Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group => Topic started by: Ronald Montesano on January 28, 2025, 08:38:45 PM
-
FINALS ARE COMPLETE~CHECK MOST RECENT POST FOR YOUR WINNING CLUB
I don't have a voting protocol set up, but in the era of March Madness copycats and lookalikes, here's a 16-course battle for all the marbles.
New England Bracket: Cape Arundel vs. Ekwanok
Central NY Bracket: Yahnundasis vs. CC Troy
Western NY Bracket: Stafford vs. Orchard Park
Ontario Bracket: Cherry Hill vs. Lookout Point
Long Island Bracket: Garden City CC vs. Garden City GC
Garden State Bracket 1: North Jersey vs. Hollywood
Garden State Bracket 2: White Beeches vs. Canoe Brook
Rogue Bracket: Round Hill vs. CC Scranton
Travis, like many other architects, deserved a longer laundry list of CTR (courses that remain.) Thanks to the work of the Bruce H, the Jaeger K, the Brian S, the Tom D, perhaps (cue Lorax misty eyes) unless will become indeed.
-
As luck would have it, the only two Travis courses I've played are both in your New England bracket. Ekwanok wins in a blowout.
-
I appreciate that perspective, Dan. I've yet to play either course ... go figure.
Anyway, we're taking this debate to the people. The Travis Society (@wjtsociety on Instagram) will have a Club Clash 2025, for fun bragging rights. Hope to see you here and there
-
Followed and voted on Instagram....
Best,
Scott
-
In what might be considered a mild upset, Cape Arundel took down Ekwanok in the first match of round one. The voting was 60% to 40%, in favor of the Maine institution.
Match two IS will go live around 9 am EST USA this day (Friday, 1/31.) Unlike Twitter/X, Instagram polls last 24 hours, with no ability to adjust time frames. Things don't drag out, especially fun things. Hope to see you at @wjtsociety on #TheGram.
Oh, my manners. We'll see Yahnundasis and Country Club of Troy off in match the second.
-
That makes my brain hurt. I just don't see it. Having played both courses, if I was given 10 rounds, I would use all 10 at Ekwanok.
-
That makes my brain hurt. I just don't see it. Having played both courses, if I was given 10 rounds, I would use all 10 at Ekwanok.
My guess is far more people have played Cape Arundel than Ekwanok and voted for Cape Arundel on that basis. I don't think Instagram checks to ensure voters have actually played both.
I've never played Ekwanok, but 10-0 is a very strong view. I am not sure I have played a single course that I would choose 10-0 over Cape Arundel.
-
I've never played Ekwanok, but 10-0 is a very strong view. I am not sure I have played a single course that I would choose 10-0 over Cape Arundel.
I only say that because I've played both courses. If I hadn't played Arundel, I would hesitate to make a choice that lopsided. But having played both, it's an easy decision for me. I absolutely loved everything about Ekwanok. I would go so far as to say Ekwanok might be the most underrated/underappreciated course in New England. Likely, as you say, because not many people have played it. To be honest, I didn't think Arundel was all that great. It definitely has some greens that were worth seeing, but that was the extent of what I liked (other than the putting green, which is in an amazing spot, perched above the water).
-
I've never played Ekwanok, but 10-0 is a very strong view. I am not sure I have played a single course that I would choose 10-0 over Cape Arundel.
I only say that because I've played both courses. If I hadn't played Arundel, I would hesitate to make a choice that lopsided. But having played both, it's an easy decision for me. I absolutely loved everything about Ekwanok. I would go so far as to say Ekwanok might be the most underrated/underappreciated course in New England. Likely, as you say, because not many people have played it. To be honest, I didn't think Arundel was all that great. It definitely has some greens that were worth seeing, but that was the extent of what I liked (other than the putting green, which is in an amazing spot, perched above the water).
