Opinion & Analysis
What’s your hidden gem?
Golf is expensive. I know, quite the earth-shattering observation. But seriously, golf is so expensive that it’s driving people away from the game and keeping newcomers out of it. The last thing a beginner wants to do is drop thousands of dollars on a set of clubs and spend an additional $100 every time to tee it up. It can be frustrating and financially draining.
So where can golfers play at a decent price and still have a great experience? You just have to know where to look.
There are courses around the world that offer amazing scenery and intriguing layouts without burning through your wallet. These are the diamonds in the rough, the hidden gems. They’re the hole-in-the-wall pizzerias that have way better food than the over-priced, sit-down Italian restaurant with the long wait and pretentious vibes.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of playing one of these courses with my dad.
At the North Shore of Oahu, there sits a large field of green grass adjacent to the beautiful Hawaiian ocean. On this patch of land are randomly scattered checkered flag sticks stuck into four and a quarter-inch, round holes. They call this area of grass, sticks and holes Kahuku Golf Course.
My description is being slightly facetious, of course. Kahuku does have distinguishable greens, bunkers and fairways. It is, however, rudimentary in nature.
The clubhouse would compare more readily to a chicken coop than a functioning pro shop, but it truly captures the character of a hidden gem.
My dad, being on vacation in Hawaii, didn’t have any golf balls with him, so he asked to buy a sleeve inside the “pro shop.” The manager, a Hawaiian native, said they don’t sell golf balls. Instead, he put a box of used golf balls on the counter and told us to take a couple, and to “just give them back if you don’t lose them.” Yes, he really said that.
We asked if we needed a tee time. He pointed to the first tee and said to go after the group teeing off. We paid the $15 dollar greens fees (no typo) and slung some clubs over our shoulders. It all seemed so simple.
The course itself, although it only has nine holes that you play twice in order to play a full 18, had nothing but interesting holes and phenomenal views: a few drivable par fours, long par 5’s and challenging par 3’s right on the water. We kept our camera’s handy throughout the round. Even at a resort course with $200 greens fees, the cameras can usually stay safe in their case aside from the signature holes.
This is what a hidden gem looks like, and we’re on a mission to find more golf courses around the world just like it. We want to hear your story, see your pictures, and get informed about the less expensive options to play golf without sacrificing the golfing experience.
Below are pictures from my “hidden gem” nominee. Tweet (@GolfWRX) or post your story in our forum to share your nominee with GolfWRX and our readers. By submitting, you have a chance to see your picture and story featured on our front page!
Not quite Augusta National’s club house, but still something of a Crow’s Nest.
The Men’s/Women’s Locker Rooms are just outside, down the stairs to your right (pictured above in blue and green).
“We don’t sell golf balls. Take a couple and bring them back if you don’t lose them.”
Stopping to pose at a local muni? That’s what makes this place a hidden gem.
Sergio-type lag right here.
View from No. 7 tee box, a par 5 of 560 yards.
View from No. 4 tee box.
This picture captures the true character of Kahuku, and embodies the concept of a hidden gem.
Opinion & Analysis
Brandel Chamblee PGA Championship Q&A: Rose’s huge McLaren risk, distracted LIV pros and why Aronimink suits the bombers
PGA Championship week is here, and Brandel Chamblee did not hold back in our latest discussion ahead of the season’s second major.
In our 2026 PGA Championship Q&A, golf’s leading analyst made the case that PIF pulling LIV’s funding has left its players competing in a state of confusion, called Justin Rose’s mid-season equipment switch a huge risk at 45, and explained why Aronimink will be a bombers’ delight this week.
Check out the full Q&A below.
Gianni: With the PIF confirming that they’re pulling funding from LIV at the end of the season, what impact do you expect that to have on the LIV players competing at the PGA Championship?
Brandel: I would imagine that they have all been thrown into a state of confusion, and will be distracted, not knowing where they are going to play next year and not knowing exactly their road back to either the DP World Tour or the PGA Tour. Or in Rahm’s case, being tied to a sinking ship for the next few years, likely playing for pennies on the dollar in events that no one cares about or watches.
I doubt this would put him in the best frame of mind to compete at his highest level. Keeping in mind, however, that majors are the only time that LIV disciples get to play in events that matter, so never disregard the motivation they have to prove to the world they are still relevant.
Gianni: Justin Rose switched to McLaren Golf equipment mid-season while playing some of the best golf of his career. What do you make of the change?
Brandel: I don’t really know what to make of Rose switching equipment. It seems a huge risk on his part, even though it is likely, in my opinion, that the clubs he’s playing are similar, if not the exact grinds, to what he was playing previously, with a McLaren stamp on them.
Having said that, at best, it is a distraction when he seemed to be as dialed in with his game as any 45-year-old could be and trending in the majors to perhaps do something that would definitely put him in the Hall of Fame. At worst, given the possibility that these clubs aren’t just duplicates of his old set stamped with McLaren on them, he’s made an equipment change that would take time, and 45-year-old athletes don’t have the time to do such things.
