Things that will influence this list. Geography, several locations have multiple courses that could be in the running for a top 10, i.e. Highbridge or IDGC. Likewise, courses that are part of a complex will be influenced by the courses surrounding them. The appeal of 3 great courses in one location is greater than 1 stellar course by itself in the middle of nowhere, so I guess ultimately it is the complex that is making the list, though I am comparing individual courses so that stellar course, will make the list as well. An interesting note is that none of my "home" courses are on the list, it's like the opposite of being biased, I don't think they're as good as the courses I've traveled 1000s of miles for. Lastly, my memory will have an effect, several of the earlier courses I've played I don't remember as well and I didn't have as many courses to compare them to at the time, so even though they might be a stellar course, it might not make the list. Here we go. In no particular order.
Leviathan, Ludington, MI. My favorite of the Mason Co courses, surrounded by great courses.
Flyboy, Whitesburg, GA. Great.
Steady Ed Memorial, Appling, GA. The most scenic and fun of 3 great challenging courses at the IDGC.
Renaissance, Charlotte, NC. In a city full of great golf, this course stands out the most.
Brakewell Steel, Warwick, NY. 4 playable layouts, sister course on site.
Maple Hill, Leister, MA, 4 playable scenic layouts
Highbridge ______, Highbridge, WI. Fill in the blank, I could create half of my top 10 list at this complex alone. Blueberry is great all around golf. Granite is an awesome challenge. Bear is sick! And Gold will send you home crying, for good reasons.
Mont du Lac - White Cedar, Superior, WI. Another great complex, a beautiful challenge.
Hornings Hideout, North Plains, OR. Again I didn't mention a particular course, the Canyon course is great fun, but the meadow course is what makes it worthy of the list.
Idlewild, Burlington, KY.
Honorable Mentions.
Patterson Lake, Dickinson, ND.
The Lodge, Pawhuska, OK.
Sugaree, Linville, NC.
Hornets Nest/The Web, Charlotte, NC.
Nevin, Charlotte, NC.
Stoney Hill, Newburry, SC.
Blue Angel Complex, Palmetto, FL.
Shawshank, Huntsville, TX.
Circle R complex, Wimberly, TX.
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Jasper, AR. This one got me started.
Hummel, Omaha, NE.
Justin Trails, Sparta, WI
Winter Park, Kewaunee, WI.
Diamond X, Billings, MT.
Bohart Ranch, Bozeman, MT.
Base Camp, Moab, UT.
Holler in the Hills, Brownsville, KY.
Paw Paw Complex, WV.
Nockamixon, Quakertown, PA
French Creek, Elverson, PA
Moraine, Portersville, PA
Deer Lakes, Tarentum, PA
Iron Hill, Newark, DE
That was not easy, nor am I completely satisfied with what I've come up with. It'll do.
