tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post113846812190265184..comments2024-03-18T18:03:15.023-07:00Comments on Playing the Top 100 Golf Courses in The World: Fishers Island ClubTop 100 Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16730165824981497579noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-7092882066667904382022-08-22T14:52:56.184-07:002022-08-22T14:52:56.184-07:00random article why are you so madrandom article why are you so madAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-79337376666646667152018-05-21T10:48:35.050-07:002018-05-21T10:48:35.050-07:00This has been enjoyable reading. I play Fishers Is...This has been enjoyable reading. I play Fishers Island in less than 2 weeks. Never been there, never heard of it before last autumn. It was a silent auction bid from a tournament in Portsmouth, NH last year. I have a cousin in NY who is an avid golfer, and has heard of it, and can't believe I have invited him to play. His word to describe it from what he has heard, was "special". He is bringing one of his golfing buddies and will meet myself and my friend, both from NH. I'm sure I'll write again sometime when I get back. We are making 2 nights of it, staying in Mystic, CT. Can't wait!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-65136586835784752442018-02-26T19:36:56.924-08:002018-02-26T19:36:56.924-08:00When are you coming out to Southern California?? G...When are you coming out to Southern California?? Gonzalesgolf@yahoo.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16631595926947045773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-6457045250587923362017-05-23T10:42:17.273-07:002017-05-23T10:42:17.273-07:00Just played Fisher's Island the other day. I ...Just played Fisher's Island the other day. I have been fortunate enough to play many great courses (Shinnecock, Friar's Head, Winged Foot East/West, Quaker Ridge, Piping Rock, Meadowbrook, the Creek, Sebonack, Bethpage Black, etc.). Can you tell I live in the Met area? :)<br />After reading your review, I was surprised you were not blown away by Fishers Island. Your experience playing many great courses is superior to mine, but I am still yet surprised.<br />My experience of the island was different from yours. Everyone was super warm and inviting including all of the staff members at the club. Dan, the head pro, couldn't have been nicer.<br /><br />In regards to the course, I will agree with you on certain parts. The 1st hole is not a great golf hole in comparison to the other amazing holes to come, but I am okay with that. The second hole is a fine par 3. <br />Holes 3-9 are perhaps one of the best stretches in golf I have ever played. The skyline green of the 3rd hole is amazing. The 4th hole Punchbowl oozes character. The 5th par 3 is a bear of a hole with a beautiful view. The 6th hole is a shorter par 5 that is challenging to hit in two if you get the wrong lie (which can easily happen even in the fairway). <br />The 7th hole is a beautiful risk/reward off the tee and an amazing view. The 8th hole is another cool hole as a Par 4 or 5. It is VERY tough as a Par 4. The 9th hole is a beautiful blind tee shot that makes your jaw drop when you get over the hill. This green is also a dual plateau that is amazing.<br />Then there are other amazing holes such as the Par 3 Winthorp (or is it Winthrop). An amazing and demanding shot. After this hole, the course does fall back a tiny bit, but not much. The #1 handicap cape hole is very unique and full of character.<br />I did not mind the 18th finishing hole. I thought it was a great hole to finish on.<br /><br />All in all, I think this is an AMAZING course for all handicaps alike. Similar to that of Friar's Head and other courses, it is VERY fair and a course that I could play daily. I agree that the pacing sets you up for the best holes towards the front of the course, but that is a minor knock.<br />This course reminded me very much of The Creek on steroids. It has some quirky and wonderful holes with amazing designs. I am super fortunate to be able to say I played it.<br /><br />Oh, one more thing, I really didn't mind the conditions of the course. It made it unique not to have irrigation in the fairways. I have played on some courses with immaculate conditions and this did not bother me one bit. If anything, it added to the experience.<br /><br />Thanks for your time and I enjoy reading some more of your reviews.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-90726118876884282062016-12-18T23:04:24.651-08:002016-12-18T23:04:24.651-08:00I am 54 years old, have played golf for 45 years a...I am 54 years old, have played golf for 45 years and 40 years ago at age 14, as a boy scout, I was able to caddie for the entire summer at Fishers Island Club. This was the most memorable year of my life and the unique experiences that summer have helped shape who I am today. I caddied for a few of the Duponts and other affluent members and their guests, all of whom treated me very well. The most gracious was the famous Gene Kelly, who was always a class act and a true gentleman. The 1st time I caddied for him, he asked my opinion on what club to use for his second shot on a par 4 (I don't recall which hole) which he took my advice and by luck, holed it for an eagle. He was estatic and repeated the story throughout the day to passing members in other groups. He then asked for me by name everytime he played that year. He always paid double the caddie rate ($20 vs $10 a round) if I remember correctly. He always shared words of wisdom with me in a very unassuming and sincere way. He was interested in my schooling, plans for college and what I wanted to do for a career. I also recall on slow days while waiting to go out for a round, we would be playing "Spades" at our sheltered caddie area. It wasn't a shack but more a