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Ran Morrissett

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Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted New
« on: August 06, 2019, 02:02:49 PM »
 https://golfclubatlas.com/feature-interview/feature-interview-with-jeff-warne/

One failing of GolfClubAtlas.com has been a lack of Feature Interviews with Head Professionals. We take a step toward remedying that today by posting this monster length one with Jeff Warne, PGA Head Professional at The Bridge on Long Island.

This interview falls neatly into two sections. Part One is Jeff's progression from a top amateur in Georgia to golf professional. He is quick to say he isn't a student of golf course architecture (let's face it: that expression is sometimes code for a player who can't break 90 and owns 10 architecture books) but someone who has come to appreciate what does and doesn't resonate with his own on-course experiences. He cites Athens CC, Palmetto GC, Augusta CC and ANGC for helping to shape his tastes early on. Later, he worked at places as diverse as Long Cove, Doral, The Atlantic and Sleepy Hollow and toured courses in the UK and Ireland during his off-season. When you move around that much, family support is vital and he has been very fortunate in that regard.  Overall, his broad playing experiences became the primary drivers of his likes/dislikes and have been augmented by things like Tom Doak’s writings and GolfClubAtlas.

Part Two involves his time at The Bridge and what has been accomplished there since his arrival in 2001. First, he takes great pride in their junior golf program. Be it the new Brian Schneider par 3 course or the relaxed club atmosphere, kids are finding that golf is actually a pretty cool thing to pursue. Junior golf is the sport’s lifeblood, so that is great to learn. Yet, GolfClubAtlas is a golf architecture site and the meat of Part Two details the unbelievable (!) change that has occurred to The Bridge over the past decade.  Super star Green Keeper Gregg Stanley and his crew deserve tons of credit as does Jeff. The appeal of the in-house work lies in its freshness. It doesn't look like your favorite architect's 25th or 45th course: it enjoys its ‘own voice’ and defines The Bridge. That's a very good thing when you are surrounded by world class golf.

From the photographs, it appears to me that The Bridge has gone from being a fairly prosaic course with two dimensional bunkers on the sides of holes and elevated tees that afforded 'perfect visuals' to something much yummier and wonderful – and easier to walk. The raves have been non-stop and come from all corners. The only compliant I have heard is that there might be 'too many central hazards', which of course is music to my ears. That's like saying there is too much ice cream in the freeze or too much Latour in the cellar!

I have never been to The Bridge but based on this Feature Interview, I am super keen to visit. Its amazing transformation makes for a unique tale and thank you, Jeff, for sharing both it and your story with us this month.

Best,
« Last Edit: August 25, 2019, 09:49:47 AM by Ran Morrissett »

JC Urbina

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2019, 03:23:57 PM »
As a person who had visited the Bridge on two seperate occasions, both while building Sebonack.   I  really enjoyed the before and after photos of some of the holes.


I want to meet Gregg Stanley.
« Last Edit: August 07, 2019, 05:42:39 PM by JC Urbina »

Ed Oden

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2019, 03:42:58 PM »
What a FANTASTIC interview!  I've always appreciated Jeff's perspective on this website and now I have a better understanding of why.  The changes at The Bridge are truly eye opening.  Hard to believe they were done in-house.  Congratulations to Jeff and Ran for an outstanding piece and to The Bridge for a remarkable transformation of the course.


All the best,


Ed

Garland Bayley

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2019, 03:49:47 PM »
Great to see his son plays from the right side of the ball. ;D
"I enjoy a course where the challenges are contained WITHIN it, and recovery is part of the game  not a course where the challenge is to stay ON it." Jeff Warne

John Mayhugh

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2019, 03:53:09 PM »
This was a terrific interview.

It seems like Jeff got his appreciation for golf architecture the best possible way - by seeing loads of courses and learning what he likes and doesn't like. In the end, that's what matters to most of us. Most importantly, he evangelizes by taking people to courses they might not play otherwise, and in doing so helps educate and inspire.

I especially liked Jeff's comments about texture and scruffiness - 100% agree. But my favorite is skipping a round at Dornoch because he was having so much fun at Brora. That's crazy (in a good way).

The work done at the Bridge is really impressive. And doing it without taking holes out of play is hard to believe. What a great, creative team they have working there.

