Executive courses - 5 best and 5 worst

[Rainger99]

I have been here about a year and have limited my golf to nearby executive courses.

However, for the next few months (before they get crowded) I am hoping to play one or two new executive courses each month and would like recommendations for the top 5 to play and the top 5 to avoid. Thanks.

[Shbullet]

I have been here about a year and have limited my golf to nearby executive courses.

However, for the next few months (before they get crowded) I am hoping to play one or two new executive courses each month and would like recommendations for the top 5 to play and the top 5 to avoid. Thanks.

My opinion:

Top 5 Southern Star, Yankee Clipper, Trueman, Pelican, Roosevelt

Lots of bottom 5

[tophcfa]

I have been here about a year and have limited my golf to nearby executive courses.

However, for the next few months (before they get crowded) I am hoping to play one or two new executive courses each month and would like recommendations for the top 5 to play and the top 5 to avoid. Thanks.

We travel throughout the Villages to play all the Championship courses but only play the Executives closer to home, so I can’t give you a complete list. That being said, put Pelican on the top of your must play list. Have fun : )

[John Mayes]

I have been here about a year and have limited my golf to nearby executive courses.

However, for the next few months (before they get crowded) I am hoping to play one or two new executive courses each month and would like recommendations for the top 5 to play and the top 5 to avoid. Thanks.

Not to side step the answer but I think there needs to be a distinction between current condition vs course layout and design. A couple of my favorite courses are in pretty bad shape right now.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have been here about a year and have limited my golf to nearby executive courses.

However, for the next few months (before they get crowded) I am hoping to play one or two new executive courses each month and would like recommendations for the top 5 to play and the top 5 to avoid. Thanks.

Play them all.

[eweissenbach]

My top five would be different from many others. It depends on where you live and how accessible various courses are, how difficult or easy they are depending on your preferences, how attractive you find them etc. My favorite courses are: 1. Becall 2. Roosevelt 3. Yankee Clipper 4. Palmetto 5. Tarpon Boil 6. Truman 7. Volusia 8. Southern Star 9. Lowlands (higher if it were closer) 10. Heron

[Mortal1]

Lowlands favorite layout(and has food trucks and beer after the 9th hole). Okeechobee, Escambia, Volusia(closed)and Sarasota. fun layouts and usually in the best condition of all execs. Like playing Truman, Roosevelt, southern star, tarpon boil, sandhill, mangrove, Bogart and Bacall. Most vary in condition, but are all playable for fun. if you're hitting the ball well they all play equally easy. I don't place any emphasis on putting as these courses get tons of play and are rarely seriously puttable.

Play expeditiously and with proper etiquette. Pay attention to the group in front of you and pace yourself with them in mind. Do not practice putting on a green because you have to wait on the next hole...it's impolite. Hit one tee ball only unless you've lost the first. Golf is not about hitting a tee shot till you get one you like. If you have to listen to music...wear bluetooth headphones or earbuds. No one needs to be forced to hear your taste in music.

Many treat the execs are their own personal playground and are inconsiderate and entitled...don't be on of them....please. Play ready golf...play when you have the chance without interfering with your playing partners and be ready when it's your turn.

[banjobob]

I like Pelican, but so many friends either dread playing or outright refuse to play it

[JeanC]

When we moved here we made it a priority to check off every executive course on the list, so we played them all. There are a few way up north that we are not fond of but overall we enjoy most of them. Anything to get us out of the house. We don’t mind traveling south to gray fox or north to briarwood. We just like to shake it up.

[Vikingjunior]

I like Pelican, but so many friends either dread playing or outright refuse to play it

I like Pelican also because it's the closest thing to a Championship course without the green fees.

[WingedFoot78]

When we moved to the Villages, I started playing the local courses as many as four to six times a week. I decided to try playing all of the Executive courses with some Championship thrown in. Why not play them all. I ended up missing only the new Championship in the south, the front nine at Marsh Bend, and the pitch & putt at Fenney. It was a fun experience. Due twosome medical issues I have had to stop playing.

Like others have mentioned, be courteous, rake the traps, and most of all repair your divots on the greens.

