Exotic game sightings in the Sand Hills region

[Mac Plumart]

Chris...

If you are building another course at Dismal, I'd be happy to throw my hat in the ring as its potential architect.  My track record is pretty impressive...not bragging really, just being honest.  Here is a quick peak at some of my work...

http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,46654.0.html

Tough call as to what is my best hole built so far, but I am partial to "The Cathedral Hole".  And I totally embrace the whole natural/minimalistic thing.  Send me a PM or call me at 404-555-1212 to chat. 

[PCCraig]

For those ignorant enough to prove it... The current Miss USA is from Nebraska

Here's the teen version

 

And Here's a pic of one of last years contestants, who happens to be from Ogallala







Jeff Warne, George summed up my feelings fairly well. We here in this forum are much too jaded to see the benefit of a Tiger design.

Woof.

[Chris Johnston]

Chris...

If you are building another course at Dismal, I'd be happy to throw my hat in the ring as its potential architect.  My track record is pretty impressive...not bragging really, just being honest.  Here is a quick peak at some of my work...

http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,46654.0.html

Tough call as to what is my best hole built so far, but I am partial to "The Cathedral Hole".  And I totally embrace the whole natural/minimalistic thing.  Send me a PM or call me at 404-555-1212 to chat. 


Mac - Now, THAT is minimalism!  Nice work

[Matthew Parish]

Speaking of savvy golfers going to the sandhills for golf.  I invited some clients to join me at Sand Hills for a few days of golf at, arguably, the greatest golf course in the US.  Although avid golfers who play at least 3 times week, they said no.  They were shocked that anyone would go to Nebraska for golf.  I was stunned at this response...and frankly speechless.  So, I ended up with these guys...

Mac,

You clearly need new clients.  You know if it was not for clients, I would love my job.  Then again, if it was not for clients, I would not have one. 

[RJ_Daley]

I saw this thread yesterday, and thought I'd sleep on it, and think about it a bit.  Then, I came back to find actual photos of the exotic game posted!  So my impression based on experience of actually having met the exotic wild life out there is to caution you that unlike Sashquash and Big Foot of the Pac Norwest, with grainy evidence of its existence, this Sand Hills version is actually known as Big Red Curly Mane Male Cougar.  He is quite docile.  He is seen frequently, unlike the PacNorwester.  His main characteristic is hovering and observing.  Unlike the predatory big cats, I don't think he watches because he will devour you, but now that I see those cutie pie photos of alarmingly young prey of that region, I am rethinking the harmless docile part.

He stands much taller and appears much wider than I think he actually is. And he lures you in with a grin. Maybe it is a nature's adaptation thing.


His hovering observation is a natural behavior trait that often mimics the habits of a caddie.



When provoked, he will pick up impliments and lash out, but never without great evaluatiuon of his options


Sometimes he evaluates options so hard, his head hurts


finally, this Sand Hills Big Red Curly Mane Male Cougar is known to be sociable (not sure about how sociable is appropriate around the the miss teen Sandy Hills dollies)  He stands a bit bowl legged, and has had some big pain to deal with, and has been riding in motorized transportation in his natural habitat.  But, he is headed for a procedure to build him some new haunches.  So we wish him all the best and fast recovery and return to that natural habitat up in the Sand Hills.

[RJ_Daley]

Regarding sleeping on it and wondering about the second course question and rationale, I came to the conclusion, 'the more the merrier'.  The gents that are behind these developments aren't some kind of financial novices.  They know their brief, and what they are doing out there is sort of a generational or historic commitment and gift to the game of golf.  Why would a devoted golf architecture junkie and golfer have anything but well wishes and encouragement for these developers?  We can debate the minutia and how many angels can dance on the head of the pin, regarding the actual designs.  That is the fun part of participating here.  I myself have made some observations of DR, solely by photos before, during, and after construction.  But, I think I'd be an idiot to detract or deride or say something discouraging about the venture.  If the man or group that have their silver in the venture at DR have the notion of a Tiger, or a  less reknown actual GCA, I'd say go for it if it makes them happy and they can sleep on the risk.  Golf can't loose.

[JC Jones]

Regarding sleeping on it and wondering about the second course question and rationale, I came to the conclusion, 'the more the merrier'.  The gents that are behind these developments aren't some kind of financial novices.  They know their brief, and what they are doing out there is sort of a generational or historic commitment and gift to the game of golf.  Why would a devoted golf architecture junkie and golfer have anything but well wishes and encouragement for these developers?  We can debate the minutia and how many angels can dance on the head of the pin, regarding the actual designs.  That is the fun part of participating here.  I myself have made some observations of DR, solely by photos before, during, and after construction.  But, I think I'd be an idiot to detract or deride or say something discouraging about the venture.  If the man or group that have their silver in the venture at DR have the notion of a Tiger, or a  less reknown actual GCA, I'd say go for it if it makes them happy and they can sleep on the risk.  Golf can't loose.

