ESPN Golf Blog

Posted by Jason Sobel

Good work on the homework assignment, golf fans. I asked for your favorite courses of 2007 and you delivered, with exactly 137 responses (and counting) to my latest blog entry.

Most of you get an A+ for your answers, which included everything from world-class tracks to relatively unknown munis. I loved the range of courses that were chosen by so many people for so many different reasons. (And for those of you who actually invited me to come play your home course, an A++ for the extra credit. Sucking up to the professor will get you everywhere.)

Of course, there were some of you who will take home a D- to show your parents. (Sorry, couldn't bring myself to hand out any failing grades; after all, you did complete the assignment.) Maybe you didn't read the instructions carefully enough, but there were a handful of, "How could you not include such-and-such on your list?" and "You can't put some of those places over this course!" responses. Once again, folks, these were simply my favorite courses that I played in 2007, which didn't include Augusta National or Oakmont (as stated in the original piece). Nor did I return to other favorites, like Pebble Beach or European Club (both of which made my not-yet-updated list of all-time faves that was posted last year).

OK, enough bellyachin' and on to the good stuff -- your responses. Let's start out with a few of the more thoughtfully written answers -- with additional follow-up comments from yours truly -- before we get into the free-for-all from readers around the world.

I really liked your top golf courses in this article, mostly because we both live in New England and hate taking the dreaded December (and sometimes earlier) walk to the garage to polish up the old Cleveland wedges. … My top golf courses this year were similar to yours. I actually had the privilege to work at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., and love the mystique the course radiates through every hole. Next would be another Donald Ross course right down the street in Newton -- Brae Burn Country Club, site of many early U.S. Opens and where the 18th hole is dedicated to Bobby Jones. I was fortunate to get down to Florida early this year and make a dream come true by playing THE ONE AND ONLY TPC-Sawgrass Stadium Course. Nothing gets the butterflies going [more] than walking up to that 17th tee. A quick stop to Doral in Miami capped off a great trip, to say the least. … Lastly, I went out for my PAT card at Kittansett Country Club in Marion, Mass. Although they help you out with pin placements during these tournaments, the seaside course played very difficult. I managed to scram out of there 2-over-par for the day. Exclusively private, so if you need to sneak on, SNEAK ON. You will not be sorry.
-- Corey, Boston

Nothing against the rest of the country, but I live in New England and, well, tend to play a lot of golf in the area. (There -- just wanted to cut off any claims of an East Coast bias.) As for sneaking onto a private course? The opinions expressed in this e-mail are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the ESPN.com golf blog. But if you do, I'd love to hear all about it.

One more from Beantown …

Jason, I had the pleasure playing three of the courses you mentioned on your list (Boston GC, The Country Club, and Newport Country Club). Though they were nice, I would like to mention a few of my favorite golf courses around Boston since it sounds like you play a lot of golf around that area. Belmont Country Club's recently renovated course is one of the best conditioned and playable golf courses I have ever seen. Although the course has been renovated several times since Donald Ross designed it, you can still see his classical work throughout the course. My other favorite is Concord Country Club -- another Donald Ross gem that recently went through a renovation. Concord played host to the 2007 Massachusetts Amateur Championship. The first five holes might be the toughest start in the New England area.
-- Brett, Boston

I know, I know. Those of you in the 44 states that don't comprise New England -- as well as every other country in the world -- are getting an itchy clicking finger. But you've got to admit, there are some pretty fun old-style courses in our neck of the woods.

OK, on to some other locations …

The best course I played in 2007 was the Torrey Pines South Course. While the course conditions and pace of play are really nothing to write home about, I found it a tough venture. Most times I play at a PGA Tour venue, I like to walk the course to see just what the players see during the event. That was my first mistake. I wasn't ready for that walk at all. I played the course as far back as I could and it is easy to see just how much of a challenge this course can be. It's really amazing still that this is a muni that the locals get to play for something like 40 bucks a shot. For a guy from Kansas who is used to playing basically flatish courses, it was nice to see elevation and scenery. The most difficult shot I had all day came on the par-3 third hole, 187 yards to a front left tucked pin. My local playing partner said that I should shoot for the center of the green, but I wasn't there to "play it safe." Went after the pin with a nice gallery of about 12 people watching, stuffed it to 3 feet and made the birdie. Highlight of the day, for sure, that and the perfect weather and stunning views. I've played better courses in my life, but that was the best course for me in 2007.
-- Nick, Overland Park, Kan.

