MattGinellaGA

One of the more unique experiences in golf, what Owen Perry, owner, and Rees Jones, designer, have created in the rocky and mountainous surrounds overlooking the Sea of Cortez is simply spectacular. You'll see and hear a lot about the 17th hole, a Golden Tee green on the cliffs in which you'll need to watch your step and you might catch a glimpse of migrating whales. But the reason why you'll love this course has more to do with the width, scale, fun factor, conditioning, service and general setting throughout the round. Try playing the front nine in the late-afternoon. And if tis windy, don't be afraid to move up a set of tees.

The Inverness "town fathers" had always envisioned a golf course as the perfect transition and evolution of the land that once was productive and prosperous coal mines. And that's what they got when Ben Cowan-Dewar and Mike Keiser hired Rod Whitman, a Canadian architect, to build Cabot Links, which opened in 2012 and has been deemed a huge success. "If Rod hadn't created such a popular course, there would never have been a Cabot Cliffs," said Mike Keiser, to a small group of media, friends, staff and locals on the opening day of Cabot Cliffs. Whitman went on to help shape Cliffs for friends and mentors, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, who were also in attendance for the opening day ceremony. Coore explained to the crowd that it's his long-standing friendship with Whitman, and "Whit's" involvement in both Links and Cliffs, that makes the opening of Cliffs more special than the rest of their portfolio. Like a hat at a fundraiser, there was a passing of the credit and recognition amongst everyone involved in Cliffs, and that thoughtful humility and camaraderie comes through in the walk and the architecture of the course itself. Over a mile and a half of Nova Scotian coastline is among many of the highlights to a routing that includes six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s. There is variation in distances to all pars, there are infinity greens, there's room for error off most tees, and yet plenty of shots that require strategy and precision. There are cape holes, punchbowls, half pars, and a steady build to a climactic finish, which includes the 16th hole, one of the most fun, dramatic and spectacular par 3s in golf. This course might host events for the pros, such as a Canadian Open, but it was built for us, the avid amateurs. My only advice is to enjoy every step.

Lower scoring expectations and enjoy a bucket-list experience in a memorable setting.

After all five stars, I've said all that I can say.

When Robert Trent Jones Jr. took the mic at the press conference for the reopening of Poppy Hills, he reminded the assembled blue coats of the Northern California Golf Association, select members of the community and media that the Monterey Peninsula is "the best golf zip code in America." Which is why he was sincerely appreciative of the NCGA for asking him to come back and renovate a course he built for them in 1986. "This was a chance to refresh," said Jones. And to laughs, he compared it to renewing marriage vows. Truth is, avid golfers had divorced themselves from Poppy Hills when planning their trips to Monterey. Even the AT&T had opted to drop Poppy Hills and made a deal with Monterey Peninsula Country Club to be the third leg of the iconic Clam Bake rotation. (Poppy Hills had previously replaced Cypress Point.) As an avid golfer, a Northern California native and one of over 150,000 members of the NCGA, I'm pleased to announce that Poppy is back. The results of a $12.5 million renovation of the course, clubhouse and practice facilities. He also reduced the annual water usage by 25 percent. Jones and his crew made significant tweaks to holes 10 thru 12, which he referred to as "my Amen Corner." He took what was a weakness of the routing, and made it into arguably the best three-hole stretch on the course. Jones raised the 10th green and defends the long approach with a deep front-bunker, and a tightly-mowed slope, which evokes the front of the 15th green at Augusta National. The 11th is a short, charming par 3. The new 12th went from a nearly 90-degree dogleg of a par 5, to a straight par 4, lined with a staggered set of fairway bunkers that get deeper the closer you get to the green. (Come up a little short and your ball will be kicked to the right.) "You can't run it up on every green and expect a favorable result," said Jones. Although one of the main goals of the renovation was to reduce irrigation by exposing and integrating natural sandy areas, Jones says they've actually increased the amount of fairway throughout the routing. They've also sand-capped the course, which is adding a substantial layer of sand below the playing surface, which improves drainage. "Firm, Fast, Fun" is the working slogan embroidered on the back of the new Poppy Hills hats. And given the price structure for members of the NCGA—$70 during the week, $90 on weekends—they could add "affordable." It's $210 for non-members, which is still good value considering that aforementioned zip code and the price point of premier courses on the peninsula. (Pebble is $495, Spyglass Hill is $370.) Other news coming out of the press conference is that Poppy will join Pebble Beach as the co-host of the Nature Valley First Tee Open, a Champions Tour event in September. And thus, Poppy isn't just back for the avid amateurs, it's back for the pros. And the best news: everyone who plays the new Poppy, is going to want to keep coming back.

Form start to finish, it was time-well spent on a golf course. Be sure to think think your way around, especially off the tee. For the money, and proximity to downtown Orlando, hard to beat the value. Service with a smile goes a long way to an enjoyable day.

