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Thanksgiving Weekend

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mperna2001
(@mperna2001)
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Joined: 5 years ago
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Topic starter  

We were able to squeeze 3 rounds in over the long weekend. Beats Black Friday shopping any day of the week. We played 3 quality courses : Thistle, Barefoot Norman and Wild Wing.

Thistle - Always felt like this is one of the real nice courses which doesn't get a lot of talk. We played the MacKay/Cameron 9's. Personally I dont have a preference as I find all 3 to be about equal, each with its own set of really good golf holes. Tees, fairways and greens all in pretty good shape. Greens lighting quick with lots of undulation, especially where some of the holes we're cut. Being it was quite a windy day this may it very tough on both approaches and when putting. Being above the hole you had no chance unless you drained the putt or hit the stick. Only issue I had is our tee time was 9:24 and there weren't too many groups going out and the starters were in absolute no hurry to get us out on the course. I politely asked if there was a delay and their simple response was 'No'. Precisely at 9:24 they loaded our bag and we were off. Not a major gripe but found it all a bit strange. Overall, very solid course to play based on conditions and layout.

Barefoot Norman - As I'm sure I've stated before I find this course to be underrated and undervalued but considering the other 3 on the property I get it. Tees, fairways and greens were in good shape but there were some wet spots in some of the fairways resulting in the course playing quite long and several mud balls on tee balls. This time of year I come to expect that due to the over seed but I couldn't believe just how much of a difference it made compared to when I played here in the summer. Greens were quick bit not Thistle quick. Again quite windy which certainly added to the challenge. Pace of play was excellent and all in a very enjoyable round of golf. No matter which BF course you play they treat you really well.

Wild Wing - it's been a couple of years since I played here and I remember enjoying the layout but recall the greens being bumpy and slow. Not the case now. Course is overseeded all the way around unlike Thistle and Barefoot thus playing out of the rough, which I often do, was much more enjoyable then hitting out of dormant Bermuda. Tees were nice and fairways were in good shape. Like at BF Norman some wet spots but nothing too problematic. Actually got some run on quite a few of the tee balls. Greens rolled true and were at a good medium pace, not fast but not slow by any means and we had our best putting day of the 3 as we didn't have the fear of being too aggressive and knocking it 4-5 feet past the hole. This was also the calmest day of the 3 thus the playing conditions really were just perfect for the last day of Nov. We really enjoyed the layout here, a good challenge but very playable and you can score there. and of course who doesn't like a driveable par 4. A very enjoyable day and we will absolutely keep Wild Wing in the rotation.


   
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leftygar1
(@leftygar1)
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Nice report on 3 good MB courses, agree with you on the Norman course being under rated, it is a lot better then many give it.


   
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S***H
(@s333h)
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Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 1652
 

This is great to read your trip report. I appreciate. It is the time of the year when we can read only a few of them. Nice to know that Thistle is in such good condition. Thanks for sharing.

''It's just golf, let's have fun''


   
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(@polekat914)
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Posts: 622
 

Thanks for the report.  Nice trifecta of courses!


   
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ArtMBGolf
(@artmbgolf)
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Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 2306
 

Thistle used to be more popular in MBGT, then they had a few bad years and got new
owners, who have brought it back.     

Maybe being priced equal or higher than some other more memorable courses hold it
back some, plus not being in any unique package.   In my planning for May 2020,
Thistle is $153.   I found TW at $118 booked before 2020, and TPC, KN, Grande Dunes
at $71 each on the Founders Black Friday special, before 8:30 or after 1pm, with 3
Founders courses booked.   
 
Thanks for your report!           

*** Please Show Your Appreciation For MB Advice/Info In MBGT With Your Course or Trip Report! ***


   
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jw11
 jw11
(@jw11)
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Posts: 1593
 

Nice report Mperna

I'll have to give Norman another shot. I played it once and it seemed average. But that happens in MB with a lot of condition changes.

Thanks for taking the time to report.

jw11

 

"King Of The Mid-tiers"


   
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(@jbshepherds)
Noble Member
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 1418
 

Thanks for the update on 3 nice courses and your right better then black Friday shopping. 

Let the Big Dawg Bark!!!


   
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DenisGilbert
(@denisgilbert)
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Posts: 1533
 

Thanks Mike for taking the time to write such a nice trip report!

You had quite a nice selection of courses to play!

Denis Gilbert
Quebec City, Canada


   
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(@polekat914)
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Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 622
 
Posted by: @artmbgolf

Thistle used to be more popular in MBGT, then they had a few bad years and got new
owners, who have brought it back.     

Maybe being priced equal or higher than some other more memorable courses hold it
back some, plus not being in any unique package.   In my planning for May 2020,
Thistle is $153.   I found TW at $118 booked before 2020, and TPC, KN, Grande Dunes
at $71 each on the Founders Black Friday special, before 8:30 or after 1pm, with 3
Founders courses booked.   
 
Thanks for your report!           

We still need the "What Art said button!"  

Thistle, to me, is a nice course, with a great drive in, great staff, awesome carts, usually good conditions.  However, I don't feel the design is upper tier, just very nice.  Compared to Tidewater, Grande Dunes, TPC, etc., or even the design of Leopards Chase, I would put it a notch or two lower.  $153 is too much in my book.


   
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mperna2001
(@mperna2001)
Estimable Member
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 131
Topic starter  

@polekat914

agree that the layout is solid but not as good as ones you've mentioned. and thankfully i only paid a fraction of the price Art quoted. ? 


   
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tadpole
(@tadpole)
Prominent Member
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 682
 

Two years ago in October we had to switch to Thistle at the last minute due to hurricane damage at Meadowlands.  We paid full price of $137.00 a man.  A real nice course but priced a little too high.

Wild Wing is always well-conditioned and has good customer service.

Thanks for the report.


   
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