Of course. That makes sense. I have heard only wonderful things about Ekwanok. The one member I knew (a person I worked for many years ago) suggested to me that the membership is ok being mostly unknown.
-
I think that's right. I've played there a few times over the years, and at no time did I see more than 2 or 3 other groups on the course. And these were peak summer rounds when every other course in Vermont would have been slammed. It's just an incredible, understated place.
-
Ekwanok vs Arundel is (was) an intriguing matchup, somewhat akin to a round of 64 #8 vs #9 seed game pitting a very solid albeit perhaps slightly flawed power 4 conference school vs a scrappy, cohesive smaller conference champ punching above its weight in the NIL (juiced ball/clubhead) era.
At Ekwanok, I especially enjoy the north-to-south or south-to-north running holes on the eastern half of the property; however, the six parallel routed ones, which unfold up-and-down the mountainside beneath the clubhouse, start to get a bit sloggy for my liking, especially the last three after an arduous walk to get around the fifteen prior. They're all perfectly fine holes, in and of themselves; but, taken as a collective unit, they bog the whole feel of the course. Now, granted, I did play there with a screaming left side of my upper body, from being run over in men's league hockey two days prior, so perhaps my evaluation of its sloggyness has something to do with this.
Arundel's is a livelier, more intimate experience, with more variety and a better set of greens. Its primary issue, really, is the current reality of golf technology; but since this is a 2025 bracket, said reality played a part in my evaluation of the matchup. Simply put, Ekwanok's architecture plays a little more honestly right now, ultimately shifting my vote in its favor. When the whiffle ball comes into play, then I'd probably vote for Arundel.
Match play:
1. push (two very good openers)
2. CA 1 up
3. AS
4. CA 1 up
5. CA 2 up
6. CA 1 up
7. AS
8. push
9. Ek 1 Up
10. Ek 2 up
11. Ek 1 up
12. Ek 2 up
13. push (two excellent holes)
14. Ek 1 up
15. Ek 2 up
16. push
17. Ek 1 up
18. AS
Off to Ot....
-
FWIW, I had a great time at the Travis Society gathering in Sept 2019 at Ekwanok. Loved the course. Easy to photograph, too:
http://www80.homepage.villanova.edu/joseph.bausch/images/albums/Ekwanok/index.html
I have not played Cape Arundel.
However, I did play Palmer House and Ekwanok in the same day, probably only one of two people in the world to have accomplished such a feat.
Palmer House (make your tee time now for when the snow melts):
http://www80.homepage.villanova.edu/joseph.bausch/images/albums/PalmerHouse/index.html
-
Palmer House is unique, that's for sure.
Anyone who thinks Pinehurst #2's greens are like playing to the hood of a car ain't seen nuthin' compared to The Palmer.
-
I love Stafford. I've played it many times in tournaments and just fun rounds. The 11th green is a great example of what was probably a great green when green speeds were 7. But at 10 you can really only use a few pins. It's a shame that great old greens become obsolete because of green speed.
Haven't seen the new bunker renovations.
-
For anyone who has not seen CC of Scranton, DM me and I would be happy to host. We are happy to announce that Brian Schneider has been formally brought on to consult for us.
-
Match two is in the books, and Country Club of Troy moves on to join Cape Arundel in the quarterfinals.
There's a reason they call it the "popular vote." Troy leveraged the power of social media, while Yahnny did not. The WJTS invites both clubs to collaborate with the post, to even the field. At the end of the vote, it's all for fun, with no prizes nor true ranking involved.
We may have a few surprises along the way, so enjoy the mid-winter fun.
Next up and live now: Stafford vs. Orchard Park
-
For anyone who has not seen CC of Scranton, DM me and I would be happy to host. We are happy to announce that Brian Schneider has been formally brought on to consult for us.
This is fantastic news. CCofS is one of my favorite courses.
-
For anyone who has not seen CC of Scranton, DM me and I would be happy to host. We are happy to announce that Brian Schneider has been formally brought on to consult for us.
