Gentlemen,
Thanks for the very kind words and encouragement.
Like the world needs another golf architecture firm right ?
I actually made the decision a year ago, but wanted to leave with all projects completed. Muskoka Bay was in mid-build and I could not walk away from that project - so I settled in for an extra year. I’ve tied up everything nicely for this year, including the Master Plan for the remaining work at St. George’s. Why else would someone leave in the middle of a Canadian winter?
In the last couple of years I had become extremely comfortable in life. I had lots of renovation clients, some really nice projects to work on, and Cindy and I were very comfortable. The only problem I had was at the same time I had been out to see Pacific Dunes, Friar’s Head, Rustic Canyon and a host of new projects done by some great artists. I loved their architecture and knew that’s what I wanted to do.
The new work at Carrick Design has always, and will always, reflect Doug’s design philosophy – and there is nothing wrong with that, it is after all Carrick Design. Well, unfortunately that was not the style that I wanted to build courses in. While I was able to work on a few lay of the land holes (particularly at the rocky site at Muskoka Bay), as a firm we definitely move earth, and that did not sit well with me given the quality of a lot of the land we had. As he continued to shape more, I wanted to shape less, and that creates a philosophical gulf that is hard to bridge. I knew that I wanted to build a different style of course closer to the visions of Coore, Doak etc. and that Rustic Canyon was an awesome philosophical model to follow.
The interesting thing about my difference with Doug’s was his ability to accept this. Doug is a great guy, and quite easy to get along with, so he did not get upset when I told him. I’m not saying he wasn’t surprised, but he understood that at 40, it was time to go. He thought I would stay because I was comfortable, but we both have realized that if I don’t take the risk now, I never will.
I think you all realize that I’m rooted in history, and will always be a renovation and restoration guy. I should remain busy at that task till retirement. I’m also looking forward to taking all those hand-crafting techniques I had to learn to restore classic courses, out onto a new golf course. I unfortunately was not allowed to do any with the new projects.
Doug was kind enough to let me take the clients I brought in with me, which he has no obligation to do; and none of the clients have an obligation to come. I expect to have somewhere around 20 clients after this departure plays itself out over the next few months. Could be more, could be less, but I do know I have some already.
It’s funny, I have not once felt nervous or anxious about the change. I’m just excited to do things my own way. I’m a patient man, so I will search for the right opportunity to finally make my mark. At the moment I would settle for one nice site where I could lovingly and slowly hand craft an entire golf course.
…..or I may starve !