Considering the 2008 U.S. Open is heading to Torrey, it leads to this question, which would make for a fun blog debate as we get closer to the tournament: For those who have played the course, what do you think of it as an Open venue? I played there about 5-6 years ago and, quite honestly, wasn't all that impressed, as far as big-time major championship courses go. I've spoken to many PGA Tour players who echo that sentiment as well. Your thoughts?

For the record, I've now covered six Opens (2000-02, 2005-07) and, as I wrote in my U.S. Open live blog earlier this year, would put them in the following order as far as best venues to hold the event: (1) Pebble Beach; (2) Bethpage Black; (3) Oakmont; (4) Winged Foot; (5) Pinehurst No. 2; (6) Southern Hills. Nothing against Southern Hills as a course, though; I thought it was fantastic when the PGA of America was in charge this past August. On that note …

Three buddies and I made the trip to Long Island to play Bethpage Black. After arriving at midnight to find we were third in line for the next day's tee times, we were overcome with excitement. After sitting around telling old golf stories, we finally got some sleep. Forty-five minutes later we were up getting our wristbands and our 6:30 a.m. tee time. With only 45 minutes of sleep, the Black is a tremendous challenge. Walking those hills, dealing with the entangled rough and feeling the beating sun made the day fun yet extremely frustrating. No course I've ever played challenged me in so many ways. But walking off the 18th green was a special moment with my golfing buddies. None of us played very well, nor did any of us break our generous goals. But we had a blast and felt accomplished and proud to have "survived" the Black. Well worth sleeping in the car.
-- Scott, Cleveland

I have an embarrassing admission to make -- and you may all feel free to chide me as you see fit: I grew up 25 minutes from Bethpage … and have never played the Black. That said, I promise to cross it off my list next summer. Who's with me?

I was studying for the bar exam this summer but my guilty pleasure each week was some golf. I found a course not too far from where I live called Deerpath GC. It's not long, not too difficult, but it was $36 with a cart and I never had to wait a minute to get on the course in the middle of a weekday. I think that was pretty awesome
-- Jeff, Chicago

See, sometimes it's the smaller pleasures in life that keep us coming back to a certain course. While many of you may like a track because of Donald Ross' undulating greens or Alistair MacKenzie's sensitivity to nature, many others may be attracted to a place because it's relatively cheap … or not very crowded … or easy … or it brings back good memories. My original list included Tower Ridge CC, which may not win any awards as the world's best-designed course, but has always remained a personal favorite because, well, I just liked it. Nothing wrong with that, right?

OK, on to the free-for-all, but I first need to place this warning: Hope you've blocked off enough time. I didn't post every e-mail I received; it just seems like it. Have fun reading and let's all keep the discussion going in the "comments" section below.

My top five from 2007: (1) Black Mesa (N.M.). Incredible course winding through desert-like canyons in superb condition. (2) Erin Hills (Wis.) The toughest course I played in 2007. I play the back tees normally, but was politely told to move up. Glad I did or I might not be here typing this message. (3) Persimmon Woods Country Club (Mo.) Private course outside St. Louis, but a gem of a design with marvelous greens. (4) Vista Vallarta (Mexico) A must-play if in Puerto Vallarta. Amazing, dense jungle atmosphere with a solid mix of tough, but fun holes. (5) TPC-Craig Ranch (Dallas) Another difficult but different TPC course. Toughest set of par-3s I have played.
-- Jeff, Dallas

My favorite courses that I played this year are: Desert Forest -- by far the best desert course I've played … a "links-style" that's more of a classic design than target golf. Rustic Canyon -- loved the flowing layout, and minimalist design offering many angles/options to play each hole. The Olympic Club (Lake) -- course looks and plays great with the recent tree clearing … can't believe they're replanting them. Champions (Cypress Creek) -- a challenging design for such a flat piece of ground. Dove Valley Ranch -- Arizona golf course with a minimalist feel, which I think is underrated compared to its Scottsdale/Carefree neighbors. Aronimink -- my home course that is among Donald Ross' best … anywhere.
-- Wayne Wiggins, San Francisco

You can't dispute this top five: (1) Kiawah Ocean Course (S.C.); (2) Crystal Downs (Mich.); (3) Bandon Dunes (Ore.); (4) Bethpage Black (N.Y.); (5) Pinehurst No. 2 (N.C.).
-- Brent Regis, Hancock, Mich.

