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Tom Doak

Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« on: October 28, 2002, 01:59:10 PM »
I've just returned from a week in New Zealand, where Renaissance Team N Zed (messrs Hepner, Iverson and Slawnik) are five holes into the construction of Cape Kidnappers.  They are loving the place, and it's showing in the work they are doing.

It looks like I may have to come up with a new Doak scale number to designate a course "worth flying 6500 miles just to see under construction."  If any of you want to take us up on this, I'll be back there December 4-10, or again in January, and Bruce is there full-time through March with his family.

I will post a photo or two after my next trip.  I'm saving them for my Xmas card in the meantime.
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bakerg (Guest)

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2002, 02:08:04 PM »
How do we get on your Xmas card list?  :) :)
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Patrick_Mucci

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2002, 02:20:23 PM »
Tom Doak,

It's nice that you are so enthused, and feel that the project is going well.

Good luck to you, Bruce and all the others involved.
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TEPaul

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2002, 02:23:13 PM »
Word has been filtering out about the NZ site in little dribs and drabs and everything I've heard so far indicates this site is absolutely UNBELIEVABLE!

Are you feeling any pressure Tom? If you hit another   homerun on this one, perhaps the ultimate grandslam homerun, what could you ever do to top it?

This might be the act that can never be topped, and you're still pretty young. Go for it, and try to create the best golf couse in the history of the Universe!

I'd like to see photos of the creation of it unfold right here on Golfclubatlas!
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RJ_Daley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2002, 02:27:12 PM »
That would be the ultimate test of my marriage.  She has let me go to play at new courses (within moderation) within the U.S. from time to time ::).  She lets me go to the middle of nowhere whenever I want because she knows I love it out there in Nebraska...its not all that far... ;)

But, 6500 miles?  I don't think she'd take me back :'(

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No actual golf rounds were ruined or delayed, nor golf rules broken, in the taking of any photographs that may be displayed by the above forum user.

Dan Kelly

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2002, 02:46:41 PM »
Dick --

Just take her along -- and promise a stop in Italy on the way home!
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"There's no money in doing less." -- Joe Hancock, 11/25/2010
"Rankings are silly and subjective..." -- Tom Doak, 3/12/2016

Trumpet Blower

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #6 on: October 28, 2002, 04:40:41 PM »
The next category is "best supporting role in the marketing of a project'

and the winner is.......

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TEPaul

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2002, 05:05:58 PM »
Trumpet Blower:

Whenever Tom Doak reports in on a project we always seem to get a sour grapes post about it like yours! Golfclubatlas is real glad to get reports like this from Doak and I hardly think that Golfclubatlas could be considered "marketing" but obviously you do--to us it's an architectural discussion group!

He did the same thing with Pacfic Dunes and that one certainly didn't seem below the mark when we saw it and played it compared to the "in construction" reporting from Tom Doak!

If you're doing something and you don't feel like you're getting an equal shake on here why don't you report in too?
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RJ_Daley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2002, 05:08:07 PM »
Trumpet, I hear what you are playing.  Tom runs the risk of using the GCA to hype a project and then fall flat if the design is a bust.  But, I don't blame him for putting out these little teasers.  I would do the same thing.  He hit a grand slam homerun with Pac Dunes in this manner.  He put out little blurbs during planning and construction.  He was gracious to extend invitations for us GCA junkies to come look during construction and grow-in.  He used this process to build hype and great expectations and then delivered.  

He has done something of the same thing at Lubbock Red Raiders course.  There I think he takes a huge chance because from what I can glean from the pre-opening publicity, it is a big departure from his past work.  Yet, he has followed the same program of teasers and construction and grow-in publicity and if it is a hit, his methods (and our enthusiasm) helps.

But, to follow the same plan with Cape Kidnappers may not be as effective, because not that many will be able to go there and take part in the previews as Tom offers above.  

I'm sure Tom thinks about the downside of laying an egg at one of the courses that he participates in pre-open marketing.  I admire his confidence and pride in his work and the Rennaisance team to put it out there like that.  He risks his credibility, and they stand and deliver.  8)
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No actual golf rounds were ruined or delayed, nor golf rules broken, in the taking of any photographs that may be displayed by the above forum user.

Kevin_Reilly

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2002, 05:13:17 PM »
Tom, can you report on your work at SFGC?  I understand that the greens were in tremendous condition at the Invitational tournament there 2 weeks ago.
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"GOLF COURSES SHOULD BE ENJOYED RATHER THAN RATED" - Tom Watson

B. Mogg

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #10 on: October 28, 2002, 06:03:55 PM »
Italy on the way home from New Zealand - that's some trip!  ???

Tom, wondering whether you had any problems getting around New Zealand labour laws with having your guys doing construction on site full time. In Australia in the old days that would have been quite a problem with the unions? No problems with that so far?

Looking forward to seeing the pictures.

Off to Rosapenna next week!  :D
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Jonathan Cummings

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #11 on: October 28, 2002, 06:09:52 PM »
Tom - great luck to you, Jim, Bruce and all the RG folks at your NZ effort.  I can't wait to see it!  JC  
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Joe Hancock

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #12 on: October 28, 2002, 06:12:15 PM »
If the ONLY posts Tom put up were marketing/ shameless self promotion, that would be one thing. More often then not, he is adding his perspective on architectural issues and discussion. Trumpet Blower is only showing his(her?) arse in his(her?) post.


