Many prestigious golf magazines offer reviews from professional golf writers. These reviews are sometimes opinions on famous courses that everyone, even non-golfers, has heard of. Do we really need more reviews on Pinehurst # 2, Pebble Beach, and Augusta National? I do not think so. So let’s find out some of the darkest, but coolest, courses that people need to be exposed to. Hopefully, these reviews are aimed at the regular golfer – that is, the golfer who shoots triple-digit scores. (The sad but true fact is that ninety percent of golfers are hackers.) I have chosen to write about some of the toughest courses I have ever played, golf being at its kindest, inherently sweet, for most of us. I have selected a special course from each of the following areas of the United States: the Midwest (or Great Lakes region), the eastern United States, the west coast, and the southwestern desert.

THE BEAR (Grand Traverse Resort), Acme, Michigan – This is a Jack Nicklaus-designed beauty. The “Golden Bear” (and Tigger is not hitting the Jack’s Major record!) Was proud enough of this achievement to give it his nickname. Jack was asked to design a most difficult course, and he complied with a bear course. With just a five-month growing season, Northern Michigan’s fields are in the best shape in the country due to lack of play. This course is ranked among the twenty toughest courses in the United States (public or private) by Golf Digest. Not everyone will break 100, but they will enjoy every minute of suffering. The tycoons at no. 16 make a wonderful picture, but keep in mind not to hit them. The course grade is 76.3 / slope 148.

CLEGHORN PLANTATION, Rutherfordton, NC: Who is George Cobb? Well, he is the architect of the course and he sure knew what he was doing. This is a lovely (and mature, forty-year-old) course nestled in the southern foothills of the Appalachians. It is thickly wooded, very dangerous. The views from every tee are breathtaking and often any hole, other than the one being played, is out of sight. The price is also incredible ($ 50 includes a riding cart!). That is southern hospitality! This course is highly rated by Golf Digest and Golflink. Some have compared it to Augusta National. While that may be a bit of a stretch, the similarities are there. The course grade is 74.6 / slope 134.

BANDON DUNES (Bandon Dunes Resort), Bandon, Oregon: While this course may no longer fit the darkness model, it needs to be mentioned. The original course at Bandon Dunes Resort was designed by Scotsman David Kidd. It represents a beautiful playable European golf course. Hole # 16 is one of the most visually pleasing holes out there. If golf could ever make a person foggy, this view from the tee could stir the emotions. The course is rated # 6 in the best courses in the US “You Can Play” by Golf Magazine. Beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean abound. This course is WALKABLE ONLY (strollers available for the physically disabled). Carts are available. December and January can be quite hazy, so to speak. The course grade is 74.1 / Slope 143.

ENTRANCE IN SNOW CANYON, St. George, Utah: Utah’s St. George area, in the southwestern corner of the state, is a tremendous little-known golf destination. This course is one of the best of the great courses out there. The last nine are diabolical due to the Johnny Miller factor (architect) and the very narrow playing area through lava fields on several holes. St. George is also not far from Mesquite, Nevada, which has more great courses (and casinos galore if gambling is a hobby for people). Negatively, the course is open to Inn at Entrada guests and owners only. It is worth the hassle. A non-summer experience is recommended as it is very hot from June to August. The course grade is 73.6 / slope 131 but it is more difficult than that slope.