confidential guide to golf courses

The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses⁚ An Insider’s Look

This comprehensive guide to over 1,200 golf courses, assembled in a concise, witty and refreshingly entertaining style, offers a unique, entertaining and honest review of the world’s best golf courses by world-renowned golf architect Tom Doak․

A History of the Guide

The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses has a fascinating history, evolving from a personal project to a respected and influential resource for golf enthusiasts․ It all began in 1996 when Tom Doak, a young golf course architect, decided to compile a list of courses he had played and share his honest opinions with forty of his friends․ This first edition, a humble collection of reviews, laid the foundation for what would become a seminal work in the world of golf․ Doak’s reviews were frank and insightful, offering a unique perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of each course․ He wasn’t afraid to critique even the most iconic courses, earning him both admiration and controversy․ The original guide quickly gained a following, becoming a sought-after resource for golfers seeking authentic and unbiased assessments of courses․ Doak’s reputation as a perceptive critic and passionate advocate for good golf course design grew alongside the guide’s popularity․

Tom Doak’s Influence

Tom Doak’s influence on the golf world extends far beyond his role as a respected architect․ His influence is deeply rooted in his ability to communicate his passion for golf course design, his insightful critiques, and his dedication to highlighting the nuances that make a great course․ He has become a champion for traditional design principles, emphasizing the importance of natural features, strategic play, and a respect for the land․ His writings and his work as an architect have inspired a generation of golfers and designers, encouraging them to appreciate the subtle artistry of a well-crafted golf course․ He is seen as a thought leader, challenging the status quo and advocating for courses that prioritize challenge, beauty, and a connection to their surroundings․ Doak’s influence is evident in the growing appreciation for courses that prioritize strategic play over brute force, and for designers who seek to create courses that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape․

The Updated Edition

The updated edition of Tom Doak’s seminal work, “The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses,” is a testament to his enduring passion for the game and his commitment to providing a comprehensive and insightful look at the world’s best golf courses․ This revised and expanded edition features a new format, with five volumes dedicated to different regions of the world․ The original edition, known for its frank and often controversial reviews, has been updated to reflect the changes in the golfing landscape, incorporating new courses and revisiting classics․ Doak has also enlisted the help of three respected golf architecture aficionados, Ran Morrissett, Masa Nishijima, and Darius Oliver, to expand the scope of the guide and provide a more diverse perspective on the courses reviewed․ The updated edition promises to be a valuable resource for golfers of all levels, offering a unique and informative guide to the best courses around the world․

The Doak Scale

At the heart of “The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses” lies the Doak Scale, a unique system for rating golf courses․ This scale, ranging from 0 to 10, is not merely a numerical ranking but a nuanced assessment of a course’s overall quality, taking into account a variety of factors․ Doak doesn’t simply evaluate a course’s beauty or challenge; he delves deeper, considering its historical significance, its architectural merit, and its ability to provide a memorable and enjoyable golfing experience․ The Doak Scale is more than just a set of numbers; it’s a framework for understanding what makes a truly great golf course․ Doak’s meticulous approach to reviewing courses and his insightful commentary on the nuances of golf course design have earned him a reputation as one of the most respected voices in the world of golf․ The Doak Scale, therefore, serves as a valuable guide for golfers seeking to discover the best courses, whether they are seasoned veterans or just starting out on their golfing journey․

The Gourmet Guide

Within the pages of “The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses,” a special section known as “The Gourmet Guide” stands out as a testament to Tom Doak’s personal passion for the game․ This curated list, featuring 31 meticulously chosen courses, represents Doak’s ultimate golfing wish list, a collection of the layouts he would most enjoy playing with his friends․ The “Gourmet Guide” is not just a list of names; it’s a reflection of Doak’s discerning taste and a celebration of the art of golf course design․ From the legendary Pine Valley and St․ Andrews to the hidden gems of Merion and Ballybunion, each course on this list holds a special place in Doak’s heart, representing the pinnacle of golfing excellence․ By sharing his personal favorites, Doak invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the world’s most celebrated courses and experiencing the joy of playing on some of the most iconic and challenging layouts ever created․

Volume Breakdown

The updated “Confidential Guide to Golf Courses” is presented in five distinct volumes, each dedicated to a specific region of the world, ensuring a comprehensive and insightful exploration of golfing destinations․ Volume 1, the initial installment, focuses on the rich golfing heritage of Great Britain and Ireland, showcasing over 300 courses․ Volume 2, taking readers on a journey through the Americas, features a diverse range of courses from North to South America, encompassing a variety of terrains and playing styles․ Volume 3, venturing into the heart of Continental Europe, presents a selection of courses that represent the continent’s unique golfing character, highlighting both established classics and rising stars․ Volume 4, dedicated to the United States, provides an in-depth review of courses across the country, from the East Coast to the West Coast, showcasing the diversity and excellence of American golf․ Volume 5, completing the series, delves into the golfing landscape of Asia and the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand, offering a glimpse into the dynamic and evolving world of golf in this region․

