Tom Macwood,
You seem to simply revel in making self-serving statements designed to promote an argument. Statements that have neither basis in fact nor any knowledge whatsoever of what an organization such as the Tillinghast Association is attempting to accomplish now and in the future in any area.
You stated, "For all the good things the Tillinghast Association does the one they don't do well is to promote preservation of his work."
First of all, on behalf of the Association I'd like to thank you for the compliment and recognizing that we do some things well. Before you think that is a sarcastic statement, let me assure you that it is not and that as a member of the Tillinghast Association's board of directors I can actually do that and thank you on our behalf.
Now because I am on the board I can also ask you, in regard to what the Association does to "promote preservation of his work," How would you have even an inkling of what the Association does in that regard?
Are you a member? Have you ever gone to any of the Association's meetings where this concern of yours could have been discussed? Have you ever even emailed the Association to ask anyone this question? Before you accuse the Tillinghast Association of "not doing something well" you ought to at least have done this well yourself, don't you think? Especially where you have absolutely no knowledge of what the Association does in this regard.
I almost didn't comment on this as I believe that you are simply looking to bait and argue. I am not going to do that. I am providing a single response to your outrageously unfounded claim because you have made it publicly on this forum and some answer for those who read it and wonder needs to be given.
You stated, "For example I have not heard word come from them regarding all the changes to his original designs, Bethpage-Black is a good example. I wonder if the fact the founders come from Baltusrol, a course redesigned often, has something to do with that attitude."
So once again because YOU are UNAWARE of something then it must not happen. Then you not only imply that it is fact you cite another fact in a manner that both backs up your point as proof and insults people personally. You especially expose an obvious lack of understanding as to how renovations, restorations and changes come about at golf clubs, public or private. You
The REAL FACTS are that you simply do not know yet you accuse and insult. You have no knowledge of how often members of our Association have been involved with architects aiding them in historical research to attempt to enable them to either create a Master Plan that reflects this and allows the proper restoration of Tillinghast features to the course.
You have no knowledge of how many times members of his courses contact us with questions along these lines nor the research and answers that we provide them with. For example, did you know that in the last three weeks ALONE I personally have responded to email & telephone questions from MORE than a DOZEN members & or clubs of Tilly courses with questions dealing with the original work that Tilly did at their courses? You certainly AREN'T aware of the responses that I sent. And I am but one of several members who actively provide this help.
Yet according to you we don't do this well!
According to you we must not be making any comments regarding changes to his designs based upon the "fact" that YOU have not heard of any. Of course that is the point... YOU haven't heard of any comments given, and before you ask, you won't. First of all you don't have a right to that information. Secondly, anything said regarding work done at Tilly courses are PRIVATE correspondence BETWEEN THEM AND US and will remain so unless those who have received it choose to make it public. We respectfully acknowledge that is their right and have no problem from our end if they do so.
Finally, that the "founders" of the Tillinghast Association are member of "Baltusrol, a course redesigned often, has something to do with that attitude" has absolutely NOTHING whatsoever to do with anything.
Once again you have NO IDEA whatsoever what comments have been made by these "founders" when questions as to potential changes to the courses at Baltusrol have been brought up. Mentioning it as you have is clearly meant in the negative and is an unwarranted insult for which you should apologize...
Finally, if any member of the board is a member of a Tillinghast club and has questions regarding his work and/or potential changes or recommendations at your club, we will be more than happy to provide as much information and research is available to us and to do so as we have always done, FREE of charge.
My apologies to all others posting on this thread but Tom's unfounded comments demanded a response. I promise not to turn this into a running argument...