Gianni: Aronimink has only hosted a handful of professional events since it hosted the 1962 PGA Championship. What kind of test does it present, and does a course with less recent major championship history tend to level the playing field?
Brandel: Even though Aronimink has only hosted a handful of meaningful professional events, it has been fairly discerning in who can win there. When Keegan Bradley won the BMW Championship on the Donald Ross masterpiece in 2018, he was the 2nd best iron player on tour coming into that week. When Nick Watney won the AT&T at Aronimink in 2011, he was 2nd in strokes gained total coming into the week.
In 2020, Aronimink hosted the KPMG Championship, and Sei Young Kim won. On the LPGA that year, she was first in greens in regulation, putts per green in regulation, and scoring average on the way to being the LPGA player of the year. And then there is the 1962 PGA Championship won by Gary Player, who eventually became just one of a few players to win the career grand slam on the way to winning 9 majors. It is a formidable test, and if it’s not softened by rain, it will bring out the best in the upper echelons of the game.
Gianni: Is there a specific hole at Aronimink that you think will do the most to decide the winner?
Brandel: The hardest hole at Aronimink in each of the three tour events that have been played there since 2010 has been the long par-3 8th hole, with the par-4 10th being the second hardest, so most of the carnage will happen around the turn, but with the par-5 16th offering opportunities for bold plays and the tough closing holes at 17 and 18, the finish is likely to be frenetic.
Gianni: The PGA Championship has always sat in the shadow of the other majors. What does the ideal PGA Championship look like in your eyes, and what would it take for it to carve out its own identity?
Brandel: The PGA Championship, to whatever degree it suffers from the comparison to the other three majors, is still counted just as much when adding them up at the end of one’s career. Almost 1/3 of Nicklaus’ major wins were the five PGA Championships he won. Walter Hagen won 11 majors, five of which were PGA Championships.
Tiger Woods twice in his career won back-to-back PGA Championships, and those four majors count just as much as the other 11 he won. The PGA may not have the prestige of the other three, but it carries the same weight. Having said that, I preferred the identity that it had as the last major of the year.
Gianni: You nailed your Masters picks. Rory won, Scottie finished solo second, and Morikawa surged to a tie for seventh. Who are your top 3 picks for the PGA Championship and why?
Brandel: I am not a huge fan of majors played on golf courses that have been shorn of most of the trees, although I understand some of the agronomic reasons for doing so and of course the ease with which it allows members to play after errant drives. However, at the highest level, it all but eliminates any strategy off the tee and turns professional golf into an even bigger slugfest. That means that it will likely be a bomber’s delight this week, but fortunately, Scottie Scheffler is long enough to play that game and straight enough to play it better than anyone else.
The major championships give us very few surprises anymore, going back to the beginning of 2012, so the last 57 majors played, the average world rank of the winners has been better than 15th in the world. So look at the highest ranked and longest drivers who are on form coming into the PGA Championship who also have great short games as the surrounds at Aronimink are very challenging. That’s Scottie Scheffler by a mile and then McIlroy and Cameron Young with a far bigger nod towards DeChambeau than I gave him at the Masters.
In this episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, we dive into one of the most interesting flatstick releases of the year with a full review of the new TaylorMade SYSTM 2 putters. After spending time on the greens, I break down what makes this design stand out, where it performs, and why it has me completely torn between loving it and fighting it. If you are into feel, alignment, and consistency, this is one you will want to hear about.
We also take a look at some of the putters in play on the PGA Tour last week. From familiar favorites to a few surprising setups, there is always something to learn from what the best players in the world are rolling with under pressure.
To wrap things up, I walk through the process of building a set of JP Golf Prime irons paired with Baddazz Gold Series shafts. From component selection to performance goals, this is a deep dive into what goes into creating a unique custom set and why this combo has been so intriguing.
This year my 50th birthday. Gosh, where has the time gone?
As a teenager in rural Missouri, some of my junior high and high school years felt interminable. Graduation seemed light years away. But the older I get, the faster life seems to fly by.
I’m also increasingly aware of my mortality. My dad died recently. Earlier this year, a friend and fellow PGA of America professional and I were texting about our next catch-up. The next message I received was news of his unexpected passing at 48. Shortly after, a woman I dated in college succumbed to cancer at 51.
Certainly, one can share perspective at any age. Seniors help freshmen, veterans guide rookies. But reaching this milestone feels like as good a time as any to do one of those “what would I tell my younger self?” articles.
I’ve had a uniquely varied career in golf. I started as a 27-year-old, average-length-hitting, 14-handicap computer engineer and somehow managed to turn pro before running out of money, constantly bootstrapping my way forward. I’ve won qualifiers and set venue records in the World Long Drive Championships, finished fifth at the Speedgolf World Championships, coached all skill levels as a PGA of America professional, built industry-leading swing speed training programs for Swing Man Golf, helped advance the single-length iron market with Sterling Irons®, caddied on the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions, and played about 300 courses across 32 countries.
