by paul Brown
Happily I've gotten a chance through business to play many of these private courses over the years and yes many of them are great plays. There are however always great courses as alternatives.You mention Pebble. Just don the road you can visit the Presidio and play two neat courses Bayonetand Blackhorse. Like Winged Foot, take a ride to LI and play The Black at Bethpage by the same author!Great golf is available.

by Tony Lemon
I really can't understand why so many American Golf clubs have no public access? I was planning a 'golfing holiday of a lifetime' for my two sons and I earlier this year only to find the courses I wanted to play were 'Private' and not open to the general public. I decided instead to go to Ireland where we played some of the finest golf links/courses I have ever seen, where access wasn't a problem and the hospitality was second to none.I think america should change your ways and 'open up' your courses to the general public.
Regards
Tony Lemon LONDON UK

by wezlee
Dear Chris,
I believe you are mistaken about these golfers. I do not believe for one second that they do not somehow believe that they will never play these courses. They go to the courses to renew the hope that they can in fact move their station in life to be able to play these courses. It renews the spirit, desire, and dedication to continue on a path in life to not only put them on the course but in all aspects of their life. Golf is just a metaphor for them. 'Course....I could be wrong....

by Jim Irving
I agree with your commentary, but it usually involves those people with enough money and enough inflated ego who want to go to these private clubs and the Tour tournaments and "lust" for the opportunity to play those courses. It strikes me that they just want to be able to boast about it. Frankly, there are so many wonderful courses available to everyone and challenge enough for any skill level.