This is fantastic news. CCofS is one of my favorite courses.
Fantastic is right!
Hoping he can make the bunkers more authentic to what Travis built....that old aerial looks compelling.
-
While I personally would love to see a restoration of the unique bunkering Travis built at CC of Scranton, I have serious doubts the membership would be on board. My realistic hope is that Brian is able to find a spot or two where a pure restoration of that style will work and that the membership will accept it.
I'm sorry I cannot figure out how to post a picture here, so I'll post a link to where I've posted it on Twitter:
https://x.com/andrewjcarr29/status/1628710699571593218
For anyone who has not seen CC of Scranton, DM me and I would be happy to host. We are happy to announce that Brian Schneider has been formally brought on to consult for us.
This is fantastic news. CCofS is one of my favorite courses.
Fantastic is right!
Hoping he can make the bunkers more authentic to what Travis built....that old aerial looks compelling.
-
Andrew,
They (friends and family) won't let me on Twitter and I quit Facebook in early November (the morning of Nov 6th to be precise) so GCA is the extent of my Social Media Presence these days (thankfully). ;D
If you email me the pic I'm happy to post it for you. I understand your caution but hoping Brian can convince folks they have something pretty unique, as he did at North Jersey.
Thanks!
-
Here we go. What's cool to me is that there are a wide variety of bunker types on this photo of CC of Scranton from the mid-1920s, I believe.
Some look to be deep pits, others are of a Principal's nose variety built into rising mounds...others may be inverse sandy mounds. Their locations are almost inevitably within the fairways and not out in the rough areas. Cool stuff.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54300802518_f06f066e3a_c.jpg)
-
That has that Hollywood look. Wasn’t Brian Schneider the lead there?
-
That has that Hollywood look. Wasn’t Brian Schneider the lead there?
Mayday,
Yes, and yes.
-
Brian is becoming the Travis whisperer!
If anyone hasn't seen the work he's done at North Jersey or Hollywood, drop everything and go!
That has that Hollywood look. Wasn’t Brian Schneider the lead there?
Mayday,
Yes, and yes.
-
Brian is becoming the Travis whisperer!
If anyone hasn't seen the work he's done at North Jersey or Hollywood, drop everything and go!
That has that Hollywood look. Wasn’t Brian Schneider the lead there?
Mayday,
Yes, and yes.
Andrew,
Both courses have benefited greatly from Brian's involvement.
-
Drop everything and go ... as if they were public-access courses!!
Salt shaker empty...OG Scranton does have quite a look. Fingers crossed.
-
Without question!
Brian is becoming the Travis whisperer!
If anyone hasn't seen the work he's done at North Jersey or Hollywood, drop everything and go!
That has that Hollywood look. Wasn’t Brian Schneider the lead there?
Mayday,
Yes, and yes.
Andrew,
Both courses have benefited greatly from Brian's involvement.
-
Winners thus far, in the first four matches, are...
New England Bracket: Cape Arundel vs. Ekwanok
Central NY Bracket: Yahnundasis vs. CC Troy
Western NY Bracket: Stafford vs. Orchard Park
Ontario Bracket: Cherry Hill vs. Lookout Point (this was the closest vote to date, which has us thinking ...)
Next up is Garden City vs. Garden City. Pay no attention to the graphic that says that they are in Jersey. I lost my mind on that one. Can't replace an Instagram graphic, so we are stuck with it.
-
BIG BATTLE TODAY! North Jersey v. Hollywood on the gram!!
We gave them an extra two hours for their vote, since they are giants in the earth.
@wjtsociety
-
I would've substituted SpringBrook GC in Morristown for White Beeches. A few solid Travis greens shapes are still evident at SpringBrook. Not too many at White Beeches.
-
Any word on what Schneider will do with Canoe Brook?
-
Any word on what Schneider will do with Canoe Brook?
