Golf Top 18 -- "The Honorable Mentions"
I think somewhere out in the world of quotes is one that talks about needing to remember where you've been to understand where you're going. Well, I'm not sure if I'm correctly applying it here, but this is the home of those "honorable" golf courses and golf holes that once resided on other GolfTop18 lists during or since my initial publication of those lists on this site. It also includes golf holes or golf courses that might still be on those lists if those places were still in existence. Remembering what I once held to be the best helps me remember how fortunate I am to have played as many great places as I have thus far.
UPDATED FEBRUARY 2021
UPDATED FEBRUARY 2021
"Honorable Mention Courses"
Course: Cypress Golf Course
Location: Los Alamitos, CA
Stats: Par 71. Blue tees: 6514 yards; 72.2; 134 slope.
Comments: A Perry Dye designed masterpiece of water hazards and extreme mounding created out of completely flat land next to the Los Alamitos racetrack. The golf course had the feel of any great stadium layout with lakes guarding fairways and/or greens (right up to the fringe) on no less than 12 holes. If the hazards were avoided, the relatively short course could be mastered, as the greens were generally very soft and flat. There were so many memorable holes on this course that the round was enjoyable from 1st tee to 18th green. Unfortunately, the course was razed in 2004, and so can no longer be enjoyed, but was one of the original GolfTop18 Favorite Courses List.
Score Notes: 74 best from Blue tees
Location: Los Alamitos, CA
Stats: Par 71. Blue tees: 6514 yards; 72.2; 134 slope.
Comments: A Perry Dye designed masterpiece of water hazards and extreme mounding created out of completely flat land next to the Los Alamitos racetrack. The golf course had the feel of any great stadium layout with lakes guarding fairways and/or greens (right up to the fringe) on no less than 12 holes. If the hazards were avoided, the relatively short course could be mastered, as the greens were generally very soft and flat. There were so many memorable holes on this course that the round was enjoyable from 1st tee to 18th green. Unfortunately, the course was razed in 2004, and so can no longer be enjoyed, but was one of the original GolfTop18 Favorite Courses List.
Score Notes: 74 best from Blue tees
Course: PGA West Palmer Course
Location: La Quinta, CA
Stats: Par 72. Tournament tees: 6950 yards; 74.0; 143 slope. Blue tees: 6739 yards; 71.4; 133 slope
Comments: For many years, this course has been the anchor of the Bob Hope tournament early in the PGA season, and for good reason. It is a very attractive, private and well designed desert course. There is water in play on 10 holes and mountains in play on 4. The front nine is more difficult on the card, but less memorable. The back nine is one of the most unique experiences a golfer can enjoy as holes 14-17 find themselves crossing over the La Quinta canal and all have greens sandwiched between the canal and the rugged mountainside. Bumped off the GolfTop18 list in late 2013.
Score Notes: 81 from the Tournament tees
Location: La Quinta, CA
Stats: Par 72. Tournament tees: 6950 yards; 74.0; 143 slope. Blue tees: 6739 yards; 71.4; 133 slope
Comments: For many years, this course has been the anchor of the Bob Hope tournament early in the PGA season, and for good reason. It is a very attractive, private and well designed desert course. There is water in play on 10 holes and mountains in play on 4. The front nine is more difficult on the card, but less memorable. The back nine is one of the most unique experiences a golfer can enjoy as holes 14-17 find themselves crossing over the La Quinta canal and all have greens sandwiched between the canal and the rugged mountainside. Bumped off the GolfTop18 list in late 2013.
