Wasn't Oakmont in Pittsburgh designed by an amateur originally ? I realize it has been tinkered with many times since by professional architects but in some ways resembles the original as all the trees were cut down several years ago

Rich Harvests Farns in Sugar Groce, Illinois. Jerry Rich hired a names, didn't like what he was doing and did it again himself. How good is it? Good enough for a Solhiem Cup and several big amateur tournaments. Jerry is a great guy, passionate about golf and supports the game in many, many ways

There is a gold course in upstate NY called Kingswood. The designer was the land owner who decided the area needed a good public golf course. Something sorely missing in southern Warren County.
The front nine plays on relatively flat terrain. While the second nine is more hilly. Holes 14 and 15 offer a beautiful view of Vermont's Green Mountains some 40 miles distant. The course is well maintained with bent grass fairways and greens. The rough a mix of Kentucky Blue Grass and Fescue.
This area has a relatively short golf season ( April through the first snowfall) and one would expect rates to be higher.
There are no tricks in the layout. Its a fun golf course.

Any day golfing is better day than working no matter where your golfing

I have had the honour of working with Jack Nicklaus, David Maclay-Kidd and some of the top S African architects. Everything depends on the piece of land and how this can be moulded into a workable golfing solution. Many had their designs dictated to by the developers who wanted the best land for residential houses enabling them to sell their properties (understandably). Unfortunately the boom came to an end and a lot of them have collapsed.

I had the opportunity to play at Royal Isabela thanks to a friends invitation. Stunning views, top notch service and an incredible design. Hope everybody has the opportunity to play it. Unforgettable experience!

Annbriar Gplf Course in Waterloo, IL, just outside of St. Louis, is a beautiful course designed by a family in memory of their deceased daughter - quite a story worth investigating.

Dear Tim,

Thank you for the wonderful recognition of Royal Isabela.

My brother, Charlie and I feel humbled and forever indebted to our good friend, David Pfaff. We miss him.

David was a perfect architect for us to work with. He was hands-on, visionary, talented and above all an incredibly caring and sensitive human being. Those who met him couldn't help but befriend him instantly. During our interview, it took me less than a minute to know he was the one. He also endorsed our conservation efforts to protecting our flora and fauna.

To provide water storage, we had to move 225,000 cubic yards of material. While a large number, it pales in comparison to the 2 to 3 million cubic yards moved by today's standards.

While David was still with us, my brother and I routed four more courses. Currently within Royal Isabela's 500 acres we have 21 holes and room to add another 17. Also within 1,500 acres of adjacent land, we've planned to add more golf. In total we should have 90 golf holes!

Again, thank you for the wonderful article.

Stonelick Hills just outside of Cincinnati is one of the best tracks in the area - and designed by an amateur with a passion. It rewards good shots, encourages risk/reward, and plays to all different levels with an assortment of tee boxes. Greens are fair, true and reasonably fast, never tricked up. A joy to play with nature all around and an occasional glimpse of civilization.

I also have to disagree with Keith on Wolf Creek. I was enticed to play it after seeing the unbelievable holes on line. I was not only "blown away" at the scenery and how the holes were placed on this "moon like" landscape, but I also found it to be an exceptional golf course. Each hole is unique and I thought it was fair. Its a must play!!!