It’s been a ride, and I’ve gone both deep and wide.
So while I can consult and advise from a lot of angles, let me keep it to a few things I’d tell the average golfer who wants to improve.
1. Think About What You Want
Everyone has their own reason for picking up a golf club.
Oddly, as a professional athlete, I’m not internally driven by competition. That can be challenging, as the industry currently prioritizes and incentivizes competition over the love of the game.
For me, I love walking and being outdoors. Nature helps balance my energy. I prefer courses that are integrated into the natural beauty of their surroundings. I’m comfortable practicing alone. I’m a deep thinker, and I genuinely enjoy investigating the game, using data and intuition to unearth unique, often innovative insights. I’m fortunate to be strong and athletic, so I appreciate the chance to engage with my abilities. Traveling feels adventurous. I could go on.
You don’t have to overthink it like I do. For you, it might be as simple as hitting balls to escape work, hanging out with friends, and playing loosely with the rules and the score.
The point is to give yourself permission to play for your own reasons, and let that be enough.
But if improvement is your goal, thinking about your destination—and when you want to get there—is important, because it dictates the steps you need to take. When I set out to go from a 14-handicap to the PGA TOUR as quickly as possible, the steps I needed were very different from those of a working golfer trying to break 90 in six months. That’s also different from someone who just wants a few peaceful hours outside each week, away from work or family.
None of these goals are better than the others, but each requires a different plan that you can work backward from.
2. There Are Lots of Things That Can Work
One of the challenges of golf is that, although there are rules for playing, there aren’t clear, industry-wide standards for how to best play the game. There’s a lot of gray area.
You might hear a top coach or trainer insist that a certain move is the best way to swing or train. Then you dig a bit deeper and, much to your confusion and frustration, another respected coach or trainer says something completely different. I don’t think anyone is trying to confuse you—at least I hope not. It’s just where the industry is right now.
You have to be careful with advice from tournament pros, too. They might be great at scoring, but they’re also human and sometimes just as susceptible as amateurs to believing things that don’t really move the needle. Tour players might describe what they feel, but that’s not always what they’re actually doing when assessed with technology.
I recently ran a test on my YouTube channel (which connects to my GolfWRX article “How to use your hands in the golf swing for power and accuracy”), and, interestingly, two of the most commonly taught hand actions produced the worst results in the test.
Coaches can certainly help. If you find someone you connect with to help navigate, that’s great. But there are many ways to get the ball in the hole. In the current landscape, you may need to seek multiple opinions, think critically, and use your own intuition to discern what seems true and whose advice resonates with you.
I’d recommend seeking someone who is open-minded and always learning, because things constantly change. Absolutes like “correct” or “proper” should raise a red flag. AI can be useful, but it tends to confidently repeat popular advice, so proceed with caution.
3. Get Custom Fit
If you’re serious about becoming a better player, getting custom fit is hugely important. There’s no sense fighting your equipment if you don’t have to. Most better players get fit these days and, if they don’t, they’re usually skilled enough to work around clubs that aren’t ideal.
If you plan to play for a long time, it’s worth spending a little more upfront to get something that truly fits you and your game, rather than continually buying and discarding equipment.
Equipment rules haven’t really changed significantly since the early 2000s. To stay in business, manufacturers keep pushing those limits. If you pull a bunch of clubs and balls off the rack and test them, you’ll find differences. I’ve tested two new drivers and seen a 30-yard total distance gap. Usually, the issue isn’t bad equipment; it’s that the combination of components simply isn’t the best fit.
It’s like wearing a new pair of floppy clown shoes. Sure, they’re shoes—but you won’t sprint your best in them compared to track shoes that fit perfectly.
Be wary of what’s called custom fitting, too. Sometimes the term is used as a marketing strategy rather than an actual fitting. In some retail settings, fitters may be incentivized to steer you toward higher-priced components. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s not the best fit, but you should be aware of potential biases.
I learned a version of this lesson outside of golf. Years ago, I bought a tennis racquet at a big box store from a seemingly knowledgeable employee who thought it would suit me best. The racquet gave me tennis elbow, and I spent months recovering with rest and acupuncture. The next season, I invested more time and money to find what actually fit me, and I walked away with something amazing that I still play with years later.
So if you’re going to get fit, be smart about it.
Find someone you believe has deep knowledge—possibly with certifications, but not necessarily. Make sure there’s a wide inventory across many brands. Check recent reviews for the individual fitter if possible. Make sure you trust that the fitter has your best interests at heart. If they’re wearing a hat or shirt with a specific brand’s logo, proceed with caution. Unless you specifically want a certain brand or look, be wary of upsells, especially if two options perform nearly the same.
