[Terry Lavin]

No, not the point that most observers think his talent should fill a trophy case twice its current (formidable) size. No. When will Phil's architectural whining result in him adding ANYTHING of note to the American golf landscape?  In the meantime somebody should point out the mute button on his clicker.

[Chip Gaskins]

its pretty clear (matter of fact i have heard for a fact) that he is pissed at Rees for messing up Torrey.  Phil evidently feels like Rees took his "home field advantage" away at Torrey and thus his best chance of winning the US Open.  not sure what Rees' work at Torrey did to make Phil dislike him, but Phil never now seems to miss a chance to dog Rees.  Who knows?

[Terry Lavin]

Chip:

I've read the same speculation. But my question relates more to Phil's almost absent architectural bona fides. Is he just going to remain a whining petulant player or will he ever build anything that would live up to his exalted expectations?

[DMoriarty]

When will Phil's architectural whining result in him adding ANYTHING of note to the American golf landscape?

If this were the requirement around here then we'd not have many posters, would we?  Even among those here who are working in the industry?

[Tim Martin]

No, not the point that most observers think his talent should fill a trophy case twice its current (formidable) size. No. When will Phil's architectural whining result in him adding ANYTHING of note to the American golf landscape?  In the meantime somebody should point out the mute button on his clicker.

I see it it exactly the opposite. It adds contrast from a world class player whether you like him or not. What should preclude him from voicing an opinion on the golf courses he plays? People do it here on this forum without ever setting foot on the course they are opining about.

[John Shimp]

Phil adds a lot to the American golf landscape.  Sorry you don't like him. 

[John Kavanaugh]

He still has years of unisex clothing to buy for his son. I'd hate to see him go broke in the golf business.

[JNC Lyon]

No, not the point that most observers think his talent should fill a trophy case twice its current (formidable) size. No. When will Phil's architectural whining result in him adding ANYTHING of note to the American golf landscape?  In the meantime somebody should point out the mute button on his clicker.

I see it it exactly the opposite. It adds contrast from a world class player whether you like him or not. What should preclude him from voicing an opinion on the golf courses he plays? People do it here on this forum without ever setting foot on the course they are opining about.

Agreed Tim.  The fact there is a top player criticizing the bastardization of golf courses is a breath of fresh air among Firestone-loving tour players.

For the Phil haters out there: it's ridiculous to say that his comments merely constitute whining.  Remember what he said about Atlanta Athletic Club.  He said it was a good course for a tournament but too difficult for the membership.  To me, that sort of comment indicates that he's criticizing architecture just because it doesn't fit his game.

Is it possible, just maybe possible, that Phil actually dislikes Rees Jones' architecture because it's garbage?

[Matt MacIver]

From what I can tell from Phil's public persona (never met him) I think he likes to education himself deeply in subjects that interest him and then speak authoritatively on the matter.  Up for debate is how educated he is (and all of us are) in pro golf, football betting lines, the benefits of red meat, and, of course, GCA.  Do I like the way Ogilvy or Crenshaw discusses GCA more than Phil -- sure.  But he's got a bully pulpit and, to me, he's saying some of the right things. 

[Terry Lavin]

What rankles me most is how he feigns a "regular guy" empathy while he helps ruin the regular guy's golf course. Did it at AAC. Did it at Cog Hill. Claims to be beefing on behalf of the common slapper but his words are the shovel digging the grave of Joe's private club and public course. Very unseemly. Trust me, he isn't trying to be a voice for us effete minimalists!  As usual, he comes off as a phony.

[John_Conley]

Steve Stricker, who is probably ranked in the Top 5 in the world right now, says the Jemseks should ask for their money back and the story is all about Phil this, Phil that.

He's not the only one that said something.

[Terry Lavin]

From what I can tell from Phil's public persona (never met him) I think he likes to education himself deeply in subjects that interest him and then speak authoritatively on the matter.  Up for debate is how educated he is (and all of us are) in pro golf, football betting lines, the benefits of red meat, and, of course, GCA.  Do I like the way Ogilvy or Crenshaw discusses GCA more than Phil -- sure.  But he's got a bully pulpit and, to me, he's saying some of the right things. 

His "ethos" may ring true, Matt, but he underestimates the effect of his words. A bully pulpit abused is of little longterm use.

[Michael Goldstein]

Phil knows exactly what he is saying.  He is using any opportunity to segway into a lucrative business as a signature GCA. 

