Team Jack Comes To Buffalo?

[Ronald Montesano]

I don't know that this ever went out to bid; it was a proposal that came out of a private conversation, and now this fellow, Kevin Gaughan, has a new purpose in life.


http://buffalonews.com/2016/12/18/olmsted-conservancy-backs-nicklaus-designed-golf-courses/


I'll add to this as articles continue to post in the local rags. Delaware Park Meadow is across the street from my school, so I know it well.

[George Smiltins]

"and enlarging the Delaware Park meadow by shrinking its golf course"

This would definitely be addition by subtraction. Making a strong 9 holes and first-rate range/short game area would be an immense improvement over the current 18 hole cow pasture. I haven't seen the numbers but I'm sure the current course is one of the least played in WNY. I haven't played it in a few years but I'm sure much hasn't changed since the mid-summer Saturday afternoon where I wandered around the property for a few hours without seeing another person aside from a couple laying out in a fairway (could have been rough or even a green). I seriously found myself lost and had no clue how to get back on the proper hole routing.

No reason why golf shouldn't be thriving in this spot situated minutes from downtown. I lived downtown for a few years and would have been overjoyed to have a semi-decent place to hit balls or get 9 in after work. Found myself driving out to diamond hawk and tournament club (yesh) and then back to the city after.

Hope they can figure this out.

[Ronald Montesano]

George,

You clearly have not played it in over five years. Delaware Park Meadows is packed on a daily basis. Since the Olmsted Parks Conservatory volunteer group took over the three city courses, they have been in borderline-wonderful shape.In addition, the courses are some of the most-played in the area, given their cost and their location as melting pots.

I do understand the routing issue. Although I love the funky routing, the par-threes-over-trees (and under, and around) and the relaxed atmosphere, I understand that a better, 12-hole loop could be created. The problem, as I see it, is that it is city land and the promoter (Gaughan) is often at odds with the city government. It will take collaboration between the city and the many other entities to make it work.

Personally, I'd like to see it go out to bid. There is no way that any firm would take this on as a simple give-back, without making some money or receiving some benefit.

Although, since Mr. Nicklaus' grandson plays tight end for the Buffalo Bills NFL football club, maybe he has a soft spot for the area.

[Ian Andrew]

This project is the perfect model for a small young up and coming design/build architect. The goal should be to get this done as cleverly as possible on as simple budget as you can by being hands on and practical. If golf is really going to get anywhere, it needs more Winter Park's and less Chambers Bay's. I'm not saying this is Chambers Bay, but if I heard the numbers right, this is a long way from Winter Park.

[Tom_Doak]

This project is the perfect model for a small young up and coming design/build architect. The goal should be to get this done as cleverly as possible on as simple budget as you can by being hands on and practical. If golf is really going to get anywhere, it needs more Winter Park's and less Chambers Bay's. I'm not saying this is Chambers Bay, but if I heard the numbers right, this is a long way from Winter Park.

Absolutely.  But if it's a city project that has to go out to bid, the odds of that happening are exactly zero.  One would probably need to own a plaid jacket just to be "qualified" to bid.

[Ian Andrew]

Absolutely.  But if it's a city project that has to go out to bid, the odds of that happening are exactly zero.  One would probably need to own a plaid jacket just to be "qualified" to bid.

Never experienced that ... but I do know Canadians don't qualify ... and we all own Kenora Dinner Jackets
Is that the jacket you meant?

[Tom_Doak]

Absolutely.  But if it's a city project that has to go out to bid, the odds of that happening are exactly zero.  One would probably need to own a plaid jacket just to be "qualified" to bid.

Never experienced that ... but I do know Canadians don't qualify ... and we all own Kenora Dinner Jackets
Is that the jacket you meant?

I don't own one of those, either 

[Ian Andrew]

I don't own one of those, either 

I can make that happen ...   

[Tom_Doak]

I guess you could, but you can't make me wear it.