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.
Zach Wins In Spite Of Himself
/Video: Dufner And Hogan...More Similar Than You Think
/No, the Hawk never sported a soul patch but check out this amazing CBS/Konica Minolta Biz Hub Swing Vision analysis by Peter Kostis and posted by the PGA Tour. He may not have won Sunday at Colonial, but his swing is looking pretty Hoganesque.
Also, Dufner threw out a decent first pitch at the Rangers game:
Beem On Euros: "They want to win any tournament, but they really want to win the big ones."
/
John Huggan profiles Rich Beem, who has a lot to say about life on the European Tour (playing off his major championship win exemption) compared with the PGA Tour. This was interesting:
“In the US we sometimes lose sight of what is important. There’s a lot of ‘flash’ over there right now. Wins are what really count though. And major wins count even more. Ask anyone how many events Jack Nicklaus won and not many will know. Ask how many majors he has and almost everyone knows. I would hope that the young kids on the PGA Tour think that way too, because it’s very evident to me that their counterparts over here think of nothing else. They want to win any tournament, but they really want to win the big ones.”
Rory's Weekend Of Practice Takes Him...To Paris
/2012 Colonial And Senior PGA Comment Thread
/I know the action at Wentworth wasn't enough, what with the first of fourteen senior majors today at Benton Harbors and the historic Colonial National Invitational. But with Jason Dufner going for a third straight win, there is something pretty serious on the line in Texas.
Els To Make "European Tour Benevolent Trust" Donation For "Intemperate Language"
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Colonel O'Grady speaks today after Ernie's outburst Saturday. Thanks to BBC's Iain Carter for tweeting the statement:
European Tour Statement Re: Ernie Els' Remarks
European Tour Chief Executive George O'Grady said: "Ernie Els asked to see me this morning and apologized for his intemperate language following the conclusion of his round yesterday. He stated that he had already apologised to all the individuals concerned and offered a substantial donation to The European Tour Benevolent Trust, which I accepted. The European Tour now consider this matter closed."
Ernie Unleashes Raging, Expletive-Filled Rant In Meltdown Over (His) Wentworth Greens!
/More On Harbottle's Career
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Todd Miles expands on his initial report about the sudden passing of golf architect John Harbottle.
One of his last renovation projects was underway at the course where he grew up – Tacoma Country and Golf Club, which flew the American flag at half-staff Friday in his honor.
Along with Tacoma course superintendent Joel Kachmack, Harbottle came up with a design to significantly alter bunkering, giving it a jagged-shaped, fescue-lined, classic-style look. The first phase has just been completed.
Harbottle was at another work site this week, and set to return home Thursday in time to sit on a First Tee of South Puget Sound board meeting Friday.
Apparently he was waiting for a layover flight at Los Angeles International Airport, and complained about pain in his neck and shoulder, Tacoma Country and Golf Club’s Friend said.
He went over to be worked on at a nearby chair massage and spa business in the airport terminal. Shortly after sitting down, he abruptly died. The cause of death has yet to be determined.

