In golf construction art and utility meet; both are absolutely vital; one is utterly ruined without the other. GEORGE THOMAS
It’s back!
Twenty years later Tatra Press has kindly allowed me to bring back Grounds For Golf now that golf architecture is of more interest to the masses. A new Introduction looks at what’s driven the interest growth and two new chapters I had a blast adding (plus a few edits to keep things up-to-date).
The Amazon purchase page for the book arriving June 15, 2026.
Latest On No. 2
/Pinehurst has a web page devoted
Read More"They wait until they are by themselves trudging through the rough and dump a healthy portion of the ball."
/I couldn't help but wonder about the caddies at Hamilton Farm after Bill Pennington shared this bit of advice from them in today's NY Times:
Read MoreGroove Rule Changes Ushers In Youth Movement!
/Jason Day wins at 22 as Jordan Spieth contends at 16, just weeks after Rory McIlroy wins the ninth major and Ryo Ishikawa shoots 58 to win on the Asian Tour. Just as we predicted, reverting back to grooves reacting like late 80s non-PING's has really swung the advantage to the scrappy vet....err...guys who weren't born until after the Reagan Administration?
Read MoreEls Unravels Over Wentworth Criticism
/Even though there had been advance buzz that Wentworth was looking radically different, and even though the owner admitted he goofed in overruling his player-architect, and even though there was widespread media criticism of the course changes, Ernie Els lashed out at his fellow players for not keeping their opinions to themselves. Lawrence Donegan reports:
Read More"If he can survive a 36-hole sectional next month, when his competition will include PGA Tour players, Romo will round out a special foursome."
/Karen Crouse did a nice job putting Tony Romo's advancement into U.S. Open sectionals into perspective as it relates to pro athletes attempting to become two-sport stars.
Read More"Spieth’s star-is-born status is drawing massive attention and rejuvenating a tournament that was was lacking in star power."
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Thank God for sponsor's exemptions, right boys? Isn't it great that a 16-year-old is upstaging you?"What made it all the more remarkable is Karlsson’s preparation for his epic round."
/The always entertaining Martin Johnson files for The Times on Wenthworth's atrociousness and the remarkable 62 by Robert Karlsson along with the wacky circumstances leading up to the round.
Read More"Come to think of it, the 'TPC at Virginia Water' works pretty well, too."
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Actually, in view of the often radical and deeply controversial work that bears the signature of three-time major champion Ernie Els, it is time for Wentworth to break out a new nickname. Long gone is Harry Colt's design, to be replaced by what in places is so pseudo-American it might as well be called 'I-95' or, on days when the sun shines, 'Route 66'. Come to think of it, the 'TPC at Virginia Water' works pretty well, too. Only the absence of a completely inappropriate fountain in the pond short of the 18th green revealed that we were not actually in Florida.
"I was a bit more theatrical than he was but Ernie was right, I was wrong."
/Usually with these boondoggle redos in the name of combating technology that it takes some time before changes to the changes are announced, so to see a concession by Wentworth owner Richard Caring after just 36 holes of the BMW speaks to the sheer hideousness of the new 18th hole.
Read More"In a way I feel sorry for the viewing public."
/Ross Fisher was referring to Wentworth's new 18th, and not the lovely corporate tent that appears to offer players the option of throwing one off the angled roof and having it ricochet onto the green (who said Ernie wasn't presenting the boys with angles and options?). Lawrence Donegan writes:
Read More"I'm not the frat-boy type."
/No shortage of fun rivalries snuck on Golf World's list of golf's best feuds, spats and otherwise awkward relationships better known as rivalries.
Read MoreRomo Qualifies For U.S. Open Sectional; Must Have Been The Team Activities
/Fresh off a vital photo opp leadership building opportunity, Tony Romo pulled off a pretty impressive feat with a 69 and four-for-three-spots playoff. Twelve back nine putts is really amazing.
Read More"Wentworth's new 18th hole is a nasty piece of Americana."
/Mark Reason's a big fan of the new finishing hole at Wentworth.
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