Using the word "modern" to define a design style vs. a period of time

[Joe Hancock]

It struck while reading Ed Getka's thread about Northfield GC in Minnesota. I'm guilty of doing it too, and most often I use it in less than a flattering manner.

What do we really mean when we say "modern" to describe a golf course? Is it over-shaped? Is it unnatural? What...?

How do you use the word "modern" when discussing golf course architecture?

Joe

[Sean_A]

Jose

I tend to think of modern courses in a negative light. A time frame would be 1950s to present.

-suspect shaping
-suspect drainage
-awkward walks
-greens being much of a muchness
-bland bunker placement
-focus on mimicing a "natural" look very badly

Generally, even if good, or sometimes great, not very original and can usually give it a miss after one or two plays.

Ciao

[Ally Mcintosh]

I see it slightly differently...

I think the courses by Renaissance, C&C et al are undeniably "modern" even if they are successful interpretations of classic design principles.... I don't see "modern" as a negative... But I do think the skills and equipment that we have these days result in different styles of courses to many of the older, "classic" courses that were in general, more simple...

Of course, there has been some pretty ropey "modern" design and trends since Sean's 1950 date as well...

[Wade Whitehead]

When I hear "Modern" I think of Sand Hills.

WW

[Joe Hancock]

When I hear "Modern" I think of Sand Hills.

WW

Certainly no negative connotations there!

[Keith Grande]

When I think of modern, on the positive side, Mike Strantz and his artistic approach to golf courses come to mind.  Doak, C&C, as well.  On the minus side, 7,500+ yard courses with no character and flat greens are in the equation as well.  When I hear course descriptions as "traditional", I shudder.  It usually means it's not old enough to be classic, and usually winds up being "traditionally boring".

[Garland Bayley]

My impression is that modern has been used here regularly to describe RTJ era and style.
Post-modern has been used to describe return to classical principles by Doak, C&C, etc.

[BCrosby]

GJ has it right. Post WWII architecture is usally referred to as the 'Modern Age'.  RTJ and Dick Wilson were the main figures in that period.

Dye was a reaction to the Modern Age and ushered in a post-modern or neo-classical age.

I'm not sure that any of those labels are very helpful, however.

Bob