GolfClubAtlas.com > Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group
In Praise of the Golf Course that Belongs to Augusta National Golf Club
Joel_Stewart:
--- Quote from: jeffwarne on March 20, 2025, 11:23:33 PM ---
--- Quote from: Richard Hetzel on March 19, 2025, 08:21:09 AM ---I am not gonna bash Augusta National, BUT I would like to see them help out THE PATCH " a little".
--- End quote ---
As someone who grew up playing quite a bit of "competitive" golf at The Patch, I'm really saddened to see its demise.
While I can appreciate ANGC helping out, I wdo wonder what it will become.
--- End quote ---
My question is does that clientele, the inner city Augusta residents want a Tom Fazio course jammed down their throat? Maybe the ANGC people are using the old Steve Jobs theory on why Apple never used focus groups, because the clients didn't know what they wanted. I have to believe that another architect would have been better suited then Fazio.
Michael Morandi:
When did Augusta go to super quick greens? I’m assuming sophisticated agronomy techniques made it doable. Is this its gift or curse to golf?
Mark Mammel:
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Fried Egg Instagram post showing how each hole has changed over the decades. It's very interesting to see how many of the design features we see on most Mackenzie courses have been removed by the many cooks that have stirred this pot over the years. I've had the good fortune to see the course on a few occasions from 1992 to 2022 and even over that time the change is remarkable. As has been said in this thread, courses change with time, for many reasons, and the course today is beautiful, dramatic, and a test for the best players. It resonates for all of us, especially those old enough to remember the black & white back 9 only days. Still, I wish the bunkers still had some Mackenzie left!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIENpzRO32f/
Simon Barrington:
--- Quote from: Michael Morandi on April 01, 2025, 08:50:18 PM ---When did Augusta go to super quick greens? I’m assuming sophisticated agronomy techniques made it doable. Is this its gift or curse to golf?
--- End quote ---
Post 1982.
They introduced Bent grass to the greens in 1981, but got it a little wrong (so much so that according to the Fried Egg they actually had to dye the greens green for TV to cover bare spots)
But in 1982 they got it right with a new "Super", Billy Fuller, who managed the grow in of the new surfaces...from there it has just got quicker & quicker...
To answer your question - a curse, for others, as they seek to keep up, but with neither the budget nor low levels of play that ANGC has...
"Keeping up with the (Bobby) Jones's" is a fools errand and speed has neutered many a green since...as slope gets removed due to excessive pace.
IMHO we have exceeded "The Sitwell Limit" (TM) - When speed overcomes topography & interest....not just at ANGC, but largely as result of their incredible agronomy, hard work and investment (which is far beyond the reach of others, yet they try in vain to match this unreachable level in any way they can...)
Niall C:
Simon
You've been involved with professional golf tournaments in the UK from what I recall. In your time doing that, how many courses had the green contours changed to facilitate faster green speeds ?
Niall
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