I was blessed with a great summer of golf -- mostly in Ireland. Waterville and Ballybunion (Old Course) were as to be expected … you can still hear the mist from the ocean months later back here in Chicago. Also, Old Head was as striking a course as you will ever see, and we had great weather the two days we played there. And, of course, you have to see and enjoy the patio view. My other favorites of the year? Treetops Jones Course, Black Lake GC, Arcadia Bluffs. If you have never been to northern Michigan, it is a must. I have played all over the States, and now Ireland as well, and the Michigan courses are second to none.
-- Ken Shoemaker, Chicago

I've played many "five-star" private and resort courses throughout the eastern United States and I have yet to find a more enjoyable course than Pine Barrens at World Woods in Brooksville, Florida. As the name suggests, this Tom Fazio design is marked by tall, pine tree-lined fairways intermingled with vast waste areas and has a feel unlike any other course you'll play in Florida. Bottom line, this is as close to Pine Valley as you're going to find at a fraction of the price.
-- John Kozak, Largo, Fla.

After getting married in May, my new wife and I went to Spain for our honeymoon, and I was fortunate enough to play Valderrama. Easily one of the prettiest and most difficult courses I've ever played.
-- Mike, Arlington, Va.

My wife and I played Poipu Bay (former host of the Grand Slam) in October on our honeymoon. The four finishing holes on that course is one of the best in all of golf.
-- Eric, Portland, Ore.

I played a number of gems this year both in the U.S. (TPC-Sawgrass, Aronimink) and the U.K. (Turnberry, Prestwick, Dundonald, Western Gailes, Glasgow Gailes, Gullane No. 1) among others. But my favorite was North Berwick West Links in Scotland. A tremendous seaside links course played on a beautiful June day, the highlight of my trip to Scotland.
-- Jim Cesarz, Braintree, Mass.

My favorite courses that I've played in 2007 were Boston Golf Club, Cypress Point, Shinnecock Hills, Fishers Island, Pebble Beach, Plainfield CC, Spyglass Hill, Tryall GC, Sankaty Head and Old Sandwich GC.
-- Jay, Hingham, Mass.

Hidden Creek Golf Club (Egg Harbor Township, N.J.): Just a great day from start to finish. No houses, just pure golf in a great setting. Not the toughest course you will play, but overly enjoyable. TPC of Boston: Played it a few weeks before the Deutsche Bank Championship. The tents and grandstands were up, giving it a tournament feel; funny how the pros did not make triple-bogey at the ninth. Cedar Hill CC, Livingston, N.J.: Sneaky good golf course. Four really strong par-4s to start the round. The only advice? For God's sake, keep it below the hole.
-- Mike, Boston

Western Gailes. Great call. Played 11 courses in Scotland last summer and that place ate my lunch. Tougher than Carnasty. And the "clubhouse" was about the size of my cubicle.
-- TK, Boston

I finally had an opportunity to play Wade Hampton in Cashiers, N.C., this year. What an awesome experience, from the true and fast greens to the apples in barrels throughout the course to the bentgrass fairways that produced "dollar bill" divots.
-- Richard, Atlanta

My best of 2007 was Myopia Hunt. [Herbert Corey] massaged this small site into a fantastic layout and the sound of the hounds baying at my lousy putting display was worth the drive. … As good a reason to carry a bag for 18 holes as can exist. Unassuming membership and surprisingly fine conditions round out a great day. Go in June and find time for nine holes at Willie Park Jr.'s Castine Golf Club about 45 minutes away for a dream 27, with time left for a lobster, Bud and bag of salt/vinegar chips before the sun sets on Penobscot Bay.
-- T. Hayes, Chicago

I'd have to go with Arcadia Bluffs for my favorite course I played this year. I started out of D.C. on July 4th and drove 11 hours. A fog was rolling in and with no warm up, I headed out on my own. An absolutely gorgeous course -- the fog cleared for me on the lakeside holes and I got to take in the beauty.
-- Felix, Alexandria, Va.

