What public course built before 1940 is still in great condition?

Question

I would like to play a great classic course that hasn't been hacked up or changed by Fazio or Nicklaus or some other architect. Pebble Beach has been changed a little, Bethpage Black was restored by Rees Jones. Pinehurst #2 might fit the bill but I'm not sure. Are there any great classics still in existance?

Answer 1

If you visit Orlando, play Dubsdread Golf Course. http://dubsdreadgolf.com

It was originally designed and built in 1923 and was once host to the Orlando Open PGA tour stop back when my hero, Ben Hogan was at his best. Sam Snead played there, too. The course is currently being renovated to level the tee boxes and restore the fairways & improve the greens. The course isn't long, it's only 6,000 yards, but the fairways are narrow and the greens are small. Classic golf in my opinion  It should be ready to play again by early summer.

One final note... Dubsdread was rated as Orlando's BEST public course by Orlando Magazine readers (the golfing public here).

Hope you find what you're looking for. Please visit us in sunny Orlando... we'd love to have you as our guest!

Answer 2

Out of the ones listed, Pinehurst #2 would be my pick.  If you are interested in "old style" courses, try looking into any of teh Donald Ross designs.

Good luck

Answer 3

Where are you at?  I know of a couple, one in KC and one in Denver.  I live in KC now, and my favorite course is called Swope Memorial Golf Course.  It is an old parkland design that has lots of trees, rolling fairways, plateaued greens and tons and tons of character.  It was designed by A.W. Tillinghast in 1934.  The course had gone through multiple re-designs, but was recently restored back to its original 1934 layout.  Walking down the 18th fairway, I realized that Sam Snead and Ben Hogan both made the same walk during the Kansas City Open when they played it there back in the 40's.  

In Denver, a little gem that we used to play is called Wellshire Golf Club.  It was designed in 1926 by Donald Ross.  It has his signature tees, greens, and deceptive views that we have come to expect from Ross and Fazio.  It is not kept in the best shape, but it still has the same feeling that I talked about with Swope above.  All the greats have played there, and the course is still pretty close to its original configuration.  Parkland design, rolling fairways, and hand sculpted greens make these courses fun and challenging.  

There is something about the way courses were designed before earth moving machines were invented.  There was more stress on using the lands natural features to create an exciting, challenging, and fair golf course that appeals to me.  I love "modern" golf courses too, but if I had to choose, I would play an old Robert Trent Jones course over any new Nicklaus course any day of the week.

Answer 4

If you are talking about public courses that you can play, in St. Louis, I'd recommend either the AAA course in Forest Park or the original 18 hole Municipal course in Forest Park,  The 18 hole course has been refurbished and changed quite a bit during the last few years but it is still a very good track for an older, muni course.

In San Antonio, I'd recommend Woodlake, Breckinridge Park, Olmos Basin, Pecxan Valley and Willow Springs.