Last evening I re-read my brochure from the 2013 Walker Cup Matches held at the NGLA, and in particular the history behind C B Macdonald's search for his "Ideal Golf Course" and ultimate routing decisions. While the NGLA has been covered extensively over the years on this site, I could not find any specific answers to a few questions. In the absence of George Bahto , I was hoping that there are a few on here with insider knowledge on this subject that could respond to my queries.
After a thorough search throughout Long Island, Macdonald finally selected a 450 acre parcel of which he took an option on 205 acres in June of 1907 for $ 200.00 per acre. A condition of sale was MacDonald could cherry pick which 205 acres of the 450 acre plot he wanted.
Questions:
1. Was the remaining 245 acres not selected the same site of present day Sebonac Golf Club, which remained under developed for an additional 9 decades?
2. As a man of great financial means, is there any account as to why he didn't purchase the entire parcel?
3. If this was the case, MacDonald could have utilized up to a mile of direct waterfront on Great Peconic Bay instead of opting to rout his course inland adjacent to Shinnecock. Was his reasoning to start and finish his course in closer proximity to the only access road of the day, and the proposed initial clubhouse location along Southampton Road?