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A Quest to Play the Top 100 Public Golf Courses in the United States
A Quest to Play the Top 100 Public Golf Courses
(CONT'D) ... than an ex-wife, it was a good year for all those involved with our group. Although we golfed a lot less With early morning tee times set at the Glen Club, everything is lined up for the 20-mile commute to historic Wrigley Field, home of the heartbreaking Cubs. The first pitch against the Pirates is at White Deer Run Golf Club, located about three miles away, will host the afternoon adventure with the first of two Golfest best-ball tournaments. While it is not officially rated, it gets some rave reviews.The course photographs remind me of the Dye Course at the Barefoot Resort in After conquering W-Ridge, our group will be headed back in the direction of The TPC Deere Run is the site of the annual John Deer Classic and is best described as a course that requires smart shot-making skills and maneuverability, plus imagination with the short game. (Making note to self, "imagine having a short game.) The bail out areas can be your best friend, or your worst enemy.The course is loaded with gentle dog legs and is a risk-reward layout.
compared to previous years when sales budgets were met with about 36-holes of weekly distractions, golf in 2009 appeared to be a more valued experience. While lowering scores use to be the mission, today it's more about getting out and enjoying a quality day with your fellow financially-strapped friends.
The Golfest gang managed to squeeze in several of those "quality days" in 2009 - most falling into the "binge-golfing" category. Included in the mix was a quick February fly-by trip to the holy ground of golf -- the Pebble Beach Resort. A dozen of us made the trip and enjoyed three fantastic days at Spyglass, Pebble and Spanish Bay. While the ...drive into the resort with the windshield wipers going at full force threatened to dampen our spirits, mother nature cooperated and Pebble once again delivered a once-in-a-lifetime experience (even though many of us had enjoyed it several times before.)
The crown jewel of the year was Golfest 2009 - "The Land of Lincoln Golf Quest." This was an awesome road trip (May 26-June 2) that started and ended in Chicago, one of America's greatest cities. This baby included nine-rounds of golf, which quenched our golf-habit in a big, big way. Included in the mix were six venues that were rated in the Top 100 golf courses in the U.S. of A. This years travelers came from four different states and included Jeffrey Adkins, Jim Dee, Bob Potts, Todd Baltzley, Art Taylor, Mike Rittner, Reed Conley, Mark Suzda, Mark Pickering, Pat Calahan, Mike Barbone, and yours truly.
As our annual Golfest trips continue to grow in
stature, so do the sideline activities. It's not just about golf anymore. This deal included a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field, a dinner at Mortons of Chicago, and a final night awards dinner at Ditka's. It was another great road show. Highlights can be found by clicking HERE.
Somewhere during Golfest 2009, we proudly announced that WeaverRidge Golf Club, located in the heartland known as Peoria, Illinois, was our GOLFEST COURSE OF THE YEAR. WeaverRidge racked up perfect scores in all of the major categories from playability and memorability, to service levels and the 19th hole experience. Other courses around the nation should take note on how WeaverRidge "get's it done," because if they don't, they run the risk of going out of business.
Most of us had barely made it home from Chicago when another adventure was concocted over cocktails. How about a fly-by to Sacramento for a blitz of 54-holes in 36-hours? Some people would call that a sickness, we just happen to call it a blast! The North and South courses at the Rancho Murietta Country Club and Teal Bend Golf Course near the airport were the chosen sites! Jeffrey Adkins ranch-style home out in the burbs (Wilton, CA) served as the base camp for our group. The rest happened extremely quick. It was a blur where everybody golfed well, ate and drank even better, and slept very very hard! Jeffrey and wife Jona were great hosts!
Finishing off the year was a great weekender "fly-by" to the Dee's in Indiana. This trip included another top 100 course -- Purgatory Golf Course (#87) -- in Noblesville, plus a round at the Prestwick Country Club. The cherry on this sundae was a Colts victory over the Seahawks at Lucas Field. This quick trip rates in my top 50 weekenders of all-time. It has beome an annual tradition that will help Jim Dee and I knock off all of the ranked courses in mid-America! Once again, some people would call that a sickness ... we are calling it a QUEST!
