The path taken by each architect that we have interviewed is always intriguing to read about because each story is so different. In the case of Jay Blasi, his parents actually encouraged him to pursue that which he loved (golf course architecture) as opposed to something more mainstream. From the first photo in this month's Feature Interview to his time in high school working at Robert Trent Jones II’s University Ridge Course, it seemed pre-ordained that he would work for a Jones so it’s interesting to read how events unfolded. He joined RTJII at age 23 two days prior to September 11th, 2001 and as he notes, one day after that black day and that job doesn’t exist.
Similar to other architects of his generation, original work is less abundant now than when he started which is offset by the fact that he has already been point contact on a project of high international acclaim (Chambers Bay). What an odd mix but I‘d take that over being mired working on mediocre projects that add little to architecture overall.
Other professions (doctors, lawyers, bankers) are geared cautiously, allowing a person to gradually learn/progress with greater responsibility coming with the passage of each decade. I don’t find that to be as true in golf course architecture where a creative young gun can make an immediate impact on any given project. Still where will Jay’s generation turn for a livelihood? Everything has to be on the table including practice areas. I had not previously understood the full breadth and scope of Stanford’s new one overseen by Jay while he worked for RTJII. To have a MacKenzie practice area beside a Dye one is both the work of a mad man and a stroke of brilliance! Just coming up with the idea shows the kind of out of the box thinking that will be required for an architect based in North America to be successful on a go forward basis.
Like many of us, Jay drew holes on paper at an early age but unlike 99.99% of us, he carried that all the way through into becoming an architect. My walk around Pinehurst No.2 with him during the 2008 US Amateur showed we shared many of the same design beliefs and that short grass can be a lovely menace. His comments on Chambers Bay and what they learned when it hosted the 2010 US Amateur are entertaining, educational and form the core of this month’s Feature Interview. Talk about fast and firm to the nth degree – just look at the aerial
of Chambers Bay during the 2010 Am that Jay provided from pro photographer Rob Perry in question 9. That’s my favorite golf photo I’ve seen all year as the color (or lack thereof!) of the turf is dream like. And yet ... it is actually problematic if a ball runs and runs … runs! For good golf, a ball does need to stop at some point and the greater variety of positions it can end in, the better. Even just being part of a team that wrestled with such a conundrum is an awfully cool thing to have happen in the early stages of one’s career.
Other neat projects have included the multi-option Patriot Course outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma and the opportunity to help Sharp Park. Looking out, what unknown project of interest will come his way in the next year or two? Not even Jay knows now that he is on his own but one thing seems sure: He has avoided banality so far while being involved with projects that involve a fresh twist. Based on his dedication and involvement, I am sure that will continue.
Hope you enjoy this month's Feature Interview.
Cheers,