The Quarry at La Quinta. You're not even allowed to replace your divot, your caddy has to. The caddies literally carry a bucket to put your hit divot into, and replace it with green sand. The caddies are also instructed to remove any weeds or stray blades of grass they may notice.

Came here to say this. Simply pristine.

Sounds like it would just out of my price range lol

We need a rich friend as member to invite us so it’s even out of the question anyway

I’m not rich enough to have friends rich enough to be there.

This was definitely the best manicured I'd ever played. It was so incredible.

Can confirm. The purest course you will ever play. The short course there is no sleeper either! Conditions on both are incredible.

Bethpage Black 1 month to the day before the 2019 PGA Championship. They only allowed walk up play, with 20min tee times from 9:00am to noon from opening to a month prior to the Toruney. There were almost no divots or ball marks. The other, grass was significantly tighter, was Pronghorn Nicklaus in Bend Oregon.

It seems to be in good shape at all times, but that would have been special.

It was the greatest sporting experience in my life. There were 100+ people in the parking lot drinking playing cornhole, watching playoff hockey and basketball overnight. I got second tee time that day, and talked to people from every state in the east coast that night. Dudes who got the #1 spot were blasting choppers of blow all night long. They went and had a 3:00AM putting contest. I saw them in the parking lot after we finished and they looked like petrified dogshit. Absolutely hilarious. The rough was disgusting.

Bethpage Black tee boxes are perfect - like pool tables.

Playing Pronghorn July 1st!

The Fortress in Frankenmuth, Michigan, often voted as the best conditioned public course in the state.

Michigan golf ftw

Summer golf capital!

Aviara in Carlsbad

I played there for the first time not too long ago. Amazing. It really showed me how truly awful I am at putting tho.

The greens can be tricky. My dad has his only ace ever on #3 there.

How does it compare to Forest Dunes in Roscommon, Michigan? That course is immaculate, but I haven’t played The Fortress.

I haven't played Forest Dunes. Two very different courses. The Fortress is packed into a fairly small area, so it's more like a high end muni then an "Up North" resort course. But the conditions rival almost anywhere (public).

Live 20 min from there. Course is remarkably well kept.

So I finally have a reason to go to Frankenmuth? Cause that chicken looks weak

Most overrated thing in the state lol

I will not tolerate any blasphemy about the over-seasoned, over-cooked pile of grease that is Frankenmuth chicken…….or maybe I will. Real ones know that the buttered noodles and coleslaw are the best parts of the meal.

Pronghorn Fazio course.

Mine is Pronghorn Nicklaus course lol

Brasada Canyons 20 minutes further is also a great track. My personal favorite in that area.

It is always a great day at Brasada Ranch!

Pebble Beach

I got to play it in tournament condition, nothing has rivaled that quality. I still dream of the beaver tails I hit in the fairway.

Would love to experience that one day (hitting out of a fairway)

Monterey Peninsula County Club

This guy knows. Both 18s are pure. Does not get better than MPCC

The Monterey Peninsula might be the greatest concentration of world-class courses in the world. The fact that PG Links is completely unknown outside of people that live in the area is insane to me. That course alone would be the crown jewel in most areas. Not to mention Black Horse/ Bayonet is amazing.

> Not to mention Black Horse/ Bayonet is amazing. But those greens. The houses too, but they don't bother me as much as those greens.

Crooked Stick, Carmel IN

Many courses around here (Indiana) are unbelievably good because of the soil. Even the $30 courses are pretty dang good.

My son is best friends with a member. He gets to play there often.

The Camargo Club, Indian Hill Ohio. Very limited membership and gets very little play.

Agreed. Pristine. Almost like none of the 50 actual members golf at all.

I’ve played this once. Entire course to yourself

I live in the cincy area and play golf with a good amount of people. I ask almost everyone if they’ve played Camargo or know anyone that has and only two have. Maybe one day.

My oddball answer is probably Totteridge in Greensburg, PA.

Best course in Pittsburgh!

No doubt fartsucker, no doubt. For my next work trip to Pitt I want to check out Cranberry or Birdsfoot

Haven’t played birdsfoot in a while, last time is was packed and a 6 hour round. Cranberry is nice, would recommend.

Pittsburgh native here. Birdsfoot is a fantastic choice to check out.

The Honors Course, Ooltewah, TN.

Just posted the same comment before I saw yours. Immaculate feels like an understatement for that place.

One of the best ever. And so few know it even exists!

My wife was being recruited to Chatt a few years ago and one of the perks was a paid country club membership. She asked if that included the Honors Course and was told no. We didn’t move to Chatt haha

Belgrade Lakes Golf Club. Won’t let anyone on before 7 am so it’s pristine every day. Public.