The 2010 calendar year is shaping up to be a great year for us also. Already on tap is Golfest 2010 - Florida. Sixteen golfers are committed to make the trip on May 25-June 1st and will visit seven courses include the rated and famous TPC Sawgrass, Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club, World Woods - Pine Barrens Course, and Ocean Hammock. Also thrown in the mix is a tourist stop at the World Golf Hall of Fame. There is also 2010 talk of an Arizona and Southern California fly-bys. That usually means ... it will happen!
With all that said, I would like to wish all of you a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a great year in 2010. Thanks for all of your support!
(Updated 8/9/09 - 6:34 p.m. - Jim Allen) ... A dozen golfers took advantage of the much-hyped 
Sacramento Fly-By on August 7-8th, to try their hand at 54-holes of golf during one short 30-hour span. And that time span included about four meals and some rest.
The North and South courses of the Rancho Murieta Country Club, located a few miles southeast of Sacramento, was the site for the first 36. A total of 12 golf enthusiast took advantage of some beautiful 85 degree weather and a ample supply of Vodka-Cranberry's to fulfill their "golf-jones" with a quick hacker binge. Among the group on Southwest Airlines was Mike Werner (Portland), Mark Suzda (La Habra), Mike Rittner (Chatsworth), and I (Anaheim Hills). The locals included Jeffrey & Jake Adkins, Pat Calahan, Mike Barbone, Bill Calahan, Terry Bickford, Frank Machado, and David Stanley.
Suzda ended up shooting a 78-79 on the North and South courses, respectively, for the best scorecards of the day. Coincidentally, Mark was the only one in the group who doesn't drink alcohol (next to Jeffrey's 16-year old son Jake).
Afterwards, Jeffrey offered up his Wilton, California ranch-style home for some southern hospitality. Jeffrey, who is from South Carolina, fired up his barbecue with about 10-pounds of awesome tri-tip, some chili, plus some collard greens and fried green tomatoes. Yeeee Haaaa! Most of us ate enough food and sipped enough cocktails to effectively slip into a calorie-induced coma. But then ..., someone fired up the lights on his basketball court. Next thing you know we have an accident waiting to happen - a basketball game with a bunch of golfers who think that their ideal weight is their age ... plus 200 pounds. A suggested "shirts-skins" game was quickly shot down so not to offend neighbors and scare small children. Luckily, nobody was hurt in the meleeAn early start the next morning brought us the Teal Bend Golf Club, located on the other side of Sacramento, near the airport. Teal Bend has the feel of a course in Michigan, somewhat flat but challenging, with lots and lots of trees. It was in great condition and should be considered a hidden hero on the Sacramento golf scene. Mike Rittner, who actually did slip into a basketball game missing, food and alcohol induced coma last night, recovered fully with the best score of the morning; an 82. There was a bunch of others in the 80's. And just like that it was over -- with everybody heading home. Special thanks go out to the Adkins family for their fine accommodations over the two days! What in the heck are collard greens again?
By the way, the Golfest 2010-Florida preview video has generated a lot of interest ... and questions. YES, we really are going to the Sunshine State. YES, those are the actual dates! And YES, we are planning that far ahead! This is shaping up to be a seven night - seven round affair featuring rounds at four ranked venues.
If you get a chance, please post in the GOLFEST BLOG!
For a recap of Golfest 2009 - "The Land of Lincoln Golf Quest" ... go here!
(Updated 5/25/09) ... By Jim Allen) ... Not that I am into creating possible trivia questions, but Golfest 2009 is headed to the city where Ferris Bueller stoked the envy of every high school student in the United States with his famed Day Off. Others might associate the city as the home of the Super Bowl Shuffle and DA' BEARS; or the jinxed Cubs and the dreaded Curse of the Billy Goat. And even if you don't know about Bueller's story, you definitely know about the legendary basketball player with the last name of Jordan? Yes ..., it's all about CHICAGO on this trip! With all of the added activities on this years agenda, my prediction is that Golfest parallels Ferris Bueller's experience, making it the envy of avid golfers everywhere.
