Tom,
I read the Crump profile years ago, before I ever noticed the “discussion group” tab on this site. I suppose you’re right that the piece didn’t get into more about who GC was as a man, but that is probably unknowable ground open only to speculation, not to mention psycho-babble interpretations of history. I haven’t read much of anything else about GC, but would love to know more. Fascinating story, especially in light of the man’s circle of friends and their own contributions to the game.
Why does anyone build a golf course? Has there ever been one built, let alone a truly great one, that is not some kind of massive monument to the developer’s ego? I don’t know. Perhaps I am more interested in this subject than most because my father built one and I now have more than a passive interest in why an otherwise intelligent businessman would succumb to such folly. And, to anticipate your question, yes, I too am nuts. I’ve done renovations and made changes. Some good and some not so stellar (but none not praised by our golfers once in the ground). I could go on forever about all of the tweaks and improvements I’d like to make. I think about these things all the time, even though I know they make poor investments and most golfers really could care less. It’s not rational; it’s a passion. I even think it is somewhat deranged at times. On this site I’ve even referred to it as the “George Crump delusion” or some such that could lead a man, after blowing the family fortune, to blowing his own brains out in a state of depression.
I don’t know the answers, but I do have an unlimited number of theories. For me, the best ones I can come up with to justify my addiction boil down to a love for a piece of property and the endlessly seductive idea of building something that folks will continue to enjoy long after I am gone. There is no greater canvas for expressing oneself, in my deluded view, yet, as with many things in life, creating something lasting or a truly outstanding golf venue is all about collaboration. So, ego and leadership certainly play a role, but, unchecked, and without a tempering amount of humility, can be obstacles in obtaining the needed help of so many others.
Please feel free to correct my ignorance about this subject. Know of any good books you can recommend?