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 SEPTEMBER 2018
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2018
"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.
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.
Score Notes: 74 best from Blue tees
Course: Reflection Bay
Location: Henderson, NV
Stats: Par 72. Black tees: 7261 yards; 74.8; 138 slope. Blue tees: 6862 yards; 73.2; 135 slope
Comments: Reflection Bay brings with it a long story. It is a great desert golf course built around the man-made Lake Las Vegas, but unfortunately closed in 2009 due to the Great Recession that hit the area very hard. However, it was re-opened in late 2014. With half the holes bordering on the Lake or on other water hazards, it is a very visually challenging course. Most of the other holes still force the golfer to have to deal with desert on one or both sides of the fairway. However, designer Jack Nicklaus stayed true to form by leaving wide fairways to accept well-placed drives in order to hit the well-guarded greens. Was one of the pre-website Top18 courses and still is very close to making that list.
Score Notes: 77 best from Black tees; 76 best from Blue tees
Location: Henderson, NV
Stats: Par 72. Black tees: 7261 yards; 74.8; 138 slope. Blue tees: 6862 yards; 73.2; 135 slope
Comments: Reflection Bay brings with it a long story. It is a great desert golf course built around the man-made Lake Las Vegas, but unfortunately closed in 2009 due to the Great Recession that hit the area very hard. However, it was re-opened in late 2014. With half the holes bordering on the Lake or on other water hazards, it is a very visually challenging course. Most of the other holes still force the golfer to have to deal with desert on one or both sides of the fairway. However, designer Jack Nicklaus stayed true to form by leaving wide fairways to accept well-placed drives in order to hit the well-guarded greens. Was one of the pre-website Top18 courses and still is very close to making that list.
Score Notes: 77 best from Black tees; 76 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: Incline Village Championship Course
Location: Incline Village, NV
Stats: Par 72. Black tees: 7106 yards; 74.1; 144 slope. Blue tees: 6592 yards; 71.8; 138 slope
Course Comments: The Championship Course at Incline Village is an extremely tight golf course with trees and OB just about everywhere. The golfer must bring his "A" game off the tee to have any chance of scoring well, especially from the Black tees. Streams also come into play on 9 of the last 12 holes. Beautifully bunkered as well, this course is great and has a few lake views along the way, adding to the overall experience on the fantastic north shore of Lake Tahoe. Removed from GolfTop18 list in Aug. 2015.
Score Notes: 76 best from the Black tees; 76 best from the Blue tees
Location: Incline Village, NV
Stats: Par 72. Black tees: 7106 yards; 74.1; 144 slope. Blue tees: 6592 yards; 71.8; 138 slope
Course Comments: The Championship Course at Incline Village is an extremely tight golf course with trees and OB just about everywhere. The golfer must bring his "A" game off the tee to have any chance of scoring well, especially from the Black tees. Streams also come into play on 9 of the last 12 holes. Beautifully bunkered as well, this course is great and has a few lake views along the way, adding to the overall experience on the fantastic north shore of Lake Tahoe. Removed from GolfTop18 list in Aug. 2015.
Score Notes: 76 best from the Black tees; 76 best from the Blue 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
Course: Bandon Dunes
Location: Bandon, OR
Stats: Par 72. Black tees: 6732 yards; 74.6; 145 slope. Green tees: 6221 yards; 72.1; 141 slope
Course Comments: The flagship course of the Bandon resort, this course deserves the accolades it receives and is probably the all-around most well-balanced of the four layouts for the average golfer, even if a bit easier than the others. Similar to Pacific Dunes in style, but with wider fairways, the golfer can feel slightly more comfortable with an errant shot, while still enjoying the challenge and fantastic views of the Oregon Coastline that evoke the best links-style golf has to offer. Removed from GolfTop18 course list October 2015
Score Notes: 81 from Black tees; 77 best from Green tees
Location: Bandon, OR
Stats: Par 72. Black tees: 6732 yards; 74.6; 145 slope. Green tees: 6221 yards; 72.1; 141 slope
Course Comments: The flagship course of the Bandon resort, this course deserves the accolades it receives and is probably the all-around most well-balanced of the four layouts for the average golfer, even if a bit easier than the others. Similar to Pacific Dunes in style, but with wider fairways, the golfer can feel slightly more comfortable with an errant shot, while still enjoying the challenge and fantastic views of the Oregon Coastline that evoke the best links-style golf has to offer. Removed from GolfTop18 course list October 2015
Score Notes: 81 from Black tees; 77 best from Green tees
.Course: Diamante Dunes Course
Location: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Stats: Par 72. Tee I: 7160 yards; 74.7; 144 slope. Tee II: 6647 yards; 72.2; 136 slope
Course Comments: Davis Love III came to the newly created private resort community of Diamante and built what is considered Mexico's premier golf course, now firmly rooted in the Top 100 in the World. The design is not overly ambitious, but feels very natural as the course takes what the land gives and weaves its way through and around the large sand dunes on the property and down towards the wide and expansive beach. There is a good balance of hole types, but the greens are consistently challenging to read and tough to putt. Removed from GolfTop18 course list October 2015.
