These courses are everywhere, a mile away or a state away from your home, off the beaten path, overlooked or taken for granted. They may not be famous or celebrated courses but there is something special about them, a unique hole, a breath-taking vista, a wonderful walk or, in the case of an otherwise inaccessible country club, a design finally revealed for the rest of us to appreciate. We find these gems, polished them up a bit and give you the option to play if you get the chance.

Archive for 'Hidden Gems'

The new-look Sand Point CC is a gem

The new-look Sand Point CC is a gem

Ninety-three-year-old Sand Point Country Club is one of the five oldest golf courses in Seattle and has had its share of changes over the years. But the “new” SPCC is a sight to behold.Literally.Though modest in [...]

I-90 links: Hacking my way east to west

I-90 links: Hacking my way east to west

(Editor’s note: During a recent Cleveland-to-Seattle road trip roughly following along I-90, I took the time to sight-see and play some golf. Here is a travel log of that five-day sojourn with suggestions on what to [...]

Ringa Ringa: Kiwi and Kaka golf heaven

Ringa Ringa: Kiwi and Kaka golf heaven

By Allen Schauffler STEWART ISLAND, New Zealand — My final putt is dead-center, right in the heart of the cup; a firm, four-inch, no-doubter for bogey. It’s the last stroke in my best single scoring round [...]

Hidden gems: History graces Gearhart

Hidden gems: History graces Gearhart

GEARHART, Or. – Some bunch of golf experts we are. Northwest golf writers recently got together to play a coastal course near Seaside called Gearhart Golf Links. Most of the group had never played the course [...]

Beware of hazards that bite

Beware of hazards that bite

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. – Golf is played outdoors, among the trees, meadows, waterways and things that can kill you. More than a few courses around the world are habitats for big mouths with big teeth. Depending [...]

Who’s saving golf? Native Americans

Who’s saving golf? Native Americans

KINGSTON, Wa. – Costs, access or the exposure to golf all seem to be conspiring to deter the young from taking up the game like their parents once did. Rounds are down as the game is trying [...]

Returning to site of my first round of golf

Returning to site of my first round of golf

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — My first golf swing occured sometime in 1968, either in late February (if the weather was good) or July (when the weather was a lot better) at Reames Golf & Country Club. [...]

Emerald Canyon GC a hidden classic

Emerald Canyon GC a hidden classic

PARKER, Az. – It never ceases to amaze me how terrain that seemingly has no chance of becoming a golf course turns into one of the most awesome 18-hole layouts you’ll ever get to play. Such [...]

Hidden Gem: Golf Club of Estrella

Hidden Gem: Golf Club of Estrella

GOODYEAR, Az. — The nine-mile drive on Estrella Parkway from I-10 to the scenic Golf Club of Estrella takes you up a little hill, through some desert terrain, past some businesses and finally to one terrific golf course. This [...]

Golfing in Nevada with a Bro

Golfing in Nevada with a Bro

BOULDER CITY, Nev. – There’s nothing quite like playing golf with a sibling, so anytime I can tee it up with my golf-nut brother is a pleasure, regardless of the scores we shoot. Such was the [...]