Score Notes: 81 from the Tournament tees
Course: Saticoy Country Club
Location: Somis, CA
Stats: Par 72. Black tees: 6883 yards; 73.6; 136 slope. White tees: 6355 yards; 71.2; 130 slope
Course Comments: This entry was in the top 18 since the inception of the list and is the one skewed most by sentimental reasons as I played it more than 500 times growing up, mostly with my father, who was a member for over a decade. However, I stand by the course's greatness as I have only played it twice in the last decade and I believe it is still as tough as any course in southern California (ask anybody who has played it in an U.S. Open qualifying round over the years). S.C.C. is characterized by lightning fast greens with sweeping breaks, tight fairways with mature trees lining them & well placed trouble throughout the course. Removed from the GolfTop18 list in August 2014
Score Notes: 74 best from the Black tees; 70 best from the White tees
Location: Somis, CA
Stats: Par 72. Black tees: 6883 yards; 73.6; 136 slope. White tees: 6355 yards; 71.2; 130 slope
Course Comments: This entry was in the top 18 since the inception of the list and is the one skewed most by sentimental reasons as I played it more than 500 times growing up, mostly with my father, who was a member for over a decade. However, I stand by the course's greatness as I have only played it twice in the last decade and I believe it is still as tough as any course in southern California (ask anybody who has played it in an U.S. Open qualifying round over the years). S.C.C. is characterized by lightning fast greens with sweeping breaks, tight fairways with mature trees lining them & well placed trouble throughout the course. Removed from the GolfTop18 list in August 2014
Score Notes: 74 best from the Black tees; 70 best from the White tees
Course: Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Course
Location: Sandia Park, NM
Stats: Par 72. Blue tees: 7195 yards; 73.0; 134 slope. Green tees: 6707 yards; 70.7; 130 slope
Course Comments: This golf course is located less than an hour outside of Albuquerque, up in the lower section of the Sandia mountain area. The design of the golf course is extremely solid with many of the holes being isolated from the others, where the golfer can feel they are in a remote area. There are not many trees, but the trouble surrounding most holes is an interesting mixture of desert-like floor with more mountain-like terrain. There is a great combination of challenge, with views and solid course architecture on pretty much every hole. Removed from GolfTop18 course list December 2015.
Score Notes: 77 from the Blue tees; 75 from the Green tees
Location: Sandia Park, NM
Stats: Par 72. Blue tees: 7195 yards; 73.0; 134 slope. Green tees: 6707 yards; 70.7; 130 slope
Course Comments: This golf course is located less than an hour outside of Albuquerque, up in the lower section of the Sandia mountain area. The design of the golf course is extremely solid with many of the holes being isolated from the others, where the golfer can feel they are in a remote area. There are not many trees, but the trouble surrounding most holes is an interesting mixture of desert-like floor with more mountain-like terrain. There is a great combination of challenge, with views and solid course architecture on pretty much every hole. Removed from GolfTop18 course list December 2015.
Score Notes: 77 from the Blue tees; 75 from the Green tees
"Honorable Mention Holes"
Hole 3
Course: Greywolf Golf Course
Location: Panorama Village, British Columbia, Canada
Stats: Gold tees: 513 yards
Comments: The third hole at Greywolf echoes the much used real estate mantra, "Location, location, location." There are many shorter par fives set up like this around the globe, but few set in an environment as stunning as this one. The tee shot is elevated and provides a serene view to the fairway angling off to the left, between the trees and creek left and the sand traps and trees to the right, with forested mountainside in the background. When the hole turns the corner, it raises uphill with the backdrop being forested hills and permanently snow-capped mountains. What makes the hole great from a golfing perspective is the drive, which allows the golfer to challenge the left side to set up a shorter approach to go for the green in two and make birdie or eagle. However, if hit well and right, the drive will definitely go through the fairway, making even par a more difficult proposition. Bumped off two lists in late 2013.
Hole 3
Course: Greywolf Golf Course
Location: Panorama Village, British Columbia, Canada
Stats: Gold tees: 513 yards
Comments: The third hole at Greywolf echoes the much used real estate mantra, "Location, location, location." There are many shorter par fives set up like this around the globe, but few set in an environment as stunning as this one. The tee shot is elevated and provides a serene view to the fairway angling off to the left, between the trees and creek left and the sand traps and trees to the right, with forested mountainside in the background. When the hole turns the corner, it raises uphill with the backdrop being forested hills and permanently snow-capped mountains. What makes the hole great from a golfing perspective is the drive, which allows the golfer to challenge the left side to set up a shorter approach to go for the green in two and make birdie or eagle. However, if hit well and right, the drive will definitely go through the fairway, making even par a more difficult proposition. Bumped off two lists in late 2013.
