Niall,
Surprisingly, we mostly agree.
Paul & Niall,
Probably the most significant factor in the narrowing of fairways was the introduction of fixed head irrigation systems.
Initially, on the early hand coupled systems, the throw radius redefined fairway width, with the wind as a contributor to shifting fairways, aided on both counts by tractor drivers pulling large gang mowers, turn radius, etc., etc..
As systems became modernized/automated, the narrowing continued.
It wasn't until the explosion in operating heads, including specialty heads that fairways could easily be redefined.
But, between those points, another element seemed to have sealed the fate of fairway widths.
The planting of trees at the flanks of the reduced fairways.
Once mature, the recapturing of those original fairway lines was almost impossible, until the most recent trend in tree removal.
But, tree removal didn't, in and of itself, result in fairway expansion.
Existing Irrigation systems continued to define fairway width.
Only through the dedication of significant funds to upgrade irrigation systems can fairway widths be returned to their original or expanded boundaries.
For that to happen, there has to be a cultural awareness of the problem and the benefits of fairway width.
Some clubs will never grasp the concept that width is an attribute.
Other clubs that grasp the concept often don't have the funds to inact the desired expansion.
And, some clubs have both the vision and the funds.
The trend is toward tree removal and width, but, it's certainly not moving at the speed of light.
Ryan,
Most leisurely pursuits are a form of luxury, whether one skis, plays tennis, golf, canoes/kayaks, mountain climbs, goes camping or other forms of recreation/leisure activity.
The cost of golf is often related to the cost to acquire a property and develop it, and/or the degree of service provided, and the market.
I would imagine that golf costs more in Los Angeles or Long Island than it does in the great midwest.
As to the cost of the land, that largely depends upon the date of acquisition.
The land purchased by NGLA and the cost to build the course/clubhouse has been amortized decades and decades ago, whereas the adjacent land, course and clubhouse at Sebonack hasn't.
So, here you have two adjacent courses, sitting on virtually the same land, with vastly different financial perameters, which manifest themselves in higher initiation fees and carrying costs. While their maintenance and service budgets might be similar, the cost required to amortize the respective "investment" by the founders is vastly different.
Given the site at Sebonack and the costs to fully develop the club, along with the cost of the site and development of Liberty National, how can you expect the owners of those clubs to offer "cheap golf" ?
You're not entitled to cheap golf at the expense of driving the developer into bankruptcy.
It would seem that contrary to your claim, you are trying to be a "class warrior" for there are hundreds of available models spanning the spectrum between a Fiesta and a Bentley/Rolls Royce, but, you'd rather couch your position in the extremes.
I have a different view that has nothing to do with monetary equivalencey, or class warfare.
Quite simply, it's that width presents the most desirable conditions for every level of golfer.
Narrowness disproportionately punishes the mediocre to poor golfer, while width offers them "redemption", forgiveness for the errors of their drives.
Through width, the architect can forge a challenge for every level of golfer, commensurate with their abilities.
The width and alternate route at the 3rd hole at NGLA might be a prime example.
There, the mediocre to poor golfer can tack their way around the looming hill and approach the green with a relatively short and benign shot from the right fairway, versus trying to attack and conquer the massive fronting hill.
Width, when combined with angles to and at the green can present a suitable challenge for all golfers, whereas, narrowed fairways deprive the mediocre to poor golfer of any hope in conquering the hole.
I think there's a reason why courses like NGLA, Seminole, Pine Valley and many, many unnamed and lesser known courses are so popular, and I think it all begins with wide fairways.
Wide fairways are the friend and guardian angel of the mediocre and poor golfer.
And, I know that you don't want to deprive poor golfers
