Mike
In the south or nationally? Nationally, courses Barker designed or redesigned that opened in 1909-1910 (that I know of today) would be CC of Viriginia, Waverly, Spokane, Newport, Columbia, Rumson, Skokie and Springhaven. I'm certain some of these courses opened before May and some after May. Arguably his most famous design was under construction in 1910 ~ Mayfield. Mayfield's moto was "beat Myopia."
Tom,
Thanks for the information. I don't want to take this thread too far off-track, but what I'm hoping to better understand is exactly how well known Barker might have been as an architect by June 1910, which courses would have made his reputation at that point, and possibly why his proposed routing was seemingly not considered.
As you know, some of these dates are tricky, because a design might be done in one year and the actual course didn't open until 2-3 years later. So, in this case, I'm trying to see what he actually had built "on the ground" that was open for play by that date.
Of the courses you listed, I understand that Waverly had an existing course from 1896, so I'm assuming it was a re-do, and Spokane didn't purchase their land until 1910 so I'm assuming these two courses didn't much figure into the thinking of anyone at MCC.
In New Jersey, Barker did the routing for Arcola in 1909, but the course didn't open until 1911. In the case of Rumson, this is another perplexing one, because an existing course was being played in 1910 (formerly Seabright CC), and Barker became the pro there in April 1911, after apparently leaving Garden City. It's difficult to determine who did what when there.
I'm guessing Skokie was also a re-do, as a nine-hole Bendelow course existed in 1904, and I don't believe it became 18 holes until Ross came in the teens. Am I understanding that evolution correctly, or did Barker have a larger role?
Two I haven't been able to determine the timeframe on are his work at CC of Virginia (where i know he was the professional before leaving this country in 1915), and Newport, where again a nine holer existed (by Willie David) previously, and the standard story is that Ross then turned that into 18 later. Any info you can provide on those would be helpful.
The one course I think might have an MCC connection is Springhaven. In early 1910 it was reported that Barker had been consulting with the club and had recommended the addition of fifty bunkers to the course, which the club said they would build as soon as weather and logistics permitted.
Still and all, do you think it would be fair to say that Barker was probably better known for his playing abilities and the fact he was the pro at the famous Garden City club at this point (June 1910) than for any architectural achievements, most of which came later in the south?
Thanks...this is indeed interesting to explore, and I had no idea previously that he was so prolific. I'm just trying to determine the actual timeframe of his achievements and how that related to how the MCC Committee might have viewed him at the time.