Charles Banks at Knollwood
February 10, 1926 - The Golf Architect’s Description of the New Course
Written by Charles Banks
• “As we proceeded with this work, Mr. Raynor became more and more enthusiastic over the possibilities, and when we had finally completed the layout he remarked to me, “We are going to make a real course out of this after all.” In other words, his final reaction was that there were fine possibilities in the holes which were still to be constructed, and that these holes could be linked up with the other new holes in an effective manner.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion this appears to confirm that Raynor struggled to find a “new” layout that incorporated Tillinghast’s holes but produced what he felt was a better course
• “Mr. Raynor feels that the topography of the property lends itself well to the building of some very effective holes from the golfing standpoint and that most of the holes will have the added attraction of a beautiful setting.”
• “The first hole will be an effective drive and pitch hole, to the present first green over the present second fairway. This hole will have a large diagonal bunker running part way across the fairway in such a position as to place a premium on a good shot to the right of the fairway, giving the player easy entrance to the green. A large face bunker will probably be placed below the green, so that a poorly placed drive will require a pitch shot from this bunker to the green.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Raynor’s hole with a Banks green, under construction still in 1926
• “Hole No. 2 will be a log-leg to a green up on the hillside below the present fourth green. The main feature of this hole is that a good drive will give the player a clear shot around the corner to the green. The green will be a large one dug into the hillside, and will have a double entrance and a large mound and bunker in front, between the two =entrances. This green will be similar to one at the Creek Club, and to the 9th green at Fox Chapel, Pittsburgh.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Raynor hole with a Raynor green since green grown in construction photos from 1926
• “The third hole will be a short one, ranging from 110 – 130 yards. The green will have a large trap in front and traps to the left and rear and a steep bank to the right, thus requiring an accurate pitch shot. In general type, this hole follows the sixth at the National.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Raynor hole with a Raynor green since green grown in construction photos from 1926
• “The fourth hole will be a very pretty drive and pitch hole, the distance being about 340 yards. The green is the one placed on the tennis courts. It will stand up, and as one approaches it he will have the attractive view down through the alley. A large trap will be placed to the right of the green and will run well out to the front, thus placing a premium on an accurate shot down the centre of the course, or a little to the left. In general type the green follows one on the Garden City course, which ahs been very much admired.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Raynor hole with a Raynor green since green grown in construction photos from 1926
• “The 5th tee across the road, a little in advance of the present 3rd tee, will link up well with this green. This new 5th hole will be a long three-shot hole up through the valley to a green upon the hillside bunker or around the corner near the end of the large face bunker. The green will probably be most effective upon the hill and will be built there if the rock conditions permit. In either position, the green will present a real test of golf, making it necessary for the player to secure two long shots and an accurate pitch to reach the green.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Raynor hole (lengthened hole from Tillinghast’s concept) with a Banks green
• “Holes 6 and 7 are two of the new holes already built, 6 being a long two-shotter, and 7 being a very pretty drive and pitch hole to the green near the newly constructed little pond.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Tillinghast holes with Raynor green on the 6th and a Tillinghast green on the 7th
• “Hole No. 8 will be a one shot hole to a green placed upon the face of the hill near the present 4th tee. This probably will be a Redan Hole, 180-190 yards in length, and will be especially effective on account of the location of the green and the shot across the little valley which will lie between the tee and the green.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Raynor hole with a Banks green
• “The 9th hole from a tee on the hillside overlooking the present 8th green will present a very attractive picture, and will be very effective long two-shot hole. The present 9th green will be utilized for this hole.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Raynor hole with a Van Etten green
• “The 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th holes are among the new holes which have been practically completed. “
• “No. 10 will require two long, well placed shots. The green is placed on the hillside and can be reached only by an accurately placed pitch shot or roll in.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Tillinghast hole with Raynor green
• “No. 11 is a long one-shot hole, with aside slope into the green. This hole will be a delight to the players who can shoot straight, even though they may not be able to attain great distance. The tee, placed as it is practically on top of the hill, commands a beautiful view for miles down the valley.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Tillinghast hole with Raynor green
• “No. 12 will require two long shots. On account of the position of the green, a well placed drive to the right is necessary if one is seeking for a comfortable second shot. The hole opens up well from the right, but will prove more difficult from the left of the fairway.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Tillinghast hole with Raynor green
• “Hole No. 13 is a right angle dog leg. The drive is down a steep hill into a very attractive little valley in the woods. The character of the hole is such as to make a good a very drive necessary if one is to have a clear second shot at the green. The second shot will be a pitch shot of average length to a built up cape hole surrounded by traps.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Tillinghast hole with Raynor green
• “The 14th hole is another round the corner hole, but is very different in type from No. 13. The green is placed at an angle, like the Redan type of hole, in a pocket of trees. To play this hole well one must secure a good drive, followed by a short pitch or roll in shot.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Tillinghast hole with Raynor green
• “No. 15 will be a drive and pitch hole up the hill along the road. The tee shot will be over the brook and the steep bank which borders it. The second shot will be a pitch shot to a green up on the hillside, which will stand up well and present an attractive target.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Raynor hole with Banks green
• “The 16th hole will be one of the most attractive in the entire course from a scenic point of view. This will be a one shot hole of the Eden type, about 160 yards in length. The tee will be placed near the present 17th tee, and the green will be down the hillside. The view from this tee down the valley will be extremely attractive.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Raynor hole with Banks green
• “The tee for the 17th hole will be placed slightly down the hill in such a position as to make it necessary for one to carry the brow of the ridge which now runs along below the 16th fairway. Because of its diagonal position this ridge will enable the driver to “bite off” as much of a carry as he feels he can make. The longer tee shot will, of course, give a more direct line to the hole. The green will probably be placed where the present 15th green is, giving the very long hitter an opportunity to carry the gully on a second shot and giving the average player an opportunity for two long shots to the brow of the gully and a pitch shot across the gully to the green. In length and hazards, this hole is similar to one of the famous holes at Lido.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Raynor hole with Banks green
• “The 18th hole Mr. Raynor feels will probably be the finest hole on the course. The tee shot will be from an elevated position on the brow of the ravine which now runs along below the 10th fairway. There will be ample fairway for any drive from 100 yards up, but an average drive will be necessary if one expects to have a clear shot up over the pond to the green, which will be placed near the present 18th tee. This hole has all the essentials of a fine natural layout for a perfect golf hole. It will provide a real test of golfing skill, but will present no insurmountable difficulties for the average player. Furthermore, it will be extremely attractive in the picture which it will present to the eye. For the timid players who do not wish to hazard the attempt to carry to the pond up over the brow of the hill, it is suggested that the old 12th green be continued, so that such players may have a comfortable and secure feeling when playing this final hole of the layout. Mr. Raynor feels however, that this 18th hole will be so interesting that scarcely anyone will wish to sacrifice the pleasure of playing it in its more difficult form.”