There is no question, Gil Hanse and his partner, Jim Wagner, vastly improved Doral Blue. They cleaned up sight lines, varied some elevation throughout the routing, moved some greens, added contours to putting surfaces, made it a better experience for the galleries who will assemble for professional events and they updated the driving range for a resort with multiple courses. But did they make it easier? No. And that wasn't necessarily the objective, after all, this course does host a World Golf Championship and it's "The Monster." Thus, it's critical you pick the appropriate tees here, and caddies can really help you make proper club selection and read the new greens. Trump tries to make the case that the airplanes on approach to the Miami airport are a premium, but I disagree. They're big, loud and they're coming in so low you'll be inclined to back off a few shots and putts throughout the round. And it's only one reason why I balk at the $450 green fee (add $70 and a $30 gratuity if you take a caddie). Trump has not only raised the quality of the course, but at $550, he puts Blue in the company of some of the elite and most expensive golf experiences in the world. Does Blue compare to Pebble Beach? Is it worth more than Pinehurst No. 2? No and no. Prior to Trump's changes, Blue was $350 and it wasn't worth it. What would've been great is if Trump made the changes and dropped the rate to $250. To that, I would've said yes. In the meantime, you'll get an elite level of conditioning, service and you're paying for being in Miami, the weather in the winter months and the opportunity to play where the pros play, but be prepared to get beat up...on the course and in your wallet.

Deane Beman—the PGA Tour's commissioner from '74 to '94—devised a plan to build a course that could create the kind of stadium atmosphere and drama the common sports fan is used to seeing at football, baseball or basketball games. Needless to say, Beman, with the help of Pete and Alice Dye, accomplished that mission. From Tiger's "Better than most" snake putt on the 17th green, Craig Perks needing one putt to finish eagle-birdie-par, or Hal Sutton's "Be the right club today!", the host of the "Fifth Major" has provided the golf fan some memorable moments. This is another case of paying a premium to play where the pros play, but like Pebble Beach, Pinehurst No. 2, or Kiawah's Ocean Course, these are bucket-list experiences for the avid amateur. The course itself is tight with plenty of twists and turns, but the only true forced carries are on the par 3s. As Alice Dye told me, you could almost putt your way from tee to green at the Stadium Course. It's especially fair, and can be fun, if you play to the tees and yardages that match your ability. When you get to 17, which is 5,000 square feet, with the back half of the putting surface acting as a bit of a backstop. All that being dais, play for the middle of the green. The Stadium Course gets almost 45,000 rounds per year and they pull close to 100,000 balls out of that lake...don't be one of them.

I recently moved to Orlando and have had the chance to get out to Grand Cypress for a few rounds. Big fan of the New Course, especially for beginners, occasional golfers, corporate outings and buddies trips. Wide open off the tee with subtle winks at the Old Course of St. Andrews (Is that the Swilcan Bridge? I'm I putting through the Valley of Sin?), I consider this course fun for 15+ handicaps.

Nothing can spoil this good walk. For the money and quality of course/experience, I consider the Classic one of the best value courses in the country. Designed and built by the superintendent, there was very little dirt moved, which is reflected by its simple elegance. With subtle twists, turns, trees, creeks and just enough undulation changes, as you approach the 18th green you'll be thinking about one thing: the first tee.

Let's be honest, Bay Hill is all about Arnold Palmer. It's not the best course in Florida and it might not even be in the discussion for best in or around Orlando, but none of the competition has the charm and mystique of The King. He might be at the breakfast table next to you, the foursome behind you or standing right in front of you. And even if you don't get to see golf's greatest gift, the walls are decorated with enough pictures and memorabilia that you will feel as though you made a connection to an American Icon who has enjoyed a transcendent career on and off the course. And as for Bay Hill—the resort—it underwent a $7 million renovation in 2007. You have to stay there to play the course, which received a $2 million facelift in 2010. They improved grass from tee to green, carts paths and drainage, raised bunkers and straightened fairway lines. "We lit the place up," was what Mr. Palmer's design associate told me. And he was right. Bay Hill is back to looking as bright as one of Mr. Palmer's yellow golf shirts. It's a good walk, fair test and the course is fun, especially the finishing holes, which can make or break your score. Visit October thru March for the best chance of an Arnold Palmer sighting, who winters in Orlando and hits balls on the far-right side of the driving range. When I interviewed Mr. Palmer for a story I wrote for Golf Digest in 2010, he told me, "We want it to be a first-class, feel-comfortable-type place. It's part of the mystique about Bay Hill -- family. I bought it so that I could have a place to practice, and so I could feel like I was at home." And that's something none of the other 170+ courses in the Orlando area can offer...a tour of The King's Castle.