Also, while golf is called a sport of integrity, there’s a thread of manipulation in the industry. I once drafted an equipment article for an industry magazine, structured just like one of their previous popular stories, with matching word count and great photos. The assistant editor loved it; it was useful to readers and required little work on his part. But the editor-in-chief nixed the story. When I asked why, I was told it was because I wasn’t an advertiser. It turned out the article I’d modeled mine after was a paid ad cleverly disguised as editorial content.
I really dislike games, clickbait, and fear-based manipulation. I hope this changes, but golfers deserve to know it exists.
4. Distance and Strategy Matter
There’s a real relationship between how far you hit the ball and your scoring average, even at the PGA TOUR level.
I experienced this early in my pro career. I started as a power hitter, swinging in the high 120s and breaking 200 mph ball speed with a stock driver.
Back then, some instructors advised swinging at 80%, so I tried slowing down for more accuracy. That worked fine on shorter, tighter courses. But on longer setups, I was coming into greens with too much club, and par 5s stopped being
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Matt
Dec 24, 2014 at 9:45 am
Not sure if it’s still open, but a cheap course that was fun to play in Hot Springs, AR. Belvedere Country Club, although it was the most lax, laid back un-snooty country club I’ve ever played.
Jeff
Dec 23, 2014 at 5:26 pm
Beacon Rock golf course in the Columbia gorge, WA side. 9 hole course. 10 bucks for 9 holes. Amazing views, property against a wildlife preserve, the greens roll way too good and true for a 10 dollar fee. Lots of tough shots, lots of easy ones, just a great little golf course.
A real hidden gem. From Portland Oregon take i5 north, WA st hwy 14 east to beacon rock st park. Located in the town of North Bonneville. Can’t miss it.
Jeff B
Dec 23, 2014 at 4:53 pm
I like pico rivera golf course. par 3 course that really isn’t anything special but has good undulations for the small area it’s squeezed into. Have played and will continue to play it for years to come. Anyone in the southern california area should take a look at it.
jim
Dec 23, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Try Triggs Memorial in Providence, RI. Right in the middle of the city, but once you’re on the course you feel transported back to earlier in the century with old growth trees lining a Donald Ross course. A real hidden gem.
Matt
Dec 23, 2014 at 11:38 am
That is a great article – hope to try this out one day on my next visit there. Thanks
Michael
Jun 30, 2014 at 7:43 am
There is a nice course in Augusta, Maine called Western View Golf Club. They were established in 1932 and up until last year they had no website or any sort o advertisement. It is a short 9-holer, but the views of the Western Maine mountains and the mountains of New Hampshire are spectacular. They do a special on Monday called Monday Madness and green fee’s for 9 is only $6! They also have $2 draft beers in the clubhouse too! If you are on vacation in Maine and you are looking for a good value I would strongly recommend checking it out.
http://westernviewgolf.com
Chris Martin
Jun 23, 2014 at 1:33 pm
A couple great deals in northern Alabama: Lake Guntersville State Park Eagle’s Nest course, $30 green fees including cart. Becky Pierce Municipal in Huntsville, $35 green fees including cart.
Euan Hardman
May 24, 2014 at 2:16 pm
Cullen Golf Club, Moray, Scotland.
http://www.cullengolfclub.co.uk/
Only 4600 yards par 63, but a beautiful golf course behind the beach on the edge of the Moray Firth. Check out the website, it’s the most fun you’ll ever have. There isn’t an easy birdie anywhere.
RG
May 31, 2014 at 1:33 am
When you have a 10,000 sq.ft. clubhouse, a club championship and a bar , YOUR NOT HIDDEN!!
Scott Stables
Jun 30, 2014 at 5:22 am
It possibly has the quirkiest par 3 holes I have ever played. Great fun.
RAT
May 19, 2014 at 5:46 pm
Why not try each state for courses that are from 25 to 30 bucks not the out of site prices people see in the mags. Fox Chase is a nice 9 hole course in counce Tennessee that falls in this range and the greens are great.Pickwick landing also is great counce Tennessee.
Jafar
May 15, 2014 at 10:00 am
Cato Park in Charleston, WV is $6.
Mostly Par 3’s but still a good place to practice scoring. I practice my drives at the range.
Sully
May 14, 2014 at 10:57 pm
Here is a true hidden gem. This is actually George Thomas (yes Bel Air CC and Riveria architect) first course ever in the US. There are still old stone walls in front of greens on this course that has peakaboo views of Sippican Harbor. This course is also on the same road as Kittansett CC which is still ranked in the Top 100 courses in the US. Check out some pics and as they say on the website no tee time required!
http://www.mariongolfclub.com/PHOTOS.html
RG
May 31, 2014 at 1:36 am
Hello!! If you have a website YOUR NOT HIDDEN!!! YOUR JUST A GOLF CLUB!!!