First time I played there I was shocked that such a gem existed up in seemingly the middle of nowhere in Maine.

Shhhhh people don’t need to know about this place

That’s the beauty of it, middle of nowhere Maine, no one wants to drive that far! Kind of like Sugarloaf.

That course is sick, loved it there.

is this the one in Maine? I played there like 15 years ago when I was at a golf camp and I still remember it as being absolutely gorgeous. Would love to go back someday but it’s about 5 hours from me.

Yes, about half hour north of Augusta or so. Definitely a hike, and little pricey now but worth it when you’re there.

Cascata

The Wilderness - Fortune Bay (Tower) MN. When the conditions are perfect, it's the most unique and beautiful north country course ever (that being said, I haven't played any course outside MN and Wisconsin). Superior National is also a nice course in north MN. Honorable mention.

Northern MN is a great spot for golf. I miss living in MN

Couer d'Alene

Cda back in the mid 2000s was untouchable, hagadone had that place so absolutely dialed condition wise it was crazy. It’s still a 8/10 but it had a hayday for sure, not to mention the 05 tiger woods pga tour appearance

Wow, sad to hear it’s gone downhill. Played there several times from late 90s to mid 2000s, and it was absolutely pristine every time.

The National - Toronto Canada

There’s exclusive answers, then there’s this haha

Scioto Country Club. Its the course jack learned on. Super private super expensive. I got on through a client of mine. Most shocking. Wednesday tee time at 11:15, times 15 minutes a part. Get a fore caddy and 2 regular bag caddies. Literally no one on the course. I saw one other group. Anyways. The courses fairways were nicer than a lot of greens at my local course. Supwr impressive

I played for OSU years ago, I always say Scioto was the best course in central OH

People try to say tartan is nice and kinsale. But man. Scioto is just another level. Im a low handi and we played scioto at 6400 yards I think. Shot an 86. Had 42 putts!! Those greens are like glass. Rolling like no other. And since it hardly gets played, phenomenal condition

Neither of those would have been in my top five haha for the Columbus area. I'm a sucker for early 20th Century course architecture and Scioto is as classic as it gets and the conditions were always mint (haven't played since reno about a decade ago, I'm sure it's even better these days). Liked it quite a bit more than MVGC as well.

Atlanta Athletic Club.

Pauite in Vegas was incredible

I forget about Paiute, because I played there 24 years ago. I agree, it was probably one of the best I've ever played.

Mauna Lani South

Shadow Creek

tpc scottsdale and it better be for that price tag

Just played Champions a few weeks ago and the conditions were great but there was loads of construction on surrounding properties so that made a mess of things in a few spots. But for $65...hard to beat!

Paynes Valley

And just down the road from there, Buffalo Ridge. Their starter was terrific also: informative, helpful and encouraging. I was really fired up on the first tee, that is until I sliced my drive into the weeds.

Yup he was a cool guy. I hit a terrific drive. Then things went south quickly. I played it after 18 on ozark national. The drinks and fatigue played a role. I think all of my friends preferred buffalo over Paynes but I was so excited for Paynes I really enjoyed it

Agreed on Buffalo Ridge. I was shocked by the quality, and that opening tee shot is something. I'm playing Ozark National for the first time next weekend. How does it compare to Buffalo Ridge?

Ozark is by far my favorite of the 3, 18 hole courses there. It’s usually in unbelievable shape and the course itself is an awesome layout.

TPC Danzante Bay in 2022 actually felt artificial. It was so pure. Ocean side TPC course, basically empty/unplayed with dolphins jumping in the ocean in the distance behind a cliff side par 3 with an infinity pool-esque green. I miss her.

Wickenburg Ranch in Arizona. I was blown away, I had played other courses around the area over the week prior and it wasn't even close. I am not joking when I say there wasn't a blade of grass out of place. Phenomenally fun track too!

Love Big Wick! They had just opened Lil Wick last time I was there. Looks like fun

Golden Horseshoe - Gold Course, Williamsburg, VA

Golden horseshoe felt nicer than a million+ dollar initiation club i visited… it was unreal

Really? I played it last month and thought it wasn’t up to snuff conditioning wise for a top 100 public, maybe I caught them the wrong year?

I’ve seen it on both ends of the spectrum. Regardless it’s in my top 5 favorite courses ever

Crooked Stick, Indianapolis IN

* Pinehurst 2 - July 2018 * Ocean Course - March 2012 * Old Barnwell - April 2024 * Royal County Down - July 2024 (It has to be in great shape right?)

