Best Architect Working Out of Europe?

[Carlyle Rood]

Who's the best golf course architect working out of Europe?  (I have no idea.  I was hoping some folks on the board were more familiar with them.)

[Tommy_Naccarato]

Carlyle,
I'm partial, so my opinion my not mean a lot here. Without doubt one of the most knowledgable is a certain Golf Architect who has to remain nameless to protect his identity, but he does post here under initials.

The other is Tony Ristola, whose work I have seen in pictures, and looks to be pretty outstanding. In fact, I will go so far to say that if it weren't for the fact that he can readily seem to get work in Europe, he would be a star over here. At least on this board.

[ed_getka]

I met Tony this year and saw the pictures of his work and talked to him for awhile. He has some interesting ideas and I think we'll hear more about him in the future.

[Forrest Richardson]

Cabell Robinson is quite interesting -- a disciple of the Jones's.

[Tommy Williamsen]

As a friend of Pat Ruddy, I have found him to be creative, innovative, controversial, arrogant, and at times brilliant.  The European Club is wonderful, Ballyliffen is creative, and Druids Glen controversial. I wish he would have designed Old Head.

[jg7236]

In my opinion it would be Peter Harradine.  I have spoken with him a few times. He is a third generation golf course architect who's work dates back to the late 1800's.  His courses are amazing because most aren't laid on normal terrain.  Most are laid on arid rocky salty conditions, or at extreme elevations, and ecologically sensitive areas.  The outcome of his courses is truely unique.  

[DMoriarty]

Does Kidd count as working out of Europe?

[Tim_Weiman]

Tommy:

From all I hear, Pat Ruddy or any other architect wouldn't have made much difference at Old Head. Old Head is the design the owner wanted.

[Scott_Burroughs]

Tim,

You think the owner wanted a design not worthy of even Top 100 in the world with that site?