[Papa_lecki]

OOOHH - new course map.
https://www.golfthevillages.com/images/TheVillagesGolfMap.pdf?v=1711

Too many definitions of top 5.
Some may like a course that’s more challenging i.e. Pelican

[NoMo50]

One of our favorites is Volusia, but it's been closed for over two months now (rebuilding the cart path on #3). Others at the top of the list include Gray Fox, Lowlands, Sweetgum and Truman. The ones near the bottom of my list are Red Fox, Mira Mesa, Oakleigh, Mangrove and Bonita Pass.

That said, we are appreciative having so many courses available to choose from. And, this time of year, one can get a tee time just about anywhere you want to play.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I’ve played pretty much all of them north of 466a a many south. I don’t know if I can come up with a top five but a few of my favorites are Oakleigh, Truman, Roosevelt and Amberwood.
Worst? I’d stay away from Pelican and Heron. Lots of blind shots and usually in horrible condition.

[golfing eagles]

I like Pelican, but so many friends either dread playing or outright refuse to play it

Why???? (I don't play execs, so it's a legitimate question)

[gatorbill1]

seems to be the 5 closest to home are the best

[Papa_lecki]

Why???? (I don't play execs, so it's a legitimate question)

Pelican is probably the hardest executive. If you’re new to golf, it’s not fun.

2 par 4s (one with a lake on the left the other over swamp)
1 or 2 long par 3
First and second hole are blind shots

It’s great for a challenge for better golfers

[Rainger99]

So far, Pelican and Truman have 5 votes; Roosevelt has 4; and Lowland, Volusia, and Southern Star have 3 votes.

[golfing eagles]

Pelican is probably the hardest executive. If you’re new to gold, it’s not fun.

2 par 4s (one with a lake on the left the other over swamp)
1 or 2 long par 3
First and second hole are blind shots

It’s great for a challenge for better golfers

I'll have to take your word for it since i doubt I'll bother to play an exec. I guess it depends on one's perspective. Bethpage Black, Muirfield Village, Pinehurst #2 and Pine Valley are hard especially from the tips. More locally, Copperhead, TPC Sawgrass, and PGA National Champions course are hard. Pelican Executive course in the Villages----not so much. But I suppose one could build and executive course with nothing but replicas of the 9 hardest par 3's over 250 yds. from all around the country and it would be quite hard.

[ronharvey2]

I like Pelican because I think it's the most difficult executive course in the Villages.

[Lottoguy]

The courses up north are always in top condition because of the distance. Amberwood and Oakleigh are great courses to play. I agree on Pelican being a tough course to play.

[tophcfa]

I'll have to take your word for it since i doubt I'll bother to play an exec. I guess it depends on one's perspective. Bethpage Black, Muirfield Village, Pinehurst #2 and Pine Valley are hard especially from the tips. More locally, Copperhead, TPC Sawgrass, and PGA National Champions course are hard. Pelican Executive course in the Villages----not so much. But I suppose one could build and executive course with nothing but replicas of the 9 hardest par 3's over 250 yds. from all around the country and it would be quite hard.

It’s all relative, Pelican is hard by Villages Executive golf standards. It certainly doesn’t come close to anything listed above. I like it because it has relatively few homes and nice scenery playing along the backside of Lake Miona (very much like Hibiscus at Cane Garden). I am concerned the course will loose some of its character because the much publicized million dollar mile hiking trail appears to run along part of the course. Trust me, if you get annoyed by pace of play and etiquette at the Villages Championship courses, you won’t be happy at any of the Executives. Playing the Executives requires a different set of expectations and a fair amount of patience. Golf on : )

[Rainger99]

I'll have to take your word for it since i doubt I'll bother to play an exec. I guess it depends on one's perspective. Bethpage Black, Muirfield Village, Pinehurst #2 and Pine Valley are hard especially from the tips. More locally, Copperhead, TPC Sawgrass, and PGA National Champions course are hard. Pelican Executive course in the Villages----not so much.

I have only played one of them and Bethpage is hard from the front tees! If you can't hit it at least 250 off the tee, it is a long day (and I have had some long days on the course). However, I don't think you can compare any course in The Villages to some of the best and hardest courses in the world.

Hard is relative so for your typical Villages' golfer (many of them have taken up the game once they got here), I think that a lot of the courses are hard. From my limited experience, most golfers have trouble breaking 35 on the executive courses. I don't think I have ever played with anyone who has shot under par on an executive course. And I don't think I have ever seen anyone tee off from the back tees!