Score Notes: 79 best from Tee II; 74 best from Tee III
Location: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Stats: Par 72. Tee I: 7160 yards; 74.7; 144 slope. Tee II: 6647 yards; 72.2; 136 slope
Course Comments: Davis Love III came to the newly created private resort community of Diamante and built what is considered Mexico's premier golf course, now firmly rooted in the Top 100 in the World. The design is not overly ambitious, but feels very natural as the course takes what the land gives and weaves its way through and around the large sand dunes on the property and down towards the wide and expansive beach. There is a good balance of hole types, but the greens are consistently challenging to read and tough to putt. Removed from GolfTop18 course list October 2015.
Score Notes: 79 best from Tee II; 74 best from Tee III
Course: Lahinch Golf Club
Location: Lahinch, Ireland
Stats: Par 72. Back tees: 6950 yards; 74.0; 133 slope. White tees: 6613 yards; 73.0; 131 slope
Course Comments: Designed primarily by a combination of Old Tom Morris and Dr. Alistair MacKenzie, this golf course has a real old, natural feel about it, with great use of the local links terrain. Characterized by shots played over and around massive dunes-land, this golf course provides the player with lots of blind and other unique shots, a lot of which also benefit from views of the nearby ocean, and a few that can find themselves in it. The stretch of holes from number 3 to number 8 is about as scenic and unique as a golfer will face anywhere. Removed from the GolfTop18 Course List in May 2018
Score Notes: 77 from the White tees
Location: Lahinch, Ireland
Stats: Par 72. Back tees: 6950 yards; 74.0; 133 slope. White tees: 6613 yards; 73.0; 131 slope
Course Comments: Designed primarily by a combination of Old Tom Morris and Dr. Alistair MacKenzie, this golf course has a real old, natural feel about it, with great use of the local links terrain. Characterized by shots played over and around massive dunes-land, this golf course provides the player with lots of blind and other unique shots, a lot of which also benefit from views of the nearby ocean, and a few that can find themselves in it. The stretch of holes from number 3 to number 8 is about as scenic and unique as a golfer will face anywhere. Removed from the GolfTop18 Course List in May 2018
Score Notes: 77 from the White tees
Course: Tralee Golf Links
Location: Tralee, Ireland
Stats: Par 72. Back tees: 6948 yards; 73.0; no slope. White tees: 6643 yards; 71.0; no slope
Course Comments: Designed by Arnold Palmer, this golf links feels different than many on Ireland. First, it is decidedly newer than other Links courses and, second, it is built on land that is a bit more hilly than other links courses. Because of this, there are ocean views on pretty much every hole, but some of them are more sweeping the further away from the coast one gets. The golfer need not fear though as there are at least 4 or 5 holes where they can still find the Atlantic or a nearby beach should they so desire. Removed from the GolfTop18 Course List in June 2018.
Score Notes: 79 from the White tees
Location: Tralee, Ireland
Stats: Par 72. Back tees: 6948 yards; 73.0; no slope. White tees: 6643 yards; 71.0; no slope
Course Comments: Designed by Arnold Palmer, this golf links feels different than many on Ireland. First, it is decidedly newer than other Links courses and, second, it is built on land that is a bit more hilly than other links courses. Because of this, there are ocean views on pretty much every hole, but some of them are more sweeping the further away from the coast one gets. The golfer need not fear though as there are at least 4 or 5 holes where they can still find the Atlantic or a nearby beach should they so desire. Removed from the GolfTop18 Course List in June 2018.
Score Notes: 79 from the White tees
"Honorable Mention Holes"
Hole 4
Course: Pacific Dunes
Location: Bandon, OR
Stats: Par 4. Back tees: 463 yards
Comments: Possibly among the most difficult golf hole in the world, when it plays into the wind. This beast runs along a gorse filled cliff on the right side. The left is riddled with bunkers and worse penalties in the form of gorse-filled areas, and the margin for error on the tee shot is minuscule The green is narrow and nestled between a large dune left and ocean cliff to the right. Removed from the "Par Four" listing in August 2015.
Hole 3
Course: Old MacDonald
Location: Bandon, OR
Stats: Par 4. Black tees: 374 yards
Comments: The golfer gets the first real treat / scare of the day at Old MacDonald with the blind tee shot on the third hole. With a massive dead tree dead center of the dune, the golfer knows they must hit it high, long and close to the tree, but not into it. From the plateau in the fairway, the golfer can see the rest of the course and the ocean before him before turning his attention to the downhill and extremely difficult and undulating green complex before him. Bumped off the "Second 18" in 2012.