Robert
May 14, 2014 at 2:22 pm
My choices are if you can get to the UK Play Camberley heath in Surrey Knole Park in Kent both Fantastic courses(loads more tho) In Scotland there are Hundreds of brilliant courses spend your two week vacation in Scotland start in Ayrshire and play and stay your way across To Fife and finish in St Andrews green fees start from £20 up to £150 per round
And remember say BACK and HIT when playing badly !!!!!!!!!
ben
May 14, 2014 at 12:16 am
Texarkana Golf Ranch. It’s Hank Haney’s golf club. Fantastic course. Quite difficult but fair. At one point I believe it was rated most difficult course in Texas. All day golf pass was for like 30 or 40 bucks. Check it out
Jeff Irwin
May 13, 2014 at 10:06 am
dosriosgolf.net – $40 with cart after 1:00. Great little course with awesome scenery in Gunnison, CO
Kirasdad
May 13, 2014 at 2:19 am
Love this article (and the many terrific responses).
Here’s one with the best name there is for a hidden gem. Weed GC in Weed, CA. Nine holer is the shadow of Mt. Shasta. Not long but an interesting layout and fun. I played it on a weekday on a trip from LA to Olympia WA to drop my stepson off for his first year of college. My wife, of all people looked up from her AAA guide book and said, “pull over in Weed, you’ve got to play golf here”. No clubs so the small mom and pop golf shop lent me a set made up of lost and found clubs, charged me nothing. The green fee was 9 or 10 bucks. There was virtually no one on the course when I played it. My wife, daughter, and stepson all walked the course with me. Hit my seven club lost and found set beautifully, of course (it’s all about expectations, folks). If you three jack a green all you have to do is look up at Mt. Shasta and that takes care of that.
Whole thing took an hour fifteen and we were back on the road again. When I turned my clubs back in I happened to comment on how well I had hit the driver, an old Mizuno metal with a steel shaft and the lady said, “keep it, it’s been laying around here for years”.
The whole thing was so simple, but I’ll never forget it.
Sizzle
May 12, 2014 at 7:03 pm
Frankfort golf club in Frankfort, michigan ….fantastic, fun 9-holer a mile south of Crystal Downs. Oh, yeah, it got sold, bulldozed, and turned into a couple dozen shirty houses…..
Jim
May 12, 2014 at 6:24 pm
There’s a 9 holler with two sets of tees to make it 18 in southwest montana called the anaconda country club. It’s not a country club at all. A hundred years or so it was, but now it’s famous for being literally in the shadow of Nicklaus’ Old Works. It is a hoot for 35 bucks any time
Andrew
May 12, 2014 at 4:19 pm
http://www.traighgolf.co.uk/index.html
Arisaig is one of the world’s most beautiful places without golf – but it has a lovely wee nine holer for 20 quid a day or 65 for the week. You have to play it after dinner in June – pure heaven.
Actually – play it before breakfast, morning, after lunch, before supper AND after dinner (It becomes dinner after dinner and a couple of drams 🙂 )
Ruben
May 12, 2014 at 3:57 pm
Oldest golf course in Arizona was 9 holes for many years. The backside was open in 1999 and has a 747 yard Par 6. This course is approximately 2 hours south of Tucson, Arizona in Naco Arizona. Usually have Tuesday/Thursday specials in the summer for $25 after 11am. Regular fees are $50 with cart. Always in great shape.
Website: http://www.turquoisevalley.com
Bruce Gervais
May 12, 2014 at 3:06 pm
Spring Valley Golf Course Livermore Iowa 10 Miles north of Algona Iowa.
Northern Iowa on the Minnesota boarder.
Dues $550.00 for single green fees $28.00 A really nice well kept golf course in perfect shape all the time.
Come out of the city and enjoy A great value.
Bill Brasky
Dec 24, 2014 at 12:25 am
Amazing track and great memories for me. I won a conference championship there as a Junior in hs!
LeTronold
May 12, 2014 at 1:28 pm
My favorite muni and hidden gem in Nevada is Ruby View in Elko. It’s by far the best muni you’ll find in the state and the greens are phenomenal in the summer, especially July and August. It’s in the middle of nowhere, but it’s good.
JOEL GOODMAN
May 12, 2014 at 1:46 pm
come to south florida in summer. All the $100+ course are available through september at half or less. Check GOLF NOW or similar sites
phil
May 12, 2014 at 12:52 pm
Canada is a really big place, in fact, it’s the second largest country in the world, after Russia. And we rarely invade anyone, so a much nicer place to play golf.
Our tiniest province is PEI, or Prince Edward Island. PEI is on the Atlantic coast, a four hour drive from the Maine border. It would be the 49th largest state, right between Delaware and Rhode Island.
PEI is a wonderful place to play golf, frequently included among the world’s great destination golf regions. And relative to American destination regions, even bargains like the Alabama Trail, golf is very affordable.