Hole 16
Course: Ojai Valley Inn
Location: Ojai, CA
Stats: Back tees: 203 yards
Comments: Probably one of the least forgiving tee shots on earth features out of bounds barely right and a hazard just left of the green, which gets tighter as the pin moves back. The safest play may be to the myriad of deep bunkers fronting the green or a layup 60 yards short, where at least the player can chip and have a putt at par. Another great thing about this hole is that after being lost for decades, it was recently restored to its original design and re-incorporated into the tough finishing three holes at Ojai Valley Inn. Bumped off the "Par 3" list in late 2013.
Course: Ojai Valley Inn
Location: Ojai, CA
Stats: Back tees: 203 yards
Comments: Probably one of the least forgiving tee shots on earth features out of bounds barely right and a hazard just left of the green, which gets tighter as the pin moves back. The safest play may be to the myriad of deep bunkers fronting the green or a layup 60 yards short, where at least the player can chip and have a putt at par. Another great thing about this hole is that after being lost for decades, it was recently restored to its original design and re-incorporated into the tough finishing three holes at Ojai Valley Inn. Bumped off the "Par 3" list in late 2013.
Hole 18
Course: Harding Park
Location: San Francisco, CA
Stats: Black tees: 468 yards
Comments: The tee shot here is one of the more intimidating ones in all of golf. The golfer can decide how much of the lake / corner to cut off, but even after crossing, the trees on the left can still be in play as the green on this dogleg is cut up against the lake again and is protected by large trees on the left. A more conservative approach will take the trees out of play, but might find the bunkers through the fairway and will definitely leave a long approach to the final green of the day, tucked against the lake. Removed off the "Par 4" list in late 2013.
Course: Harding Park
Location: San Francisco, CA
Stats: Black tees: 468 yards
Comments: The tee shot here is one of the more intimidating ones in all of golf. The golfer can decide how much of the lake / corner to cut off, but even after crossing, the trees on the left can still be in play as the green on this dogleg is cut up against the lake again and is protected by large trees on the left. A more conservative approach will take the trees out of play, but might find the bunkers through the fairway and will definitely leave a long approach to the final green of the day, tucked against the lake. Removed off the "Par 4" list in late 2013.
Hole 16
Course: Cabo del Sol - Ocean Course
Location: Los Cabos, Mexico
Stats: Black tees: 447 yards
Comments: This tough driving hole has a long forced carry and a fairly tight landing area with desert and bunkers left and right. The approach is then idyllic down to a green perched on the edge of a Palm tree and cactus-lined cliff above the beach. The green is very narrow and has bunkers on either side making this a challenging and beautiful hole of the highest order. Removed from the "Par 4" list in April 2014 and was subsequently re-designed into the 18th hole (have not played it yet).
Course: Cabo del Sol - Ocean Course
Location: Los Cabos, Mexico
Stats: Black tees: 447 yards
Comments: This tough driving hole has a long forced carry and a fairly tight landing area with desert and bunkers left and right. The approach is then idyllic down to a green perched on the edge of a Palm tree and cactus-lined cliff above the beach. The green is very narrow and has bunkers on either side making this a challenging and beautiful hole of the highest order. Removed from the "Par 4" list in April 2014 and was subsequently re-designed into the 18th hole (have not played it yet).
Hole 12
Course: The Prince Course at Princeville
Location: Princeville, Kauai, HI
Stats: Par 4. Black tees: 390 yards
Comments: Downhill, straight and short doesn't sound like a recipe for disaster, but this hole is intimidation at its best. With the tee sitting high above the partially blind fairway, the golfer is left with a view of the peninsula green surrounded by the Anini stream on three sides in the distance. Accuracy is a must on both shots as anything hit stray (made more difficult when the wind is up) will cost a stroke or more via jungle death. The green is tiered and very difficult to putt, but standing on it, surrounded by a stream and jungle is the Kauai golf experience. Removed from the "Best Holes" in April 2014.
Course: The Prince Course at Princeville
Location: Princeville, Kauai, HI
Stats: Par 4. Black tees: 390 yards
Comments: Downhill, straight and short doesn't sound like a recipe for disaster, but this hole is intimidation at its best. With the tee sitting high above the partially blind fairway, the golfer is left with a view of the peninsula green surrounded by the Anini stream on three sides in the distance. Accuracy is a must on both shots as anything hit stray (made more difficult when the wind is up) will cost a stroke or more via jungle death. The green is tiered and very difficult to putt, but standing on it, surrounded by a stream and jungle is the Kauai golf experience. Removed from the "Best Holes" in April 2014.
