2,613 yards, 119 Slope Cresting the hill, one could look forward where dark had recently descended and watch the clubhouse come into view slowly. One step at a time. Illuminated and quiet, it drew us in with its promise of halcyon tranquility. A soft glow that could have been candlelight beckoned with that promise. As … Continue reading The Philadelphia Cricket Club – St. Martins →

6,702 yards, 140 slope from the White tees I didn't grow up with golf. In fact, there was a time when I knew very little about it. It wasn't until the end of college that I started playing it casually, as before then I thought all golf courses were private. I became fascinated with the … Continue reading Union League Liberty Hill →

6,579 yards, 133 slope from the Blues The storm was brewing for quite some time. You could feel it building, with the dark shades of gray above that seemed to get thicker and shroud more of the blue until finally, it was as if we were in a foggy dream state. The wind started in … Continue reading Hollywood Golf Club →

6,173 yards, 136 from the III tees Twenty minutes after walking off the Eighteenth of the Lower, we found ourselves on the First tee of the Upper. That First tee is behind the clubhouse, making it feel like a secret eighteen holes only the more wily among us know about. Surely our experience of the … Continue reading Baltusrol Upper →

6,225 yards, 134 from the III tees Something was off with me. I couldn't get into a groove, couldn't get a feel for the course, couldn't put my finger on it. Out of sync. We started in the early morning. There's a routine this time of year, late in the season. We all are now … Continue reading Baltusrol Lower →

6,258 yards, 135 slope from the Blues My only regret was not seeing "There Will Be No Miracles Here" sign sooner. Such an apt saying for most of us and this game. The biggest, most direct, conspicuous reality check on a golf course I've come across. It begs the question though. If there aren't miracles … Continue reading The Bridge Golf Club →

6,530 yards, 134 slope from the Green tees It was the kind of cold that you didn't realize just how cold until the warm comfort of inside began to lightly defrost you. As we finished up and came into the clubhouse, a quiet fire lapping away in the corner, it dawned on me it was … Continue reading Shinnecock Hills Golf Club →

6,456 yards, 137 slope from the Blues Quaker Ridge is in Scarsdale, New York, which is right above Manhattan for the uninitiated. I am among those who have not spent a whole lot of time in this area, even though it is an absolute mine field of spectacular courses that pretty much sit side by … Continue reading Quaker Ridge Golf Club →

6,511 yards, 139 slope from the Champion tees In Morristown, New Jersey, Morris County Golf Club was founded in 1894 with its golf course designed by Seth Raynor in 1916. The club was an early member of the USGA, joining in 1895 while Tom Bendelow designed its first iteration of the course in 1897. The … Continue reading Morris County Golf Club →

6,387 yards, 133 slope from the Member tees In Beallsville, Maryland, about an hour northwest of Washington D.C., lies Four Streams, the first course designed by Nick Price, with Steve Smyers, opening in 1998. Perhaps you have never heard of Four Streams. I would wager most have not. In fact, I found out about it … Continue reading Four Streams →