For a grand old favorite, I would have to put Brown Deer Golf Course in Milwaukee right at the top of my list. A great course that's run by Milwaukee County, lined with trees, deep rough, and quick greens. I'd match this to any muni in the country. Also on my list is the newcomer Erin Hills in suburban Milwaukee. A long, winding course with blind shots and bunkers everywhere. Rumor has it this track will host a U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open sometime in the near future.
-- Bill, Milwaukee

I have to keep my list in the Midwest. (1) Whistling Straits (Straits Haven, Wis.); (2) Oakland Hills (Detroit); (3) Medinah (Chicago); (4) Blackwolf Run, River Course (Kohler, Wis.) If you have never been to Kohler, I suggest that you give it a shot. You will not be disappointed.
-- Brian, Sheboygan, Wis.

My favorite course this season was Bay Harbor up north in Petosky, Mich. It was the last of eight rounds in five days. This is a beautiful course on the southside of Little Traverse Bay. There are a lot of holes on or over looking the bay and it is pretty challenging if the wind is up.
-- Mike B., Detroit

I highly recommend Purgatory GC in Noblesville, Ind. I've played it twice this year and it's fantastic. It's the longest nonmountain course in the world and plays totally differently depending upon what tee you play from.
-- Gabe, Indianapolis

Dye Fore (La Romana, Dominican Republic). A links-style course set on a cliff overlooking a beautiful river and the sea. Teeth of the Dog gets all the attention at Casa de Campo, but this newer course is challenging, beautiful and well maintained.
-- David, New York

I played two of my favorite courses -- one for the first time -- in East Lothian, Scotland, this year: North Berwick's sporty, quirky West Links, and Muirfield's sturdy, well-bunkered classic course. My most unusual round in 2007 was St Andrews' Old Course in reverse as it was played in the days of old. This was a treat and called for a number of aerial shots not played in the usual routing. Fun, fun, fun.
-- Bill McBride, Pensacola, Fla.

Texarkana Country Club in Texarkana, Ark. The first time I was able to play this course was in the State Amateur Championship. I played awful both days and missed the cut, but was really not upset since I had finally gotten to play this great golf course.
-- Chris Luther, El Dorado, Ark.

Ballyneal in Holyoke, Colorado. Tom Doak's greatest course. This proves he is the best current course designer.
-- Brian, Denver

Ballyneal (two days in August, authentic links in Northeast Colorado -- as good as it gets), We-Ko-Pa Saguaro (walking in Phoenix, free electric push carts), Onwentsia, Point O' Woods -- guess this was a better year than I thought!
-- Mark Smolens, Chicago

If you have yet to do so, visit Newport National in Middletown, R.I. I have never played across the pond, but it is one of the nicest links courses I have ever played.
-- Tom, Rhode Island

The Misquamicut Club. I am slightly biased, having worked here for two summers, but this par-69 course in Watch Hill, R.I., is always in fantastic shape and a treat to play. The back nine borders the Atlantic and can make for some tricky shots, depending on the wind conditions that day.
-- John, Boston

Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes are indescribably great. The whole atmosphere of the complex is surreal, yet unassuming. Every great article written about the place is accurate though mere writing doesn't do it justice.
-- Sean, Seattle

Pacific Grove Municipal, Pacific Grove, Calif. -- Pebble Beach without the price tag.
-- Mike, Dallas

Augusta!! (Where else?)
-- Dane, Baltimore

Lahinch GC in Lahinch, Ireland. Stunning layout set in and around giant sand dunes abutting the western coast of Ireland. Dramatic elevation changes throughout the dunes and includes blind par-3 (named Klondike) where you hit over a dune to a postage stamp green between huge, heather-covered dunes. Also, the Guinness just tastes better there.
-- Stephen, Columbia, S.C.

The European Club (Ireland). This is the site where Padraig Harrington won the Irish Club Professional Tournament the week before winning the British. A very exclusive club, very tough to even get on, it surpassed Bethpage Black (from the tips) as the toughest challenge in my career to date.
-- Mark Paterson, Toronto

Sometimes it's not just the course. I played Bay Hill in Florida with two of my best friends -- nothing beats finishing with three pars there! I still think the 36 holes we played at El Diablo (18 in the morning) and World Woods (Pine Barrens 18 in the afternoon) is the best golfing day of the year.
-- Gordon Dobson, Bristol, U.K.