Course: Old MacDonald
Location: Bandon, OR
Stats: Par 4. Black tees: 374 yards
Comments: The golfer gets the first real treat / scare of the day at Old MacDonald with the blind tee shot on the third hole. With a massive dead tree dead center of the dune, the golfer knows they must hit it high, long and close to the tree, but not into it. From the plateau in the fairway, the golfer can see the rest of the course and the ocean before him before turning his attention to the downhill and extremely difficult and undulating green complex before him. Bumped off the "Second 18" in 2012.
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.
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.
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.
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 hammers home the Kauai golf experience. Removed from the "Second 18" 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 hammers home the Kauai golf experience. Removed from the "Second 18" in April 2014.
Hole 5
Course: Kapalua Plantation Course
Location: Kapalua, Maui, HI
Stats: Par 5. Black tees: 532 yards
Comments: The first par 5 on the Plantation course is a very memorable, relatively short dog leg right. 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 "Second 18" in August 2014.
Course: Kapalua Plantation Course
Location: Kapalua, Maui, HI
Stats: Par 5. Black tees: 532 yards
Comments: The first par 5 on the Plantation course is a very memorable, relatively short dog leg right. 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 "Second 18" in August 2014.
Hole 8
Course: Royal Troon Old Course
Location: Troon, Ayrshire, United Kingdom
Stats: Championship tees: 123 yards
Comments: The “Postage Stamp” needs no introduction to most golfers. It is the short hole by which all other short holes are measured. However, as short as it is, it cannot be overstated how deadly any miss of this tiny green surely is, in any direction, which is exactly what makes it great...simple on paper, not in the mind, especially when the golfer knows as soon as anybody finds out they've played Royal Troon, that they'll be asked how they did on this hole, and the mental anguish of admitting defeat at the hands of the Postage Stamp would be too much to bear. Bumped off the "par 3" list in July 2015.
Course: Royal Troon Old Course
Location: Troon, Ayrshire, United Kingdom
Stats: Championship tees: 123 yards
Comments: The “Postage Stamp” needs no introduction to most golfers. It is the short hole by which all other short holes are measured. However, as short as it is, it cannot be overstated how deadly any miss of this tiny green surely is, in any direction, which is exactly what makes it great...simple on paper, not in the mind, especially when the golfer knows as soon as anybody finds out they've played Royal Troon, that they'll be asked how they did on this hole, and the mental anguish of admitting defeat at the hands of the Postage Stamp would be too much to bear. Bumped off the "par 3" list in July 2015.
Hole 10
Course: Sandpiper Golf Course
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Stats: Par 4. Black tees: 381 yards
Comments: This superb short dogleg left par four has a great view of the ocean from tee to green. The golfer can lay up right or try to cut the corner of the dogleg over the bunkers. A miss short or left however will either be in the hazard or leave, at best, an awkward lie. The green is perched along the cliff top and has strong break from back to front. The shorter the approach and 1st putt, the better. Bumped off the "Second 18" listing in July 2015
Course: Sandpiper Golf Course
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Stats: Par 4. Black tees: 381 yards
Comments: This superb short dogleg left par four has a great view of the ocean from tee to green. The golfer can lay up right or try to cut the corner of the dogleg over the bunkers. A miss short or left however will either be in the hazard or leave, at best, an awkward lie. The green is perched along the cliff top and has strong break from back to front. The shorter the approach and 1st putt, the better. Bumped off the "Second 18" listing in July 2015
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 "Second 18" 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 "Second 18" listing in December 2015.
Hole 2
Course: TPC Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Stats: TPC tees: 196 yards
Comments: An island oasis golf hole approached from an elevated tee. For those that miss the green in any direction, they will find the desert that surrounds. What makes it more treacherous is that those that miss left or long will also find themselves (if they find their ball) well below the green having to hit a flop shot off desert high in the air just to hit the green. The green, however, if hit, is relatively easy to read and will yield birdies. Dropped off the "Par 3" list in December 2015.
Course: TPC Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Stats: TPC tees: 196 yards
Comments: An island oasis golf hole approached from an elevated tee. For those that miss the green in any direction, they will find the desert that surrounds. What makes it more treacherous is that those that miss left or long will also find themselves (if they find their ball) well below the green having to hit a flop shot off desert high in the air just to hit the green. The green, however, if hit, is relatively easy to read and will yield birdies. Dropped off the "Par 3" list 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 "Second 18" 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 "Second 18" 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 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. Taken off the "Dream 18" and "Par 4 Listing" 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. Taken off the "Dream 18" and "Par 4 Listing" in December 2017
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 "Second 18" 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 "Second 18" listing in January 2020