If you need some examples, here are few bullet points from the upcoming Golfest 2009 - "The Land of Lincoln Golf Quest" script. It's more than just your average 8 1/2 rounds of golf in six days at eight of the top rated courses in Illinois. There is a whole lot taking place between May 26 and June 2nd. Here is what to expect ...
The Glen Club is the first stop on this years tour. While the name might suggest more of a social club, than a place to haul your clubs, it has recently worked its way on to Golf Digest's coveted top 100 list. It was also recognized as the Best Public Course in
What makes this place unique is that for 70 years, the land was used as a Naval Air Base and was flatter than cheap beer. However, Tom Fazio had a vision and changed that in a big way. Now the course features up to 40 feet of elevation changes on some holes. From what I have heard through the grapevine,this is a very challenging course; one that will either generate a smile or gimace on the picturesque 18th -- depending on the results. Water comes into play twice and bunkers chew up all shots gone array.
With some touristy stuff under our belt, it will be time to get ready for some serious golf on Thursday - the 28th. This day marks the first of two consecutive 36-hole days. Pine Meadows Golf Course, which is ranked 51st on our list kicks off the marathon. Although the course is in the middle of the city, it is surrounded by 250 year-old, 50 foot tall oak trees, and according to course management – about 50 different species of wildlife. Is is regarded as fair – but challenging – featuring water on eight-holes and 86 bunkers. (Making note to self ... "practice bunker play!") Let’s not forget about those huge trees either.
Just in case the 36 holes didn’t wear us out, we will be treated with a 151-mile drive to the next venue in 
The General at Eagle Ridge (#92), a somewhat intimidating name or a golf course, features the most spectacular 18-holes of the 63-holes on the property. This course features multiple elevation changes as the photo to the left shows. If your “uneven or bad lie” play isn’t dialed in by now, you could suffer through a long day. Then again, for us "canyon golfers" from Southern California, this is no big deal. (Making note to self ... "live up to your So Cal reputation.)
By the way, on a clear day at the General, one can stand on the 14th tee box and see three different states. The unranked sister course at Eagle Ridge (the North Course) is the afternoon venue.
The weekend will kick off with a little windshield time. While most others will be at home performing "honey-do's," we will be convoying about 160 miles to
WeaverRidge is ranked 37th on our places to play. Going through the online course tour, it looks like long-hitters will either shoot real low, or get into a lot of trouble. This picture from the 18th tee box may put that in perspective. Many previous reviews state that this championship course and clubhouse is worthy of the elite private country club status. Luckily for us – it’s not.
At this point, our tour is on the stretch run as we point our rental vehicles East towards
The site of the BMW Championship and four USGA Championships, opened in 1964 but was recently underwent a $5M renovation and is scheduled to reopen on May 15th. This natural style championship course features 18 brand new greens, renovated and repositioned bunkers, and a few other changes. That means it will play differently than my warm up rounds on Playstation 3. Either way, it’s one of those golf institutions that just has to be conquered.
The final nine of this trip will be a best ball tournament on Cog Hill’s No. 3. At that point, we will have hacked, birdied, chopped, double-bogeyed, and eagled our way around the best 153 golf holes that the state has to offer. (Note to self ... focus on birdies and eagles.") Later that evening, we will celebrate that milestone than with a final night dinner at Ditka’s Restaurant in downtown
For more information and hot links to all of the venues Golfest 2009, go HERE. By the way, have you checked out our great collection of funny golf videos yet? You should!
(Updated 4/26/09) ... By Jim Allen) ... A couple of years ago, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson starred in a unique movie called "The Bucket List." It shed light on the concept that everyone should have a chance to enjoy a list.of once-in-a-lifetime experiences before it's time to check out. Stuff like playing tourist at the Great Pyramids of Egypt, or climbing the Himalayans, or flying over Niagra Falls in a hot air balloon.
