Having the understanding as to what makes for good golf doesn't do an architect any good if he and his crew can't translate it into the ground. Kyle Phillips is one of the very few architects who successfully translates big ideas into the dirt, time and time again.
I haven't played Kingsbarns so I can't comment but it still draws rave reviews to this day for the man-made features. Given how faux links have lost some of their lustre as of late, this is quite the compliment.
Since Kingsbarn opened, Kyle has gone on to many successful solo projects but none at the expense of the other. What that means is that when a Phillips course opens, it actually means something. After you design your 100th or 200th course, there is a point where the work is going to lack anything fresh or original (personally, I think that # might be around 30). Kyle is a long way from that and each and every Phillips project is of a high standard.
His work at The California Club of San Francisco is an absolute standout in my mind. Not only did the work start three feet under so that the holes would play properly, but his grand ideas paid off fabulously well. Take the 7th and 8th holes as an example of his unique talent. First, he had to vision to create these two new holes. Then look at the tiny detail work that followed, especially in front and around the 8th green with all its neat little ground game features making it seem like a hole built eighty years ago. Kyle notes that some people like the California Club every bit or more than SFGC and OC. I agree - I am one of them!
In terms of new designs, a tour around the Links Course at PGA National of Sweden impresses. From the unpromising start of open farmland with broad slope, Kyle fashioned a number of interesting holes/shots, including a Biarritz green at the seventh which lets you know how much he appreciates the work and design ideas of the masters that have gone before him. His great Home hole with its broad fairway tumbling down to the clubhouse proved superb in identifying the champion golfer of the day with Joe's only consolation being the high octane beer found inside
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When natural features are present, Kyle seizes on them but when they are absent, he and his crew can create holes that hold their head high with the others. Apparently, this is particularly true at the recently opened Yas Island in Abu Dhabi of which Ben Cowan-Dewar is a big fan. According to Ben, "Yas is without a doubt the first great golf course in the Middle East and I believe (and more importantly hope) it could be a real game-changer for the region."
You aren't in Kansas any more when you play Yas Island. Note Ferrari World to the right.
Be it new designs or work like at The California Club and Wilshire, Kyle has carved out a name for himself in the upper echelon of golf course design. Here's hoping that he continues to build on his success, one project at a time.
Cheers,