List, list, O list

One of my favorite golf books GROUNDS FOR GOLF by Geoff Shackelford ends with Geoff’s lists of his personal favorites. Since reading his book I started my own, and being a true Canadian, I check back and change it every month. My March listings, include:
Courses above any ranking (perfect 10s)
Cypress Point, The Old Course at St.Andrews,
Masterpieces (also 10s)
Cape Breton Highlands, Banff Springs, Jasper, Capilano, St.George’s, Seminole, Prestwick, Ballybunion, Hamilton GC, Portrush, County Down
My Special Places
Pinehurst, Pebble Beach, Maidstone, Summit, Toronto Ladies, Royal Liverpool (Hoylake), The Country Club (Boston), Westmount, Congressional, Carnoustie, Turnberry, Elie, Crail, Sea Island, Firestone, St.Thomas, Ville d’Este (Como), Maple Downs, Lahinch, Islington, The Nationals (Woodbridge and Long Island), Pine Valley, Bellerive (St.Louis), Osprey Valley, Pinetree (FL) and Lucayan (Bahamas). Did I say any Stanley Thompson course?
No Longer Thereor changed beyond reason
York Downs, Bay Hill, Doral Blue, Don Valley, St.Andrews (Toronto)
Favorite “New” Courses
I personally prefer older courses and usually don’t seek out the new masterpieces (like Bandon, or Whistling Straits). However, always willing to change, I really like KINGSBARNS, just outside St.Andrews. Many said they moved too much dirt to make it look natural, I disagree and think Kingsbarns is a great golfing experience. The hot soup makes up for the artificial mats on the range, the whole 18 holes is wonderful. I was also impressed walking around The Carrick north of Glasgow. It could become an excellent new type of course, already looking like it fits the land better than its neighbour.
Sand Hills, Bandon, Whistling Straits, Sebonac, Tall Grass, Eagle’s Nest – new and when possible I look forward to seeing them (at my age I can’t wait for them to mature)
AreasThat I want to Play, but haven’t
Australia’s sand based courses, Walton Heath (UK)

Lists are great fun, beats American Idol. Best two courses with same name: Sunningdale (UK and Ontario, both outside London).
Best Guru: Jack Grout. Best form of competition: Stableford. Best place not to have a list: on a boat.