Hole 5
Course: Kapalua Plantation Course
Location: Kapalua, Maui, HI
Stats: Par 5. Black tees: 532 yards
Comments: The tee shot is a little uphill and the fairway is very wide, but allows the player who hits a good drive to the right side of the fairway (by tempting the huge gorge to the right) to go for the green in two. That shallow green, however, is perched on a peninsula surrounded by steep slopes, deep bunkers and jungle. The conservative approach is to layup to the left and hit a punch shot that runs out to the pin, but even that can be tricky, depending on the wind conditions. This is a beautifully designed golf hole from tee to green. Removed from the "Best Holes" in August 2014.
Course: Kapalua Plantation Course
Location: Kapalua, Maui, HI
Stats: Par 5. Black tees: 532 yards
Comments: The tee shot is a little uphill and the fairway is very wide, but allows the player who hits a good drive to the right side of the fairway (by tempting the huge gorge to the right) to go for the green in two. That shallow green, however, is perched on a peninsula surrounded by steep slopes, deep bunkers and jungle. The conservative approach is to layup to the left and hit a punch shot that runs out to the pin, but even that can be tricky, depending on the wind conditions. This is a beautifully designed golf hole from tee to green. Removed from the "Best Holes" in August 2014.
Hole 5
Course: Palmilla Golf Club (Mountain)
Location: Los Cabos, Mexico
Stats: Par 4. Black tees: 401 yards
Comments: This amazing par four with ocean views makes fantastic use of the cliff and desert wash throughout. The drive has to clear the desert, which is easily enough mastered by staying left. However, that leaves a very long, and possibly even blind, approach to the green, which is downhill, but set in a little bowl over the desert, and just behind two bunkers as well. The closer to the cliff one gets off the tee by staying right and hitting it farther, the shorter the demanding and picturesque approach will be for them. Bumped off "Best Hole" lists in December 2017.
Course: Palmilla Golf Club (Mountain)
Location: Los Cabos, Mexico
Stats: Par 4. Black tees: 401 yards
Comments: This amazing par four with ocean views makes fantastic use of the cliff and desert wash throughout. The drive has to clear the desert, which is easily enough mastered by staying left. However, that leaves a very long, and possibly even blind, approach to the green, which is downhill, but set in a little bowl over the desert, and just behind two bunkers as well. The closer to the cliff one gets off the tee by staying right and hitting it farther, the shorter the demanding and picturesque approach will be for them. Bumped off "Best Hole" lists in December 2017.
Hole 2
Course: Primm Valley (Lakes)
Location: Primm, NV/CA border
Stats: Black tees: 530 yards
Comments: I have always had a soft spot for par fives that wrap around one hazard. This fantastic par five winds its way around a large lake, which comes into play on every shot and depending on how close the golfer gets to the lake on the drive, the easier the rest of the holes becomes. The added bonus that pushes this hole onto the list are the magnificent views of the surrounding desert, in sharp contrast to the beautiful greens and blues provided by the lush conditions of the course. Removed from the "par 5" list in July 2015
Course: Primm Valley (Lakes)
Location: Primm, NV/CA border
Stats: Black tees: 530 yards
Comments: I have always had a soft spot for par fives that wrap around one hazard. This fantastic par five winds its way around a large lake, which comes into play on every shot and depending on how close the golfer gets to the lake on the drive, the easier the rest of the holes becomes. The added bonus that pushes this hole onto the list are the magnificent views of the surrounding desert, in sharp contrast to the beautiful greens and blues provided by the lush conditions of the course. Removed from the "par 5" list in July 2015
Hole 2
Course: The Reserve
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Stats: Par 4. Black tees: 333 yards
Comments: One of the best and most opulent short par fours anywhere, the second hole allows the golfer to hit anything from five iron to driver off the tee. The fairway is speckled with sand traps, so any shot must be well played. Any player trying to hit drive to the green can do so, but if pushed right, it is gone and, with the angle of the fairway, if pulled left of the green-side bunker, it risks the chance of going OB that way as well. The green has a hump in the middle that pushes shots to back pin placements long, and keeps short shots short, so distance control is a must on the approach. Removed off the "Best Holes" listing in December 2015.
