Golf Club Atlas

GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group => Topic started by: wsmorrison on June 28, 2006, 07:32:25 AM

Title: Two Questions Related To Classic Era Architects
Post by: wsmorrison on June 28, 2006, 07:32:25 AM

For each of the classic era architects such as Ross, Flynn, Tillinghast, Thomas, Macdonald, Raynor, Banks, Langford, Colt, Alison, Maxwell, etc what courses are closest to their original design and which course represents their design tendencies the best?

For Flynn, I would say that Rolling Green Golf Club may have the purest greens (except the troublesome 16th), greenside bunkers, fairways and tees.  The fairway bunkering has been modified as have most of the bunker surrounds--there are far fewer flashed sand faces than originally built and the openings to the line of play are generally built up too high for the sake of expedient sheet drainage solutions.  But on the whole, for an 80 year old course, it is remarkably intact.

Then again, except for sandy wastes being turned into discreet bunkers here and there, Shinneock Hills, especially with the ongoing green expansion is very true to Flynn's original design.  Oops, forgot the lost 7th tee--I hope that is returned someday soon.  I'm sure it is the cost of maintaining the sandy waste areas prevents them from being returned.

Ran Morrisett seems to think RGGC may embody the most design/routing philosophies of Flynn as well and I tend to agree.

Title: Re:Two Questions Related To Classic Era Architects
Post by: Jeff_Brauer on June 28, 2006, 08:17:42 AM

For CBMac, it would be NGLA, for Raynor, it seems like there are a bunch. Of the ones I know, Shoreacres and Blue Mound appear almost untouched.  Something about that style seems to keep them in their original form.

For Ross, there is a course east of Pinehurst, whose name escapes me now before my first coffee that is said to be untouched.

Title: Re:Two Questions Related To Classic Era Architects
Post by: mike_malone on June 28, 2006, 09:31:10 AM

 Wayne,
  Don't you think it would take very little to get all the back to the original at Rolling Green ?

Title: Re:Two Questions Related To Classic Era Architects
Post by: James Bennett on June 28, 2006, 10:00:45 AM

Wayne

pass your first question - I didn't study enough of the syllabus.

What is the second question?

James B (or for this question, 'F')

Title: Re:Two Questions Related To Classic Era Architects
Post by: Ryan Farrow on June 28, 2006, 05:26:48 PM

I think I read somewhere,  hmmmm…… probably here, that the Valley Club at Montecito is the closest thing to an original Mackenzie.

Title: Re:Two Questions Related To Classic Era Architects
Post by: Kyle Harris on June 28, 2006, 05:29:51 PM

The existing Willie Park, Jr. holes at Woodway are the closest I've seen to a perfectly preserved version of Park's design style.

If proof comes forth that Philmont North is indeed Park, that would be my new candidate.

Full Disclosure: I have yet to see Ron Forse's work at Berkshire in Reading.

Title: Re:Two Questions Related To Classic Era Architects
Post by: RJ_Daley on June 28, 2006, 05:54:51 PM

I wonder if the Ladies course at Medinah isn't the most untouched Bendelow along with front 9s at Quic Qui Oc and Old Hickory?