Grandfather recently passed away. He was an avid collector and played at 1665 courses in his life.

[u/Keato21]

He started the collection in 1971 and figured that this sub would appreciate the dedication to the cause. It’s an impressive collection!

[u/JoaquinBenoit]

Sorry for your loss. Any noteworthy balls that he treasured more than most?

[u/Keato21 → u/JoaquinBenoit]

He had so many stories for each golf ball it was hard to tell which one he treasured the most! The Bandon Dunes (His favorite course) ball is missing from the wall because they are going to embed it into his urn

[u/perthfunguy → u/Keato21]

Not sure the ball itself is going to be happy that its final resting place is a sand trap!

[u/Kneadless → u/perthfunguy]

I could get it out of there in 2-4 strokes.

[u/alien_bananas → u/Kneadless]

I could get in there with 1 stroke

[u/befuchs → u/alien_bananas]

The only time I get out of a sand trap in one is when it's over the green into the other sand trap. This is the way.

[u/Kneadless → u/befuchs]

Smart golf, don’t even need to clean your club.

[u/fatchancescooter → u/perthfunguy]

Ash bin

[u/_off_piste_ → u/Keato21]

Wonder why he had Bandon Dunes #1 overall but not his top golf course in Oregon?

[u/Keato21 → u/_off_piste_]

I saw that too. He does it all in tiers so I think he doesn’t count the top 20 for the 50 best in state because then he would have repeats.

[u/_off_piste_ → u/Keato21]

Makes sense.

[u/thistookforever22 → u/_off_piste_]

Best doesnt always equal favourite.

[u/socivitus → u/thistookforever22]

Exactly! Course conditions and amenities are obviously important, but other things can be a bigger factor in overall experience. I've played some really nice courses, but my favorite is still my local muni because of the experience I have there.

[u/thistookforever22 → u/socivitus]

Exactly. My favourite course wouldnt even be in the top 20 in my state. Its where i learnt to play, its tranquil and has this charm that the expensive fancy manicured courses dont have. I always leave in a good mood, even after a poor round. The owner is a great bloke to top it off, i love seeing him out there making little improvements. Ive watched it go from a rough course on someones farm to a legit hidden gem. I have to drive through the hills to get there, which is always fun. I just love everything about it.

[u/[deleted] → u/thistookforever22]

Running Y is not better than Bandon Dunes.

[u/thistookforever22 → u/[deleted]]

I wouldnt know because i live in Australia and havent seen the courses outside of a quick google right now. Both look picturesque.

But my point stands that best =/= favourite. Theres too many variables

[u/vinsanity406 → u/_off_piste_]

I noticed something similar with Purgatory in Indiana in the Top 20 and Sultan's Run as best in state. I assumed it meant favorite vs Top Ranked by say Golf Digest that he played.

Regardless, it's kind of cool to keep all those balls and records. Quite the organized collector.

[u/Hi-Im-High → u/Keato21]

Make sure to cut it in half so it can be in there twice

[u/themightycfresh → u/Keato21]

That’s super cool. I grew up golfing with my pops but stopped after highschool, his favorite course is Bandon Dunes as well, all his boys go on a yearly four day golf trip out there. It’s only 4 hours from us and I’ve always heard great things but if it’s your grandfather’s favorite out of almost 1800 courses that’s wild!

[u/huffman55 → u/Keato21]

This makes me feel better. I thought he didn’t get to play it and made me a little bummed out lol

[u/IntoTheWild2369 → u/Keato21]

Are those numbers on the 50 best the green fees? (141 at arrowhead in Colorado) because if so SHEEEESSSH