Why not Build a New "Old" Augusta National?

[ChasLawler]

I’m sure I’m not the first person to ponder this question, but why hasn’t anyone built a new Augusta (or a new “original” Augusta)? By this I mean a course with no rough, wide fairway corridors, elephant graveyard green complexes, etc…what Jones and MacKenzie originally built - not an ANGC replica course.

I’ve heard of a couple lower budget courses with no rough, but with the abundance of $150k+ initiation fee courses popping up across the country, it really surprises me that no one has tipped their hat to ANGC with a new big budget design featuring no rough.

Maybe I’m forgetting something, but as far as I know - no one has really gone all the way with it.

I can’t imagine maintenance would be that much of an issue. Many clubs these days spend almost as much money maintaining their rough as they do their fairways.

[ChasLawler]

I’m really surprised that no one has chimed in here. Am I way off base, or was the design intent of Augusta National not unique to the US when it was built. Would it not be unique now? Up until 3 years ago, hasn’t that design been praised and admired every spring by millions of golf fans? Isn’t the original design still praised here?

So with all the praise ANGC has received over the years, why hasn’t someone set out to build a new course utilizing the same design principles MacKenzie and Jones incorporated at ANGC? I understand that cost is a factor, but with the plethora of high-end privates sprouting up all over the place, I would think someone could find the money to build it…and maintain it.

[Pete Lavallee]

Cabell, I think that Rustic Canyon comes very close to this vision. The fairways are so wide that elite ball strikers feel no challange off the tee. I can asure you they do not spend any money maintaining rough. The green complexs are very reminiscent of TOC. Unfortunately, like TOC it is a fully public enterprise. It's inability to crack the top 100 modern would not be considered a good signal to those trying to emulate the virtues of the "Old" Augusta or TOC.

[BCrosby]

Cabell -

I think you've got a terrific idea.

It would take someone with guts, however. The wacked out contouring and bunkering of the ANGC of 1934 would be a real shock to most people today. Think TOC on acid. Think Fear and Loathing in Augusta.

Bob

[Jim Franklin]

Try Sage Valley in Graniteville, SC. It is in immaculate condition, same rolling hills, just up the street from ANGC. I don't know if the greens are similar having not been to ANGC, but this were quite nice.