big carport with picnic tables. We had our own cove down a short path with rocky beach area where we would catch crab. There was also a ping pong table that we rarely used, darts and board games. Carts were only occaisonally used and only to fore caddie...but we always walked with the the bags, sometimes even double bag. The member tournaments were my favorite when there were a couple bars set up on different holes. It's amazing to me how perfect that summer was, in the mid 70's. I would take the ferry at 6am or so every morning in the darkm. Once landing on the island, the caddie master would pick us up in a van and bring us to the private part of the island, passing several well hidden mansions along the way to the course. The sun, salt air, humidity, aerated greens, sandy paths, wind off the sound, cliffs, rocky shoreline, water views, eel grass, beach roses...are all remembered in my senses forever. Nantucket has a great "feel" to it, the Vineyard a bit different, Block Island still different but Unlike the author, Fishers Island and the course had a very special feel to it and one that I have never forgotten. For me it's a very special place. The ironic part is that even though I know the course well, having walked it as a caddie over 60 rounds...I love this course, even though I have never actually played it. Having played Myopia, Pinehurst, Sawgrass, Medina, Vallhalla, Grand Waiella, and so many other courses (not Pebble or Spy Glass)...Regardless, Fishers Island would still be my choice if I could only pick one last course to play. It's truly a unique course that you don't want it to be like other top 100 courses. You can't compare the "feel" of the water holes along the cliffs to other famous cliff or water holes...it has its own natural beauty and feel. I can see why the members would prefer it not be ranked or even known. Former Caddiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04459979579022297797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-62463732965871178212016-05-23T12:12:15.702-07:002016-05-23T12:12:15.702-07:00I played yesterday in the 2016 Fisher's Island...I played yesterday in the 2016 Fisher's Island Church's Tournament, I think your description of the course was very unfair. Of course I played at the end of May and it was a wet spring, but there was not a single brown spot on the entire course. The wind was up a little, but I could not even imagine putting on those greens if they were brown and parched! They had to be somewhere around a 13 yesterday. The island was full of very friendly people, they helped cook burgers and dogs and after the tournament we all went to the American Legion hall had a couple of "pops" and hung out until the boat left. I go back in two weeks to play the Hay Harbor on the other side of the island. This tournament helps the school raise money. I played in it a couple of years ago, and thought it was nice that all the kids were there cooking and serving all of us. An earlier commenter mentioned the evil 2nd hole along the water - boy was that commenter spot on about its beauty and how tough it is... don't go right!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-58105157835828841462016-03-11T22:05:49.588-08:002016-03-11T22:05:49.588-08:00Fishers Island is the paradise that many people ca...Fishers Island is the paradise that many people can only imagine. It was my summer home for so many years and the same for many of the best friends I ever made in my life, most still are, so many names I will not mention as we all try to keep it quite. I thank the writer of this article for bashing FI, as we never want people to know what a truly special place FI is. Concerning the golf coures, he must be a novict at golf to not realize that the Fishers Island Country Club (for those of us that knew original name) is among the top 10 courses in the US and top 30 in the world. I would assume that his handicap it way over 25.<br /><br />All the best to all of my friend - Jeff (those that know, know who I am!!!)peckjeffrey@hotmail.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-55806869973381837972014-12-04T20:46:52.039-08:002014-12-04T20:46:52.039-08:00Everyone has an opinion, no matter how misguided. ...Everyone has an opinion, no matter how misguided. Fishers is a phenomenal golf course.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11184569712967803815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-9349461744966664022013-04-22T06:04:03.435-07:002013-04-22T06:04:03.435-07:00First of all, I live on this island. There are ove...First of all, I live on this island. There are over 2500 people, but under 250 residents. In the summers, welthier people come to the island to visit and as a get away from there real home. In the summer, The fairway is not like this, since the "summer people" get jobs there and fix it. The course makes its money because the price to be a member is $50,000 dollars. Also the wealthy people donate and help pay. Also, anyone can come to the island. The cost of the fairy is $40 dollars round trip. By the way, there is another golf course on the island. It is the "Hay Harbor Course", another club on island. You can pay less to be a member, and even less than that to be a member of an "after 5 club" where you can only play after five o'clock. