Wow, 2023 was indeed a blur. Unlike 2022, however, we did make a conscious effort to get out on the course quite a bit and even had some specially focused golf trips that we fit in. From the mountains of Canada to the Seas of Baja Mexico and many places in between here were some of our favorite golf memories of 2023!
TPC Danzante Bay (Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico) 9.9/10
Technically, we closed out 2022 with Danzante Bay but as the trip overlapped into 2023, we figured we would include it on our list. In one word, WOW! Danzante, and the surrounding area of Loreto was everything that we could have hoped it would be, and then some. As you will later read, not only did this trip, and this course up our standards for Mexico golf, but it also ultimately led to some life changes including an eventual move to Baja--I mean, that says it all, doesn't it?
Bali Hai Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV) 8.6/10
Second up was an entirely new experience for us as we checked out golf on the Las Vegas strip. After playing a few other courses in the greater Vegas area, we actually didn't even know that another course (besides the Wynn) had Strip views, but we were plenty satisfied with our discovery. Along with great food, some Vegas sizzle with an abundance of Platinum Tees girls around, and an awesome layout, we caught a fantastic sunset that beamed off the nearby towers of Mandalay Bay and the Luxor. Truly, it was a one-of-a-kind experience and a memorable course that we'd highly recommend.
Seven Canyons (Sedona, AZ) 9.7/10
We'd been itching to play Seven Canyons since we first laid eyes on it years ago in Sedona, and finally, we got our chance. The course was spectacular and everything that we'd hoped it would be. There were sweeping red rock views, plenty of interesting (and challenging) holes that utilized the natural high-desert surroundings, and elevation changes that tested our shot making abilities. While Seven Canyons is pretty much private at this point, if you are ever offered an opportunity to play, we would highly encourage you to take advantage of it. It instantly entered our Top-3 in Arizona putting Seven Canyons in elite company.
Rancho Manana (Cave Creek, AZ) 8.1/10
To be honest, if Rancho Manana is your low point of the year, you had a pretty good year. This was an above-average course and while it is rather short, it forces you to play some quality target golf. Amazingly, this was one of the better-scoring rounds of the year with 4 birds and a rather enjoyable afternoon. The surrounding amenities of the course are also quite nice and while it doesn't have the attention-grabbing alure of some of the other courses on this list, we'd actually pretty positively recommend at least one round to check it off your list.
The Raven Club (Phoenix, AZ) 8.5/10
Maybe it shouldn't have been, but this was a total sleeper for us and a really, really, solid course. It was beautifully maintained with flower-lined fairways, perfect greens, some decent water hazards and a pretty interesting track. It didn't quite crack our AZ Top-10 but would be on the bubble for consideration, and given very reasonable greens fees, it's a must if you're looking for a new option in the greater Phoenix area.
SilverRock (Palm Springs, CA) 9.5/10
Shockingly, this was our only round of California golf in 2023, but we sure are glad that we made our round count! Just when I was starting to think that Palm Springs couldn't elevate its golf prowess any further SilverRock came and reminded us of just what a special place it is. The front nine arcs around with some impressive mountain views and lots of water to be mindful of, and right when you're thinking this is pretty good you make the turn and it elevates to GREAT. The back-9 might be one of the best stretches of golf we've played. Every hole is interesting, every hole seems to have a maze of water to navigate, and every hole has INSANE mountain views. SilverRock made our top-10 in Cali, and despite stiff competition, our Top-3 in the greater Palm Springs area.
Flagstaff Ranch (Flagstaff, AZ) 9.6/10
As much as we anticipated, loved, and raved about Seven Canyons, we were almost every bit as thrilled playing Flagstaff Ranch and our rankings have it nipping right at the former's heels. Another private Arizona course, that took some finagling to get on, but once we did, Flagstaff Ranch was a total thrill. Stunning mountain views, an extremely well-designed layout that weaves through deep wooded forests, lakes, rivers, and panoramic overlooks make this an instant favorite among our collection of mountain courses and an absolute treat if you're looking for a new brand of Arizona golf. Our ranking says it all, and Flagstaff Ranch cracked our Top-3 in Arizona, not an easy feat!
