Heathlands Golf literature

[Chris_Clouser]

I was wondering if there are any good texts out there that dive into the design and evolution of Heathland Golf Courses.  I'll take anything, but am hoping there is something along the lines of the Sand Belt work done by Paul Daley.

Also, what courses would be examples to use if one were to discuss heathland courses?  I can think of a few obvious examples, but want to get some more info from the group.

[Jeff_Mingay]

Chris,

I've spoke to a frequent poster here at GCA who pitched an idea for such a book to me. He was/is (?) actually thinking about trying to put one together. Perhaps he'll reveal himself. Until then, I'll keep a lid on it.

I think it's a great idea, principally because I don't think there exists such a book. Does there?

There's plenty of interesting material to include. And artwork, ie. photos, plans, sketches, paintings etc., wouldn't be a problem to compile and present. The heathland courses are as visually stimulating as any.

As for courses to cover, the book would definitely have to start with the earliest works of Park (Sunningdale), Colt (Stoke Poges), Fowler (Walton Heath) and Abercromby (was it The Addington first, for Aber? I can't recall right now), plus Paton and Low's revolutionary remodeling at Woking.

[Jeff_Mingay]

Here's a working title to consider:

'England's Heathlands, The Cradle of Golf Architecture'

If anyone steals this, I'll expect some sort of renumeration in due course  

[NAF]

I've thought about and done some outlining for

"A walk through the Heath" 18 holes of inland golf's finest.

I had planned on working with 2 other posters here to help me with but the work would necessitate me taking a sabbatical from this job which is not providing the opportunity.

I've searched long and hard for heathland literature and there is woefully little.  Walton Heath has published a fair amount about their club and that is a good place to start.  When you talk of the heathlands though you cannot be provincial for just the immediate area around London, one must go down to courses like West Sussex or even around Bournemouth.   Then you could even go north and consider courses like Holinwell or Mackenzie's courses in Leeds.