Top Tees
Golf course architect Tom Doak is known for original designs that respect the existing features of the land. His courses are among the top-rated in the world, but which are the ones he loves best? Here, Doak notes the holes that are closest to his heart.
—Zachary Wilson
Thirteenth Hole, High Pointe
Williamsburg, Michigan
“My first truly original green design,” Doak says. Surrounded by thick woodlands, the 13th, nicknamed Boardman, is a par 4. The High Pointe Golf Club, which was built in 1989, set the standard for all of Doak’s future courses and was named one of the top 10 courses built in the U.S. from 1989 to 1999 by Links magazine.
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Eighteenth Hole, Stonewall
Elverson, Pennsylvania
With its green nestled against the Amish stone-barn-turned-clubhouse, the 18th hole at Stonewall Golf Club's Old Course takes inspiration from British clubs such as the Royal Lytham and Prestwick. The par-4 hole is one of Doak’s favorites because of the setting and because it was his first private commission. Despite the hilly terrain, the course is designed for walking, not for golf carts.
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Eleventh Hole,Lost Dunes Golf Club
Bridgman, Michigan
The 11th hole at Lost Dunes is one of Doak’s favorites because of its “wild green in a natural bowl.” With noisy Interstate 94 splitting the course in two, the Lost Dunes project was a challenge for Doak and his team. It turned out better than they expected, however, and was even named one of Golf Digest’s best new private courses in 1999.
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Sixteenth Hole, Pacific Dunes
Bandon, Oregon
At just under 350 yards, the par-4 hole is one of the most frightening on the course, Doak says. Built in 2001, Pacific Dunes fulfilled his dream of making a oceanfront course. Four holes are set along the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, while the remaining holes (including the 16th) take advantage of the giant sand dunes, giving players a variety of scenery and the chance to play diffferent styles.
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TwelfthHole,Cape Kidnappers Resort
Napier, New Zealand
The 12th hole at Cape Kidnappers Resort in Napier, New Zealand, is one of Doak’s favorites because it looks like it plays straight out into the Pacific Ocean. Built in 2004, the par-4 12th, nicknamed Infinity, is the most wide-open hole on the course, with the green set at the end of a narrow ridge against Hawke’s Bay.
Fourth Hole, Barnbougle Dunes
Bridport, Tasmania, Australia
“A great short par-4 with glorious bunkers,” Doak says. Nicknamed Homestead and surrounded by grassy hills and a few scattered trees, the fourth hole is located in the original spot of Barnbougle farm’s first house. Today, the hilly Tasmanian backdrop provides a great setting for one of the shortest holes on the course, less than 275 meters from the back tee.
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Thirteenth Hole, Barnbougle Dunes
Bridport, Tasmania, Australia
“My ode to Dr. MacKenzie’s famous Sitwell Park green,” Doak says. Built in 2004, the course was designed to promote and encourage tourism in Tasmania, meaning it had to be magnificently planned to draw Australian golfers from the more famous courses around Sydney and Melbourne.
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Twelfth Hole, Ballyneal
Holyoke, Colorado
With its grassy hills rolling into the distance, the 12th hole at Ballyneal looks as if it could go on forever. Built in 2004, Ballyneal was the dream of brothers Rupert and Jim O’Neal. Jim has a love for golf, while Rupert prefers hunting game birds, so Ballyneal offers each in a landscape that is challenging for both strategic sports.
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Second Hole, Sebonack Golf Club
Southampton, New York
Situated on 300 acres, the Sebonack Golf Club spared no expense (reportedly spending more than $100 million) in making itself one of the most beautiful and prestigious golf spots in the area. The second hole specifically, with its green tucked into the dunes, is one of Doak’s favorites. With its lush views, it’s not difficult to see why.
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