Worth watching the video on how ratings are done.
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For sure. This topic can go round and round but most golf courses the rankings are less about the actual design/scoring and more about the land/location/condition/prestige experience.
Especially since the best courses feel like they are just a part of that land, if you are able to do it in a spectacular location then it’s obviously going to be better than anywhere else (see Bandon Dunes)
The better the land the more expensive it is… therefore higher green fees.
Then the maintenance. A course in prime condition is way more fun to play than one in average shape. Having worked on both public and private grounds crews in university the difference was huge.
I still love playing the Vancouver munis, I played Langara last weekend which was Re-done by McBroom who has multiple In the top 100.
Was it just as fun as playing Tobiano? Probably.
Was it even close to sniffing top 100? Not a chance.
The lists are fun to check off but realistically outside the top 10 they could just take the 90 most expensive/exclusive courses in Canada and randomly list them and get pretty close.
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I’d also love to know which reviewers are begging/borrowing/stealing to get on a private track, paying their own way, and then ranking it low.
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That fits my perception of Vancouver golf too. It seems like you have to get up to Whistler for good public golf. I definitely wasn’t blown away by Northview Ridge. Not sure it comes in above Ledgeview or Swaneeset for me (I also had the shanks under 100yrds at Northview…)
When I see what the PNW boys play in Seattle area it really makes me think Vancouver golf isn’t that great
I played Fairmont Chateau Whistler this past Saturday, fun course but definitely takes a few rounds to get the hang of… some deceptive tee shots and big elevation changes. The course has some pretty cool views and is an amazing setting. Would recommend playing if you’re in Whistler and get the chance.
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This public vs private top courses dynamic is definitely what makes living in Calgary and having a cabin in the East Kootenays great! The majority of the top 100 courses in these regions are in fact the public ones. Why I think maybe the best Tourist Sauce destination in Canada would be between say Calgary to Kamloops.
- Mickelson National (not yet listed but will be)
- Kananaskis (Kidd and Lorette)
- Stewart Creek
- Banff Springs
- Jasper
- Greywolf
- Wildstone
- Copper Point
- Eagle Ranch
- Tower Ranch
- Predator Ridge
- Tabiano
Total public golf sweepstakes
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I’ll just say Wolf Creek - Old does not belong in the top 100. Wolf Creek - Links is appropriately ranked though at 66. Priddis - Hawk is too low. It’s been up in the 50s, now down at 94, which is a disgrace.
When Mickelson National debuts in 2 years, I’ll guess maybe in the 20-30 range despite having no clubhouse and stuff yet.
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Presumably 11 eastern so we get the coverage that is only going to be streamed until CBS picks up the tape delayed coverage.
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Meanwhile, both Pendrith and Svensson are T3 midway through the final round on the KFT.
Conditions on Old were rough when we were there, but I love Links. In my biased opinion, Priddis should be in this group with Glencoe and CG&C.
Interested to see where Mt. Kidd falls against the more expensive mountain courses
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40-31 of the Score Golf Top 100:
- Links at Crowbush Cove*
- TPC Toronto - Hoot*
- St. Thomas G&CC
- Summit G&CC
- Royal Colwood Golf*
- Rocky Crest Golf
- Weston G&CC
- Redtail Golf
- Mount Bruno Golf
- Bigwin Island Golf
“*” - Courses I’ve played. All belong in the top 100 but I’d like another shot at Royal Colwood. Conditties weren’t great when I played there.
Weston is a course I should play as I have a familial connection to it. My father was a junior member there, courtesy his stepfather (the 1958 Canadian Amateur Champion and 1959 Masters invitee). Unfortunately, there is no genetic connection to my step-grandfather and therefore no connection between our respective games.
Edit: Just noticed that the software took the liberty of re-numbering my post. Crowbush is 40, Bigwin is 31.
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In the top100 I’ve only played Redtail.
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This might be a hot take but I’ve never felt Bigwin was worth its ranking (much higher in previous years). It’s a super fun experience (take the ferry over, great views) but I think it has benefitted from the “beauty” portion of the Score Golf rankings. I do like Carrick courses in general.
I like the Weston connection – have heard great things about it.
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Agree on Bigwin 100%. I’ve only ever played it in the shoulder season, so it’s been soft/wet, which influences how I feel about it. It is a super fun day though.
Also on Carrick, I’m going to give (another) a shout out to The Nest at Friday harbor. In Barrie so a bit of a hike for the downtown guis, but such a fun golf course.
Question for all on the Muskoka front - where else is worth playing? I will be back and forth there a little this summer (helping build a dock / deck extravaganza, will have some leisure time) so looking to see what’s worth it. We’ll be around Bala / Torrance area, but willing to drive…
Muskoka Bay.
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Yes 
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Looks… legit. Will make that happen for sure!
Anything else up there that worth a look as well? Anything underrated or ignored?
I’m surprised I’ve played 5 on the list so far.
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