Southern Hills gets US Amateur

[Craig Van Egmond]

The USGA has selected Southern Hills as the site for the 2010 US Amateur.  

Apparently the 36 hole stroke play will be split between Southern Hills and Cedar Ridge Country Club and the match play will finish at Southern Hills.

Tulsa in late August will be a real scorcher!!  

[Forrest Richardson]

We might all remember that Floyd Farley, who passed away just a few months ago, redesigned and built several greens at Southern Hills. When I met Floyd in Sedona a few years back he was mostly blind, but we had a great conversation. That is now preserved within the ASGCA's Living History Project as a video. Floyd gave me several green plans and sketches of which Southern Hills now has those he did for them.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Forrest,

Do you recall which greens were redesigned and rebuilt at Southern Hills ?

[Forrest Richardson]

Mr. Farley formally drew some plans for Nos. 6, 7, 8 and 17 — all are dated April 6th, 1962. My recollection of our conversation is that he made several other adjustments and worked with the club on a variety of areas.

[Chris_Clouser]

Forrest,

I still remember the look on the face of Nick Sadorikis when I told him about those sketches and he didn't even know who Floyd Farley was.  

I also talked to Floyd in 2005 and he seemed to be a great gentleman during our conversation.  

Farley completely built the current 7th green as they moved it from its previous location on the hill to the left.  He extended the green on 17 and it is perhaps the best on the course now.  6 and 8 were also rebuilds because those greens were almost too severe back in 1958.  I believe Farley was also the one that put in the forward tees on the 16th that are now used in tournaments to make the hole a par 4 and he moved the tees on 14 further back and to the left of the original tees on that excellent par three.  I imagine he did some work on the 5th as well.  I believe he was brought in to touch up some things after the 1958 Open and to also take out the few things that RTJ did to the course in preparation for that tournament.    

[Craig Van Egmond]

Forrest,

      I'm sorry to hear about the Floyd Farley's passing. He was responsible for at least 1/3 of all the golf courses built here in Oklahoma and a true gentlemen. He built some very cool stuff for not a lot of money.

[Forrest Richardson]

Craig — Gentleman surely described Mr. Farley well.

I recalled the following story recently:

As I was leaving his home his wife (also in her 90s!) came after me with Floyd's Ross Tartan Jacket (worn by ASGCA members). She said that Floyd wanted me to have it — that surely one of the younger members could use it as they cost quite a bit to get made. I told her that it should stay with Floyd — that he should keep it, even as a memory to have. (Floyd was a past ASGCA president.)

She insisted. Saying it was Floyd's wish that it be given to some young and deserving member. I had no choice — arguing with a 90-something woman is useless!

I took it and promised her a good home for it. About a year ago it was presented to ASGCA's executive director, Chad Ritterbusch, for him to wear at special events.

[PThomas]

for those who have been there, pls share your opinions of the course.