Great post, RJ.  To answer your question, to protect their investment or if the wrong architect (in their eyes) is chosen, to have another opportunity to be condescending and judgmental of a golf course they've never played.  Just look at all the criticism of the current DR course from people who haven't played it.

[Mac Plumart]

Speaking of savvy golfers going to the sandhills for golf.  I invited some clients to join me at Sand Hills for a few days of golf at, arguably, the greatest golf course in the US.  Although avid golfers who play at least 3 times week, they said no.  They were shocked that anyone would go to Nebraska for golf.  I was stunned at this response...and frankly speechless.  So, I ended up with these guys...

Mac,

You clearly need new clients.  You know if it was not for clients, I would love my job.  Then again, if it was not for clients, I would not have one. 

Matthew...

They are awesome people.  And I get the humor in your post, but their decision/reaction cemented in my mind how niche a fascination with golf course architecture is.  Oh well, it opens up more opportunities for me to enjoy these great courses due to less demand than would occur if the fascination was more main stream.

[Tony Weiler]

Mac, I'm sure glad your clients couldn't make it!  I ufortunately didn't get to play DR, but the view from the clubhouse fireplace is really hard to beat.  I think I'll get there someday, as like JC said, people whose opinions I hold highly thought is was great. 

I will also get to the Prairie Club soon, for it's a relatively short drive for me.  I don't know anything about the PC's business model, or how they are doing (JC says above they are struggling) but does anyone see that third course being built anytime soon?   

P.S.  Which of us is Darren Clarke? 

[Chris Johnston]

Speaking of savvy golfers going to the sandhills for golf.  I invited some clients to join me at Sand Hills for a few days of golf at, arguably, the greatest golf course in the US.  Although avid golfers who play at least 3 times week, they said no.  They were shocked that anyone would go to Nebraska for golf.  I was stunned at this response...and frankly speechless.  So, I ended up with these guys...

Mac,

You clearly need new clients.  You know if it was not for clients, I would love my job.  Then again, if it was not for clients, I would not have one.  

Matthew...

They are awesome people.  And I get the humor in your post, but their decision/reaction cemented in my mind how niche a fascination with golf course architecture is.  Oh well, it opens up more opportunities for me to enjoy these great courses due to less demand than would occur if the fascination was more main stream.

Jason & Mac:

I agree with you.  We are located in an area with truly great courses, and while I would encourage those critical of Dismal to visit or revisit, we realize our neighbors are among the best courses in the world and that acclaim is well deserved.  Does that result in DR being criticized more than it should?  Probably.  Should people pass up a visit to Dismal?  Probably not.  It''s quite good and a warm welcome awaits.

[Eric Smith]

Warm, indeed.

Chris,

This news is very exciting to ponder as the possibilities for the club with two great courses (being cautiously optimistic here) should equate to longer stays for your members and guests, who in turn would be able to enjoy more great sandhills golf, more pork chops, beer, wine, nights around the fire pit...more great memories...a win/win for everyone.

[Scott Szabo]

Unlike some of our neighbors, Dismal River has little debt, our infrastructure is in place, and is the best around.  Why build a second course?.. because the site is that good and the cost is reasonable.  Unlike some more romantic places with crushing debt loads, we like the kind of golfers and people who become part of Dismal.  In general, they are real, not pretentious, and respect the game.  We measure people far more by the amount of their passion than the size of the wallet.   We are about friends and family coming together.

George - the beauty of our model is you don't have to donate a nut to be come a member.  It's affordable and cool, simple and kind,  truly one of the best experiences out there.  That was the original goal of our neighbor of which I am most grateful to have become a member there early on before it received its well earned acclaim.

Sounds like a club with its priorities in order.  Best of luck - I hope to get out your way some time to see it.

[Jim Colton]

Unlike some of our neighbors, Dismal River has little debt, our infrastructure is in place, and is the best around.  Why build a second course?.. because the site is that good and the cost is reasonable.  Unlike some more romantic places with crushing debt loads, we like the kind of golfers and people who become part of Dismal.  In general, they are real, not pretentious, and respect the game.  We measure people far more by the amount of their passion than the size of the wallet.   We are about friends and family coming together.

George - the beauty of our model is you don't have to donate a nut to be come a member.  It's affordable and cool, simple and kind,  truly one of the best experiences out there.  That was the original goal of our neighbor of which I am most grateful to have become a member there early on before it received its well earned acclaim.

Chris,

 The second course is a great idea! The more golf courses in the region, the better from my perspective. And I agree with Adam, there is a compelling story combining Tiger/Jack together and having Tiger's first actual design (if you don't count his backyard practice area). Looking at the aerial, it just screams great golf.

 How much land to you own out there? Where would the proposed 2nd course be in relation to the first?

 I'm not sure I follow your previous comments about your neighbors/competitors. Are you saying they are pretentious, fake and don't respect the game and not about friends and family coming together (aren't they all trying to sell the chance to unplug and unwind with your buddies?) I've been to most of these remote clubs and have found a friendly, down-to-earth vibe that is consistent with the culture of that region. PC was the only place where I felt more like a hotel guest or resort guest as opposed to a friend of the family.

[Carl Nichols]

Jim:
I assume PC is Prairie Club?

[Lou_Duran]

Probably even more impressive than the incredible topography of the Sand Hills area and the great golf it engenders are the local Nebraskans.  They are the friendliest, most hospitable people I've been around.  Tiger, nor JC for that matter, could hardly move the average Niceness index with an extended stay in the area.

Though I hope more gets built in the area, I don't understand the economics.  It is compelling golf, but not at a small cost.  I suspect that when it comes down to consumer preferences and dollars and cents, the Myrtle Beach model gets the nod.  Of the 26 to 28 million golfers in the U.S., I wonder how many "get" Sand Hills golf and are willing to spend their money there?      

[Scott Szabo]

Lou, I couldn't agree more with your sentiment toward the locals.  Some of the most genuine people I've been privileged to meet and, in some cases, to call friends.

[Mac Plumart]

I'll 3rd the comments on the quality of people there.  I was blown away.

[Adam Clayman]

Chris, thanks for participating in this. One aspect I think relevant is the bad vibe that many received when the original course opened. That hill needs to be overcome and I think you and your group have gone a long way in correcting that.
My hope is that whoever is chosen to build it, people will give DR a second chance to experience the feelings you've outlined above.

[Tim Bert]

Wow - First off, I dont think it is cool for people to come on and attack Dismal if they haven't seen it in person or played it. At the same time, I think it is super uncool for someone involved to imply things like this about other clubs in the area. 

"Unlike some more romantic places with crushing debt loads, we like the kind of golfers and people who become part of Dismal.  In general, they are real, not pretentious, and respect the game.  We measure people far more by the amount of their passion than the size of the wallet.   We are about friends and family coming together."

Why not sell the course on its own merits as opposed to implying that there's something not to like about the type of people that have joined other courses in the area. I'm shocked that the number of people lining up to defend Dismal against the Doak and C&C crowd on this thread don't see an equal issue here.

[Scott Szabo]

Tim, maybe I need to go back and re-read Chris' reply a little closer, but I didn't come away with the impression he was referring to courses in the area such as SH, BN and PC.  I thought it was a more general comment regarding some of the more "elite" clubs.  If I am wrong, then shame on him.

[JC Jones]

Tim,

I also did not get the impression he was talking about Dismal's neighbors when he said that. 

[Eric Smith]

Of course that's not what he meant and it isn't what he wrote. He'll surely tell you this himself.

[John Kirk]

Unlike some of our neighbors, Dismal River has little debt, our infrastructure is in place, and is the best around.  Why build a second course?.. because the site is that good and the cost is reasonable.  Unlike some more romantic places with crushing debt loads, we like the kind of golfers and people who become part of Dismal.  In general, they are real, not pretentious, and respect the game.  We measure people far more by the amount of their passion than the size of the wallet.   We are about friends and family coming together.

Really?

You can see how someone might conclude that the neighbors in question have crushing debt loads and are less down to earth.  Hey, I'm down to earth.  Butler, get me my oatmeal!

[John Kirk]

Feeling an overwhelming desire to enter into a "your course ain't shit" pissing contest where nobody wins.  Unfortunately, I have to go so I can play my other romantic course here in the desert.

Please perceive this comment as non-serious, and an attempt to derive as much laughter out of life as possible.

[Eric Smith]

What is it Dr. Beeper says: "Must be a nice change from dreary old Manhattan."

I don't think Chris is selling choose us over them with his post. He's selling choose us over THEM.