tad950

Now that I understand your question, I think the answer will be easy if you take any credence in GD’s Top 100 World list. The Valley at Royal Portrush is also included on that list. And I believe the second course at RCD is a shorter layout. I know I’m in the minority here, but I prefer Royal Portrush over RCD. Too many blind tee shots at RCD to my liking. 😀

Too bad you missed Dunaverty. A hoot to play. And I agree with your opinion of Machrihanish and Dunes. Too bad it’s such a long, not easy drive. Some say the whiskey from Islay is the best in the world. p,s. One of the young guns in our group aced 14 (?), a par 4 at Machrihanish Dunes.

Vietnam and Japan March-April 2026. The names of the courses would probably be unfamiliar here.😀

Makani is decent. Cheaper than the resort courses. Higher up, so a little cooler. I play Waikoloa Village occasionally. A muni feel, but I enjoy it. I haven’t played Waikoloa Beach/Kings since they combined courses. Kona CC is just ok, for me anyway. Makalei is like a roller coaster. A lot of elevation changes. Volcano is a haul from Mauna Lani. It’s near the National Park. So maybe catch it if you’re in the area. You used to be able to get on Hualalai occasionally if you weren’t a resort guest. But I haven’t tried in a while. Hilo is a good deal if you could get kama’aina rates. It’s about as local as you can get. People playing barefoot, no shirts, But it can rain a lot.