Tim,
I've already indicated that I like John LaFoy's work, but that is a pretty tough comment in your opening sentence. I've played the Walker Course, along with several others done by that same GCA, and wonder what your objection is? I thoroughly enjoyed the Walker Course; what did I miss?
My point is simply that a Clemson graduate will most likely always be a golf course superintendent there and it is a shame that LaFoy was not considered to design it. The construction was handled by a development firm out of Columbia and the "architect" for Walker was picked for reasons other than ability....if you want to know more I will have to refer you to my signature.
Tim,
I'm still not sure what you mean, especially in the last line about your signature, but in any case I have no doubt that John Lafoy would have done a great job at Clemson. I've got to say, though, that I would rate the work of Lafoy and DeVictor as reasonably comparable; certainly DeVictor doesn't suffer in the comparison too badly, and he did a nice job at Clemson by any reasonable standard, didn't he?
You may very well have knowledge that I don't about how D.J. DeVictor got the job at the Walker Course, since I have no idea whatsoever what went into that. But I think you do DeVictor a great disservice here by implying that he lacks credentials or ability as an architect; he lacks neither. You even wrote the word architect in quotation marks when you described DeVictor, as if that is not his profession, which it has been for many years now with some success. I don't know if you've played any of his other courses, either new designs or redesigns, but he has done quality work a number of places. Don't know where you are located, but I'll be happy to send you some recommendations. In the meantime, taking cheap shots is a bit unfair.
Fine...we will agree to disagree.
Just discussing and letting my thoughts be known.
My point was...and remains to be....a Clemson graduate is the Superintendent there and will always be.....as it should be.
A golf course is/was built on Clemson land and a Clemson graduate that is an architect....and a dang fine one is not hired. It is a disservice. That was my original statement.......and I stand by that.
There are reasons for everything....and this has a reason also.
Tim,
I completely understand your feelings that a Clemson grad should be given consideration for a golf course on university land; I'd feel the same way about my school. As to why John Lafoy didn't get the job, I have no idea, and since you seem to, I'll defer completely.
That said, you've shown the worst of the Internet here, taking hit-and-run potshots at D.J. Devictor, who IMO deserves better. My wish would be that you either make your criticisms of his work clear, including how the process of changes to his original drawings was different at Clemson than at any other new course, or stick to being an advocate of John Lafoy. Advocacy of Mr. Lafoy, justifiable as it may be, isn't really enhanced by drive-by shootings of another professional. Devictor's work at Clemson is really a separate issue from Lafoy NOT getting the job.
If you swing down to the Atlanta area this summer, maybe we can hook up and play Devictor's renovation of Royal Lakes, or Callahan Golf Links, a brand new construction of his. I think you would find both to be interesting and well-done, especially if you had seen Royal Lakes before he reworked the drainage, bunkering, tee boxes, etc. He isn't widely known, like a lot of good GCA's, but he does solid, professional work, and gives the clients what they want for a final product. You are his biggest critic, to my knowledge.
Best regards,
A.G. Crockett