Ward Interview

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Check out Ran Morrissett's interview with Alfie Ward, creator of the Arbory Brae course and world class traditionalist. I suppose this could be viewed as good news for those going to Scotland hoping to play lesser known gems without seeing Americans, but otherwise, it's pretty sad:

13. As technology goes unchecked, what is the future of the numerous sub-6000 yard courses around Scotland (and the UK & Ireland for that matter)? Is their appeal in any way lessened?

Excellent question, and one which gives the greatest concern of all (IMO). You know, history does repeat itself – maybe because life itself is a cycle of fashion and trends ? It can be argued that these fashions and trends were the death knell for numerous courses and their respective clubs circa 1930 – 50’s in Scotland, and most probably, elsewhere in the UK ? At this time, golfers became more selective in the courses they played because they had the advantage of travelling far greater distances than they could have previously! Support for the smaller courses dwindled as visitors travelled further afield and in pursuit of superior challenges at the longer courses. So too, and still do, are those seeking membership to a club. Who’s to say that the same scenario isn’t about to be repeated in the next few years ? I reckon it’s happening already, and so too, I think, does the Scottish Golf Union ! Of Scotland’s 500 plus courses, there’s probably about 300 (minimum) that don’t meet the 'must play' expectations of the modern tourism golfer ! Why ? Because they’re instantly deemed much too short from the yardage stats in the first instance of course selection. So the appeal factor is diminished from the outset, and so long as technology in golf goes unchecked – then life isn’t going to get any better for the vast majority of courses (worldwide) that are lagging in this mad distance race !

In response to reports of serious concerns over the state of Scottish golf and falling club membership numbers (Nov 2004) I undertook a little research on Scotland’s golf courses. Of 503 registered in the 2003 Golf Guide I found that 155 (31%) were sub 5500 yard layouts ; 113 (22%) 5501 – 6000 yards ; 185 (37%) 6001 – 6500 yards ; and 50 (10%) 6501 yards and over. In direct relation to the question you ask Ran, and if my personal concerns are justified – then that puts over 50% of Scottish courses under the 'at risk' umbrella ? That is, if fashion and trends and unchecked technology has anything to do with it ? I believe it has !

An Eco-Signature Design

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Remember, I merely copy and paste this stuff:

Jumeirah Golf Estates is set to become one of the world’s most prestigious golfing and residential communities. Located in the Jebel Ali district on the south side of Emirates Highway, opposite Jumeirah Village, it lies approximately 22km south west of Dubai city centre.

Jumeirah Golf Estates will boast four environmentally themed 18-hole courses - Fire, Earth, Water and Wind - that mirror the elements of nature and integrate with distinct gated communities, featuring a variety of investment opportunities, world class amenities and premier services. Jumeirah Golf Estates draws on the remarkable talents of some of the game’s most famous names – among them, Greg Norman, the legendary ‘Great White Shark’, and the 2004 world number one, Vijay Singh.

As part of Phase A of the project, Greg Norman will personally be involved in the creation of two Eco-Signature courses, which focus on eco-friendly principles and practices and feature flora and fauna that are indigenous to the region. These two courses, Fire and Earth, will be the first two Eco-Signature courses ever designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design exclusively for Nakheel.

Daly's Latest Signature Design

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Highlights from a press release on John Daly's latest:

Daly's first PGA TOUR win took place at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Ind. "Beginning with John's victory at Crooked Stick, he has thrilled golf crowds worldwide with his prodigious drives and daring style of play," added Mayor Claar. John Daly's first signature course, Wicked Stick, is located in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The new Bolingbrook layout has been tentatively named Big Stick in recognition of Daly's first TOUR victory and first course design.

Big Stick will stretch more than 8,200 yards from the tips, bringing John's "grip-it-and-rip-it" style of golf to Illinois. The par-5 holes will exceed 600 yards, the par 4s will measure more than 450 yards, and each par 3 will feature a tee that makes that particular hole difficult and memorable. Daly's vision for the links-style course also encompasses long, open fairways with a challenging approach and undulating greens. His spirit and enthusiasm for the game will positively complement the vision of golf course architect John Robinson who will collaborate with him on the project.

"I have a passion for building golf courses and look forward to making Big Stick one of the longest tracks in the country with a number of tee boxes to allow for maximum playability," said Daly. 

 

Okay, who read that without laughing? 

 

Maxwell Gem Uncovered?

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Ron Whitten on a rediscovered Maxwell course in Kansas. Or maybe it's not.

One of the major Maxwell finds occurred a dozen years ago, at Hillcrest Golf Course in Coffeyville, hard against the Oklahoma border in the southeast corner of Kansas. It pains me to say that I had a hand in delaying its discovery, and it pains me even more to now report that it's not quite the major find that many think it is.