GolfChannel.com polled more than 160 college golf coaches to determine the best college courses in America. You may agree with the ranking or you may not. But, one thing is for sure: it’s a heck of a lot better than the BCS.
No. 10 – University of Georgia Golf Course
Type: Public
Architect: Robert Trent Jones (redesigned by Davis Love III and Mark Davis)
Yardage (Par): 7,240 (71)
Proximity to campus: 3.0 miles
Phone: 706-369-5739
Web site: www.golfcourse.uga.edu
Remarks from an anonymous coach: ‘It’s a Robert Trent Jones design that Davis Love III made even better when he re-did the greens a few years ago.’
No. 9 – Wisconsin (University Ridge)
Type: Public
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Yardage (Par): 7,259 (72)
Proximity to campus: 7.5 miles
Phone: 608-845-7700
Web site: www.universityridge.com
Remarks from an anonymous coach: ‘Great Robert Trent Jones layout, team practice area.’
No. 8 – University of Texas Golf Club
Type: Private
Architects: Roy Bechtol and Randy Russell
Yardage (Par): 7,412 (71)
Proximity to campus: 22.4 miles
Phone: 512-266-6464
Web site: www.utgolfclub.com
Remarks from an anonymous coach: ‘7,412 yds, enhanced by UT Alumni professional golfers with design improvements, built with college golf in mind.’
No. 7 – North Carolina (Finley)
Type: Public
Architect: Tom Fazio
Yardage (Par): 7,091 (72)
Proximity to campus: 0.8 miles
Phone: 919-962-2349
Web site: www.uncfinley.com
Remarks from an anonymous coach: ‘Course design by Tom Fazio, great condition, minutes from center of campus.’
No. 6 – The Course at Yale
Type: Private
Architect: Charles Blair Macdonald
Yardage (Par): 6,749 (70)
Proximity to campus: 3.1 miles
Phone: 203-392-2376
Web site: www.thecourseatyale.org
Remarks from an anonymous coach: ‘Yale is a classic pre-modern design that provides the golfer with a lot of unique shots he or she doesn’t normally see, and has only gotten better with age.’
No. 5 – Duke University Golf Club
Type: Public
Architect: Robert Trent Jones (redesign by Rees Jones)
Yardage (Par): 7,045 (72)
Proximity to campus: 0.8 miles
Phone: 919-681-2288
Web site: www.golf.duke.edu
Remarks from an anonymous coach: ‘Course is very traditional, very fun to play yet very challenging.’
No. 4 – Purdue (Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex)
Type: Public
Architect: Pete Dye
Yardage (Par): 7,465 (72)
Proximity to campus: 0.9 miles
Phone: 765-494-3139
Web site: www.purduegolf.com
Remarks from an anonymous coach: ‘It is a true University golf course. It is conveniently located to campus and has hosted numerous national events [including the 2008 NCAA Championships].’
No. 3 – Stanford Golf Course
Type: Private (must be a student, faculty or member of the alumni association)
Architect: William Bell and George C. Thomas, Jr.
Yardage (Par): 6,727 (70)
Proximity to campus: 1.4 miles
Phone: 650-723-0755
Web site: www.stanfordgolfcourse.com
Remarks from an anonymous coach: ‘It has withstood the test of time and I’ve yet to experience any collegiate players who haven’t enjoyed competing on it.’
No. 2 – Oklahoma State (Karsten Creek)
Type: Public
Architect: Tom Fazio
Yardage (Par): 7,402 (72)
Proximity to campus: 6.5 miles
Phone: 405-743-1658
Web site: www.karstencreek.net
Remarks from an anonymous coach: ‘Extreme length requiring accuracy coupled with very difficult undulating, fast greens. A relentless test of golf.’
No. 1 – Ohio State University Golf Club
Type: Semi-private (Must be a student, faculty or member of the alumni association)
Architect: Alister MacKenzie (restored by Jack Nicklaus)
Yardage (Par): 7,455 (71)
Proximity to campus: 3.4 miles
Phone: 614-459-4653
Web site: www.ohiostategolfclub.com
Remarks from an anonymous coach: ‘The OSU Scarlet Course has always exceeded my expectations as a coach. The golf course provides the ideal level of difficulty for college golf. The proximity to campus is also a plus.’