Mac
I am saying that we each have it within us to do what we wish or want – OK many may not obtain their ultimate dream or wished destiny, but that could be for a hundred different reasons - some dreams falling by the wayside, others being taken over by circumstances and some because as we age our priorities change. Yet throughout this we still control our own destiny by will of mind. You are a classic example to us all with how you have coped
Adrian
To you golf is a business, courses have to pay, be successful or close, yes clearly understood. What I am trying to inject is that location, location, location is a critical part of that equation. IMHO we have for far to long decided that as we have the technology we will build our courses where ever we want, as long as we have a big budget. With resources and ultimately money being in short supply not just to build but maintain courses I have used Askernish not for its remote location but for the choice of the land the course has been built upon.
For nearly 30 years, maybe more we have had the funds to do more or less what was wanted, land selection became less important, clear example is how golf courses had to fit around resort housing in many places around the world, restricting design and forcing long distances between Green and Tees. I am trying to say is that we need to be more selective, we need more sustainable courses without that hell of a financial burden placed upon the club, its owners and the members. The lesson from Askernish are there to learn, do not get confused or think I am say that all courses should be located in out of the way remote sites.
To prove my point The Castle course is located near St Andrews, OK, good for local business and visitors, but for me and I had hoped for golfers and The Links Trust, the land it is built upon is wrong. It’s not suitable for golf unless you spend a fortune, placing a financial burden upon all involved – this is the madness of the late 20th Century GCA which still has not been full accepted. Fine if you have the money build what you want, but is it then right to initially try and charge the same price for a brand new course (built upon manmade hillocks) as you would for a 600 year old course, yes TOC. Was and is the Castle worth the initial £140 per round?
GCA need to think, its needs to think out of the box, a bit of lateral thinking would also not go a miss. Askernish location is wrong but the land it is built upon is for pure golf requiring in real terms little work while still giving the golfer that challenge they seek. Any idiot can throw money at anything and get it to work – well for a while, that is while money is plentiful, but today’s reality says that money is hard to get hold of, to borrow one requires fast short term borrowing deals when the money is available, does that sound right for golf?
Tim
Why do you read my posts, you keep saying you will not, one day I may be the death of you and that is not my wish. So let’s see if I can ease your frustration. ‘Holier than thou’, no Tim, but I certainly care more about the game than many, to the point that I look to its history, its archives and consider the implication of allowing aids and other things affect the game but worst still our courses. So if that makes me ‘holier than thou’ then many thanks I will wear that badge with honour from now on. Again may I correct you “your great-great granddaddy” as you call him was a green keeper, a golfer, that was a way of life. Yes he also designed golf courses for £1 fee per day which he maintained for 50 years of his life to help other enjoy golf. He was also a club and ball maker too. AS for your comment “Just what the hell have you ever done anyway except ride the lucky sperm family tree - as if someone in that family tree in any way provides any credence or validity to any of your views.” Seems rather an unpleasant comment noting that I make no living from golf or from anything to do with Old Tom. In fact I have only used my family connection to obtain or try to obtain the Courtesy of the Course for some members of GCA.com and others, I have never played a free round in my adult life. As for “provides any credence or validity to any of your views”, I do by attaching articles as and when appropriate, perhaps you should read more of my posts in future. As for Land fit for Purpose, that comment of yours is just showing your poor understand of GCA and respect for the game of golf.
My understanding, as a designer in my own right in another industry requires me to advise the client based upon my experience and knowledge on the subject. If the client decides to ignorer our advice, we would either proceed as per his instruction having already placed our concerns in writing or walk away from the project. Yes I have walked away from a few and placed my comments and recommendation on paper before continuing with the clients instructions. That’s was down to due diligence required by our indemnity insurance cover, something most consultants will have cover for and is not cheap either.
My last comment to you Tim is you are a hypocrite not to mention rather ignorant. You make an attack upon me then have the stupidity to say “Oh, and MHM, don't bother replying, I won't see it.” – you poor closed minded moron, I do hope you have a nice day.