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.
The Annual DNF, NR, SCR Watch
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It was the Europeans who pioneered the art of difficulty in finishing the 36-hole international U.S. Open qualifier, but not to be outdone are the PGA Tour players handed an easy qualifying opportunity into the Open Championship, yet still just can't get through 36.
Stephanie Wei spotlights another reminder that even when you make it easy for the world's great golfers to qualify, they still show a little disrespect.
There were also nine WD's from yesterday's Japanese U.S. Open qualifier but zero listed for the European edition.
"From the caddie shack to the lockerroom there was a central theme to the casual conversations: the changes."
/Colin Byrne on one of his fellow loopers also suggesting the concept of a "listing" to discourage future Wenthworthing of classic courses:
Read MoreLatest 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.
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