the golfing highs and only played twice (both in December). Nonetheless, I was able to refresh the existing reviews of Terra Lago South and Camarillo Springs for my last effort of 2016.

What's on tap for 2017? There is less golf magic in the air but I'll return to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico and the Big Island of Hawaii, where I plan to visit some old haunts and also throw in a few new courses along the way.

Clandestine Reviews

11/12/2016

A few years back, unfortunately, we were challenged by an unnamed group of folks at a private club saying they didn't want anything on our website. We obliged (even though I firmly believe that elitist people like that are what is wrong with golf in America). However, more reasonable country clubs have not objected to our reviews as they are indeed mostly positive and, with a few exceptions (once again, usually positive) i don't rate them within the system for this website; instead, we just post pictures and commentary on the holes. This is done because a private club has positive factors to it outside of the golf course itself that I (as a non member) can't really comment on and, so, I don't. That being said, there are a few private courses included in this website here and there; we've removed (or tried to) any advertising items from those pages and, in some cases, didn't give much information on even the name of the course. So, no links present in this blog, just a quick note that more have been recently added in this vein, but since we don't overtly mention them, one would have to find them on their own (click as many pages as you need to). :)

End of the Oregon Trail...for now

11/11/2016

Top Oregon Golf Picture

It took awhile, but i finally got back to wrapping up my musings on my Oregon trip. I added the review of the 13 hole Bandon Preserve course and also added the only course I've ever played in Oregon NOT at the Bandon Dunes resort. See the updated Oregon page for all the offerings.