What is the first thing you do to become a well-known Designer?

[Melvyn Morrow]

Tom

Is that ‘separated by a common language’ or do you really mean by
"a common game of Golf?"

Melvyn

[TEPaul]

Melvyn:

Churchill had a few choice things to say about the game of golf too but he said separated by a common language, not a common game of golf.

[Melvyn Morrow]

Tom

 Speak for yourself and Churchill's American Mother.

I believe if we can get the golf right, then language (Queens English) will follow. 

Just have to get rid of this idea that golf must be made easy. Life is a challenge and golf reflects life - does it not?

Melvyn

[Jeff_Brauer]

Seriously, there are a few ways.

Getting your green jacket from Augusta rather than the department store does help.

For the rest of us, it seems to be a combo of things, but designing a tough course has usually been the ticket to fame, a la Tom and George Fazio at Butler National and others.  Of course, George Fazio was also a Tour Player for a while, and had great money connections to give him the op to build some of those courses. But the press eats up tough courses and writes about them.  After you are famous, you can start designing user friendly, but incredibly beautiful and expensive courses.

The second way is to give whatever you design a catchy name the press can pick up on - i.e., minimalism, links style, etc.

The most traditional way, as once explained to me by Art Hills when asking the same question is "Just do good work.  Eventually, people will notice."

[TEPaul]

"Tom
Speak for yourself and Churchill's American Mother."



Melvyn:

Do you know what a jingoist is? If not, look it up as it describes you quite perfectly! 

[Kyle Henderson]

I've always tought it would be neat to change my name to "Ginormous VanClevermuscle," but I'm not sure it would boost my prospects outside of certain unmentionable industries.

If I desired to become a well-known GCA, I'd change my last name to Nicklaus or Fazio. Step two would be garnering employment opportunities that offer ample construction budgets, design freedom, and great topography. Step 3 would be designing and costructing excellent golf courses that are financially lucrative.

It might also help me to make a name for myself by writing controversial books that critique the works of other designers.

Piece of cake.

[Melvyn Morrow]

Tom

Of course, I know what jingoist is and let me tell you that I am not in the music business.

I am mainly in good spirit but more often than not given the opportunity, I have a belligerent tendency towards those who want to make golf easier.

Back to Design

Perhaps the ideal way for me to enter into Course Design market is to promote my family connections and once a potential client is on board find
a top Professional Designer and accept a small commission. That way the real designer gets the credit and I enjoy the ride.

However, the real question would be which one

Nicklaus  - no - never answers my e-mails,
Woods    -  no - similar problem too aloof to respond to all requests
Faldo      -  no - Rider Cup performance poor and does not want to help me 
                          with the new bronze statue of Old Tom – so he is out too.
The list goes on…..

Therefore, I would need to think carefully. Important qualities that I value, who is actually competent, who can communicate, who is interested enough respond quickly to events. Again, this list goes on.   

Melvyn

[Dick Kirkpatrick]

Dick Kirkpatrick, I'd amend your wise recommendation ever so slightly.

I've always thought the first thing aspiring architects need to do is find someone dumb enough to hire them

So in your case Brad, your first client was dumb, and in Tom's case, his first client was crazy.

Every aspiring designer/architect needs a client, I like to think they are not all dumb or crazy.

Without a client it is impossible for aspiring architects to design/build their first golf course, otherwise, only the established architects, and touring pros turned architect will have any business.

[Joe Hancock]

Is typing proper English and speaking proper English two separate achievements? I'm just wondering, that's all.......

[Melvyn Morrow]

Joe

Ask an Englishman, I have the blood of the links in me

Melvyn

[Richard Chamberlain]

So as a young bloke coming through the ranks do you think I have no chance with Richard or Dick ?
Should i be taking the dick out and slotting in a Tom ?

I have used the Dr Kildare thing on occasions but get into trouble  with punters under the age of 40...they have no idea who he was. I do like Dr Kildare Designs though...it does have a sweet ring to it. Of course that would have to evolve into the Good Dr Kildare.

Richard Chamberlain