The genesis of this golf course review website stemmed from my love of ranking things, combined with an ever-growing list of golf courses I had the pleasure of playing. Thus, it's inherent in how I approach a golf experience. This is enhanced further when I go to a golfing complex with multiple golf courses and more again when I go with people who are curious as to my opinions.
This year, my annual golf trip with my buddies took us to Streamsong in Florida, where they have the trio of the Black, Blue and Red courses. I had once previously journeyed there and played two of the three golf courses. This trip, however, was designed to let me play each golf course and, at the end of it all, I had enjoyed each one twice in my life, gaining perspective.
I was asked during and since the conclusion of the boys golf trip which of the three is my favorite and, much to my chagrin, for once, I can't answer that question: at least not directly, and here's why:
This year, my annual golf trip with my buddies took us to Streamsong in Florida, where they have the trio of the Black, Blue and Red courses. I had once previously journeyed there and played two of the three golf courses. This trip, however, was designed to let me play each golf course and, at the end of it all, I had enjoyed each one twice in my life, gaining perspective.
I was asked during and since the conclusion of the boys golf trip which of the three is my favorite and, much to my chagrin, for once, I can't answer that question: at least not directly, and here's why:
Red - there can be no doubt that the most memorable and terrifying (to the average golfer) stretch of golf holes on property is the first seven here. Although there are a couple of "easy" holes in there, having water and/or oblivion in play on 6 of 7 tee shots and half of the approaches to start a round is tough. So, as a golfer who loves adrenaline inducing shots, this is awesome. However, after the 7th finishes, although the course is still challenging and has high points along the way, there are stretches that feel a little more mundane or repetitive compared to the other courses, giving this course also the "lowest" of the lows on property.
Blue - Since this shares much of the same land as Red, it should feel very similar, but Doak's design strangely feels quite a bit different and plays as the more consistent, fair and cohesive of the two layouts. With only a couple of holes I didn't enjoy, this one relies less on terrifying shots over water (there are some) and more on a great variety of shot values and golf hole types. Of course, by contrast to it's "brother", it never quite reaches the adrenaline highs of Red, but on a day to day basis, might be more enjoyable to play.
Black - In life, contrast can bring appreciation. To the person who lives in a forest, the ocean can bring more awe than it might to one who lives on a beach. However, it's the contrast between the two that can make both really stand out to all people. It is the same here with Streamsong Black. If Gil Hanse had been given land like the other golf courses or done the same thing I might dare to say the overall reputation of the destination would have dropped. But, this golf course is nothing like the others. Surrounded by the more natural white sands of the region, it feels more arid and natural than the other two. There is nearly no water on the golf course, but this is a welcome departure from the other courses, like a bridge in a great rock song. I dare say that this would be my favorite of the golf courses were it not for the truly hateful 14th and 15th holes. The former of these is almost universally hated, which is sad, because it actually could be easily fixed by expanding / levelling the back portion of the green to make it less like impossible mini-golf. The latter is more debatable but I don't like the tier concept and it feels like an ill-conceived video game hole more than real life. Nonetheless, the golf course, on an overall basis enhances the experience.
The conclusion: a three-way tie for first place and a recommendation for golfers to visit this place, but to ensure they play all three to fully appreciate each one.
Blue - Since this shares much of the same land as Red, it should feel very similar, but Doak's design strangely feels quite a bit different and plays as the more consistent, fair and cohesive of the two layouts. With only a couple of holes I didn't enjoy, this one relies less on terrifying shots over water (there are some) and more on a great variety of shot values and golf hole types. Of course, by contrast to it's "brother", it never quite reaches the adrenaline highs of Red, but on a day to day basis, might be more enjoyable to play.
Black - In life, contrast can bring appreciation. To the person who lives in a forest, the ocean can bring more awe than it might to one who lives on a beach. However, it's the contrast between the two that can make both really stand out to all people. It is the same here with Streamsong Black. If Gil Hanse had been given land like the other golf courses or done the same thing I might dare to say the overall reputation of the destination would have dropped. But, this golf course is nothing like the others. Surrounded by the more natural white sands of the region, it feels more arid and natural than the other two. There is nearly no water on the golf course, but this is a welcome departure from the other courses, like a bridge in a great rock song. I dare say that this would be my favorite of the golf courses were it not for the truly hateful 14th and 15th holes. The former of these is almost universally hated, which is sad, because it actually could be easily fixed by expanding / levelling the back portion of the green to make it less like impossible mini-golf. The latter is more debatable but I don't like the tier concept and it feels like an ill-conceived video game hole more than real life. Nonetheless, the golf course, on an overall basis enhances the experience.
The conclusion: a three-way tie for first place and a recommendation for golfers to visit this place, but to ensure they play all three to fully appreciate each one.
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