Everything We've Played in 2024 (So Far ...)
A Year of Exceptional Golf (So Far at RADMOR...) : The 2024 Tour
At RADMOR, we believe that the spirit of golf is best captured through the experiences we share on the course, the getting there and back, and in the anticipation surrounding it. This year, so far, Bob and I have had the privilege of playing some of the most iconic and breathtaking golf courses around the world. From the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest to the legendary fairways of California, our journey has taken us to some truly remarkable places. Here’s a detailed look at each course we've played this year so far ...
Chambers Bay - University Place, WA
Our 2024 journey began at Chambers Bay, a links-style course overlooking Puget Sound. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course is famous for its rugged vertical terrain, large undulating greens, and breathtaking views. Did we mention the train that runs thru it? Chambers was the site of the 2015 U.S. Open, and it challenges golfers with its length, its wide fairways and fescue-lined hazards, making it a true test of skill and strategy. You're going to hit bad shots out there, how to manage them will make all the difference at Chambers.
Sahalee Country Club - Sammamish, WA
Nestled among towering Douglas firs, Sahalee Country Club is a Pacific Northwest gem. This course is renowned for its tree-lined fairways and demanding layout, requiring precision off the tee and careful approach shots. Designed by Ted Robinson, Sr., Sahalee has hosted major tournaments including the 1998 PGA Championship, and more recently the 2024 LPGA Championship, making it a must-play for any serious golfer. (A huge shout out to Sahalee for letting us capture its epic beauty in our Fall '24 campaign.)
Wing Point Golf & Country Club - Bainbridge Island, WA
Scott's home course is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest and is located on Bainbridge Island. Wing Point offers a unique blend of challenge and charm, with greens that many consider to be the best in Washington. The shortest course on our list this year, with 3 almost drivable par-4's provides something for everyone - tight fairways and small greens demand accuracy and a thoughtful approach, rewarding those who can navigate its subtle complexities.
Washington National Golf Club - Auburn, WA
A premier championship course known for its scenic beauty and challenging design. Opened in 2000 and designed by renowned architect John Fought, this 18-hole layout offers sweeping views of Mount Rainier and rolling fairways that challenge golfers of all skill levels. The course was originally designed to be the home of the University of Washington's golf teams, although the men's program currently plays at Aldarra.
Pacific Grove Golf Links - Pacific Grove, CA
Often referred to as the "Poor Man's Pebble Beach," Pacific Grove Golf Links offers a classic seaside golf experience at a fraction of the cost. It's also where we shot our Spring/Summer '24 campaign. The front nine meanders through tree-lined fairways, while the back nine opens up to breathtaking ocean views. It's here that Pacific Grove shines. This municipal course is a true delight, offering a fun and affordable round of golf in one of the most picturesque settings on the Monterey Peninsula.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course - Pebble Beach, CA
Spyglass Hill is a true test of golf, offering a blend of coastal and forested holes that demand both power and precision. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this course is famous for its challenging layout and stunning scenery, with the first five holes offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Bob and Scott consider Spy to be on their list of favorite courses and it's easy to see why. The inland holes are no less spectacular, winding through the Del Monte Forest with towering pines and challenging greens.
Kukio Golf and Beach Club - Kailua-Kona, HI
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kukio Golf and Beach Club offers a luxury golf experience like no other. If you're fortunate enough to play it, the Tom Fazio-designed course is set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and offers stunning views of the Kona coast. With its immaculate fairways, challenging bunkers, and pristine greens, Kukio is a paradise for golfers seeking both challenge and relaxation. Hit the drink stations whenever possible, and make sure you grab lunch at the clubhouse ... it maybe the best view in Hawaii.
Bandon Dunes - Bandon, OR
Bandon Dunes is a golfer's dream, offering a pure links experience on the rugged Oregon coast. Designed by David McLay Kidd, the course features wide fairways, large greens, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The course is exposed to the elements, with the wind playing a significant role in every round. Bandon Dunes is a must-play for any golfer looking to experience the beauty and challenge of true links golf.
Pacific Dunes - Bandon, OR
Adjacent to Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes offers a different but equally thrilling experience. Designed by Tom Doak, this course is known for its dramatic cliffs, rolling dunes, and challenging layout. The course seamlessly blends with the natural landscape, offering some of the most breathtaking holes in golf. Every round at Pacific Dunes is a memorable adventure, with each hole offering a unique challenge and stunning views.
Bandon Trails - Bandon, OR
Bandon Trails offers a departure from the coastal links of Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes, taking golfers on a journey through the forested dunes and meadows of the Oregon coast. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course is a masterful blend of natural beauty and strategic design. The variety of landscapes and challenges make Bandon Trails a favorite among many golfers.