Word is Brian is no longer engaged at Canoe Brook. Their loss.
-
Truth be told, there isn't much Travis remaining at Canoe Brook, also sadly.
-
UPDATE
New England Bracket: Cape Arundel vs. Ekwanok
Central NY Bracket: Yahnundasis vs. CC Troy
Western NY Bracket: Stafford vs. Orchard Park
Ontario Bracket: Cherry Hill vs. Lookout Point (this was the closest vote to date, which has us thinking ...)
Long Island Bracket: Garden City Golf Club vs. Garden City Country Club
Garden State One: North Jersey vs. Hollywood
-
Round Hill Club and Country Club of Scranton on @wjtsociety on Instagram in the final, first-round tilt. Round Two begins tomorrow.
-
Round two of voting has commenced on @wjtsociety on Instagram.
Four clubs went home ::)
Four clubs that thought they were going home, get another chance :o
Four new clubs caught a boat to the island, and are now in the mix :-*
Round two consists of four brackets, with four clubs in each bracket. The top two clubs in each bracket will advance to the semifinals. It's a little World Cup, a little Knockout, a little Good Good Dominican Republic, but most of all, it's for fun 8)
-
Half of the semifinalists have been revealed. Cherry Hill and Ekwanok joined Country Club of Troy and Cape Arundel as second round survivors.
It's particularly sweet for Ekwanok, which lost to Arundel in RD1, but was brought back with a lifeline, and made the most of it.
Up now is the quadrilateral of Garden City Golf Club, Lookout Point, Round Hill Club, and Club de Golf de Grand-Mere.
-
One bracket left before we reach the semifinals. This one looks fairly lopsided. It's all about leveraging your social media presence and encouraging your club members to vote.
-
Happy VD, everyone.
Semifinals have started on @wjtsociety on Instagram. The top two vote recipients will advance to the finalzzzzzz.
Cape Arundel, Country Club of Scranton, Ekwanok, and Lookout Point are in the first of two semifinal brackets.
72 hours to vote.
-
Semifinal One finished at 1 pm this afternoon. Golf course architecture fans selected Country Club of Scranton and Cape Arundel to move on, and said farwell to Ekwanok and Lookout Point. The Green Mountain brigade and the Mounties must not have turned out in force enough to advance their causes.
At stake now are two more spots in the final round. Canada lists again with Cherry Hill Club, and is joined by Garden City Golf Club, Hollywood Golf Club, and Country Club of Troy.
@wjtsociety on Instagram. At bottom of post is a tiny "VOTE" that you should click.
-
As if by design (it wasn't) we have representatives from four states in the finals of the Travis Club Clash 2025. The vote goes live at 12 noon, EST, Friday, February 21st.
Maine-Cape Arundel
New Jersey-Hollywood Golf Club
New York-Country Club of Troy
Pennsylvania-Country Club of Scranton
The TCC2025 is a fun exercise in course/club support. It makes no pretense to identify any edge on greatness. Cape Arundel is the decided underdog, based on previous-round vote totals. Troy and Scranton have massive support. Hollywood is the uncertain element.
Where? Instagram @wjtsociety
A post will go live at noon, and it will look like a newspaper front page. At the end of the post will be the word VOTE. Click that word to cast your ballot.
-
The idea behind the Travis Club Clash 2025 was to inject some fun into a bitter, northeast winter. I believe that we did just that. 20 Travis Clubs competed over four rounds of popular vote. The winning clubs got more and more invested in the process, knowing that nothing more than informal bragging rights would go to the eventual winner.
In the end, a record vote tally saw the Country Club of Troy hold off Country Club of Scranton, Cape Arundel Golf Club, and Hollywood Golf Club for the first Travis Club Clash title. For the club from Rensselaer County, New York, congratulations. We hope that many enjoyed the virtual clash, and that many more will consider joining the society. Visit www.travissociety.com to learn more about Walter "The Old Man" Travis and the society.