As I mentioned previously in this thread, with all your guys comments I’ve got a good grip on what I must do next year. And that is spend some quality time with educated and experienced people and soak up all the knowledge I can. In addition to that, I’ll continue to tick off some more courses seen and books read. I should be seeing some great courses in the next 12 months, including Dismal River a number of times. Seeing the #2 course come to life, should be amazing!!
But in the spirit of this thread, I’d like to share things that have had an impact on me and my golf architectural eduacation thus far (don’t worry, I’ll be brief and only hit some highlights).
As I mentioned previously, NGLA and its soil. That drainage was amazing to see for a guy used to GA clay courses.
The landscapes in Mullen, NE. People say they are akin to Ireland and its dunes. I can’t say for sure as I haven’t been to Ireland, but I can say they are mind-blowingly dramatic.
The Old Course in Scotland. WOW!!! This opened my eyes to the kind of golf I enjoy. Centerline bunkers, deep bunkers, ideal angles of attack not being simply right down the middle…in a nutshell, unique thoughts need to be employed on each and every shot. Including putts!!
Askernish…learned about what is important in maintenance and what is not. Learned about natural golf courses. Learned about routing. I could go on and on about this one.
Aiken Golf Club…learned what type of golf course every town needs.
Chechessee Creek, Sebonack, Dismal River…through the combination of these three courses, I learned that I need a course with some “thrills”. This highlights a personal preference and not an architectural must.
Inverness and the “new” #2…Learned the importance of careful and considerate restoration/rennovation.
The Classic Club…learned that too much water is not a good thing (at least for me).
Ansely Settindown, The Bears Club, Seminole…learned that low handicappers like a different style of golf course than I do.
Shinnecock Hills…saw first hand what a perfect championship golf course should be. Great, challenging, playable, and no “tricks” were necessary. Probably the “best” course I’ve ever played.
God, I’m long winded…I’ll stop.