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Joe Andriole

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Feature Interview with Richard Latham New
« on: November 13, 2021, 08:21:07 AM »
Among the very best aspects of golf travel is returning to a course that you have previously enjoyed. You are playing a design with which you are familiar and have a yardstick against which you can measure its evolution. Such was the case this past August at Woodhall Spa, a course that I had previously enjoyed a half dozen times over 4 decades. I was particularly keen this time, knowing that the course had undergone a multi-year restoration directed by Tom Doak. 

My arrangements said that I would be joined by an officer of the club. That sounded good as I could learn much. On a cloudy Sunday morn, Richard Latham, the General Manager of the club, hopped out of his car, assembled his pull cart and ambled to the first tee. The silky swing made it instantly apparent that the man could play but so much more would be revealed during our competitive yet amiable round. Indeed, it turned out that Richard is a decades long fixture at Woodhall Spa, very passionate about the course and was very hands-on during the restoration project. Essentially, he was behind the hiring of Doak and the point of contact for Doak and his team that included Clyde Johnson, Eric Iverson, Angela Moser and Brian Schneider.

Few things add to the enjoyment and study of a golf course more powerfully than a friendly, knowledgeable playing companion. My day was part match, part history lesson, all good. Richard possesses much more than a passing interest in golf course architecture. In fact, he has authored several detailed books on the subject, notably the evolution of golf courses, including Woodhall Spa. The course never looked or played better to the point that I consider it one of the four best inland courses in England, along with the two at Sunningdale and Notts. I know who to thank and I hope this Feature Interview with Richard conveys the essence of the man: player, golf overseer, author and golf architecture student.

https://golfclubatlas.com/feature-interview-with-richard-latham/
« Last Edit: December 01, 2021, 08:27:55 PM by Ran Morrissett »

Tommy Williamsen

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Re: Feature Interview with Richard Latham
« Reply #1 on: November 13, 2021, 02:48:35 PM »
I spent the day with Richard about a dozen years ago. We played, had lunch, and spoke into the afternoon. I have his two books on Woodhall Spa and Royal County Down. They are well researched and informative. He is a real gentleman. Richard can also play. He beat my butt, that's for sure. To show how nice he was, he hit into this fairway bunker on four to show me how it plays.


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

Jeff Schley

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Re: Feature Interview with Richard Latham
« Reply #2 on: November 13, 2021, 11:57:45 PM »
Interesting insights and a good lesson for those clubs who haven't kept up with their maintenance practices with the times.  I don't know the cost, but Woodhall Spa is a wonderful piece of land which the other players in my group several years ago were amazed at the transformation.   I never played the pre reno but could sense how trees and Heather could take over.
It was much more target narrow golf previously and although not long, was a test because of the bunkers and greens.  I did like the bunker variety as there were all sizes and shapes  with the grass, Heather surrounding in many cases.


Richard is a key link in this project and congrats to him for shepherding it through. Curious if they had do address any drainage or irrigation issues? Pricy for sure.
"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice your gifts."
- Steve Prefontaine

Thomas Dai

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Re: Feature Interview with Richard Latham
« Reply #3 on: November 14, 2021, 04:19:58 AM »
I was fortunate to visit while the restoration work was being undertaken and have played the course a couple of times since. What it was like during the previous few decades I can’t say but it’s terrific now. Just wish I resided closer. Well done to all involved.
Atb

Niall C

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Re: Feature Interview with Richard Latham
« Reply #4 on: November 16, 2021, 07:16:42 AM »
Joe

Thanks for a very interesting and enjoyable interview with Richard. I'm not familiar with Woodhall Spa but broken bones permitting it is on the to do list. In the meantime I can thoroughly recommend Richard's Muirfield book which along with Scott MacPherson's TOC book is the best gca book on a single course that I have come across.

Niall

V_Halyard

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Re: Feature Interview with Richard Latham
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2021, 11:36:49 AM »
Joe this is great and thanks! #JrMember? Lol :)
"It's a tiny little ball that doesn't even move... how hard could it be?"  I will walk and carry 'til I can't... or look (really) stupid.

Tom_Doak

  • Karma: +2/-1
Re: Feature Interview with Richard Latham
« Reply #6 on: November 23, 2021, 04:33:19 PM »
One of the interesting aspects of that project was that instead of dealing with a green committee or green chairman, I was dealing with Richard as the g.m. of the club, and with the greenkeeper, Sam Rhodes.  I don't know if it works the same at other U.K. clubs but it was a very streamlined process in that regard.


I probably would not sign up again for doing the work over three years [and being away from home three years between Thanksgiving and Christmas, although my wife did come with me the last time and loved seeing that part of England].  By the same token, I don't think they would have given me as much latitude as they did on clearing trees had I pushed for it all in the beginning!  What we revealed in the first year's work set the tone for the second and third years.


I have yet to get back and play the course once it was finished; hopefully I will have some spare time to do that one of these years.

Ben Stephens

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Re: Feature Interview with Richard Latham
« Reply #7 on: November 24, 2021, 09:47:27 AM »
I have met Richard a few times and he is passionate about golf and Woodhall Spa also a very competitive golfer off +1 or +2 which is pretty good going and has competed in national Seniors events.


When I spoke to him he was impressed with Tom D and Renaissance's initial proposals and is happier that the course is much better now than before which I agreed with.


I have a hunch that the Bracken course will be next ;D

Adam_Messix

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Re: Feature Interview with Richard Latham
« Reply #8 on: November 28, 2021, 09:48:38 AM »
Thank you Joe for posting this very informative interview with Richard.  I will echo the comments everyone has made about playing with Richard at Woodhall.  It was an amazing, informative and enjoyable experience.  His books are incredibly well researched and I highly recommend. 


The work at Woodhall Spa was terrific too. 

John Mayhugh

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Feature Interview with Richard Latham
« Reply #9 on: November 29, 2021, 12:57:15 PM »
Really enjoyed this interview. Hopefully can get back to Woodhall Spa in the next couple of years to see the improvements.

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