Cypress Point Club - Pebble Beach, CA
Cypress Point Club is legendary in the world of golf, a bucket list trip for most, known for its exclusivity and breathtaking beauty. We have our BFF to thank, Ben Garner, for getting us out there, and it was every bit as incredible as we always imagined. Designed by Alister MacKenzie, the course features some of the most iconic holes in golf, including the famous 16th hole, which requires a dramatic shot over the Pacific Ocean. Cypress Point offers a serene and private golfing experience, with each hole offering a unique blend of challenge and natural beauty.
Old Macdonald - Bandon, OR
Old Macdonald pays homage to the great Scottish architect Charles Blair Macdonald, offering a links experience reminiscent of the classic courses of the British Isles. Designed by Tom Doak and Jim Urbina, the course features wide fairways, large greens, and deep bunkers. The course is a true test of traditional links golf, with the wind and weather playing a significant role in every round.
Monterey Peninsula Country Club - Pebble Beach, CA
Monterey Peninsula Country Club (MPCC) offers a one of the nicest golf experiences on the Monterey Peninsula, with two championship courses – the Shore Course and the Dunes Course. We played the Shore Course, where Bob rebounded from rough start at Cypress earlier in the morning and shot 67 from the tips on MPCC's Shore Course. Both courses offer stunning ocean views and challenging layouts, with the Shore Course being particularly renowned for its scenic beauty along the water and is typically a part of the AT&T Pebble Beach Tournament. Way to go BobRad!
The Hay - Pebble Beach, CA
The Hay is a short course at Pebble Beach, offering a fun and relaxed golfing experience. Redesigned by Tiger Woods, the course features nine par-3 holes that pay homage to the history of Pebble Beach (or so they say). The course is perfect for a quick round or a casual game with friends, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding landscape. I'm not going to lie here ... we played as an 6-some and it was epic. Note: drinks are almost as much as the cost to play, but it's worth every penny and so much fun (even if you're hitting off synthetic turf tees), and if you need a great place to grab dinner or lunch, the food was great.
Trail Creek Golf Course - Sun Valley, ID
Nestled in the mountains of Sun Valley, Trail Creek Golf Course offers a picturesque golfing experience with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The course is known for its challenging layout, with narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens. The mountain scenery and the fresh air make every round at Trail Creek a memorable experience.
Interbay Golf Course - Seattle, WA
Interbay GC offers a unique urban golf experience in the heart of Seattle. We play a lot of golf there with our friend Dylan Diether, as the executive course is perfect for a quick round. Nine holes challenge both beginners and experienced golfers alike and is well maintained. Stunning views of the Seattle skyline and surrounding mountains make this a great afternoon round followed up by a cold beer - all 10 minutes from Pioneer Square.
Elkhorn Golf Club - Sun Valley, ID
Elkhorn Golf Club offers a challenging and scenic golfing experience in Sun Valley, Idaho. The course is known for its elevation changes, water hazards, and fast greens. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Elkhorn offers a true test of golf in a stunning mountain setting. The course is both challenging and beautiful, offering a unique blend of strategy and scenery.
Tacoma Country & Golf Club - Lakewood, WA
Tacoma Country & Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the Pacific Northwest, offering a classic golfing experience with a rich history. The course features tree-lined fairways, challenging bunkers, and fast greens. The club's location on the shores of American Lake provides stunning views and a tranquil setting for a round of golf. This is RADMOR's RJ Manke's home course and it's considered a great track for PGA/Korn Ferry tour pro's, with no less than four of them currently calling Tacoma CC their home base.
Seattle Golf Club - Shoreline, WA
Seattle Golf Club offers one of the most traditional private golfing experiences in the Pacific Northwest. The course is known for its immaculate conditioning, challenging layout, this was one of 5 courses on this list that Bob and I played during our years at the University of Washington. With its tree-lined fairways and fast greens, Seattle Golf Club offers a true test of golf in a serene and picturesque setting.
Aldarra Golf Club - Sammamish, WA
Aldarra Golf Club offers a unique and challenging golfing experience on the Boeing family's former dairy farm in Sammamish, Washington. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course features rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens. The course is considered one of the most challenging in Washington, and is a true golf club in every sense of the word. Host to the Pac 12 Championship and the NCAA Regionals, Aldarra is what we like to call 'special'.
Broadmoor Golf Club - Seattle, WA
Broadmoor Golf Club is where Bob and I logged at least a thousand rounds over our years at UW. Located in the heart of Seattle, the course is known for its challenging layout, with narrow fairways, fast greens, and strategically placed hazards. The club's location (less than 1 mile from the UW campus) offers stunning views of Lake Washington and the surrounding mountains, making every round at Broadmoor a memorable experience.
With only a few months left in the year, we'll keep updating this list, but every course we've played so far has offered a unique and unforgettable experience, showcasing the diversity and beauty of the game we all love. From the rugged coastlines of Oregon and California to the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii, our journey has taken us to some of the most iconic and beautiful golf courses in the world. Yes, we know how lucky we are, and although we're looking forward to more adventures and more rounds of golf in the years to come, we hope you have a chance to visit a few of these tracks on your own time. They won't disappoint. We promise.