[golfing eagles]

I have only played one of them and Bethpage is hard from the front tees! If you can't hit it at least 250 off the tee, it is a long day (and I have had some long days on the course). However, I don't think you can compare any course in The Villages to some of the best and hardest courses in the world.

Hard is relative so for your typical Villages' golfer (many of them have taken up the game once they got here), I think that a lot of the courses are hard. From my limited experience, most golfers have trouble breaking 35 on the executive courses. I don't think I have ever played with anyone who has shot under par on an executive course. And I don't think I have ever seen anyone tee off from the back tees!

Really??? That's interesting.

But here's a story then. In 8 years I've played about 4 times on an exec usually with visitors. Last spring my son and 10 year old granddaughter were here so we played Palmetto. I had a letter from my pro certifying that she was OK to play even though she was under 14. The very nice lady at the starter shack was fine with it, but added "this is a level 3 course (whatever that means), so the girl might have trouble even from the front tees". My response was simple---"That shouldn't be a problem since she will be playing the black tees with the rest of us" She shot 34 never using more than a 6 iron.

[grayesun]

5 Best Executive courses? "Best" parameters? Longest, hardest, most scenic, narrowest, lots of trees and shade, open field - links style, water, bunkers? What's your golf ability level? If you're an Executive Level 1 (high handicap) golfer, you won't enjoy any Level 4 and many Level 3 courses. A Level 3 or 4 (lower handicap) golfer can still enjoy working on their short game on a Level 1 course. Know your skill level and abilities, pick the course and tees that are best for you and those playing behind you. Know good golf etiquette, play ready golf. Cheers!

[kenoc7]

I have been here about a year and have limited my golf to nearby executive courses.

However, for the next few months (before they get crowded) I am hoping to play one or two new executive courses each month and would like recommendations for the top 5 to play and the top 5 to avoid. Thanks.

Best 5 Pelican, Oakleigh, Amberwood, Grey Fox and Turtle Mound

[kenoc7]

So far, Pelican and Truman have 5 votes; Roosevelt has 4; and Lowland, Volusia, and Southern Star have 3 votes.

Southern bias

[Rainger99]

5 Best Executive courses? "Best" parameters? Longest, hardest, most scenic, narrowest, lots of trees and shade, open field - links style, water, bunkers? What's your golf ability level? If you're an Executive Level 1 (high handicap) golfer, you won't enjoy any Level 4 and many Level 3 courses. A Level 3 or 4 (lower handicap) golfer can still enjoy working on their short game on a Level 1 course. Know your skill level and abilities, pick the course and tees that are best for you and those playing behind you. Know good golf etiquette, play ready golf. Cheers!

I am asking for the reader's opinion of what is best. My parameter for best - if you knew that this would be the last executive course that you would ever play - what would it be?? Your last round of golf on an executive course - what do you choose?

[eweissenbach]

Southern bias

No bias on my part. I live south of 466A and almost never play north of 466 because of the distance and the fact I am within a fifteen minute cart ride of eighteen courses. When I am in Missouri ( about six months) I play par 72 courses once or twice a week to a fifteen handicap. When in TV I enjoy the quicker, less expensive and fun Executive courses. To each his/her own.

[Dee Smith]

I like Bogart, Volusia, Sarasota, Turtle Mound and De La Vista. I stay away from Pelican, Redfish Run and Belmont. Skill level matters and I enjoy a smooth game that is not too serious. In the final analysis they are all enjoyable but some are better if you walk. Fore!!

[golfing eagles]

I am asking for the reader's opinion of what is best. My parameter for best - if you knew that this would be the last executive course that you would ever play - what would it be?? Your last round of golf on an executive course - what do you choose?

Augusta National. OOPS----right answer to the wrong question:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Babubhat]

Always an available Pelican tee time. It speaks for itself

[44Apple]

Amberwood, Oakleigh, Hawkes Bay, Yankee Clipper, and Turtle Mound.

[sheena0904]

This is a great thread. Love seeing everyone’s opinions!

[Tvflguy]

I love almost any of the Exec courses that have a par four too.

My tops are Volusia (the 3rd hole par 4) is great fun. This is the one where you can’t see the green from tee boxes, and the folks ahead are to ring a big gong bell when they are on the green for a go ahead ok to drive signal.

Bacall has two nice par 4s.

Sandhill is also quite good.

[kkingston57]

The courses up north are always in top condition because of the distance. Amberwood and Oakleigh are great courses to play. I agree on Pelican being a tough course to play.