My favourite ‘hidden gem’ on PEI is way out on the east end of the island; a little nine hole tracks called Rollo Bay Greens. For $15 (weekdays) you can just forget about life for a while. A be back to the cottage before the wife and kids wake up.
steve kemlo
May 12, 2014 at 11:31 am
Dunfanaghy in Donegal Ireland , is a fantastic wee links course in the middle of no place and great value at 25 euro a round
John
May 12, 2014 at 10:52 am
I grew up playing a scruffy 9 holer called Cazenovia Park in South Buffalo (NY). It cost a $1 for a junior to play all summer. We played 18-27 all day long. This article proves to me what we need to grow the game are cheap 9 hole golf courses for people to play (especially juniors)to get them hooked. Not 15 inch holes!
ChrisG
May 12, 2014 at 10:23 am
I play a bunch of courses in NE Ohio that are all under $30 for 18 w/cart. I won’t pay much more than that for golf actually. For courses that are more expensive, look at their specials. One of the local courses that is normally $55 for 18/cart is $25 on Monday’s before 2 PM. Many other courses offer specials like that too. Also, try websites like Groupon. There are always ways to golf cheap, you just have to look around.
Mark
May 12, 2014 at 10:48 am
I too am from the N.E. Ohio area and there are always deals. People just need to plan out their golf times. If you go on groupgolfer.com, get apps such as tee times or golfnow you can find some pretty great deals
ChrisG
May 12, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Yeah, and some of the NE OH courses are cheap all the time. Cherry Ridge, Spring Valley, Grey Hawk, Big Met, Little Met, Bob O Link, Sweetbriar, and Brentwood. Playing at any or all of those will keep the NEOH golfer busy all summer, and won’t break the bank.
j
May 12, 2014 at 9:05 am
I recently moved to Rochester, NY and play Durand-Eastman Golf Club. It is located next to Lake Ontario and boasts a Robert Trent Jones design. Cost per round? 16$ Or – you can simply choose to buy a seasons pass for 350$ (the pass includes access to two additional local courses as well)
Bob
May 13, 2014 at 11:32 am
You should check out Sodus Bay. Might be a bit more than $16, but well worth it.
Wonderful views of Sodus Bay and Lake Ontario, plenty of length (I think a tad over 6600 from the tips), big rolling greens – really just a great, fun track.
j
May 13, 2014 at 5:24 pm
Thanks Bob I definitely will.
Sam
May 15, 2014 at 11:41 am
Also check out Victor Hills, just outside Victor, NY three full courses (North, South, East) and one 9-hole exec. course.
For $26 dollars walking ($11 for the exec.) it’s a great complex that let you play a variety of courses.
The nice thing I found is that the East Course I can get around as a single in under three hours, making a evening round possible without fighting daylight.
I’ve played Durand and liked it, but the extra $10 is definitely reflected on VH’s courses.
timbleking
May 12, 2014 at 3:24 am
I have an hidden gem not far from home. It’s a precious course that a lot of golfers don’t like because it’s short and strange at some points, but it’s really gorgeous. And as it is in Switzerland, you see things that cannot be elsewhere, such as a fridge in nature with drinks inside that you can pick and pay, letting the coins in the fridge itself. Self-service, no security of any kind. And you can be sure that no one is going to steal neither drinks nor money. Can you beat that?
David
May 11, 2014 at 7:47 am
Many great courses in and around NYC. Mohansic in Westchester, Montauk, really so many great public courses…Black!
Rob Munro
May 10, 2014 at 11:42 pm
I have two gems nearby. One called Birregurra a nine hole two tiered course in a sleepy little hamlet 20 minutes away, you can play all day for $10 and 5 minutes further on is Colac GC which is based on the Royal Melbourne layout and can be played for $30 Monday to Friday. I play on Fridays when I can and its usually just me and the green keepers out there.
Clint Borgas
May 10, 2014 at 8:38 pm
Binnigup golf course, a 9 hole links course 90 mins south of Perth in Western Australia
Uses the honesty box system and is one of the more punishing 9 holes you will play. A stiff wind from the south west makes every shot just that little bit trickier
simon
May 10, 2014 at 7:22 pm
no hidden gem just courses that charge too much and are filled with idiots who dont know how to conduct themselves.
so i go to the local football pitch early morning and hit wedges to one of the goal posts.
i get peace,improve my game and get exercise.
TheLegend
May 10, 2014 at 4:37 pm
North Califorina. Apple mountain. 35 bucks on week days. You cant find a better looking course. With great everything its hard to beat. No one is there on week days. Flooded on weekends but ghost town Mon- thur. I play the course in 3hrs On weekdays. So I play twice most of the time!
Double Mocha Man
May 10, 2014 at 3:40 pm
I once played a sand greens course in Camdenton, Missouri. Its fairways doubled as landing strips for the small airport there. You’d have to scamper off the fairway if a plane was landing or taking off. The windsock in the center of the course was a bonus for judging the wind.