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion a Raynor hole with Banks green
February 15, 1926 – Greens’Committee
• The present No. 1 Green will be retained and altered to meet new conditions which, together with the new Nos. 2-3-4, will be completed and seeded next spring
• Of the final 18 holes, it is expected that in July of August, 11 will be in condition for play …
February 23, 1926 - Report to Board of Governors
• Expended for account of the new course: $52,921.55
• Estimated to complete remaining work on 11 holes -- $35,548.00
• For water system $10,000
• For putting wires underground $1,750.00
• Architect’s fees, etc. $2,500.
• Estimated final cost of construction $101,638.98
• “It is with deep regret that we have to report the death of Mr. Seth J. Raynor, our golf architect … he was able to complete the layout in a way that solved the problem to his own satisfaction…”
• “Mr. Banks, his associate, who supervised the carrying out of Mr. Raynor’s ideas and was in active charge of the construction, has arranged to carry on the business and has expressed his desire to be permitted to complete the course in accordance with the plans of Mr. Raynor.”
• “From the beginning of his work at Knollwood, Mr. Banks has shown more than ordinary interest and has been most conscientious in looking after the Club’s interest.”
• “In view of the foregoing, your Committee feel that they are fortunate in having Mr. Banks to complete the work and strongly recommend that his services be retained.”
• “Mr. Banks has arranged for one of the regular men in Mr. Raynor’s old organization, who previously has been in charge of building courses, to be head foreman in charge of the work, but under Mr. Decker’s supervision.”
• Water System – Mr. Banks has made up the specifications for the new system and we are now securing bids from competent firms and expect to have the system installed, work to begin as soon as the ground will permit.
April 5, 1926 – Annual Meeting
• Mr. Brookmire reported for the Golf Committee. He referred at the outset to the booklet which had been sent to all of the members explaining the layout of the new course.
• 11 of the final 18 holes would be in shape for use during the summer.
• The total cost involved in the purchase of approximately 40 acres of new land, the building of practically a new course with a modern water system, improvements to the house and the erection of a garage and parking space, will, when completed, have cost the Club approximately $178,000.
• The cost of completion of the golf course made by Mr. Raynor, and subsequently by Mr. Banks, who has succeeded him as Architect
• Summer of 1926 – two priorities for golf Committee – one of which is the “completion of the construction of the new course.
• Enclosed is a booklet called About the New Golf Course: An information booklet to the members of Knollwood Country Club
• “Knollwood was fortunate in getting Mr. Raynor’s interest in reconstructing its course and in having Mr. Banks, his associate, to carry out the plans they made together. Mr. Banks succeeds Mr. Raynor and will go on with the profession with the same high ideals.”
May 26, 1926 - Board of Governors
• Mr. Breed and Mr. Brookmire reported as to the progress of the construction work on the new golf course. They said that since the first of the year about $9,000 had been expended on further work, that the work was proceeding in accordance with the plans of the construction committee and that all was progressing favourably.
July 12, 1926 - Board of Governors
• … Mr. Banks was requested to make a new estimate from July 1st for completion of the course and in a letter dated July 9th he advises that his estimate is $14,650, but that he feels he can keep within the original estimate. This figure exceeds the original estimate by $1,373.25.
• The Committee feels that instead of remodelling the No. 1 and No. 15 greens, these two greens should be entirely rebuilt.
September 17, 1927 - Green Committee
• “… a report of the state of construction, amount expended and estimate to complete the new golf course as of September 9th. All greens have been finished and seeded, all fairways have been finished and seeded, with some slight minor improvements to fairways, which largely will go under the head of Upkeep.”
• “On September 11th the course was gone over for the special purpose of ascertaining just what remained to be finished and Mr. Banks was requested to submit his recommendation and give a detailed estimate of the cost of carrying out the remaining work.”
• “A number of tees still remain to be built, but as the detailed statement shows, the course is now almost finished. “
Ian Andrew’s comments: In my opinion Charles Banks should be given credit for all work completed after the death of Seth Raynor. I believe that Charles Banks adapted many of Raynor’s plans after his death to suit field conditions and also to reflect some of his own beliefs in golf architecture.