Agree on the north courses. They are in the best shape and not hard getting a tee time in the season. Best greens(executive) in TV.

[psgolf@comcast.net]

Yankee clipper, Roosevelt, Bacall , Pelican , palmetto

[coconutmama]

Always an available Pelican tee time. It speaks for itself

I like Pelican when the bushes are trimmed back. Yes, I am a sissy!

If I could only play one more executive course here, I think it would be Sweetgum. Nice par 4. Pretty course.

[Bay Kid]

We are so blessed to have so many. My hardest part is picking which one to play.

[grayesun]

I am asking for the reader's opinion of what is best. My parameter for best - if you knew that this would be the last executive course that you would ever play - what would it be?? Your last round of golf on an executive course - what do you choose?

Amberwood, Mira Mesa, Pelican, Roosevelt and maybe Sweetgum.

[Papa_lecki]

I'll have to take your word for it since i doubt I'll bother to play an exec. I guess it depends on one's perspective. Bethpage Black, Muirfield Village, Pinehurst #2 and Pine Valley are hard especially from the tips. More locally, Copperhead, TPC Sawgrass, and PGA National Champions course are hard. Pelican Executive course in the Villages----not so much. But I suppose one could build and executive course with nothing but replicas of the 9 hardest par 3's over 250 yds. from all around the country and it would be quite hard.

The conversation was about Executive Courses in the Villages. My point is, if you are a ‘better/more experienced golfer” and want to play an executive FOR FUN, Pelican is a nice choice.
I played Pelican in March with a guy from Ohio, with an single digit index. I also played another time with a golf pro from Canada (he plays executives every morning with his wife). Both times, we had a great time.

Feel free to start a thread about the top 5 toughest/nicest courses in the country.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I like Pelican also because it's the closest thing to a Championship course without the green fees.

In what way is Pelican like a Championship course?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I have only played one of them and Bethpage is hard from the front tees! If you can't hit it at least 250 off the tee, it is a long day (and I have had some long days on the course). However, I don't think you can compare any course in The Villages to some of the best and hardest courses in the world.

Hard is relative so for your typical Villages' golfer (many of them have taken up the game once they got here), I think that a lot of the courses are hard. From my limited experience, most golfers have trouble breaking 35 on the executive courses. I don't think I have ever played with anyone who has shot under par on an executive course. And I don't think I have ever seen anyone tee off from the back tees!

I've shot under par on several executive courses and I usually play the back tees. But I'm 70 years old and I've had a lot of serious injuries and a couple of serious illnesses not too long ago. My ability to hit the ball a long way and my overall skills have diminished. I hardly play anymore because I'm still recuperating.

I don't know why people are bringing up places like Bethpage Black and other great courses. That has nothing to do with the subject. I've played many of the world's great courses and I've played some in competition. But this thread is asking about the best executive courses in The Villages.

Many people have answered by naming what they think are the toughest courses. To me, that means nothing. To me, the best courses are the most enjoyable. Sometimes the easiest courses can be the most enjoyable. And in competition, the easiest courses can be the hardest.

I'd rather play a course that is in great condition and has nice views than a course that is in terrible shape but is difficult.

As far as Pelican goes, there are too many blind shots for me and it was in terrible condition the times that I've played it. It's simply not enjoyable. Is it the most difficult? I'm not sure. I think I shot a couple over from the back tees. I found Grey Fox to be the most difficult simply because of it's length. I played about three holes from the back tees and then moved up. It's not enjoyable for me to be hitting woods into par threes.

[charmed59]

My favorites are Grey Fox, Volusia, Low lands, Sweetgum and when I want a confidence boost, El Santiago.

[laboutj]

Sweetgum, Bacall, Amberwood, Heron, Tarpon Boil - in no particular order. Not a pro but decent golfer, these are the courses that I find enjoyable to play because of their layouts and views. I also like Pelican, except for the second par 4 over the marsh. It's a par 4 with no defined fairway from the teebox, that irks me.

[Calisport]

I just finished all executive courses in the villages and now attempting the rest of the championships courses I haven't played.
Championship courses are too expensive for me. But as I was going there are some really nice exec courses.
To me I agree with some people.
Yankee Clipper, Sweet Gum, Oakleigh, Amberwood, Maybe Truman and Roosevelt at the top
Pelican, Red Fox, Turtle Mound, Loblolly, Chula Vista, Sand Hill are at the bottom for me.

