"Wayne
Most would agree that Ross was one of the giants of golf architecture. I can understand why his rivals may dislike his top associate or resent his top assistant, who was local, but from every thing I've seen, Ross/McGovern produced excellent work. To say he was a poor architect based upon one project among many (that was completed after McGovern's death by the way, and after Flynn's death too) and based upon a sixty or seventy year old recollection of a child or teenager is out of line IMO.
Give credit where credit is due. The man was a hell of an assistant, and built large number of very good to great golf courses for Ross."
Ross was a giant in golf architecture, no question about it. But his assistant? What did he do that helped Ross's greatness? I'm not saying he did nothing, but what value add did he provide? Could William Gordon, Red Lawrence and Dick Wilson done equally well or better with Ross than McGovern? Their solo work would sure indicate that. The fact is, when you factor Ross out of the McGovern equation he comes off terribly weak.
Mike Sweeney gave a rather concise and precise description of Overbrook. Overbrook may have opened the year after McGovern died, but it was according to his plans...I've got the plans.
Come out to Philadelphia, we'll take the grand tour and you can see for yourself what you think of Overbrook and other McGovern work. One of the Flynn writing team will welcome you at any rate
As to the sixty or seventy year recollection of Connie Lagerman, she is very sharp and has a great memory that is consistant over the years we've spoken with her. Honestly, what's the big deal? Flynn didn't like him. I'm sure McGovern could care less, why should we?
But his solo work that I am familiar with still is mediocre if not worse.