Joe
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" What the hell is the point of architecture and excellence in design if a "clever" set up trumps it all?" Peter Pallotta, June 21, 2016

"People aren't picking a side of the fairway off a tee because of a randomly internally contoured green ."  jeffwarne, February 24, 2017

TEPaul

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #13 on: October 28, 2002, 06:18:07 PM »
RJ:

You don't think Doak's teasers on here will be as effective as PD because not many of us will get out there to NZ?

What are you talking about? Isn't NZ just around the corner from Philadelphia? I heard it's only about a 20 hour plane ride! That's less time than it takes me to get to NYC sometimes!
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RJ_Daley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #14 on: October 28, 2002, 07:28:10 PM »
Your right Tom, when do we leave? ;

Oh, by the way, would you be able to adopt me when the trip is over.  I just need a small space to sleep and store my golf clubs and PC... :-/
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No actual golf rounds were ruined or delayed, nor golf rules broken, in the taking of any photographs that may be displayed by the above forum user.

John_D._Bernhardt

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #15 on: October 28, 2002, 07:38:13 PM »
It seems a bed and breakfast could make a good living off us real soon. RJ, we have a business deal we can finally afford. lol I am proud to know Tom. I hope the final product lives up to his vision and expectations. It will put NZ on the traveling golfer map.
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TEPaul

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #16 on: October 28, 2002, 07:58:35 PM »
RJ:

Of course I'll adopt you! Would you prefer to live in the golf architecture wing or the PC wing, also known as "Action Central?"

We'll go out to NZ as soon as I can promote somebody's Gulfstream V! I just can't be bothered with these security lines anymore! The last time I had to go through one they actually made me remove my belt and shoes!

Can you imagine anything so rude? Who the hell do they think I am?
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Patrick_Mucci

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #17 on: October 28, 2002, 08:06:55 PM »
TEPaul,

When going through airport security, remember, you can't wear your shoes on your ears, and wrap your belt on top of your head or around your neck.

It is an automatic red flag for security.   ;D
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Brad Swanson

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #18 on: October 28, 2002, 08:18:00 PM »
Tom Doak,
   How dare you post this teaser without providing a picture or 2 for those of us that can't afford worldwide travel at the drop of a hat.  ;)

Brad Swanson
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TEPaul

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #19 on: October 28, 2002, 08:21:06 PM »
Thanks, Pat; I'm a helluva a fashion plate--a bit of a trend setter actually, but if that style ever occurs to me I'll remember your advice if I ever decide to go through airport security again and be forced to associate with those gauche people, none of whom has a modicum of taste!

Shoes as earings, Huh?

Not a bad fashion thought at all! It'd probably look best in the winter, don't you think?
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Mark_Huxford

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #20 on: October 28, 2002, 08:50:52 PM »

Glad to hear things are going so well Tom. I hope it's not too hot up there this summer for your crew.
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Tom Doak

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #21 on: October 29, 2002, 12:10:03 AM »
Mark:  We haven't seen a day yet which I would call "hot".  I assume the summer will live up to expectations.

Brett:  For God's sake, shhhhh!!!  (But technically we are only shaping "consultants" putting in long days; it helps a bit that our client is based in America.)

Tom P:  Well I'm at Pacific Dunes today for comparison, and as you know not many players have hit two grand slams in one game.  It's a different site we have in New Zealand, and we're just trying to make the most of it.  As I've said, it's a special place, and I hope it makes the mark as a great golf course and not just the "eighth wonder" which it certainly is.

P.S.  Who the hell has said anything about it other than me?  No one has been there yet!!  But I'm sure you'll hear from Brian Schneider in a couple of weeks.
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TEPaul

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #22 on: October 29, 2002, 01:21:37 AM »
TomD:

Maybe, I'm mistaken but a few months ago I thought a terraserver picture (or something like that) was posted on here about the site (or the general coastal area) along with some commentary about the land and how some local indigneous fellow was trying to hold things up claiming that London didn't negotiate with him properly in a land transfer about 300 years ago! I think I remember posting that someone should point out to him what the concept of  a "statute of limitations" was all about!

But I've never been to NZ and maybe I should be more sensitive to these things as the fellow may be claiming is father was buried under the 1st green around 100 BC!
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Tom Doak

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #23 on: October 29, 2002, 01:28:44 AM »
TE:  Well there was indeed an archaeological site right where I want to put the 13th green.  (The Maoris saw its' attractions, too.)  They are trying to sort out whether to do a dig there and then let us build what we want, or send us to Plan B for the 13th hole ... which would indeed be the eighth wonder of the world in its planned form.

Don't want to jinx Plan A, though, so I'm just waiting for their wisdom on what to do.
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TEPaul

Re: Eighth Wonder of the World (part two)
« Reply #24 on: October 29, 2002, 01:58:40 AM »
Just advise that Maori fellow that there can't be much more glorious in this universe than to have his relatives buried under the eighth wonder of the World--ie, the 13th green of Plan A! Even promise you'll put his body under there when his spirit goes to the Great Kaola Bear in the Sky!

Alternatively, buy him a set of clubs and maybe he'll figure that out for himself!

You can even tell him that one of the great architects in history, Pete Dye, is not as lucky as he is, since Pete seems resigned to the fact that he'll be buried in some old pot bunker somewhere someday!
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