[Flyers999]

I play championship during the week so on the weekend I like to relax- I've had enough punishment , so El Santiago is my first choice. Just played it a few days ago and the greens were in fantastic shape, they just aerated them. The greens are large too with little slope. I always play from the black tees.
I love the way the course gradually gets harder. The first hole is a sandwedge, the next four holes are a pitching wedge, then an eight iron, seven iron, seven iron, and finally a six iron. No water to speak of, or woods, so you'll never lose a ball.
After El Santiago, there's Truman, Amberwood, Saddlebrook, Briarwood.
The worst course is De la Vista. The greens suck, not only are they small and twisted they're in terrible shape. I still like playing the course, for some reason.

[wisbad1]

Lowlands favorite layout(and has food trucks and beer after the 9th hole). Okeechobee, Escambia, Volusia(closed)and Sarasota. fun layouts and usually in the best condition of all execs. Like playing Truman, Roosevelt, southern star, tarpon boil, sandhill, mangrove, Bogart and Bacall. Most vary in condition, but are all playable for fun. if you're hitting the ball well they all play equally easy. I don't place any emphasis on putting as these courses get tons of play and are rarely seriously puttable.

Play expeditiously and with proper etiquette. Pay attention to the group in front of you and pace yourself with them in mind. Do not practice putting on a green because you have to wait on the next hole...it's impolite. Hit one tee ball only unless you've lost the first. Golf is not about hitting a tee shot till you get one you like. If you have to listen to music...wear bluetooth headphones or earbuds. No one needs to be forced to hear your taste in music.

Many treat the execs are their own personal playground and are inconsiderate and entitled...don't be on of them....please. Play ready golf...play when you have the chance without interfering with your playing partners and be ready when it's your turn.
It’s not the PGA, play to have fun. Play pace so your not behind. Who cares about hitting two tee shots if you’re not holding up play.

[ThirdOfFive]

El Santiago is fun but not serious golf. Not long back I shot 2 under par on it (not hard with those dinner-plate - sized holes) and then got rudely awakened the next day on El Diablo.

Anyway, for better or worse...

MOST CHALLENGING: El Diablo. Lives up (or down) to its name. Fun to play because I never expect to do well on it, so am pleasantly surprised from time to time.

PRETTIEST: Chula Vista. Lots of trees and water. Love the fourth hole where you have to drive over that pond. Not exceptionally challenging except the par-4 eighth hole.

MOST FRUSTRATING: Saddlebrook. Played a round there last month and out of 9 drives I hit EIGHT sand traps. Did get a hole in one there once though, so that sort of makes up for it.

UGLIEST: Silver Lake. First time I played it I commented on it's rather odd layout and proximity to houses. On one the holes (can't remember which one) my wife swatted a drive off a tree in a guy's yard. He was on a ladder doing something or other at the time. I asked him if he minded if we collected my wife's ball. He had no problem with it. While in his yard I observed that his windows were at risk. He grinned, rapped on one and said "Plexiglas!".

MOST BORING: Hawke's Bay. Looks like a pasture.

[Rainger99]

Thank you. I live south of 44 but I am attempting to play some of the north of 466 courses. This will help out!

[Bay Kid]

Darn we are lucky to have so many choices! Some good, some bad.

[PoolBrews]

My opinion:

Top 5 Southern Star, Yankee Clipper, Trueman, Pelican, Roosevelt

Lots of bottom 5

Well... no... There would only be 5 in the bottom 5. Hence the name "Bottom 5". :)

[grubberlr]

I'll have to take your word for it since i doubt I'll bother to play an exec. I guess it depends on one's perspective. Bethpage Black, Muirfield Village, Pinehurst #2 and Pine Valley are hard especially from the tips. More locally, Copperhead, TPC Sawgrass, and PGA National Champions course are hard. Pelican Executive course in the Villages----not so much. But I suppose one could build and executive course with nothing but replicas of the 9 hardest par 3's over 250 yds. from all around the country and it would be quite hard.

I carry 6 clubs 60 54 pw 8i 6i putter, I can assure you pelican from the black tees is a challenge with these clubs.

Give it a try.

jim

[Rainger99]

I carry 6 clubs 60 54 pw 8i 6i putter, I can assure you pelican from the black tees is a challenge with these clubs.