I have two favorite courses from 2007. The first course is called Red Hawk Ridge. It's a muni in Castle Rock, Colorado. Wow! The views are breathtaking and each hole has its own personality. Lots of elevation changes and really good-sized greens. Well manicured and challenging. The second course is the East Course at the Broadmoor. Site of the 2008 U.S. Senior Open and where a young Jack Nicklaus won the U.S. Amateur in 1959. Very difficult course and impossible greens to read for the amateur.
-- Chris Galloway, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Ram Rock in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. This is one of the most beautiful, difficult tracks in the state. If you're not on your game, you will probably want to quit after about three holes, though. There is not a flat fairway on the course, a ton of blind shots and more sand than I ever want to see again.
Bryan, Fort Worth, Texas

I didn't get to travel a lot to play golf this year, but I did manage to play a fairly new course in Bowling Green, Ky., called Olde Stone. It is a private course built over rolling hills just outside of town. I have never played Valhalla or Pebble Beach, but I have heard from others that it is just as tough, if not tougher.
-- Adam L., Bowling Green, Ky.

The triple threat at Bandon, Oregon: Pacific Dunes, Bandon Dunes and Bandon Trails. The best three days of golf I've ever had.
-- Jeff, Sacramento, Calif.

Nags Head Golf Links was a fun challenge this year. The links style, the strong breezes, and the abundant sunshine made it my favorite this year!
-- Judd A., Grove City, Pa.

TPC-Sawgrass (Stadium Course): First time playing there and played from the pro tees. Reached the par-5 16th in two and missed a 4-foot birdie putt on the famous island green 17th. A little disappointed about that one, but can't wait to get back there and try again! Of course, lining up my tee shot on 18 without wetting myself was a challenge in itself. What a great experience. Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C.: Site of the PGA Tour's Wachovia Championship. Got on this course through an assistant pro friend of mine, played it from the pro tees and had a blast! Great overall layout, devilish greens, and standing on the tee at the par-4 18th hole from the tee box is one of the coolest experiences I've had in golf, especially imagining trying to hit that narrow fairway in front of 20,000-30,000 spectators! The King and The Bear at World Golf Village: I could play there every day for the rest of my life and never get bored with it. An amazing layout and lots of memorable holes, not to mention some of the best greens I've ever putted on in Florida.
-- Michael, Charlotte, N.C.

In May, my brother and I went to Ireland for some golf and pints. We did the Southwest tour. Two of the courses we played that I would happily play for the rest of my life are Dooks GC and Dingle Links (Ceann Sibeal). I'd do anything to have Dooks as my home course. So much fun all the way around and probably the best 19th hole of the entire trip.
-- Doug, Boston

Farmington CC is without doubt an excellent selection due to its wide array of shot requirements -- i.e. downhill, sidehill lies accompanied by plenty of OB threats. Stunning come Sept. 20th.
-- Tim, Farmington, Conn.

The Captains in Brewster, Mass., on Cape Cod. Never had a bad day out there, even when the score would indicate otherwise.
-- Ed, Canton, Conn.

A must-play for anyone in the Northeast is Sunday River Golf Course. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Sunday River offers perfectly manicured fairways with breathtaking mountain views. I recommend playing the course in mid-October in order to take advantage of the gorgeous foliage. Honestly, you feel as if an artist painted the surrounding mountains fantastic shades of red, orange, and yellow.
-- Sean Caddigan, Bethel, Conn.

You need to find your way to Merion, future site of the 2013 U.S. Open. Great play!!
-- Carl, Philadelphia

Rolling Green in suburban Philly is a hidden gem, better than Merion, IMHO.
-- Matt, Philadelphia

I was lucky enough to play a bunch of great courses this year: Hamilton Farms, Trump Bedminster, Bayonne, Liberty National, The Creek, and Winged Foot West, which was awesome from the black tees (in spite of my four-putt bogey on 16). Seeing the spot from where Mickelson and Monty made double was fun as well. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, Sebonack ain't bad either.
-- Tom, New York

Deacon's Lodge in Minnesota is just a fantastic course. There was not one bad hole on the entire course. It is carved out of a forest, but the fairways are wide enough to keep it enjoyable, while the twists and turns and the elevation changes are some of the best I've ever played. There are no gimmicks. You can hit driver on every hole or you can play safe. The choice is totally up to the player and so is the responsibility to calculate the risk and the reward of each swing!
-- Joe Madden, Minneapolis

El Campeon, the Old Course at Mission Inn, Howey-In-The-Hills, Fla. This course is long and tough, but it is a spectacular setting for a round of golf. The holes roll beautifully through a seemingly untouched natural environment. If you can get there, hope the ospreys are nesting. To see them soar around the course and dive for fish while you're trying to save par is truly amazing.
-- JD, Fayetteville, Ark.

