How do you keep learning?
Blogs (of which GolfClubAtlas.com is not one
), web sites (of which GolfClubAtlas.com is one
), books like the just published terrific True Links all help. For those really fortunate, you get to see different courses by different architects from different eras and you get to see how certain architects handle certain types of land. Studying how an architect works with a site with modest topography can be particular instructive as he is more free to layer onto the land features that will make for good golf. A prime example - perhaps THE prime example - of that is Hollywood, a much beloved course in golf architecture circles (whatever those are!).
At Hollywood, it is the manner in which Travis created such singular holes as the fourth, seventh, and twelfth that makes Hollywood such a rewarding course to get to know. In addition, people still go back and forth as to how best to play the drive and pitch thirteenth. None of those holes were situated over spectacular land yet here we are ninety years later marveling at how man created such distinctive holes. Equally as important a design accomplishment, there are no dull or ordinary holes in the entire bunch.
Bottom line with any design: Will it stand the test of time? Travis's design passes with flying colors as it is still the rigorous test that he intended and I can't imagine any architect - dead or alive - who could have built a better course on this property.
It was a rainy day in Deal so the pictures don't do the course justice. Despite the rain, the greens were brick hard so their renewed focus on the ground game is already starting to pay off.
Hope you enjoy this updated profile.
Cheers,