Travelin' Joe Must Go

This is the second time in a month that I’m questioning a guy who actually gets paid to do this. If it comforts some of you that I do this for free, I’m a happier man.

This dude, Travelin’ Joe, writes about where to play for a major golf magazine. This month’s paper copy arrived on my doorstep and what do I behold but a review of the Kohler Komplex in Wisconsin. I was agreeing with the dude as he rated Straits first, BR River second, Irish third and BR Meadow fourth, until he finished with this statement on the Irish:

It sports an astonishing number of bunkers, and is overall a superb test of shotmaking that culminates in a great stretch of closing holes.

Never mind the misplaced comma after ‘bunkers;’ this guy is off his grandma’s rocker. After developing a vibe, a groove, whatever at Irish for 15 holes, you get the sense that something is amiss when a pond and some jungle come into view on 16. OK, maybe that’s their reservoir, you say. The pond comes into play on 16 and completely devours the 17th. 17 is like a hole from Golden Tee that you can get over if you hum the rollo-ball enough. 18 is a par five over a bit of the same pond to a hidden fairway. There is no lay-up area shorter than 150 yards, unless you go to the green front, which is mainly rough. In other words, the closing triumvirate leave you asking “why do golf courses have 18 holes, instead of 15?” Undoubtedly the biggest letdown-finish of any almost-great course I’ve played.

Funny thing is, that fourth-rated Meadows Valley course closes unbelievably well after a snoozer of a start. 1-3 on MV are no better than your local muni’s top three holes. 4-18 evoke the same 15-Hole question. MV’s back nine is the greatest roller-coaster ride at the resort, holes that never cease their traverse of always-undulating, often-broken ground.

In other words, if this is what Travelin’ Joe puts in print, what other dark thoughts does he keep to himself? In the interest of salvation, Travelin’ Joe must go.