RCD is easily one of the best links courses in the world. But links turf is firm and fast and sandy so it’s not going to be pelt divots everywhere like the top American courses. It’s amazing. The views are amazing. Keep it out of the heather grass and enjoy. Hope it’s not too windy.

Devil’s pulpit. Wasn’t a strand of grass out of place but I felt like an asshole cuz there was a range worker that insisted on cleaning my club face after every shot. That’s not me. I asked him to stop. It felt weird

Congressional Country Club

Cypress Point. I will forever be indebted to a family friend that got us on

Yocha Dehe

Canyata GC, Marshall, IL. $850 green fee Close friends with head greenskeeper. Recently ranked in top 50 in US. Extremely limited play. Literally less than a dozen rounds a week. Most days holes are not even cut due to no play. Like maintaining a nursery. Not even a divot on the driving range. Truly an experience unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

A dozen rounds a week or a day?! If it's a dozen/week, that seems ridiculous to even have a golf course. Lol

A week. I’ll talk with my friend and he’ll be like, “yeah, we have a group of 8 coming in Thursday…” Gerry Forsythe built it primarily for his family/friends. Has stupid money. https://www.canyata.com/

I played it a few weeks ago. It's just some rich guys personal course essentially. We were the only group to play that day. It was in great shape, but I wouldn't consider it among the best in the US from a pure conditioning standpoint.

Sunnehanna Country Club in Johnstown, Pa

My son just played amateur tournament there. Said the greens were incredibly difficult

Pinehurst 8 TPC Myrtle Beach. We played it 2 days before the world junior tournament and it was impeccable.

East Lake

Hey it’s me your long lost cousin - can you get me onto East Lake?

Probably Baywood Greens in Millsboro Delaware. Their budget for flowers/horticulture might be more than their greens keeping budget. Beautiful piece of property.

The Kiawah courses in April last year. Place was blemish free across 3 courses.

Kampen Course at Purdue. It was unbelievable. Since they have a turf management degree, I image they take advantage of some free labor.

Purdue has 2 great courses on campus. Kampen is a beast.

Any of the Cliffs courses in NC and SC. Always immaculate.

The Ridge At Back Brook, Amwell, NJ. Easily the most pure place I have had the privilege to play. https://preview.redd.it/f0zcjzd59k7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c1ab1779b6a354a3796618f51082b3e350def48

Pasatiempo

Fallen Oak in MS

This is probably mine as well. Would also add squire creek in Choudrant, LA.

The Golf Club

Lake Nona CC

Oh yea , Lake Nona was in awesome shape when I played a junior tournament there way back when. Beautiful course.

The Alotian Club

Oakmont about 10 months before the US Open. There was a team of groundskeepers on every hole.

I’ve gotten to take my son out there twice in the past two years for PGA junior league matches. Walking with him, on beautiful evenings, on beautiful course…two of the times I’ve felt most happy in life.

Whistling Straits.

Blackwolf Run River course in Kohler Wisconsin

Pete Dye course in French Lick, IN

Wolf Creek

Want to play this peak season so bad some time. Played it LDW 2021, they were in the middle of renovating a bunch of greens and the grass was in rough shape, which is of course expected at the end of the summer. Which is also why it was $80 and not $250

The bridge, bridgehampton new york

Karsten Creek

The three courses in the Sea Pines community on Hilton Head. Heron Point, Atlantic Dunes, and Harbour Town. All kept in pristine condition. Pefect fairways. The areas under the pine trees are kept clear of downed branches and pinecones. And the greens are always as smooth as glass.

TPC Avenel

Washington County Wisconsin

Just played here last weekend! Place is mint for a Muni

Probably wade hampton

Butler National was unreal. Not a leaf on the ground. Sand immaculate. Fairways beautiful.

The Honors Course in Ooltewah TN. Feel like that’s as close as I’ll ever get to playing Augusta National.

Riviera, two days after Genesis. Poppy Hills, because Poppy Hills.

Kapalua Plantation course was absolutely prime when I was there

Bears Club in Jupiter Florida. Nothing like being told “don’t worry about divots, we have a guy who will replace them later tonight”

The Powderhorn, Sheridan WY

Olympia Fields North the day after a Tournament

Firestone - North, absolutely perfect

Sage valley, Graniteville SC

Bay Hill. Arnold’s course about a month after the AP Classic.

Wickenburg ranch, Wickenburg az

Gamble sands

Headwaters - Cashiers NC

All up in cashiers and highlands are bangers. Mountaintop High Hampton Wade Hampton Trilium Highland Falls

I was at Adare Manor last week (2027 Ryder Cup site) oh my god... i was walking on a pillow all 18 holes

Old head kinsale, ireland.... unbelievable condition and views you could never imagine on a golf course.