Volume 1⁚ Great Britain and Ireland

Volume 1 of the new edition of “The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses” embarks on a captivating journey through the storied golfing landscape of Great Britain and Ireland, a region renowned for its rich history, challenging courses, and picturesque settings․ This volume delves into over 300 courses, each meticulously reviewed and evaluated, offering a comprehensive guide for discerning golfers seeking to experience the best that these islands have to offer․ From the iconic Old Course at St․ Andrews, a pilgrimage site for golfers worldwide, to the rugged beauty of the links courses along the Irish coast, this volume captures the essence of British and Irish golf, providing insights into the unique characteristics and design principles that have shaped these legendary courses․ The reviews encompass a wide range of layouts, from the grand and historic to the more intimate and secluded, catering to a variety of playing styles and preferences․ Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking a challenging test of your skills or a casual player looking for a scenic and enjoyable round, Volume 1 serves as an invaluable resource for exploring the captivating world of golf in Great Britain and Ireland․

Volume 2⁚ The Americas

Volume 2 of “The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses” takes readers on an exhilarating expedition across the diverse golfing landscapes of the Americas, encompassing a vast array of courses from the rugged mountains of Canada to the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean․ This volume features a comprehensive selection of courses, each meticulously reviewed and evaluated, providing an insider’s perspective on the best golfing destinations across North and South America․ From the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, a renowned test of skill and strategy, to the challenging mountain courses of the Canadian Rockies, this volume showcases the unique character and design principles that define golf in the Americas․ The reviews encompass a wide range of layouts, from the historic and prestigious to the more modern and innovative, catering to a variety of playing styles and preferences․ Whether you’re an avid golfer seeking a challenging test of your abilities or a casual player looking for a scenic and memorable round, Volume 2 serves as an indispensable guide to navigating the vast and captivating world of golf in the Americas․

Volume 3⁚ Continental Europe

Volume 3 of “The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses” embarks on a captivating journey across the continent of Europe, exploring the rich tapestry of golfing traditions and architectural marvels that have shaped the game for centuries․ From the rolling hills of Scotland to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, this volume delves into the heart of European golf, showcasing a diverse collection of courses that have captivated generations of players․ Each course review offers a unique perspective, highlighting the distinct characteristics and historical significance that make each layout a true gem․ From the iconic Old Course at St․ Andrews, a timeless classic that has inspired countless golfers, to the challenging links of Royal County Down in Northern Ireland, Volume 3 provides a comprehensive guide to the continent’s most celebrated and challenging courses․ Whether you’re seeking a taste of history at the legendary courses of England and Ireland or a modern challenge on the innovative designs of Continental Europe, this volume is an indispensable resource for any golfer seeking an authentic European golfing experience․

Volume 4⁚ The United States

Volume 4 of “The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses” takes readers on a grand tour of the United States, showcasing the diverse landscape of American golf from coast to coast․ From the legendary courses of the East Coast, steeped in tradition and history, to the modern masterpieces of the West Coast, known for their breathtaking scenery and innovative designs, this volume offers a comprehensive exploration of the nation’s most iconic and challenging layouts․ Each course review delves into the unique character and historical context that make each course a distinct entity, providing insights into the vision of the architects and the challenges that await players․ From the iconic Pinehurst No․ 2, a classic design that has hosted numerous major championships, to the breathtaking Pebble Beach Golf Links, a coastal beauty that has captured the hearts of golfers worldwide, Volume 4 provides a comprehensive guide to the nation’s most celebrated and challenging courses, offering a true testament to the evolution and diversity of American golf․

Volume 5⁚ Asia and the Pacific

Volume 5 of “The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses” ventures into the dynamic and rapidly evolving golf landscapes of Asia and the Pacific, exploring a region where tradition blends with modernity, and stunning natural beauty serves as the backdrop for some of the world’s most challenging and captivating courses․ From the ancient temples and lush rice paddies of Southeast Asia to the rugged coastlines and dramatic mountain ranges of Australia and New Zealand, this volume captures the essence of golf in a region where the game is experiencing a surge in popularity․ Each course review unveils the unique character and cultural influences that shape the playing experience, offering insights into the design philosophies, the historical significance, and the natural wonders that define each course․ From the iconic Royal Melbourne Golf Club, a timeless masterpiece that has hosted numerous major championships, to the breathtaking Banyan Tree Golf Club in Thailand, a tropical paradise that showcases the beauty of Southeast Asia, Volume 5 provides a comprehensive guide to the region’s most celebrated and challenging courses, offering a glimpse into the future of golf in a region poised for continued growth and innovation․

The Value of the Guide

The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses transcends a mere collection of course reviews; it stands as a testament to the enduring passion for the game, a celebration of its history, and a guide for those seeking to elevate their golfing experience․ It empowers golfers to make informed decisions about their travel destinations, ensuring that every round of golf becomes an unforgettable adventure․ The guide’s insightful commentary and honest assessments offer a unique perspective on the world’s best courses, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and revealing the hidden gems that often go unnoticed․ It is a treasure trove of knowledge for both seasoned golfers and those just starting their journey, offering a deeper understanding of the artistry and ingenuity that goes into creating a world-class golf course․ Whether you are a seasoned golfer planning your next dream trip or a casual player looking to discover new and exciting courses, The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses is an indispensable companion, ensuring that your passion for the game is fueled by informed choices and unforgettable experiences․