Thomas Dai

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2019, 04:11:01 PM »
The intro said it was a long interview but it flowed so well it was like one of those novels that are ‘un-put-down-able’! Great stuff.
Well done Jeff, whose insightful posts I always make a point of reading, and Ran.
Atb

Mike Sweeney

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2019, 05:56:52 PM »
Jeff,


Holy cow, what an interview, and what a before and after pictorial. I remember skiing once out West when the course was being built, and a skier and I stuck up a conversation about "The Bridge". He was pissed at the changes!! Of course that was the racetrack to golf course change as the race track had a small but passionate following.





Truly amazing transformation #2, and congratulations on many levels.


Cheers to you and Bob and yes to Ran for the platform of GCA which clearly helped the cause.


PS - I have no relation to "Mike Sweeney of The Bridge" who used to post here. I will head up to Harlem this winter to finally meet Mike2 as it is awesome what you/Bob/Mike are doing with that program in Harlem.

"One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us."

Dr. Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

mark chalfant

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2019, 06:22:46 PM »

 Ran and Jeff,


Thanks for a fascinating interview.  I always look forward to Jeff's posts because he so often goes off the beaten path to play "the less famous courses."


 Jeff, thank you for stewardship of the Bridge, both with transforming the golf  course (with Mr. Stanley's team)  and  reaching out to young people who live far away from East Hampton and Bridgehampton


I admire your dedication!!


Mark

Philip Hensley

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2019, 06:28:06 PM »
Great interview, and the photo documentation of the changes were amazing. Hard to believe it's the same piece of ground in some of those photos.

Sean_A

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #9 on: August 06, 2019, 07:07:13 PM »
Very, very fine General Sherman.  I still recall my desperate plea to you in helping me with the Xoajhoajpds while playing with you at Pennard.  You saw my address and said, "its tough with low hands".  Since then I have consistently topped the ball  8)  Seriously, I have a lot of time for your opinion and hope to see you on the course again some day. 

Ran...thanks for another superb interview.

Ciao
New plays planned for 2024: Nothing

Jeff Schley

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #10 on: August 06, 2019, 09:23:19 PM »
Wow what a great story lived via golf.  Jeff you have had a great journey and your perspectives are valued here to the utmost.  Thanks for sharing your story.  Sounds like you could have ended up as the marker for The Masters yourself.👍
"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice your gifts."
- Steve Prefontaine

Michael Whitaker

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #11 on: August 06, 2019, 10:37:03 PM »
Jeff - very impressive. Thank you for your participation on GCA... it is truly special. What has been accomplished at The Bridge is amazing! Kudos to all involved.
"Solving the paradox of proportionality is the heart of golf architecture."  - Tom Doak (11/20/05)

Ben Stephens

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #12 on: August 07, 2019, 04:59:14 AM »
Great interview Jeff awesome to see the transformation of the Bridge from a Rees to a much more natural looking and strategic golf course. It shows that people who are not necessarily trained with landscape degrees can do the work very well. It can be about a team that works well together in the different aspects like green keeper, a pro that really understands what is good golf course design plus an owner that allows for this and trusts the team to do a spectacular job.


I have met Jeff a few times however never have played with him hope so one day to get a fee tips to get rid of my hooks!! However Jeff if you see this can you send my regards to Gary See (Jeff's assistant) who I have played a number of times at BUDA.


Need to make a visit to Long Island one day and see Jeff and his team's work at the Bridge for myself. Hope there will be a GCA event there in future.


I have visited Hilton Head numerous times and hope to soon again in the next year or two. Also have played the Blue Monster pre Hanse redesign and agree with Jeff's views of it as well as Harbour Town.


Brian Schneider is a great shaper and designer who translates Tom's vision very well. 
« Last Edit: August 07, 2019, 10:33:02 AM by Ben Stephens »

David_Elvins

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #13 on: August 07, 2019, 06:36:19 AM »
Wow! What a great interview.


Those before and after photos are amazing. 


Congrats Jeff, on your contribution to such great work.
Ask not what GolfClubAtlas can do for you; ask what you can do for GolfClubAtlas.

Peter Pallotta

Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #14 on: August 07, 2019, 10:34:02 AM »
Yes, my thanks too.
As others have said, I really appreciate Jeff’s posts.
He combines the (architectural) thoughtfulness of a hack with the (playing) insights of a pro!

Terry Lavin

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #15 on: August 07, 2019, 02:48:47 PM »
Great stuff. Love the before and after photos and related discussion. Also interesting to read of Jeff’s professional peregrinations and gca knowledge acquisition. The Bridge looks very fetching, indeed.
Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people.  H.L. Mencken

Rob Rigg

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #16 on: August 07, 2019, 03:46:38 PM »
What a great interview and massive congrats to Jeff, Gregg and the team for their monumental updates to The Bridge.
I saw the course just a few years after completion. The place was very unique - but the walk was tough and the course seemed like a missed opportunity. Looks like a fun, strategic and enjoyable stroll now! The thoughtful process and collaboration amongst teammates has been magical. Well done!