J.Blais
May 10, 2014 at 3:20 pm
9 hole course I grew up playing in Sharon PA Buhl Farm or DumDum as it has been affectionately coined. It’s free, yes free, all the time. play from sun up to sun down if you want. It’s actually in pretty good shape too. no spectacular holes but its a fun little track. Can’t beat free.
Dane
May 10, 2014 at 9:59 am
Sunset Golf Course Coos Bay, OR (30 minutes north of Bandon Dunes)
Dixie Red Hills St. George, UT by far the best golf per $.
hdymnstr
May 10, 2014 at 9:10 am
Tumwater valley gc outside Olympia WA. $10 all off season for 18. Tremendous greens year round.
James
May 10, 2014 at 2:31 pm
Love playing Tumwater Valley. Good to see this course getting some love!
Todd
May 10, 2014 at 9:07 am
Utah has a bunch of hidden gems. My favorite is a little track in Nephi, Canyon Hills. Little pro shop, 9 holes, $18 with a cart and $12 to walk. Still to this day, best greens I’ve ever played on! And I just got back from Wolf Creek. I play there at least 20 times a year just because I love it so much.
JDB
May 10, 2014 at 8:44 am
My hidden gem is Emanon Golf Club in northeast PA. It’s a semi-private course that doesn’t even take tee times but the members are great. You just need to wait sometimes for members to tee off if you go early but after 11 a.m. it’s always clear to play. 22 bucks on Tuesdays is when I play and it’s a great price for greens and cart. It has beautiful views and well maintained. The name Emanon was given because when the course first opened the owners didn’t know what to call it so they just took “no name” and spelled it backwards. A must play for golfers visiting the northeast PA area.
Joe
May 10, 2014 at 7:07 am
Spnish Point Golf club in County Clare on the Southwest Coast is a hidden gem for sure!
Andrew
May 12, 2014 at 4:21 pm
Oh yes – Spanish Point is heavenly. played there a couple of times/
Craig Loftus
May 10, 2014 at 4:01 am
Askernish GC South Uist The Outer Hebrides Scotland
Isle of Seil GC Argyll Scotland
Machrie Golf Club Isle of Islay Scotland
St Medans Dumfries and Galloway Scotland
All have websites……….and really fun to play…….. no 100 acre practice ground, no expensive prop shops just pitch up and play
Iain
May 10, 2014 at 11:14 pm
Braid Hills, Edinbourgh
Windy Hills, Glasgow
Braid Hills is similar to this place, not frills just pay and play, small putting green and a net to hit into to warm up. Great veiws of the city from many spots on the course. Both great tracks think I paid pound at each place.
Vince
May 10, 2014 at 12:49 am
In my area there are tons of very nice munis that can be played for a junior price of $15. Some of the holes are great and views are spectacular.
matt
May 9, 2014 at 11:55 pm
My grandparents live in a small farming town in Eastern Washington. I learned to play at the 9 hole course there when I was 7 so it will always be special. For $15, you can play as many holes as you want. Payment is on the honor system. You write your name on a sheet and place your money in the box and off you go. When I was young I’d play 36 or 45 a day. It’s still hard now with the wind and small fast greens as it’s defense. It’s never busy so you can play at your own pace. For me, I enjoy it in the summer when the farmers are harvesting their crops around the course. Great place!!
Bryan
May 12, 2014 at 4:14 pm
Might you be referencing Tekoa?
RG
May 9, 2014 at 10:37 pm
I have the winner!!! It is hands down Swiss Fairways in Clermont, FL. The best set of par 3’s in central FL and you can get $12 tee times. This course is absolutely unbelievable. It is in area of many upscale courses ( Orange County National, Bella Colina, Disney) and the layout and shot value is better. It has a trailer for a clubhouse, that carries domestic canned beer in its cooler and microwave sandwiches, but the carts and cartpaths are new and the course is unbelievable in layout and hole to hole progression.
#2 signature hole 191 par 3. all water carry to a green that is nestled back into a hill with deep grass (yes grass) bunkers surrounding. the water in front is a practice track where world class water skiers make runs on a slalom course. From the tee you have to wait on them to finish their run before you hit. Above the sky is filled with hang gliders and ultalites they fly from a nearby landing strip. No houses, nature abounds, most dramatic bunkering and shot value and only the locals know. It is the KING of hidden gems.
Justin
May 9, 2014 at 9:49 pm
Here in Erie, PA there is a course that used to be fully operational. Now Penn State’s Erie satellite campus maintains the grounds and has kept the front 9 open. The best part is that it is absolutely free. Not the most well kept obviously, but you cant beat 9 holes of absolutely free golf.
John
May 9, 2014 at 7:20 pm
Love Kahuku and the chickens. On Oahu, try the Navy course at Barbers Point for easy access or the Marine Course at Kaneohe for the ocean scenery. Both accept non military golfers and prices are reasonable.