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-43235183520866479492013-03-15T11:59:31.642-07:002013-03-15T11:59:31.642-07:00Clearly opinions are high on this one. I have play...Clearly opinions are high on this one. I have played pretty much all of the top ten PVGC, Augusta, Cypress, Merion, Pebble and I think Fishers Island is right where it should be ranked. Definatley not a top 10 but fantastic on so many fronts and just a great golf experience. Similiar to other reposnders comments I do think with better routing the course would have a shot at the top fifteen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-90867568018415232072013-01-29T06:50:03.426-08:002013-01-29T06:50:03.426-08:00you dont know what your talking about the course w...you dont know what your talking about the course was amazing its not all about condition. the maidstone club is similar in condition and is also always ranked in the top 100 so somebody see s the beauty<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-30782020964981683482013-01-01T11:59:27.673-08:002013-01-01T11:59:27.673-08:00As a PGA Professional (located in MD at the time) ...As a PGA Professional (located in MD at the time) I've been extremely fortunate to play Fischer's Island Club via a connection with the Head Pro I was working for at the time. We were treated very very well at the Club and I was awestruck by nearly every hole - both in the design and the obvious beauty of the property. Each hole demands something of the golfer ESPECIALLY on your approaches to the green complexes!! <br /><br />We played after heavy rain storms the day/evening before and were limited to cart path only which enhanced our experience by walking about the course a bit more. It was windy (20-20 mph) following the rains the previous day and trust me the course played very challenging - I expect the wind is not uncommon on the Island. I'm equally sure Raynor designed it to "accommodate" these conditions. The variety in design is like no other - far more interesting the Pebble Beach, perhaps comparable to Cypress Point . <br /><br />I felt I might be on an entirely different golf course on nearly every hole. And the scenery - though not "part of the course" surely enhances the experience for anyone who gets to enjoy this course. <br /><br />We were welcomed to play a second round which was somewhat exhausting due to the wind and demands of the course design, but most definitely worth it.<br /><br />I've been fortunate to have played Pebble Beach (for $88 on a windless day in 1983) and though it's difficult to compare the two courses (and I would not) I believe Pebble is slightly easier. The dramatic scenery is different between the two but equally enjoyable. In summary, the initial poster is way off base in the negative comments regarding Fischer's Island Club course. It seems he has little if any sophistication regarding golf course design, architecture or intellect.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-88546852920810534382012-08-12T13:04:15.609-07:002012-08-12T13:04:15.609-07:00I am a golf professional from CT who visits the &q...I am a golf professional from CT who visits the "Big Club" as they call it on the island each year to play in an outing. I must say that after reading your review of the golf course dozens of times, I have come to this conclusion...This is the worst review of any golf course I have ever read. One trip to the island, and you are smearing the people who live there, the amazing designer, and the beautifully understated course.....You obviously have no clue...I rank it ahaead of Pebble & Winged FootAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-60092574014250708842012-06-07T07:54:17.735-07:002012-06-07T07:54:17.735-07:00I've lived in CT for many years and, am embara...I've lived in CT for many years and, am embarassed to say, I had never heard of Fisher's island Golf course until this year. I am not a golfer, but still amazed I was ignorant of the course's existence. It seems to be a cherished secret. As I inquire among my golfer friends playing on the course seems to be a "bucket list" item. Is Fisher's ever open to the public. Is it only through a club member that one gets to play?peachnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-71261151805685883482012-04-11T04:49:54.323-07:002012-04-11T04:49:54.323-07:00I break 100 every time I play, thank you. For the ...I break 100 every time I play, thank you. For the record some of the greatest architects who have designed courses are mid to high handicappers. You, my friend, are an elitist snob!Top 100 Golferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16730165824981497579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-71150388191593242752012-04-10T20:11:21.453-07:002012-04-10T20:11:21.453-07:00People who can't break 100 shouldn't be al...People who can't break 100 shouldn't be allowed to critique golf courses. You're like a color blind art critic. While you may have a basic understanding of golf course architecture from what you read in books, you'll never experience a golf course the way we players do. It will forever elude you. How can one appreciate the strategic nuances of a golf course when ones only strategy is "don't shank this one"? This blog sucks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-61464285055016386572012-01-16T19:27:13.604-08:002012-01-16T19:27:13.604-08:00can you rent a house and play golf somehow some wa...can you rent a house and play golf somehow some way on the island? i live in CT and would love to rent something for a month and be able to play golf there too on either course!! any help in this regard would be welcome.. i have two great boys 11 and 13 and we love to golf and fish so its paradise for us!!thank youAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-71992636432458701912011-10-11T07:18:49.347-07:002011-10-11T07:18:49.347-07:00The author has officially lost his mind. In the pa...The author has officially lost his mind. In the past year I have played some of the great courses such as Eastlake,The Old Course, Muirfield,Carnoustie, and Glen Eagles. I played Fisher's last week and I was blown away. It may have been the best course I have ever played. Conditions were great and the hospitality of the staff was top notch.