This year I made it out west with my wife and we hit Bandon Dunes. Just amazing. I've never played anything like Pacific Dunes in my life. Probably the coolest course I have ever played with the views and bunkers and everything. And the wind was just vicious. After Bandon we went up the coast to Seattle and took a flier, at the time, to play at Chambers Bay. Very nice course. It had only been open for a couple of months when we played. Wide fairways, no trees, but lots and lots of sand. In a few years, it should be phenomenal.
-- Evan, Boston

My favorite course is Plainfield Country Club in New Jersey. It is consistently a top-5 course in NJ … a Donald Ross design from 1890. Uneven lies, fast undulating greens, but very playable -- everything you expect from a Ross course.
-- Mike, Foothill Ranch, Calif.

My buddies and I played in the Carnegie Shield at Royal Dornoch (Dornoch, Scotland). Amazing track, with the British Air Force providing entertainment on an almost daily basis.
-- Steve Lehman, San Diego

The Prince Course at Princeville, Kauai. Brutally difficult and fair at the same time. Wonderful views of the ocean in places as well. There is a rhythm of back-and-forth from hole-to-hole in terms of difficulty that makes this course a lot of fun to play.
-- Bryan, Seattle

Harbor Links GC is a great public golf course, and their teaching staff is first rate. Their junior golf director is … a great teacher and motivator, a real example for kids -- not just for golf, but for life.
-- Tim Choi, Port Washington, N.Y.

Rockledge GC, West Hartford, Conn. It's a course, like all great courses, that rewards great shot-making!
-- Tom D., Bristol, Conn.

I truly enjoyed the Paris Island Marine Core Golf Course in South Carolina. The combination of alligators and Marines made this a memorable course, to say the least.
-- Tom, Bethesda, Md.

Ballymeade CC on Cape Cod and Foxboro CC. Both have very slick greens and nice overall conditions.
-- Ted, Boston

Royal County Down in Northern Ireland and Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland are two of the best courses I have ever played. Old Tom Morris designs that are pure golf.
-- Tony, Escanaba, Mich.

Pinehurst No. 2. Hands down the best five hours of my year. History aside, the sky is bluer in Pinehurst and the golf is greener. A once-in-a-lifetime experience I plan to do every year.
-- Troy, Newport Beach, Calif.

I went out to the Monterey Peninsula and LOVED Spanish Bay. Why are the pros not playing there? Because there's no driving range? Ridiculous. My other favorite course I have played is the European Club in Ireland. Majestic!
-- Rob Bruckner, Brookline, Mass.

Having a sister who works for Callaway Golf has it perks. She managed to get my dad, my brother (also in the Army) and me together for two magical days this August. We had not played a round of golf together since 1999 at Fort Bragg. We played Pebble Beach on one day, Poppy Hills the next and each one lived up to their legacies. My brother left (he is back in Iraq), but I played a local course called Silver Lakes in Helendale, Calif. My dad and I had such a great time after 18 holes that he wanted to play the last nine as well. (It's a 27-hole course.) We got up the next morning and played 18 more. He is 69 years old and we played 99 holes of golf over five days. Good times.
-- MAJ Matt Lillibridge, Fort Irwin, Calif.

This was my second-favorite e-mail I received over the past few days. Sounds like some great memories.

As for my favorite -- or should I say "favourite" -- I think we can all relate to the following response:

My favourite (I'm Canadian, excuse the spelling) course played this year is Victoria Park in Brisbane, Australia, where I'm working for a year. The course is pretty crappy, bad fairways, rough greens, brutal walk. But it was the first round of golf I'd ever played, and damn if I didn't get hooked! I'm a late starter at 27, but I can already tell it's going to be a lifelong pursuit.
-- Wayde, Brisbane, Australia

Thanks again for all of the responses, folks. If you didn't get yours posted -- or would like to continue the discussion -- just hit the comments link below.

And I'm currently looking for new topics to tackle, too, so feel free to hit me up with some ideas.

Until then, hit 'em straight …