The McDonalds-ization of Golf Course Design

[George Pazin]

Since Mr. Whitten actually participated, I thought this was worth a bump.

Thanks for finding it, Powell.

[Richard Choi]

What an interesting read. Thanks for the bump, I would have never seen it.

Personally, I would rather have a copy of a great hole than an original hole that is poorly designed. Artists mimic the styles of greats all the time (even making exact copies). I don't know why that should be discouraged.

Is the latest revival of "Show Boat" any less moving or entertaining because it is nothing more than a "copy" of the original? Of course not. There are numerous local tours of Broadway musicals which exposes these works of art to those who do not have the opportunity to see them on Broadway. And that is beneficial to all who love the artform.

I cannot afford an original Kandisky. Does that mean that I should not be able to see the painting unless I visit MOMA in NY? Isn't it better if everyone who loves a Kandisky have a poster on their wall to enjoy everyday?

Similarly, there are numerous wonderful holes around the world that 90% of the golfers will never be able to enjoy. I think that is rather sad.

Wouldn't it be a better (golf) world if at least I have access to copies of those holes nearby?

[Phil_the_Author]

For all of the criticism raised about doing this, I have just four letters for you...

NGLA

[Tim Leahy]

Whatever happened to this replica course? I could really see a St. Andrews replica course, all 18 holes being built somewhere here in the US.

[Kalen Braley]

For all of the criticism raised about doing this, I have just four letters for you...

NGLA

To add even more twists with the new course at Bandon...there will be a sort of building on a course that built on other courses.  

And with this new course at Bandon, could this be a jumping the shark type event??

[Doug Wright]

Whatever happened to this replica course? I could really see a St. Andrews replica course, all 18 holes being built somewhere here in the US.

Tim,

Based on my initial post on this thread, I guess I was a little grumpy two weeks after 9/11...  

In any case, no golf course has been built at Denver International Airport. I checked via Google and found a report from September 2006 saying that a new housing development near DIA (for those who know the area, just south of Pena Blvd. between Tower Road and E-470) called High Point would have a public golf course with a couple of concepts being considered: A links-type design or one similar to the Renditions Golf Course in Maryland.  The article says: "Each of the Renditions Golf Course's holes is a replica of a hole from a championship course that has hosted a major competition such as The Masters, U.S. Open or British Open. Renditions gives golfers the chance "to walk in the pros' shoes." " The article also says that no architect has been selected for the project, though it says Niebur Golf Inc. of Colorado Springs would build it.

Now I don't think this is the project I wrote about in 2001 because that one was going to be on DIA property itself and owned by the City and County of Denver.  However, the developer may have seen and liked the replica idea from 2001, or Perry Dye, who apparently had the DIA job in 2001 (and who also did nearby Green Valley Ranch), or someone else may be pitching a similar concept (Renditions rather than Royal Links) to this developer.

[Peter Zarlengo]

Doug-
I am working for Niebur Golf this summer and have heard very little of this project.  Its still on the back burner. From what I know its a big hotel and conference center deal close to the airport.

From what I've seen built in the area, I think that it would be unneccessary to build a replica 18 of the links courses. The eastern side of Denver has wonderful terrain for a creative, original design. Courses like Green Valley, Murphy Creek, and Buffalo Run prove this.

[Jeff_Brauer]

Its a matter of degrees. I think every major golf market can stand a good replica course, either of Scottish or Early American or Golden Age american classics, for reasons mentioned.   But, I think they need just one, of course.  So, if 50-100 of 15,000 US courses is a Scottish replica, Tour replica, or whatever, whats the big whup to you?

As to the gca taking a fee to copy his own copies, there would still be the time to fit it to the topo at hand, not to mention the specs and construction supervision.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Doug:<P>See "The Bear's Best," 18-hole "best-of-Nicklaus" courses being developed in multiple venues by Club Corporation of America.<P>Or see Ran's write-ups on Seth Raynor.<P>Or see "The Architects Golf Club" by Stephen Kay and Ron Whitten.<P>I think this is a terrible trend, but leave it to Perry Dye to take it to its ultimate conclusion.

Tom Doak,

David Suskind once said that there are no bad TV shows, only bad audiences.

Could it be the same with golf courses ?

AndyL,

Forsgate is a pretty good golf course.
Banks must have done something right.