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-79034002908360884612011-10-07T16:13:49.119-07:002011-10-07T16:13:49.119-07:00The author has no credibility - statement about pa...The author has no credibility - statement about passing the submarine base is false - the base is at least a mile upriver; the ferry does not pass it.. The ferry passes general dynamics.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-82917061538475133092011-09-06T06:41:03.506-07:002011-09-06T06:41:03.506-07:00I am sure you felt you were writing a very literar...I am sure you felt you were writing a very literary piece, but you totally overdid your opinions. Fishers Island is a lovely place with a beautiful Links course..and absolutely wonderful welcoming people. When it rains , the course is watered, when it is dry, the course is dry. This is an island with no extra water unless God sends it.....mimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14911721075563201003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-14571298893258918392011-08-02T16:37:02.228-07:002011-08-02T16:37:02.228-07:00To the writer of the prior comment (2 comments bef...To the writer of the prior comment (2 comments before) my advice is to lighten up. The purpose of golf, and this blog, is to have fun. It is my blog and I'll write what I like. If you want to read purely about the architectural merits of the course I suggest you read Ran Morrissett's reviews on golfclubatlas.com, there are none finer. If you want to write about the relative merits of holes only, go ahead and start your own blog. As my blog has stated since the day I began writing this is about THE JOURNEY. What is it like to play these top courses? What is the ethos of exclusive private clubs? How remote are they, how did you get there? The blog respresents my personal like and dislikes and quirks and biases. And me not always understood sense of idiotic humor. Plus, my loyal readers demand to know where they can get the best lobster roll among top 100 courses (which would be Maidstone sitting by the beach).Top 100 Golferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16730165824981497579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-1186623909725293522011-08-02T13:13:47.779-07:002011-08-02T13:13:47.779-07:00Your review has completely played into the hands o...Your review has completely played into the hands of the members. They want to keep people from discovering the island. It has pristine empty beaches.<br /><br />If your mission was to help the club keep it's low-profile and exclusivity -- well done!<br /><br />The reason people who play a lot or are members (like my parents) say it's a bad course is b/c they want to keep it to themselves. <br /><br />You thought you would hurt these people, who you clearly resent, by writing a bad review but you've done them a huge favor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-16710386758437175502011-08-02T13:08:04.121-07:002011-08-02T13:08:04.121-07:00The reviewer clearly missed the point in this revi...The reviewer clearly missed the point in this review. Aren't you supposed to review the course? Instead of writing about the course, you wrote a misinformed review of Fishers Island. It comes across as petty jealousy about a community of wealthy folks. Golfers don't care if you felt excluded -- or special if your guide was nice to you. Your review is a waste of time.<br /><br />Just so you know, two-thirds of Fishers Island is not public land. It's owned by the Fishers Island Development Corporation. They maintain the road and have employees who staff the guard house. The state trooper has nothing to do with that enforcement. It seems like you just made things up based on what you saw. You clearly didn't even read the wikipedia page about Fishers.<br /><br />Please keep your reviews limited to the course next time. It's irrelevant if it's hard to get to, the people are nice or rude, or if you get to take a boat to get there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-51666573795982787572011-07-28T08:01:48.007-07:002011-07-28T08:01:48.007-07:00With so many factual errors it is hard to take you...With so many factual errors it is hard to take you seriously as a golf writer. Beyond your delusional description of the Island itself, almost nothing you say about the golf course is true. Since when is having water on a redan hole such a horrible thing? The course hasn't been burnt out like that photo in years and I doubt that was the condition you played it in. Also, the aforementioned George Peper spoke at an event at Fishers Island this month and said that his three favorite courses in the world are St. Andrews, Cypress, and Fishers Island.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20412896.post-62852448428132012862011-07-13T18:31:42.919-07:002011-07-13T18:31:42.919-07:00Good thing I still went to Fishers after reading y...Good thing I still went to Fishers after reading your review. It was the best golf trip I have ever been on, and in fact might be my favorite course played aside from probably Shinnecock. The course was in spectacular condition and every hole was different and a challenge in its own way. Raynor did an outstanding job with building around the natural terrain and rolling hills. We also played Hay Harbor twice on our trip and that course could very well be the best 9 hole golf course in the country. Fisher's Island is an amazing place that everyone should try and get to. Drop everything and go see it if you are invited, you won't regret it. <br /><br />This guy has zero validity on his reviews in my eyes. He said he likes Seminole because it was browned out and a nice change of pace from lush green fairways, he ripped Fishers apart for being brown. Not very consistent. Don't listen to this guys, Fisher's will be one of the best places you have ever played!Devohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13608565810197122104noreply@blogger.com