I have to disagree with GD’s choices for their “Best New” awards in some areas. They missed big by not including Pradera as a best new Private and Monterey Peninsula Country Club as a best redeisgn this year. Here were my votes, click on the link for a more detailed review:
Best New Public Course – Lakota Canyon Ranch, Newcastle, CO (Jim Engh) Scroll below for details
Best Renovation or Redesign – Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore Course), (Mike Strantz)
Best old school private design played THIS year – Crystal Downs C.C., Frankfort, MI (Alistair Mackenzie)
Best new private design – The Club at Pradera, Parker, CO (Jim Engh), runner-up Black Rock C.C., Boston, MA (Brian Silva)
Best Hole – #4 at Black Rock, (Silva) runner-up #10 at Pradera (Engh)
Best course overall – Pacific Dunes, Bandon, OR, (Tom Doak)
Best conditioning – Red Tail, Devens, MA (Brian Silva)
Architect of the Year – Mike Strantz
Jay,
I am glad that Red Tail was “Best Conditioned.” They had some problems with the greens when I was there, but it is a bold design by Silva.
So many good courses so little time!