Words to Make the Heart Sink

[Duncan Cheslett]

"The layout is little changed from Dr MacKenzie's original design but a careful programme of tree planting over the last fifty years means that every fairway is tree lined calling for greater accuracy from the tee than most courses."


https://www.walsallgolfclub.co.uk

[corey miller]

Very sad but it sounds like it is a quick fix with funding.


The scary thing is that large percentages of members at some of the finest classic era courses in the United States believe this to be true. 


Part of my angst with Rees Jones (and others) in another thread is that in the past (clearly changing now) many architects have refused to put any of their golf architecture "street cred" on the line in "strongly advising" clubs against such ill-advised changes.


At this point in my golfing life "tight and tree lined" is a deal breaker.

[Duncan Cheslett]

I've not played Walsall but will undoubtedly have to soon in my quest to play every Mac course in England.


I am sure that their members love it just the way it is. I doubt there is any groundswell of opinion to remove trees. It would make the course far too easy.


Such is the sad mindset golf has got into.

[Thomas Dai]

For general comments, the photos have unfortunately gone but the clubs website most likely have some, see - http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,56706.msg1318572.html#msg1318572
The Mack’ is there. I don’t recall the trees being massively intrusive. Hope they still aren’t.
Atb

[Matthew Petersen]

 


I love golf courses that play through trees. If the trees were there first.


I despise planted trees.

[Mark Pearce]

Duncan,


Have you played Horsforth?

[Duncan Cheslett]

Duncan,


Have you played Horsforth?

I haven't, Mark.

I just had a look on their website however, and read the following;


"This parkland and moorland course, designed by Dr Alistair Mackenzie always presented in good condition, combines devilish short holes with some altogether more substantial challenges. The heathland the course was built on is slowly changing due to tree planting over the last thirty years."

https://www.horsforthgolfclub.co.uk/course.aspx



Sounds familiar to Walsall's "boast".

Why can't these people see the damage that has been done and try to reverse it, rather than carrying on with the vandalism and trying to justify it?

Surely everyone knows that a heathland environment is infinitely superior to a parkland one for golf...


Have you played there Mark?

The photos on the website suggest a course over pleasingly undulating terrain with all interesting features now completely obscured by tree growth.

[Adam Lawrence]

Duncan — I think you will enjoy my editor’s letter in the new GCA, which should be available in digital edition early next week

[Mark Pearce]

No, I haven't.  Hoping to soon, though.  As you say, though, the planting of trees on a heathland course makes me weep.

[Duncan Cheslett]

No, I haven't.  Hoping to soon, though.  As you say, though, the planting of trees on a heathland course makes me weep.

Let me know when you fancy it and I'll try to bob over...

[Ryan Coles]

http://www.blackwellgolfclub.co.uk/the-course/course-restoration/


This seems a bit more encouraging from the midlands.

[Duncan Cheslett]

http://www.blackwellgolfclub.co.uk/the-course/course-restoration/


This seems a bit more encouraging from the midlands.

Indeed.


If only more custodians of 2nd and 3rd tier classic courses took their responsibilities seriously. It's not even a question of finances. "Not planting more trees" doesn't cost any money at all!