The 2016 list is, in my opinion, the best top 100 list to date.
For this reason, I will be switching my blog to the 2016 list. It is not without fault, but no list ever will be. There are some deserving additions (Royal Mayfair, Tower Ranch, etc) since the 2012 list, and very few exclusions. With time, many courses have found a more deserving place on the list (Bear Mountain - Mountain down significantly to #72; meanwhile Victoria GC has crept up to #23).
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| An unfortunate exclusion in 2012, Tower Ranch climbs to #45 in 2016 |
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| Puzzlingly left off of consecutive lists, the classic Royal Mayfair is back at #59 |
Since pursuing the most accurate top 100 is my ultimate goal, it would seem ludicrous to use a list that doesn't include both Cabot courses. This has contributed to my decision to update the list, and also points to a need to update again in the future.Why? In a word: Sagebrush
While it seems strange to use a list without Cabot, it also seems unusual to exclude Sagebrush. With the recent ownership changes and zoning issues Sagebrush has not been open long enough to get the required number of rounds to get rated. This will surely change as soon as the course opens its doors again. I plan to update my list when Sagebrush reclaims it's place high on the list.
I expect Sagebrush to be back for 2018, but we will not see the Kananaskis courses back until at least 2020. After the devastating floods of 2013, restoration efforts began this summer with completion expected in 2018. One, if not both of the Kananaskis courses will almost certainly be back on the list shortly after reopening. Dundarave has fallen out of the top 100 for similar reasons - record snowfalls the winter before last killed much of the grass on the course. Like Kananaskis, expect Dundarave to sneak back into the top 100 in the future, when conditions recover.
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| Washed away in the 2013 floods, Kananaskis has an anticipated 2018 reopen |
I do intend on solidifying a top 100 list as my fixed goal, but will continue to update my blog as new/restored courses find their way back into the top 100. Since I intend on completing the top 100 before a 2022 list is released, I will likely end up ultimately using the 2020. Until that time, I will use the most accurate list to date, which is the current (2016) list.
As I enter the 4th year of my bachelor's degree and prepare for national/licensing exams, my blog progress will likely slow. I plan to chip away at posts, but will not have significant writing time until the semester nears an end. Thank you for continued support and interest in my adventures. Stay posted for what's to come!
'Til next time, keep your stick on the ice!
The Golfing Canuck