Bryan
May 9, 2014 at 5:04 pm
I Like articles like these!
How bout Hot Springs, SD. It used to be a 9 hole course then they ruined it by making it a 18 hole course. The front 9 is a beautiful layout in the black hills of SD
Brett
May 9, 2014 at 4:51 pm
Grew up playing at Kahuku, if you show up after 2PM, there is often no one there and the green fees are free
AK
May 9, 2014 at 4:29 pm
Not really a “secret”, but Coronado Muni in San Diego is certainly a gem, and only $40 to walk on the weekends
GMR
May 9, 2014 at 6:02 pm
Had the worst round of my life at Coronado. Tried to tee off in the early afternoon. Got TWELVE HOLES in in FIVE AND A HALF HOURS, before it got too dark to see. That and everyone within earshot was drunk…
Patrick
May 9, 2014 at 7:13 pm
OMG at several courses in my area $40 is highway robbery!
Duncan Castles
May 9, 2014 at 4:14 pm
Iona. Read Andrew Greig’s ‘Preferred Lies’ for a description that cannot be surpassed.
Marc Duncan
May 9, 2014 at 4:11 pm
I used to surf a great spot off the 7th hole there at Kahuku back in ’79-’82.
Course used to be in better shape. Beautiful location. Good to know it’s still around.
bradford
May 9, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Southeastern PA, Twin Ponds Golf Club. Not the lengthiest course, but greens are small, quick, and in perfect shape all the time. Beyond that it’s great, family owned and run business that only charges 33 to walk on Saturday morning.
Nearby, Hickory Valley Golf Club (my home course) for one of the toughest back nines I know about.
truth
May 10, 2014 at 3:37 pm
love me some twin ponds short course but not short on some difficult holes… and i work at hickory valley small world sometimes
bradford
May 12, 2014 at 11:19 am
What’s your first name truth, or tell me your role there and I’ll find ya someday
Andy
May 9, 2014 at 3:20 pm
Creekside Plantation. 9 hole course just south of Knoxville, in Seymour. $10 to walk 9 holes and the greens are top 10 (maybe top 5) in east Tennessee or Knoxville area. Solid courset that is easy to walk and have a great time at when your short on time.
Tyler
May 9, 2014 at 3:16 pm
Utah has some fantastic courses that are laid-back in nature and very affordable. I think that’s our reward for enduring sometimes 6 months of snow and no golf in the winter time:) A gem in Utah that most people visiting might be able to play is Soldier Hollow in Midway/Heber. It’s just down the road from Park City. They held the Pub Links championship there a few years back. It’s much more affordable ($33 for 18) than the Park City Courses and absolutely beautiful.
markb
May 10, 2014 at 2:56 am
Soldier Hollow is owned by the state and along with Wasatch Mtn., Palisades and Green River you have 6 inexpensive gems.
Chrs
May 9, 2014 at 3:15 pm
Living in Los Angeles golf is very expensive, includes a 60+ min drive or a 6 hr round. There are some short courses around town but most have mats, tiny greens and no views. Terrenea is a 9 hole course, all par-3 with views better than Trump, 90 POP, fast and smooth greens and lots of elevation changes. Usually you can find a deal for under $40
LeTronold
May 12, 2014 at 1:27 pm
I love Westchester. I have to be the only human that once played a 3-day stretch of Riv, LACC and….Westchester. That was back when Westchester only had 15 holes.
West
May 9, 2014 at 2:49 pm
Sorry, can’t tell you. I’m keeping my “hidden gem” all to myself!!!! Hahahaha!!! >:-)
Greg
May 9, 2014 at 2:46 pm
It doesn’t have to be expensive, as your story points out with this gem you found. It’s the “golf snobs” who look down their noses at courses like this one and at players who have a set of mismatched clubs that are old and maybe purchased at a garage sale
The Media and equipment companies don’t help by bombarding the public about the need for the latest and great equipment which will make the average golfer “play like a tour pro”.
Spend some time on the range practicing when you can and play when and where you can, at a reasonable price and just enjoy the time spent outdoors
You’ll learn to slow down from the hectic, day to day rat race pace and just enjoy the game. Forget the score cuz the game is much more than what you shot!
Dave Bergeron
May 9, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Quarry Hills in Graham, NC. Great laoyout on the Haw River. Occoneechee in Hillsborough,NC has an old style layout and nice greens. Costs 26 to walk on the weekends.
jgraham
May 12, 2014 at 10:47 am
Playing Quarry Hills tomorrow, 5/13
andy
May 9, 2014 at 2:38 pm
I play a course in south jersey here. 9 hole course 10$ after 5:30pm cant beat the price and the place is always in good shape. greens are alittle slow but i’ll take it for 10$. if your in the area check it out Latona country club.