Banff Springs (Banff, Alberta, Canada) 9.9/10
Stunning. Iconic. Awe-inspiring...We could go on. What an absolute thrill it was to finally get on at Banff Springs. You know from the second you arrive in Banff that you're in one of the most epically scenic places in North America and even before the golf it's hard to avoid moments of complete stupor as you stare at the craggy granite mountains piercing the sky. THEN, comes the golf! It's hard not to feel like you've been ushered to a professional tour event and the service is phenomenal. The driving range feels like a video game, the iconic clock tower sets you off towards the first tee, and the next four hours of your life are almost impossible to beat. Every single hole provides panoramic views of mountains that seem too big to be real, and as the course weaves past lakes and rivers, herds of elk, and from what we were told, even the occasional grizzly bear. You are truly immersed in golf heaven. Oh, and you can't forget about the Banff Springs Castle that overlooks the last few holes on the back-9. It's like you're in Transylvania, but in Canada, while golfing...words can't do it justice. You just have to go and see for yourself!
Stewart Creek (Canmore, Alberta, Canada) 9.7/10
This stretch of courses pushed us to the limits as we tried to separate the spectacular from the absolute pinnacle of all our golfing experiences. When it came to Stewart Creek, it gave the tippity-top a run, but just couldn't quite outdo its stunning counterparts. To be fair, Stewart Creek actually might be the best-maintained course in the entire area. It is totally buffed out, with flawless fairways and even more flawless greens. It looks like someone ran 7,500 yards of green carpet through the Canadian Rockies-- and didn't miss a stitch. Don't get us wrong either, there are a few "wow" holes and if you didn't have the extreme competition of the other courses you could easily walk away saying its a Top-10 of your entire lifetime. Shoot, maybe it even still is, but up against our next entrant, it just didn't quite take the crown.
Silvertip (Canmore, Alberta, Canada) *10/10*
Alright, it's hard to really explain the feeling you get at Silvertip. I know that no combination of letters or words that I put on this page will do it so, I will do my best to simply create an amateur sketch of what must be considered a Rembrandt, maybe even the Mona Lisa, of all golf courses. In fact, this is our ONLY 10/10 on Stay the Course, beating out the likes of Coeur d'Alene, Chambers Bay, Wolf Creek, 3 Creeks Ranch, and the aforementioned Danzante Bay. If you want a golf round that you will remember your whole life, this is where we would send you. Jagged mountain peaks are in your face on every single shot of every single hole. Sweeping fairways, crazy elevation changes, beautifully sloping greens, hidden dangers, and every conceivable element of a perfect golf round are encapsulated in a single place...and that place just so happens to feel like the top of the world. In a word, majestic. It's so beautiful that someone who hates golf, might still love it.
Kananaskis Country Golf - Mt. Kidd (Kananaskis Alberta, Canada) 9.6/10
When going up against Banff Springs, Stewart Creek, and Silvertip it's admittedly kind of an unfair fight...and as far as giving itself a chance in an unfair fight, Kananaskis held its own. We are ashamed to say it, but had we not booked in advance we would have cancelled the round. Had we not committed to playing 36 (which we never do) we would have opted for 18. Had we done either of those things, we would have missed out BIG TIME, because both rounds at Kananaskis were really, really, special. You have to give Mt. Kidd the slight edge between the two 18s as it ventured closer to some really impressive peaks and some breathtaking panoramas along with a few memorable signature holes including the Par 3 above, all of which were both challenging and stunning. It's a "must-do" and we're so happy we did.
Kananaskis Country Golf - Mt. Lorette (Kananaskis Alberta, Canada) 9.5/10
Only half a notch down from Mt. Kidd, the "other" 18 holes at Kananaskis are nothing to shake a stick at. With plenty of mountainous views and a unique track that follows a powerful winding river up and down the basin there is plenty of water to avoid and this 18 is quite a challenge. It's also fair to say that a little fatigue sets in after a second round of golf (and bloody mary's) which may have also led to a slightly less impressive score. As with golf in the entire Banff area, it's hard not to compare one course to the next and while normally you'd walk away thrilled with Mt Lorette, the bar has simply been set very high by its counterparts. Still totally worth a stop!
Treetops Signature Course (Gaylord, Michigan) 8.5/10
Since going to Northern Michigan as a kid, Treetops has been on our list and once donned as the best course in the area we'd been procrastinating for too long. In fairness, some time has passed, as has some of the mystique of the course, and while the hole designs may have been progressive once upon a time, they actually feel a bit dated now. That does not take away from the natural beauty of the thickly-wooded forest that grip the edges of the plush green fairways. There are a few memorable holes, particularly those with significant elevation changes after a few lost balls in the dense forest, the course forces you to stay focused on playing target golf. While perhaps past its prime, it is still worth an outing if you find yourself in the area.