Course: The Reserve
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Stats: Par 4. Black tees: 333 yards
Comments: One of the best and most opulent short par fours anywhere, the second hole allows the golfer to hit anything from five iron to driver off the tee. The fairway is speckled with sand traps, so any shot must be well played. Any player trying to hit drive to the green can do so, but if pushed right, it is gone and, with the angle of the fairway, if pulled left of the green-side bunker, it risks the chance of going OB that way as well. The green has a hump in the middle that pushes shots to back pin placements long, and keeps short shots short, so distance control is a must on the approach. Removed off the "Best Holes" listing in December 2015.
Hole 11
Course: Jackson Hole Golf Club
Location: Jackson, WY
Stats: Par 5. Championship tees: 532 yards
Comments: This exciting dogleg par five is really unique in a couple of ways. First, from tee to green, it gives the player the opportunity to avoid the Snake River. Secondly, the aggressive tee shot needs to cut the corner and negotiate its way around or over the trees left of the fairway. The hole is much easier when played as a three-shotter, but a long approach to the huge green on the banks of the river is no bargain. The green is large and back-left pin placements provide extra challenge. Taken off the "Best Holes" listing in September 2016.
Course: Jackson Hole Golf Club
Location: Jackson, WY
Stats: Par 5. Championship tees: 532 yards
Comments: This exciting dogleg par five is really unique in a couple of ways. First, from tee to green, it gives the player the opportunity to avoid the Snake River. Secondly, the aggressive tee shot needs to cut the corner and negotiate its way around or over the trees left of the fairway. The hole is much easier when played as a three-shotter, but a long approach to the huge green on the banks of the river is no bargain. The green is large and back-left pin placements provide extra challenge. Taken off the "Best Holes" listing in September 2016.
Hole: 6
Course: Incline Village Championship Course
Location: Incline Village, NV
Stats: Black tees: 203 yards
Comments: This hole ranks as one of the most difficult par 3’s anywhere. At over 200 yards, the slightly downhill shot must be perfect. A deep creek cuts right in front of the green with no bailout short and the only respite hidden left behind trees (and leaving a nasty chip). Anything right or long will catch a bunker or deep rough. Otherwise, those shots will actually bounce OB. The green is severely sloped as well. Taken off the "Par 3 Listing" in October 2016.
Course: Incline Village Championship Course
Location: Incline Village, NV
Stats: Black tees: 203 yards
Comments: This hole ranks as one of the most difficult par 3’s anywhere. At over 200 yards, the slightly downhill shot must be perfect. A deep creek cuts right in front of the green with no bailout short and the only respite hidden left behind trees (and leaving a nasty chip). Anything right or long will catch a bunker or deep rough. Otherwise, those shots will actually bounce OB. The green is severely sloped as well. Taken off the "Par 3 Listing" in October 2016.
Hole 7
Course: Waikoloa Beach Course
Location: Waikoloa, Hawaii, HI
Stats: Par 5. Tournament tees: 502 yards
Comments: The signature hole on the Waikoloa Beach Course achieves exactly what it sets out to provide: great views and a chance to score well. The tremendously wide driving area affords almost any kind of tee shot, but the great tee shot can fly the bunkers on the left and give a player to go at the green in two for an opportunity at eagle. Of course, the approach to the green and second shot if needed, are not as easy. The lava (both sides) and ocean to the right are definitely in play on both shots. Removed from the "Par 5 Listing" in May 2018
Course: Waikoloa Beach Course
Location: Waikoloa, Hawaii, HI
Stats: Par 5. Tournament tees: 502 yards
Comments: The signature hole on the Waikoloa Beach Course achieves exactly what it sets out to provide: great views and a chance to score well. The tremendously wide driving area affords almost any kind of tee shot, but the great tee shot can fly the bunkers on the left and give a player to go at the green in two for an opportunity at eagle. Of course, the approach to the green and second shot if needed, are not as easy. The lava (both sides) and ocean to the right are definitely in play on both shots. Removed from the "Par 5 Listing" in May 2018
Hole 11
Course: The Revere Golf Club (Lexington)
Location: Henderson, NV
Stats: Black tees: 625 yards
Comments: This very long par five has a desert area in the middle of the fairway, which can be cleared by some, but not all golfers. However, the desert left and right can be reached by an errant shot from the elevated tee as well. The second shot must then avoid another desert area that splits the fairway. Going left and long of it will yield the reward of a shorter and better angled approach to the very narrow green with large bunker right. The views of the Las Vegas area are great from the tee. Removed from the "Par 5 Listing" in June 2018