[Mike_Young]

PM used to come around town a bit when bones lived here.  He still comes in once or twice a year.  From what I have seem he is really a nice guy but just a little dorky.  Now Bones is sharp....and the smartest is probably Amy.  NFL cheerleaders don't marry dudes with big boobs for the hell of it.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Judge Lavin,

You said, "Is he just going to remain a whining petulant player or will he ever build anything that would live up to his exalted expectations?"

Even though he hasn't concentrated his efforts in the design business,get yourself an invitation, if they'll have you, to play PM's  Whisper Rock  Lower Course, 12 in GD's 2011 Best in State:

http://www.linksmagazine.com/golf_courses/whisper-rock-golf-club

Perhaps some day, if the economy ever recovers, he'll build something better but this course is a good start.

[Robert Mercer Deruntz]

It so happens that Phil is not being selfsrving in his criticism of Rees. His displeasure with the Torrey redo is based upon the fact that he used to play there a few times a year with friends on non-tournament weeks who were far from being tourn ament players--he experienced first hand the 45 minutes to 1 hour increase in playing time on the South.  As for the criticism of his architectural background, he grew up playing quite a bit of golf at great courses, not to mention where he has competed and played since beginning college. As a student of the game, he has studied architecture in order to benefit his game--he has often spoken about optimum angle of attack, recovery options, and used the term green complex. Also, often on off days at tournament he will seek out architecturally interesting courses to play with his caddy--the past US Opens on long island he played Friars Head and GCGC.  Finally, his Whisper Rock design happens to be both challenging and fun to play

[JNC Lyon]

I would rather have a tour pro like Phil, who is clearly interested in golf course architecture, designing golf courses instead of a tour pro who doesn't have any opinion or knowledge about the subject.  Moreover, if Phil is indeed angling for architecture jobs as Rees alleges, why is he name-dropping guys like Hanse, C&C, and Kidd.

[Terry Lavin]

I would rather have a tour pro like Phil, who is clearly interested in golf course architecture, designing golf courses instead of a tour pro who doesn't have any opinion or knowledge about the subject.  Moreover, if Phil is indeed angling for architecture jobs as Rees alleges, why is he name-dropping guys like Hanse, C&C, and Kidd.

Yep, he's a real prince, a guy who essentially led the charge to get a tour event moved from it's longtime public course site. What a peach!

[B. Mogg]

PM has recently completed a project in Tianjin, China which is a "replica" course under his name (The World). This course has water in play on all 18 holes and features many of the things he has decried at AAC and other places as being unfair to the members. Unfortunately it is a little hard to come by pics at the moment for some reason.

I am not critical of his design for this course in Tianjin as I have not seen it personally but obviously it is a case of do as I say and not as I do..

[PCCraig]

Phil adds a lot to the American golf landscape.

In what way?

[PCCraig]

I would rather have a tour pro like Phil, who is clearly interested in golf course architecture, designing golf courses instead of a tour pro who doesn't have any opinion or knowledge about the subject.  Moreover, if Phil is indeed angling for architecture jobs as Rees alleges, why is he name-dropping guys like Hanse, C&C, and Kidd.

Yep, he's a real prince, a guy who essentially led the charge to get a tour event moved from it's longtime public course site. What a peach!

If he thinks Cog Hill is bad, wait until he gets a load of Conway Farms. 

[Ed Oden]

I am neither a Phil fan nor a hater.  However, his architectural comments about Quail Hollow were self-serving, not reflective of the way the course plays at any time other than during tournament week and surely not in the best interest of the members of the club...

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,44097.0.html

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,44992.msg982972.html#msg982972

[John Shimp]

Pat,
Did his win at the Masters 2 springs ago add anything?  How about his final rd charge this
year at St Georges?  The guy is exciting and open about everything.  Probably too open...
I love how much he is getting to you haters

[Mike Hendren]

I can't help but think that he's up to something.  Perhaps a poor reflection on me, not Phil.

Bogey

[Terry Lavin]

I'm no hater. I have a signed masters flag from his 2004 victory. He is an exciting player with a magnetic personality and a lot of game.  He's a slam dunk Hall of Famer.  I'm critical here because his use of his bully pulpit smacks more of bullying than helpful preaching. I think his crusade has gotten reckless.

While I'm at it, I will say that several friends are Whisper Rock members and they just love the club and Phil's layout. I'm sure it's great, not that anybody is suggesting that it's up to tour standards.

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