Grand Traverse The Bear (Traverse City, Michigan) 8.5/10
While Michigan golf has a reputation to protect, it is rather easy to separate the good from the great. Unfortunately, like Treetops, the Bear finds itself in the category of the former. Again, there are some of the things that likely once felt quite innovative (like the moguls and undulations that border the fairways and greens, and the abundance of sand traps that line nearly every hole) just simply don't feel that way anymore, and worse, at times they instead feel a bit gimmicky. You can imagine, based on the branding, that this course was once a point of immense pride from the design of Jack Nicklaus but as the years have passed The Bear now simply reflects the reality that the game and standards of course design have evolved a lot. In fairness, the course is about as interesting as you can make what was probably once just completely flat farmland, and we'd actually recommend playing it, as long as you're not expecting a shining pinnacle of golf design that the name might conjure.
Loreto Bay Golf Resort (Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico) 8.7/10
This is a really quality course. We have to admit, if the conditions were a bit better this could be a great--like a really GREAT, course. The track is interesting and has a nice sprawling design which allows for a number of good mountain views on the first few holes before a few beachfront par 3s and par 4s which are stunning. The real treat, however, is the back 9 which, in terms of pure course design, layout and natural features could go up against almost any course we can name. Again, the only real letdown is in the details and a little more TLC including a few rough patches that could be cleaned up, the dirt cart paths, and a little more service both at the clubhouse and on the course itself (no cart girl or snack bar) could really go a long ways. This was a tough one to rate for us because on one-hand we really wanted to get it in the low to mid 9s/10 but with the obvious lack of details we had to compare fairly against other courses that get those items right. All in all, if you're just focused on the golf, this is a total score!
El Cortes (La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico) 9.8/10
While a course like Loreto Bay was just the details away from being great, El Cortes nailed all those details exactly...and had a spectacular course design to boot. Located just outside of La Paz this course was really a treat and one of the most solid overall golf experiences of the entire year. Almost every hole was interesting, almost every hole had views, the shot selection was challenging but you were rewarded for hitting your targets, the service was perfect, the course was immaculate, it was really all you can ask for, and then some. In fact, there were probably 3-4 holes that in terms of pure design, that could compete with anywhere we've ever played. We ranked this as our second favorite course in Mexico and while Danzante might have had a few showstopping holes that gave it the slight edge, we deliberated between the two extensively, acknowledging that in terms of consistency, El Cortes may have been worthy of the top spot.
Club Campestre (San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico) 8.4/10
Rounding out the 2023 list was Club Campestre located in San Jose del Cabo. While the course was well-rated online, and we got a screaming good deal on Golf Now including a discount, we have to be honest when we say we were a bit underwhelmed. The course was in "ok" shape and while the greens were pretty solid there was a fair amount of patchy and dead grass which was surprising given that December is a prime time of year for visiting Cabo. The sand in the bunkers needs to be replaced and many of the holes on the front 9 felt more like you were on edge of a shopping center parking lot than just a few blocks from the beach. In fact, the front 9 really felt dated, neglected, or a bit of both and as we made the turn, we had some regrets about the decision to play. In fairness, the course did get better on the back 9 and not only did the holes get better, it seemed that the conditions did, as well. This saved the day and when it was all said and done we actually enjoyed the round. It just wasn't the most consistent. No disrespect, as it's safe to say that we got pretty spoiled this year and had pretty high standards by this point.
Our other achievements this year**
In addition to these 16 stunning new courses, we also reworked our website considerably. We added more information for our custom golf booking services, added new Partnerships with a handful of our favorite courses around the world, identified a new process to help us bring our golf photos to life, and built a collection of abstract golf artwork available to other loyalists of the game.
We also found strategic alliances with other product providers and used this abstract art to create custom bag tags, ready-to-hang aluminum prints, golf puzzles, golf towels, blankets and more!
Check out our new Golf Shop at Stay the Course to view all these products and get ideas for ways in which you can show your love for the game.
Most importantly, we hope you enjoyed our insights and are looking forward to joining us for a spectacular year of new golf experiences in 2024!
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