Jason Topp

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #17 on: August 07, 2019, 04:23:37 PM »
Thanks Jeff and Ran.  Looks like a special office.

Greg Holland

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #18 on: August 07, 2019, 08:45:08 PM »
Great interview.  Thanks to you both.  The transformation at the Bridge looks amazing! 

Jim Franklin

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #19 on: August 08, 2019, 01:02:05 PM »
I agree with everyone, fabulous interview. I have told numerous people that my #1 pleasant surprise was playing The Bridge. I remember the thread where it was bashed non-stop so it made me leery of playing. All I can say is wow. The before pictures which I don't remember seeing versus the current state are night and day.

Jeff and Gregg did a spectacular job transforming The Bridge into a real gem and a must play course. An added bonus is it has my favorite clubhouse anywhere.

I just got back from playing Dornoch and it is my new #1. I unfortunately did not have enough time to get to Brora. Me thinks another trip to the Highlands is calling. My question to Jeff is, how do you rate the courses in the Highlands?
Mr Hurricane

JC Urbina

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #20 on: August 08, 2019, 11:23:59 PM »
Jim,


You raise a valid point. 

You said,



" I remember the thread where it was bashed Non- stop so it made me leary of playing. All I can say is wow"




Has the golf course significanlty changed enough to count it in the top 200- 100 of golf courses in the U.S ,  if you believe in the ranking of golf courses?
« Last Edit: August 09, 2019, 10:07:51 AM by JC Urbina »

Tim Martin

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #21 on: August 09, 2019, 08:14:04 PM »
I always enjoy reading Jeff’s perspective. Great interview!!!

Tony_Muldoon

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #22 on: August 11, 2019, 01:26:54 PM »
I would hate Jeff Warne...


Tall, good looking, married to a CART GIRL,  can golf the ball more than somewhat, has played everywhere and now it turns out he really does know what he's talking about...

[/size]
[/size][size=78%]if he wasn't such good company...[/size]
Let's make GCA grate again!

Tommy Williamsen

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #23 on: August 12, 2019, 02:28:14 PM »
What a great interview and review of the work done at the bridge. It is amazing what can be done with a course that has a decent routing and bunkering scheme and make it brilliant.
Where there is no love, put love; there you will find love.
St. John of the Cross

"Deep within your soul-space is a magnificent cathedral where you are sweet beyond telling." Rumi

Mike Sweeney

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Re: Feature Interview with Jeff Warne is posted
« Reply #24 on: August 13, 2019, 06:57:37 AM »
meat of Part Two details the unbelievable (!) change that has occurred to The Bridge over the past decade.  Super star Green Keeper Gregg Stanley and his crew deserve tons of credit as does Jeff. The appeal of the in-house work lies in its freshness. It doesn't look like your favorite architect's 25th or 45th course: it enjoys its ‘own voice’ and defines The Bridge. That's a very good thing when you are surrounded by world class golf.



Jeff,


I played Hollywood GC over the weekend and your interview was an obvious topic of conversation. Hollywood has basically erased all of the Rees Jones renovation work via the Renaissance renovation. The Hollywood work is fabulous and it sounds like Tom Doak will get to finish off #17 at Hollywood soon as there are still two Rees style bunkers there that just don't fit. Hollywood is at a completely different level from my original play down there some 10+ years ago.


That said, I have been a defender of Rees' original work in the past. I think you and Gregg destroyed that opinion of mine as the "freshness" that Ran refers to, and that you and Gregg found at The Bridge, seems to be very unique in the world of golf. At least from pictures. I dare say that you and Gregg are a modern version George Crump as in some of the pictures I see Saint George's Hill + Pine Valley on/near the water.


The pictures show such an amazing thoughtful process from the design perspective, but even more so from the grow-in and evolving maintenance process. Obviously the architecture continues after the design is in the ground, and your pictures seem to show that off. Shout out to Kyle Harris at Streamsong (only met Head Greenskeeper Rusty briefly) who has been there from almost day 1.


Anyway, I am guessing that this interview is being read on Nantucket, and that you and Gregg may get a call down the road. Congrats again.
« Last Edit: August 13, 2019, 11:14:02 AM by Mike Sweeney »
"One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us."

Dr. Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark