Just saw these recent posts as I go back from Mullen on a beer run. We had run out of suds and needed a few to toast the completion of all our seeding--both greens and fairway surrounds/tees for 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
I have had the time of my life and a decidedly positive experience for what I really hope will be my next career choice after my flying days are over. This was my "Top Gun" moment. Watching that movie in 1986 as a starry eyed four-year old, I became obsessed with being a pilot. Now, as a "crusty" old guy--at least on this young crew--I have a new idea of what I'd like to be.
I came out here with an idea of smoke and mirrors to the Renaissance recipe. I wanted to see what the fuss was all about by what must be considered one of the best design firms. I didn't find it. What I did learn and discover was that it takes patience and care to build a golf course. It takes a commitment to getting it right, attention to detail in the extreme, and a motivation to make it better everyday. It takes an effort to look for the absolute best golf holes you can find with the naked eye, then put in long hours and hard work to make them even better.
Brett, Jeff and Zach have been very fun to work with. They have asked my opinion on more than one thing that they probably shouldn't have, and in doing so, made me feel like a part of their team. I hope the little ideas we batted around will get in the ground, that would be a thrill. Don and "our crew" have been just like we always have been down at Wolf Point. I'm glad that his ideas and work ethic will get to be seen by a larger crowd now. Watching him and Brian figure things out has been a lesson in "joint warfare." Brian is a consummate professional with a fun streak that keeps the balance of the whole crew on the even. Watching him dig a new bunker on 13 and tie in a lonely pimple on 11 is worth the price of admission.
In the end, people will say what they're going to say about the golf course. Being here for a week, I have gotten a small taste of how hard it is to discover and create great golf. Looking at what's here now, I'm very excited to see it when I return for more work next spring. Anyone that says that Tom doesn't have great finishing stretches, or build hard enough par 3's, are in for a rude awakening. I have no idea how well received the course will be, but the work has been top notch, and everyone involved cares a great deal about it being the best it can be.
I would write more, but I'm off to be one of the first ten or so folks to play the front 9 of the new Doak course at Dismal River.