I feel somewhat schizophrenic in writing about this course. Yes, I love to play spectacular golf courses,and yes, it is an amazing course, but sheez- $85 for a caddie?? Yes, he was okay, but I could have used my own Skycaddie and done most of the rest. Caddies were so-so; here's a tip- if a course makes you take a caddy, watch him hit range balls before you and see if he's a player, then you know he will know what he's talking about.

Course is certainly not fair, and I suppose that is one of it's unique charms; for the amount of wind in Eastern Colorado, it was impossible to not only keep the ball on the green, but nearly impossible to putt downwind and even keep the ball on the putting surface or keep from putting into the sand. Course was in good condition, can't say enough about it. Like most links courses, no one hole stands out, but the layout was truly impressive.
Would I play it again? If comped, but not for that price and location (two weeks from anywhere- cow tipping may be the major form of evening entertainment). I would rather pay the $$ and go play Trump course in Palos Verdes (twice), several rounds at Poppy Hills/ Fort Ord, or Half Moon Bay in NorCal. After leaving Ballyneal, went to south Denver- played Bear Dance, Colorado GC, Ridge at Castle Pines- all phenomenal tracks; played them all for less than what I spent at Ballyneal.
As a normal golfer, I am as most golfers- like courses that are challenging, entertaining and visually appealing. I have left the world of "elite golf" or "purist golf" years ago (played Pebble dozens of times) and finally realized that a golf course is always just a golf course, and true enjoyment is finding that occasional course that is shockingly amazing AND affordable.

Customer Service

Exellent

Similar Products Used:

Bandon Dunes

Ballyneal is as good as golf gets in the US. The course ranks top 10 modern in Golfweek and is in the same league as Pacific Dunes and Sand Hills. Plays different every day depending on wind much as links courses in the UK. If you have an opportunity to play, don't pass it up as there is no better links experience this side of the Atlantic.

Customer Service

Ballyneal has a fabulous staff, great accommodations for members and guests and the food is superb.

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Sand Hills, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Dunes, Sutton Bay.

Ballyneal boasts an 18-hole links course designed by renowned architect Tom Doak. It is a walking-only course with caddies and plays firm and fast at 7,130 yards with a par of 71. The greens are quite large and fairly slow. The routing of the course is amazing, and really makes it extremely FUN to play. I agree with others who say "Ballyneal is a golf purist’s heaven."

Customer Service

Superb!

Similar Products Used:

Bandon Dunes