It took me a few years, and several rounds on each, but I finally figured out which course at Bandon is best. It's Pacific Dunes. And it came down to how designer Tom Doak utilized the land along the Oregon coastline. Holes 4, 11 & 13 are three of the best holes in the world. I don't love the first hole, and 18 is just OK, but everything in between fits the definition of true links golf. From a testy tee shot, to a well-protected and quirky green complex, the 7th hole is an underrated par 4. Bandon Dunes was a good start, but Pacific Dunes is why this secluded destination eventually passed Pinehurst and Pebble as the No. 1 golf destination in America.

A C.B. Macdonald original design is hard to find. Not unlike other courses built during the Golden Era of architecture, multiple architects have been involved in the current state of Old White, including Seth Raynor, who was Macdonald's protege. Lester George did a fairly recent restoration. And there's new grass on the greens. The course has all the charm and strategic challenges you'd expect from an American classic. You'll use every club in your bag, negotiate big undulating greens and wind through the rolling tree-lined topography of White Sulphur Springs. Sam Snead made 42 aces in his decorated career. No. 42 was on Old White's 18th, one of the rare par-3 finishing holes in golf. The Greenbrier is my No. 7 best buddies-trip destination in the U.S., in part, because of how much I enjoy playing Old White. Other factors are the alternate golf options, rich history, 5-star service and 50+ amenities—including a new steak house and casino. The setting makes fall an especially good time to visit. Credit to local coal mogul, Jim Justice, for bringing back The Greenbrier and Old White to prominence—and relevance.

Getting to Forest Dunes, in Roscommon, Mich., isn't easy but it's worth it. From the moment I finished my round, I've been looking forward to going back. Designer Tom Weiskopf says this might be his finest architectural effort, which is all you need to know about this perfect mix of visual appeal, challenge and conditioning. They recently added lodging and they'll be adding a second course, built by Tom Doak, so this budding Michigan destination is only getting better. It's not on Lake Michigan, like Arcadia Bluffs, but it's a better golf course. Find Forest Dunes and you won't regret it.

While looking for a course to fill out an itinerary that included Tullymore in Michigan, I found this hidden gem in Pierson. From the middle of the first fairway, and having paid $55 in peak season, I knew it was going to be a good day. The Kris Schumacker and Mike DeVries design uses more than 400 acres as the routing rolls through the woods with just enough undulation to make you think twice about club selection on certain approach shots. Be sure and ask about the “Four for the Price of Three” special that they offer in May and the first two weeks of September.

Heed the caution on the first tee, which reads: "Warning - The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers." Regardless of who "we" is referring to, and what it means to be a "highly skilled golfer," the point is, lower your scoring expectations and enjoy the ride. Black was reborn after a Rees Jones restoration and two U.S. Opens, most notably in 2002, when Tiger Woods fought off a dangerous field and darkness to hoist his eighth major championship. The ultimate municipal golf experience is walking only, and by the time you make the climb to the 18th green your legs will feel like you've been on a hike. Although prices have been raised since 2002 ($75 on weekends for New York State residents; $150 on weekends for non-residents), it's still insane value.

Being from the Bay Area, I get that question a lot. I don't hesitate sending them to Harding Park. What had fallen to the tests of time and a lack of TLC, has become my favorite TPC. Rescued by Sandy Tatum, Charles Schwab, the PGA Tour and local taxpayers, this former stomping ground of golf icons such as Eddie Lowery and Ken Venturi is back to hosting everything from tour players to local school teachers. On any given Sunday, tee it up with plumbers, doctors or decorated juniors honing their skills playing a course that looks across Lake Merced at Olympic Club's famed Lake Course. They have layered green fees, catering to locals and charging a little more if you're from out-of-town, but regardless, for what you get, and for golf in one of the greatest cities in the country, it's all good value. The air is think in San Francisco, so club up to some of the slightly elevated greens. And if you need a warmup or extra holes after your round, consider the par 30 Fleming 9, which was added to the property in 1961.

For $35 you get a walkable muni that finishes along the San Diego Bay. (It's $30 during the week.) Critics will poke at the pace of play, but it has gotten better over the years, and for that green fee, and that setting, what's the rush?! San Diego is full of good public golf options, but Coronado is the perfect mix of non-pretentious clientele, foursomes of all ages, shapes and sizes, pull-carts, carry bags, and buckets of beer, with a courteous staff and satisfying food options. As I travel the country...the world...it's hard to find better value than Coronado.

One common theme to my travels is that family-owned golf courses—especially when they’re managed by The Family—is a great experience. You always get service with a smile, the food usually consists of some famous family recipe, there’s great attention to detail throughout the property, and there’s the general hospitality you might get when you’re visiting someone’s house. That was all true at Aspen Lakes in Sisters, Ore., which is owned and operated by the Cyrus family. The course was built by William Overdorf, and among the memorable features are the views of the surrounding mountains and the red sand in the bunkers, which they got by crushing red cinders that naturally exist on the 1,084-acre piece of land that is adjacent to the family farm. Green fees range from $20 to $75, depending on what time of day you play.