Mark Fine speaks at Fox Chapel

[TEPaul]

I got a call today from Fox Chapel asking me if I'd put a thread up here about what a good presentation Mark Fine gave the other day at Fox Chapel.

He apparently gave a good slide show, the contents of which I'm not that certain of other than perhaps a connection in style on some of the Flynn Cherry Hills holes with some of the holes of Pine Valley.

There's no question William Flynn (a member of PVGC) and one of those from the contingent from Merion (including Hugh and Alan Wilson) involved in finishing off the last four holes of PVGC after Crump's death was influenced by some of the look and style of Pine Valley. Flynn definitely prevalently used massive areas of bunkering on some of his hole designs, particularly par 5s that mimiced the look and strategies of Hells Half acre and Flynn also did numerous holes that had greens that were islands in sand like approximately half the original holes of Pine Valley. Wayne and I call those types of Flynn features "Flynn's Pine Valley influence".

Fox Chapel said Mark has a fine way of presentation and style of speaking and he also spoke about the issue of trees on courses, bunkering and the necessity of firmer and faster condiitions.

These recommendations are being made and well received more and more these days I feel.

Long live the MAINTENANCE MELD.

Fox Chapel said other clubs would do well to get Mark Fine to come speak.

[George Pazin]

(More people in the Burgh and I can't even be a fly on the wall....)

Any chance someone could share some highlights?

[redanman]

Can he come speak about tree removal and maintenance meld at Lehigh CC?

[Jonathan Cummings]

Tom - why Raynor's Fox Chapel seems to forever live in the limelight of Camargo, Shoreacres, Yeamans, etc - I'll never know.  Fox is a very high quality course and a clubhouse as notable as Merion's.

J

[SPDB]

Nice to hear that there is a sufficient interest in golf course architecture at Fox Chapel that they can hold a lecture on a subject that is unrelated to their own club/course.

[Mark_Fine]

Tom,
It is nice to hear the group at Fox Chapel enjoyed the talk.  Makes all the preparation worthwhile.  And thanks for your comments as well.

Bill,
Maybe one day they will invite me    You have to remember that Lehigh has come a long way.  These things (like trees, etc. take time and education).  Different clubs move at different speeds.  

George and SPDB,
As you know, Fox Chapel is a wonderful old Raynor course.  There is clearly a group of members at the club that wants to cherish and protect their golf course.  They want to learn all they can about their golf course and about golf architecture in general.  It was great to see and I love meeting with groups like this.    

My presentation covered a wide range of topics including the evolution of golf courses, master plans (we did discuss Cherry Hills as the group found it interesting and asked a lot of questions), modern and classic architecture, Raynor courses/comparisons, and a summary of our Bunkers, Pits & Other Hazards book.  The talk lasted over an hour and a half because there were so many questions and interaction.  As I said above, I love when the audience gets excited about this stuff.  I think most of those attending also took home copies of the book which was neat to see.  It just shows how interested they are in golf architecture.  (I'm also happy I didn't put anyone to sleep, at least I don't think I did).  

[redanman]

Bill,
Maybe one day they will invite me    You have to remember that Lehigh has come a long way.  These things (like trees, etc. take time and education).  Different clubs move at different speeds.  

Glacial is too slow for me.

I'll write a letter and suggest it.  Will you do it if they say OK?

Maybe you can especially emphasize the negative effects of forests of conifers (der Schwartzwalden) and flowering, shedding rubbish plants as well as the extremely positive effects of aggressive turf management techniques which encourage turf health coioncident with the institution of firm and fast conditions.  I don't accept the "poor soil" arguement, HVCC's soil is no better than my clubs (LCC).

Unfortunately, the grounds committee (we can't even afford a real green committee) lacks effective leadership.

[JohnV]

Mark,

I'm sorry I missed it.  I had the flyer on my desk and forgot all about it in the heat of preparing for US Open qualifiers.

[Mark_Fine]

Bill,
Write a letter and see what happens but I wouldn't hold your breath.  

John,
I would have been nice to see you.  I know John Yerger was planning to be there as well but he hurt his back this past weekend and was not in condition to make the drive over.  Hopefully I'll get back out your way again.  

[ed_getka]

Mark,
   Congratulations on the well-received presentation.

[Mark_Fine]

Thanks Ed.  Hope that package got to you ok?  

[Forrest Richardson]

Mark's jokes are not nearly as funny when he speaks solo. The best format is to book me along with Mark.