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Ran Morrissett

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Feature Interview with Mark Brenneman is posted New
« on: December 15, 2015, 12:42:53 PM »
Juxtaposing this month's Feature Interview with our recent profile of the George Wright municipal course highlights in Technicolor golf's unmatched diversity. Best of all, you don't even have to pick one course or one experience over the other; do both! Few people appreciate the rich tapestry that golf provides more than this month's Feature Interviewee, Mark Brenneman, General Manager/PGA at Shadow Creek. Living in Machrihanish, bunking in his car while playing professionally in Scotland or heading one of the game's most luxe experiences, Mark has experienced the game's full gamut. Who else can you ask the question, ‘Is it more difficult to make a smooth swing on the first tee in the company of the President of the United States or Michael Jordan?'


Shadow Creek is a focal point of the dialogue with Mark. The place has always intrigued me, because its purpose seemed pure: to entertain people. Many other courses built in that era failed pathetically on that most simple and basic point. Some people get lost in what Shadow Creek cost to build; that's myopic and Steve Wynn had no such concerns. Shadow Creek is what it is and what he wanted. Many clubs can't claim to such: they have pandered to various interests over the past few decades, and in the process, become lost. Shadow Creek opened at less than 7,000 yards and featured a slew of risk reward holes/shots: Nice! Much has transpired there since it opened 25 years ago and Mark updates us on the tweaks that help Shadow Creek stay relevant for entertaining all skill sets.


Shadow Creek burst on the golf scene as the ultimate manufactured course simultaneous to the birth of the minimalist movement. Ironically, one of the chief architects of minimalism, Tom Doak, has been one of its loudest applauders. Once again, Tom selected Shadow Creek as a Gourmet's Choice in TCG Volume 2. So, this past September I plunked down $500, flew to Vegas, checked in and awaited the mandatory limo. Something entirely unexpected greeted me at the end of the twenty-minute journey to the outskirts of the desert - an understated clubhouse, quiet environs teeming with wildlife, nothing gaudy. Unlike the casinos, the holes don't scream for attention and compete with each other. Additionally, I was treated to the best, most dignified caddie imaginable. It was a classical experience in a very modern setting.


Shadow Creek aside, it's Mark's big picture observations that I find most fascinating. Golf is not the center of his universe; it was once but he became disenchanted with both the game and himself. He notes, 'Work-related memories don't sustain but somehow golf-related memories do.' It's so refreshing to find someone who isn't whining about the state of the game. He poses a tantalizing question: ‘Why do the most powerful men in the world, presidents and the like who have access to everything choose to spend a large part of their precious free time on a golf course?  They could do anything, anywhere with pretty much anybody? Given the unlimited alternatives, why golf?’ While not proffering a specific answer he reasons: ‘So, I can't help but conclude that the game is in good shape.’


Mark's sanguine words and spirit of hope create the perfect December Feature Interview to ring out 2015.

Best,
« Last Edit: December 30, 2015, 07:10:26 AM by Ran Morrissett »

John Kavanaugh

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Re: Feature Interview with Mark Brenneman is posted
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2015, 04:47:05 PM »
Ok, maybe I was being shortsighted and will play there someday. It would be nice to meet Mark.

William_G

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Re: Feature Interview with Mark Brenneman is posted
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2015, 05:21:45 PM »
a fantastic golf course built out of nothing... a truly amazing place

Mark is a great guy, a fine player and great host/manager/pro
« Last Edit: December 15, 2015, 05:24:28 PM by William_G »
It's all about the golf!

David_Tepper

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Re: Feature Interview with Mark Brenneman is posted
« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2015, 06:58:10 PM »
Enjoyed the interview. His name sounded familiar and when he discusses his time in Machrihanish I remembered that he was mentioned in Michael Bamberger's excellent book "To the Linksland." M. Brenneman was there when M. Bamberger visited.

Niall C

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Re: Feature Interview with Mark Brenneman is posted
« Reply #4 on: December 16, 2015, 12:31:17 PM »
Nice interview. He tells his story well and seems to have have an interesting CV.


Niall

Danny Brassil

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Re: Feature Interview with Mark Brenneman is posted
« Reply #5 on: December 17, 2015, 11:56:24 AM »
enjoyed the interview, big difference between the Desert and outskirts of Scotland!

David Sucher

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Re: Feature Interview with Mark Brenneman is posted
« Reply #6 on: December 17, 2015, 11:44:34 PM »
Very interesting career path indeed! Fascinating interview. Thx.

If there's an opportunity to get an update, it would be great to hear Mr. Brenneman's answer to the question (which by implication includes Shadow Creek since Las Vegas also has severe water problems )
"As of the compiling of this Feature Interview, the southeast is deluged by rain and California has ever tightening water restrictions. How are courses like Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill dealing with the state water restrictions?"
So is Shadow Creek sustainable? Does it use more or less water than other courses in the desert? Does it have its own wells? Etc. It's a fascinating (sorta since I haven't seen it and likely never will) course but wonder if sustainable in a literal sense.

Or does water use not figure into Shadow Creek management thinking? Of course it obviously does:
www.justmeans.com/article/irrigation-overhaul-means-huge-water-savings-at-shadow-creek-golf-course-in-las-vegas
So I was disappointed in not hearing an answer to the question and is obviously trying to do something, though perhaps Nevada has no rules
« Last Edit: December 19, 2015, 11:38:51 AM by David Sucher »

Joel Zuckerman

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Re: Feature Interview with Mark Brenneman is posted
« Reply #7 on: December 18, 2015, 08:33:15 AM »
I am friendly with and a big fan of Mark.  I look forward to reading his interview!

Ben Klaas

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Re: Feature Interview with Mark Brenneman is posted
« Reply #8 on: December 19, 2015, 08:17:01 AM »
Mark could honestly be on a short list for the Mount Rushmore of PGA club pros.  I met Mark a few years ago on a visit to Shadow Creek.  He was a humbling guy in a very large, loud, and in your face city.  It is as though Steve Wynn said this town screams enough, let's get a gentlemen who whispers.   

Jim Franklin

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Re: Feature Interview with Mark Brenneman is posted
« Reply #9 on: December 23, 2015, 09:52:32 AM »
Awesome interview. Mark is a really interesting guy and a lot of fun to golf with. He has led a very cool life.
Mr Hurricane

Greg Ohlendorf

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Re: Feature Interview with Mark Brenneman is posted
« Reply #10 on: December 27, 2015, 04:59:55 PM »
Great piece on Mark. Shadow Creek can be polarizing, but taken for what it attempted to be (and then actually pulled off), it's a pretty special place. Others may have tried, but I can't think of any who have measured up to taking an absolutely horrible piece of property and turned it into something special.


Greg

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