Give it a try.

jim

Since posting this in July, I have played about 10 executive courses for the first time. Most were north of 466. Lots of courses north of 466!! Hopefully will have played all of the execs by Easter. 44 courses is a lot!!! You can play a different course every week for almost a year!

And I did play pelican based on the recommendations.

I can assure you pelican from the front tees is a challenge!

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

[Bay Kid]

You have to love Pelican! My 1st course played years ago. Not for the faint of heart.

[Rainger99]

You have to love Pelican! My 1st course played years ago. Not for the faint of heart.

And you didn't quit??? If that was my first experience, I probably would have stopped playing golf!

[Bay Kid]

And you didn't quit??? If that was my first experience, I probably would have stopped playing golf!

Great course. You just need to be able to get the ball in the air! Playing from back tees will improve your game.

[Mortal1]

I'll have to take your word for it since i doubt I'll bother to play an exec. I guess it depends on one's perspective. Bethpage Black, Muirfield Village, Pinehurst #2 and Pine Valley are hard especially from the tips. More locally, Copperhead, TPC Sawgrass, and PGA National Champions course are hard. Pelican Executive course in the Villages----not so much. But I suppose one could build and executive course with nothing but replicas of the 9 hardest par 3's over 250 yds. from all around the country and it would be quite hard.

handicap player...or you just like name dropping. So state champ? North/south champ? quarterfinalist in US am? Or just a wishful thinker?

[Mortal1]

Great course. You just need to be able to get the ball in the air! Playing from back tees will improve your game.

it's actually detrimental to game improvement if you have a poor game to begin with. No one really needs the back tees unless they par or birdie most of them. The practice area is the place for game improvement and then it's a test to see if you can bring the range game to the course.

I see waaaay to many men and women play from the tips. They rarely reach the green in regulation and only embarrass themselves in the process. The course is where you put all the practice hard work to the test.

Only someone who "plays" at golf and not a "golfer" would even suggest making it harder makes you better.

[Pairadocs]

Not to side step the answer but I think there needs to be a distinction between current condition vs course layout and design. A couple of my favorite courses are in pretty bad shape right now.

Definitely agree with you ! Can't be done without making it clear if they are asking about the design, or which are in top condition. As to design (interesting play) I'd say Yankee and S. Star, Truman, Pelican, for less challenge but we think interesting designs we enjoy; Tarpon & Sarasota. But, it is hard to choose.

[Mortal1]

Really??? That's interesting.

But here's a story then. In 8 years I've played about 4 times on an exec usually with visitors. Last spring my son and 10 year old granddaughter were here so we played Palmetto. I had a letter from my pro certifying that she was OK to play even though she was under 14. The very nice lady at the starter shack was fine with it, but added "this is a level 3 course (whatever that means), so the girl might have trouble even from the front tees". My response was simple---"That shouldn't be a problem since she will be playing the black tees with the rest of us" She shot 34 never using more than a 6 iron.

is a term rarely used here in the villages, but I guess there will always be some folks who think their opinion(based on their experiences)is the last WORD. It's unfortunate that the game is supposed to teach us to be humble lest we upset the golf gods and be damned with an unpredictable case of the shanks or yips.

I don't think a person who keeps name dropping famous courses is anything but the opposite of what they portray.

There are many fine golfers here in the villages. I've played with few. none are braggarts or put down the value of exec. courses.

[golfing eagles]

is a term rarely used here in the villages, but I guess there will always be some folks who think their opinion(based on their experiences)is the last WORD. It's unfortunate that the game is supposed to teach us to be humble lest we upset the golf gods and be damned with an unpredictable case of the shanks or yips.

I don't think a person who keeps name dropping famous courses is anything but the opposite of what they portray.

There are many fine golfers here in the villages. I've played with few. none are braggarts or put down the value of exec. courses.

Wow! Nice post, IF you had the slightest idea what you were talking about, and obviously you don't. Is it being suggested that I must apologize for the courses I've played across the country, or that I mentioned them in the context posed which was "difficult courses", or both??????
Or should I apologize for my granddaughter, who is on track to be better than I ever was----Oh, yeah---I told that story because YOU stated you never saw ANYONE play from the black tees.
And I never "bragged" about myself, but we all "brag" about our grandchildren.
But as far as opinion goes, I agree that I have a low opinion of exec courses---rarely need more than a wedge and a putter and their condition is usually terrible---but, as you said that's my opinion