After some consideration, I have decided to continue using the 2012 Scoregolf rankings for the purposes of my blog. This is for a few reasons, but primarily because I feel as though the 2012 list is more accurate. Although many courses are ranked appropriately in 2014, I disagree with a number of the changes.
Most notably, Northern Bear jumped 30 spots; no doubt top 100, but in the 60s? Not in my opinion. Big Sky moved way up.. without mountains the course would never even be considered for the top 100. Nicklaus North also moved up.. another relatively bland course which benefits from mountainous surroundings. Windermere up to 50.. I'm happy to see it in the top 100 again, but its not even the best club within Edmonton, so 50 is a stretch. I'm pleased to see Tower Ranch on the new list, but at 87? Far superior course to Predator at 86. I would argue that Tower Ranch should be within 20 spots of Tobiano, its more natural sibling. Aside from nearby power lines, and a power plant in plain sight (which certainly hurt the course), the golf course itself is nearly Tobiano's equal. If Tobiano is #10, Tower Ranch is #30. I want to be wowed by a top 30 course, and I was, for the most part, impressed with Tower Ranch. Shaughnessy at #11? I love the course and have nothing bad to say about it, but I feel as though the previous rank at #21 was much more fitting. Lastly, Royal Colwood at 26? Charming old course, no way it should even come close to 26.
Heritage Pointe was a downward mover that I didn't agree with. It's not one of the nation's elite, but upon playing it last weekend for the second time I felt as though it could have moved up from its previous rank at 83. Disappointing to see it fall to the 90s, but I'm glad it still made the list.
Unfortunate exclusions: Royal Mayfair, the best club in Edmonton and host of 2 recent Canadian Women's Opens. It appears as though new sand in the bunkers hurt the courses rank... maybe they should bring back the rock filled, dirt-like sand that filled the bunkers when the Mayfair was ranked #75. Calgary's Glencoe fell out of the ranks, perhaps it was a victim of last years floods that wiped out Kananaskis? I haven't heard. It was a lot of fun when I had the pleasure of being invited to play the forest course a few years ago. The links course at Wolf Creek should also be on the list. It is every bit as good as the old course, which is all the more frustrating since the old course is consistently ranked top 30 (undeservedly so). I might make some enemies for feeling as though Silvertip should be top 100, but it is just a ton of fun. Impossible to walk, at times unimaginative in its design, and criticized for being too difficult, but I found it quite fair. It also demands different shots of the golfer, and is easily one of Canada's most scenic courses. It is a better course than Big Sky, which earns a high ranking for no reason other than its setting.
Despite retaining the 2012 list as my goal, I will also try to play all new additions to the list, and other noteworthy courses which could potentially make future lists.
On a side note, Priddis Greens is the most recent addition to my "played" list. It exceeded my expectations, and is every bit as good as a #42 course should be. I'll get started on a post when I finish my write-up on Banff Springs, check back soon!
'Til next time, keep your stick on the ice!
The Golfing Canuck
'Til next time, keep your stick on the ice!
The Golfing Canuck