Much to my surprise, there were no golf-related events in the movie. Now I agree that the Grand Canyon might give the seventh hole at Pebble Beach a run for it's money. Or that flying a helicopter over an active volcano might be slightly more spectacular than the 18th green at Pinehurst No. 2.
But you know what? Every golfer should have a bucket list -- a short list of adventures, experiences, events, and nuances that make the sport special. For those of you at home taking notes, here are my recommendations:
(1). Play Pebble Beach at least once in your lifetime. Yes, it seems like it costs a years worth of your kids college tuition to play there, and it may require some travel to get there, ... but hey ... we're talking Pebble Beach here. Walking 18-holes at Pebble represents the ultimate golf experience and is definitely worthy of any bucket list. There isn't a more famous course on the face of the earth where you can enjoy the scenery and history, walk in the footsteps of golf legends, and feel like a million bucks.
(2). Run down to your favorite golf retailer 
and buy a brand-new driver. And not a discounted driving-range scarred beast that just happens to be on sale -- but one of those HUGE highly-publicized $499 clubs. There is nothing like a new Big Dawg that comes with the technology hype of longer drives, higher ball speeds, and more consistent ball flights.
After smacking it around a few times, you'll wonder how you ever got by with that garage sale hand-me-down that resembled more of a 5-wood than the most important and intimidating weapon in your arsenal.
(3). There is no pinnacle in golf that signifies success (or just pure luck) than a hole-in-one. How cool would it be to two-hop one into the cup; or fly it directly into the hole? If you are enjoying the day with friends, this event becomes that much better. Who cares if the bar tab equals a car payment! We're talking an ace baby! Treat every par-3 like it's an opportunity of a lifetime, because with a little luck, it could be!
(4). There is no experience that signifys comraderie like a buddies golf trip. And to clarify, we're NOT talking about a little three-round weekender. We're talking about a weeklong adventure that requires airplane travel, another 300 or so miles in a mini-van, and at least seven rounds of golf. Nothing can accurately describe what your body feels like after 144 holes of golf. It's an experience of a lifetime - more if you can pull it off annually.
(5). If you get the chance, go take golf lessons at a real golf school. There is nothing more humbling than attending a two or three day golf camp. If you think your swing looks good and just needs a bit of tweaking, try watching it in slow motion -- frame-by-frame -- on a flat screen television. Or worse yet -- agonize frame-by-frame -- with a group of your friends. ... "Wow, I didn't know you had epilepsy? I'm not really sure how to tell you this, but your swing looks like a cross between a canoe stroke and hacking wood with a dull axe. I'd be surprised if you could hit a beach ball!"
(6). Go to the MASTERS or other major championship event. Even with all of the major breakthroughs in lounge chair, snack food and television technology, a 72" Sony LCD screen can't do justice to a 300-yard drive at Augusta. And, if you think the tension during the last few holes of major is manufactured by the Johnny Miller's and Jim Nance's of the world, you'll be surprised. It's extremely real and is capable of making the hair stand up on your arms. Can you spell ... P-R-E-S-S-U-R-E-! ...?
You will also be amazed at how 30,000 golf patrons can remain "library-quiet" before shots. And just in case the aforementioned golf lessons didn't humble you out enough, watch in amazement as the PGA tour pros walk by. How in the heck does a guy who is only 5'8", 160-pounds rip a 330-yard drive? Shouldn't he look more like the HULK?
(7). You want entertainment on your bucket list? Remove half of your clubs from that big ugly tour bag of yours and go play 18. Have you ever putted with a seven-iron? Or hit a 1/2 swing driver on a par-3? Every aspect of your game will improve as you create shots with the limited weapons at your disposal. No more jumping out of the cart and hacking away with a seven iron, because it's now in the trunk of your car. This game will require some finesse and serious thinking. At times, you might even get frustrated and blurt out words that rhyme with bucket. Either way, it's a memorable event. ... (MORE) ...
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