I guess everything is relative. If I could afford to play "upper end" courses all the time, I certainly would. But to think of them as "public?"
This probably applies to a lot of things we encounter daily - is the experience of driving a Ford GT, Bentley, Ferrari or _______ (fill in your favorite dream car) worth that much more to you than a Honda? Is that $20 cigar 10 times better than the $2 cigars I smoke?
I usually get a chuckle at the various golf magazines' yearly Top 100 Public Courses. I think they should be broken down by price range. Most of the top 10 are VERY EXPENSIVE to play, and out of reach of the "average" golfer. And some of them have to be reserved almost a year in advance?
I guess its' likewise in California, I'm sure they have a great deal of golf courses down there that do not rape your wallet, I am going to check it out, suggestions guys, thanks buteman. ( prices quoted are in Can. funds )
You sure hit the nail right on the head GenErr, probably the most famous " public golf course in the world " the Old Course at St Andrews is for the most part out of reach for the average guy, I have played it twice in the past but certainly not at the rates they charge today for 18 holes ( $ 265.00 Can. ). If I am right in thinking these famous links were taken over a few years ago and it certainly was not by hard earned " Scottish money " or English for that matter. But after your round you can always trot over to the grill at the Old Course Hotel and grab a quick burger and chips ( previously frozen fries ) for a mere $ 19.00. But St Andrews is a beautiful place away from the golf links, steeped in history and folklore, nothing quite like a stroll through the old town and a pint of wonderful Scottish ale at a local pub.
I believe the St Andrews courses are "public" in the true sense of the word - they are owned by the local authority (or arm thereof).
For the real in demand top courses, by which I mean your St Andrews, Pebble Beach etc, they DO incur MUCH higher running costs, because lots of people want to play them and every single one of them expects them to be in immaculate shape.
The very high green fees at some other venues, although reflective to an extent of the associated costs, are designed to put off all but the most serious and loaded visitors, to keep the course quiet for members.
FWIW I'd pay the £120 or so for the Old Course, but not £250+ for Pebble Beach. Except for a very few exceptions, I think £100 is the limit, for treats only.
However, when I am as rich as Lefty I might think differently!!
No particular destination, I love the San Diego area we had a great time there and then we travelled east and spent a few days in Lake Havasu City, neat town that is.
FWIW I'd pay the £120 or so for the Old Course, but not £250+ for Pebble Beach. Except for a very few exceptions, I think £100 is the limit, for treats only.
Playing Pebble Beach is worth every penny. Playing the Old Course is worth every penny. You can make money your entire life, you might as well spend it on something spectular even if it is once in a lifetime.
No particular destination, I love the San Diego area we had a great time there and then we travelled east and spent a few days in Lake Havasu City, neat town that is.
If you come to San Diego, give me a few weeks notice. I'll take you to Torrey South, and it'll cost you less than 100 with cart. $45+32 for cart fee, your fee will be my half of the 32 for the cart . That's the city rate, if you go by your self it should still only be about 140 or so even if you don't stay at the resort. There are about 5 really nice courses in the area you can play for under 150. I can probably always find someone who is willing to play a round with you so your not by your lonesome self. Let me know if you need some help planning where to stay or anything like that, maybe we can get Grneyedblack to come north if we promise to go play bajamar.
Barona Creek - $100
Maderas - $150
Arrowwood - $100
Coronado - $60 with 2+ week tee time
Encinitas Ranch - $110
If you come to San Diego, give me a few weeks notice. I'll take you to Torrey South, and it'll cost you less than 100 with cart. $45+32 for cart fee, your fee will be my half of the 32 for the cart . That's the city rate, if you go by your self it should still only be about 140 or so even if you don't stay at the resort. There are about 5 really nice courses in the area you can play for under 150. I can probably always find someone who is willing to play a round with you so your not by your lonesome self. Let me know if you need some help planning where to stay or anything like that, maybe we can get Grneyedblack to come north if we promise to go play bajamar.
Barona Creek - $100
Maderas - $150
Arrowwood - $100
Coronado - $60 with 2+ week tee time
Encinitas Ranch - $110
REALLY nice offer and just shows why this forum is what it is! I hope that I get the same hospitality when I "cross the pond" to play golf (soonish i hope) and needless to say anyone visiting my area from this forum is welcome to join me at my home club (Insch G.C.)
Definitely a nice offer by Alvin, and I think I can do the same thing on the East Coast next spring with Bethpage Black. Thing is, I can only reserve the tee time seven days in advance, but when I get a time, I can offer it to anyone who expects to be in the NY area. I think for out-of-state residents it's $100.
Definitely a nice offer by Alvin, and I think I can do the same thing on the East Coast next spring with Bethpage Black. Thing is, I can only reserve the tee time seven days in advance, but when I get a time, I can offer it to anyone who expects to be in the NY area. I think for out-of-state residents it's $100.
I figure it's kind of like a pay it forward type of concept. Imagine if everyone on here helped to setup hard to get tee times around the world, we would play the great courses that are hard to get on. 14&18, I might have to take you up on your offer at bethpage next spring, drinks and cart on me!
November 3rd, 2005, 02:44 PM
. That's the city rate, if you go by your self it should still only be about 140 or so even if you don't stay at the resort. There are about 5 really nice courses in the area you can play for under 150. I can probably always find someone who is willing to play a round with you so your not by your lonesome self. Let me know if you need some help planning where to stay or anything like that, maybe we can get Grneyedblack to come north if we promise to go play bajamar.
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