...under Architecture Timeline and Courses by Country.
Given that Flynn's name appears on less than 55 original designs, he spent more time per course than some of the more prolific Golden Age designers like Ross, Tillinghast, etc. Furthermore, of all his original designs, he spent more time at Lancaster than any other, which I contend is the underlying reason why Lancaster has always received more attention than any of his other Pennsylvania courses.
From 1919 until his death in 1945, Flynn was at Lancaster on a nearly annual basis. Think about the ramifications that had: As Flynn evolved as an architect, so too did the holes and course. As changes occurred in agronomy and technology, Flynn kept Lancaster up to date, helping to see it from the age of hickory into the age of steel. And unlike Pete Dye's work at Crooked Stick where you can tell which decade Dye did what, Flynn's work spanning several decades at Lancaster is seamless.
As well as any architect ever, Flynn never tried to muscle his own stamp onto a site but rather used the land to create a series of interesting holes that are unique to that property. Lancaster's evolution reflects that, though how the final product emerged is complex. Wayne Morrison, who has devoted more time
to the study of Flynn than anyone, points out that at Lancaster, 'Routing progressions changed, hole designs changed (some as many as seven times), holes were abandoned and others incorporated on different parts of Lancaster's vast property. The only constant was the close relationship between the club, led by Roy Eshelman, and Flynn, their consulting architect for twenty-six years. Lancaster's own success led to some issues as the increase in local property development also helped increase the frequency of flooding. This dictated some necessary changes to the course. Fortunately, Flynn was always there and the changes, even the few not planned by Flynn, provided significant improvements to the course.'
With so much of Flynn in the course, Lancaster is a delight to study. Of course, time has a way of doing cruel things to golf courses. When Forse Design was called in in 2005, Flynn had been dead for sixty years. Just as they always do, and have done with spectacular success at two other Flynn gems Indian Creek and Philadelphia Country Club, Ron Forse and Jim Nagle submersed themselves into understanding and re-establishing the nuances of this particular design. Their success is detailed throughout this course profile.
As with any course, the quality and health of the turf is crucial but that is especially true when the land plays such a crucial role in how the holes are meant to be played. In that regard, Lancaster got a huge boost forward when Green Keeper Todd Bidlespacher arrived at LCC from Kirtland Country Club in 2004. To address poor drainage issues, a shallow root system, and mediocre turf coverage, Todd set out on a five year turnaround plan. The success that he has had is evident above the surface and below as well where he has largely reduced the layer of thatch that was choking off the root system. Indeed, Ben Crenshaw remarked on how well the course played when he toured it in the fall of 2008.
Combined with the work by Forse Design, Bidlespacher has helped returned Lancaster to preeminence. Given all the time that Flynn spent here, he would cast the most critical eye over it so it is no small compliment to say that Flynn would be very pleased if he could see today's course.
Of course, members of other Flynn courses (who time has shown aren't shy about expressing their opinions on GolfClubAtlas.com
) will have their own take on things! That's what makes throwing open a Flynn profile to discussion here such risky business but if ever a course can stand up under scrutiny, it's Lancaster Country Club.
Cheers,