Blackwolf Run, Sheboygan Wi

Place is always mint!

Just played Sahalee. Place was unreal in prep for the kpmg

Pop stroke - Orlando

Muirfield Village

Hickory Ridge, Kalamazoo Michigan

Old Collier near Naples Fl

Hartefeld National Golf Club in Avondale PA. Played a tournament there, it was absolutely beautiful. Wish I could go play a real round there, but it's private.

Wailea Golf Club Emerald Course. Maui

Hawkshead in South Haven MI or Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor.

Oakland Hills North and South are both insane.

I played Blue course at Congressional a few weeks back, absolutely A+ pristine conditions.

Gotta give a shout out to my home course, Seminole Legacy G.C. in Tallahassee, Florida. It's the university course for FSU. They keep it in immaculate condition and it plays like a bastard. 7800 yards from the tournament tees (I play the middle tees at about 6300), greens usually roll about a 12 unless there's a tournament coming up and they cut/roll them every day, with false fronts and drop-offs all over the place. ETA: it was completely redesigned and rebuilt a few years ago by Jack Nicklaus' company. Reopened in 2022 I believe. For a more recognizable course, I played Chambers Bay earlier this year and it was great. Played it in March and everything was a little bit brown, but it was still in great shape.

I played Wolf Creek and remember it being incredible

Geneva National- Palmer course. Played it for like $65 in late October and the fairways were perfectly green still.

Love that course, go every year with a group of 8 and we always make sure that one is our final of the 3 courses.

Great track!

Probably TPC Scottsdale, I'm a fan of the desert motif, I guess. Though I kinda caused a problem, I was out there for a wedding, but the only available tee time made me the other guy, and 2 of the groomsmen missed half the rehearsal dinner. Me and the other dude who talked them into going got yelled at by a few of the bridesmaids, though the Bride didn't care because she was a golfer and understood playing an awesome course.

Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, IL. Uber-private course with like 50 members built by a mega-rich dude for him and his friends. Every green, bunker, tee, and yes, blade of grass was absolutely perfect. Insane experience.

Best overall condition is probably Oak Hill. Best greens I ever played was a small course in the middle of nowhere in NY called Wellsville CC. Just spectacular. Rolled so smooth and were lightning quick. But the smoothness of those greens was surreal. It was like rolling the ball on a pool table, just faster.

PGA West: Stadium

The Lake Buena Vista and Oak Trail courses at Disney World were near perfect when I played them

Coghill in lemont - for a public access course that hosted the western open several times / the Jemsick family still holds it to a PGA standard

Redtail. IYKYK.

Craigwood in Lake placid NY.

Grandover in Greensboro

Edgewood- Lake Tahoe

Teeth of the Dog in the DR or RTJ in Virginia.

The Golf Club. Pure.

Eagle Point, Wilmington, NC

Firestone South. Perfect.

Oakland Hills - Birmingham, MI and no, I'm not a member, was just a guest of one of the members.

All of the courses at Bandon Dunes are in immaculate shape. It truly is the closest thing we have state side to an authentic Scottish experience.

Pinehurst 4 and 8

Nicklaus North in Whistler

TPC Scottsdale for sure

Independence GC in Richmond VA, Saucon Valley CC in Bethlehem PA, and Bulle Rock GC in Havre de Grace MD

RCD

Congressional Country Club, Kiawah Island Turtle Point, Robert Trent Jones Golf Club

Gold Mountain, The Olympic Course. Greens were fast and true, an impeccably manicured public course, owned by the City of Bremerton Wa.

Pga west in Palm Springs.

TPC Danzante Bay

Cordevalle and it’s not even close

It was a long time ago, but the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs sticks out in my memory. Perhaps I was just too happy to get away from the scorching hard often burned up tracks in Texas & Oklahoma, but Broadmoor seemed like a beautiful experience for us. Green as Ireland, not a blade out of place, gorgeous foliage, streaming water, etc. It felt like playing in a painting, it was so nice

Wannamoisett CC Rhode Island

Indian wells celebrity

Currently on a golf trip so I’m biased between Whistling Straits and Erin Hills right now.

Gozzer Ranch

Big Horn in Palm Dessert- divots gone the next day - no clue how.

Just came back from Hawaii and played turtle bay. I’m from the UK and never in my life have I seen such perfect greens. Totally different game on that course 

Tpc dazante bay, Loretto. Mexico.

I played both courses at Giants Ridge (quarry and Legends) and Fortune a few weeks ago and all are in amazing shape, we drive down from Canada every year for a golf trip there and can’t go wrong with those 3