Course: The Revere Golf Club (Lexington)
Location: Henderson, NV
Stats: Black tees: 625 yards
Comments: This very long par five has a desert area in the middle of the fairway, which can be cleared by some, but not all golfers. However, the desert left and right can be reached by an errant shot from the elevated tee as well. The second shot must then avoid another desert area that splits the fairway. Going left and long of it will yield the reward of a shorter and better angled approach to the very narrow green with large bunker right. The views of the Las Vegas area are great from the tee. Removed from the "Par 5 Listing" in June 2018
Hole 6
Course: PGA West Stadium Course
Location: La Quinta, CA
Stats: Black tees: 255 yards
Comments: "Amen” is the longest and most challenging par 3 most golfers will ever "want" to play. From the back tees, it is a driver for anyone who is human and the only place where there is no water is long, which nobody can reach anyway. The bail out area is short left, but it is narrow and is still over 200 yards to get there from the back tees. The green is 50 yards deep so even a shot that somehow hits the green can easily leave the golfer with a 100+ foot putt. Removed from the Par 3 list in September 2018.
Course: PGA West Stadium Course
Location: La Quinta, CA
Stats: Black tees: 255 yards
Comments: "Amen” is the longest and most challenging par 3 most golfers will ever "want" to play. From the back tees, it is a driver for anyone who is human and the only place where there is no water is long, which nobody can reach anyway. The bail out area is short left, but it is narrow and is still over 200 yards to get there from the back tees. The green is 50 yards deep so even a shot that somehow hits the green can easily leave the golfer with a 100+ foot putt. Removed from the Par 3 list in September 2018.
Hole 3
Course: Waterville Golf Links
Location: Waterville, Ireland
Stats: Par 4. White tee: 408 yards
Comments: The third hole at Waterville captures a lot of what makes this course great. The location and views are beautiful and the hole is tough with the sand or water (depending on tide) just right of the drive and second shots. There is also plenty of gorse and four bunkers down the left side of the drive to cause trouble. The bailout left of the green makes for tough chips with lots of undulations on the putting surface. Removed from the "Best Holes" listing in January 2020
Course: Waterville Golf Links
Location: Waterville, Ireland
Stats: Par 4. White tee: 408 yards
Comments: The third hole at Waterville captures a lot of what makes this course great. The location and views are beautiful and the hole is tough with the sand or water (depending on tide) just right of the drive and second shots. There is also plenty of gorse and four bunkers down the left side of the drive to cause trouble. The bailout left of the green makes for tough chips with lots of undulations on the putting surface. Removed from the "Best Holes" listing in January 2020
Hole 3
Course: Troon North (Monument Course)
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Stats: Par 5. Black tee: 556 yards
Comments: The signature hole at the Monument Course at Troon has one of the greatest desert course drives in golf. From the elevated tee, after the golfer scans the sweeping vista, the eye is drawn to the 20 foot high "Monument" boulder in the middle of the fairway. The player then has to ask themselves "what is the chance I'll hit that?", which is a fair question with its base sitting about 240 yards from the back tees. The player can lay up, go left or right, or over the Monument with the ideal shot being over and right of it to shorten the approach to the green on this dogleg right. The fairway is relatively tight to the green with several bunkers and desert right being the worst mistake to make. Removed from Par 5 listing in February 2021.
Course: Troon North (Monument Course)
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Stats: Par 5. Black tee: 556 yards
Comments: The signature hole at the Monument Course at Troon has one of the greatest desert course drives in golf. From the elevated tee, after the golfer scans the sweeping vista, the eye is drawn to the 20 foot high "Monument" boulder in the middle of the fairway. The player then has to ask themselves "what is the chance I'll hit that?", which is a fair question with its base sitting about 240 yards from the back tees. The player can lay up, go left or right, or over the Monument with the ideal shot being over and right of it to shorten the approach to the green on this dogleg right. The fairway is relatively tight to the green with several bunkers and desert right being the worst mistake to make. Removed from Par 5 listing in February 2021.
