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Jay Flemma

Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« on: June 15, 2006, 04:38:08 PM »
MAMARONECK, NY - The forces of good that battle for the preservation and promotion of golf’s greatest classic, strategic courses won a great victory today.  Merion Golf Club – once thought lost to the mists of time forever as too short for major competitions – will host the 2013 U.S. Open.

The return of Merion to the informal U.S. Open rota is a victory on three levels – first for the great golf history already written at the club (including Bobby Jones finishing the Grand Slam there in 1930), second for all short course members and supporters s who believe a great shot-shaper’s and thinker’s course can stand up to the game’s of the world’s greatest and third for the promotion of great golf course architecture.
   
Built in 1912 by Hugh Wilson, no other golf club has hosted more USGA Championships than Merion.  If Augusta is golf’s Yankee stadium, then Merion is Fenway Park.

Bill Iredale, Merion’s Championship Committee Chairman said “The 2013 Open will be the 18th national championship in the club’s history.”  Merion has hosted four U.S. Opens with Ben Hogan and Lee Trevino among the winners, but has not hosted a major since 1981 when David Graham won with -7 (273).

“Merion has always taught us that brute length does not necessarily make for great golf” said venerable golf writer Marino Parachenzo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  “It’s a pleasure to have such a course of charm and integrity.”

Indeed, some believe the success of the 2005 U.S. Amateur, won by Italian Eduardo Molinari who was -7 after 15 holes cemented the decision.  “From the standpoint of length and difficulty, Merion certainly answered the question in the affirmative during the 2005 U.S. Amateur.

Molinari himself brightened when told of the news.  “It was such a joy to play because it’s not just driver-five iron.  You have to hit a lot of different shot shapes and there is a nice mix of short and long holes.  I hope to go back.  I have a lot of great memories.  And we had a few great parties.”

Philadelphia Inquirer reported Joe Logan agreed the choice was monumental news.  “It is a nod to a hallowed place.  The USGA is doing a good job of being all things to all people.  They have given a nod to public players with Bethpage, Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines.  There is a nod to great classic courses with Shinnecock and Winged Foot and Merion.”



   The most serious competition came from The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., site of a phenomenal Ryder Cup in 1999 but it seemed to base its hopes on people being sentimental that 2013 would be the 100th anniversary of the victory of Francis Ouimette.

While Oiumette's victory is a monumental landmark and honoring him a noble goal, he’s Francis Ouimette not Francis of Assisi.  Taking the argument ad absurdum we should honor Orville Moody’s centennial anniversary with by going to Champions in Houston in 2069.  Rigid adherence to a scheduled golf calendar of anniversaries would lead to a chaotic checkerboard of venue selection and will disappoint somebody necessarily in case of conflict.

The impact on the future of technology and equipment is equally staggering.  Does this mean we will have a tournament ball by 2013?  A 10% ball solves a lot of problems regarding older, shorter courses.  While the USGA downplays any link between choosing Merion and the reduced distance ball, six manufactures have submitted balls to the USGA for testing and balls are also being given to players to see how they perform.

Finally, Alistair Mackenzie once wrote “we must fight for the soul of golf course architecture as though British hegemony were at stake.”  Nott only is Merion historic, but the course is one of the strongest designs architecturally – all the more amazing because it was Hugh Wilson’s first effort.

Even if we admit Merion is short and “easier” than Oakmont, Oakland Hills, Winged Foot, etc, Merion still requires superlative planning and execution.  She tests all shot shapes.  Besides, if Merion is where Tiger ties or breaks Jack’s major recordk – a not-so-remote possibility - will it really matter if –14 won?  Either way, it is likely that the winner will likely approach the aggregate scoring record.  David Graham missed the then record of 272 by one stroke in 1981, a fact that may have contributed to Merion’s long absence.

Merion has always been short, is short and will continue to be short but that is irrelevant.  You don’t need length to defend par.  The 10th at Riviera says more in its scant 310 yards than most par fours say on 460.  It still plays over par to the field average at the Nissan Open.

Once more players will come from all points of the compass to walk her hallowed halls.  She will no longer worry about joining the tombstones of major venues past.  And once again, the ghosts of Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan do not sleep tonight; no peaceful slumber.

They’ll be out playing in the moonlight - celebrating.  They may even invite Hugh Wilson.

SPDB

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #1 on: June 15, 2006, 04:43:50 PM »
Jay - Nice piece.

But you don't honestly believe the analogy (even in adbsurdum) of Francis Ouimette [sic ;D] to Orville Moody. I think that unfairly diminishes the triumph of Ouimet, which was monumental.

Andy Scanlon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #2 on: June 15, 2006, 04:53:31 PM »
Ouimette ??? ???  Brutal, just brutal.
All architects will be a lot more comfortable when the powers that be in golf finally solve the ball problem. If the distance to be gotten with the ball continues to increase, it will be necessary to go to 7,500 and even 8000 yard courses.  
- William Flynn, golf architect, 1927

Tom Huckaby

Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #3 on: June 15, 2006, 05:27:21 PM »
Jay - not to heap it on, but we tried to correct your spelling last week when we were arguing the 100 year anniversary point.

Perhaps you need an editor/fact-checker?  I work cheap.

 ;D

Back to the point again, well... only the absurd take arguments ab absurdem.

Ouimet deserves a better fate.  But then again, we shouldn't expect much reverence from one who can't be troubled to spell his name correctly.

 ;D

TH
« Last Edit: June 15, 2006, 05:29:39 PM by Tom Huckaby »

Scott Coan

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #4 on: June 15, 2006, 06:55:41 PM »
   The most serious competition came from The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., site of a phenomenal Ryder Cup in 1999 but it seemed to base its hopes on people being sentimental that 2013 would be the 100th anniversary of the victory of Francis Ouimette.

While Oiumette's victory is a monumental landmark and honoring him a noble goal, he’s Francis Ouimette not Francis of Assisi.  Taking the argument ad absurdum we should honor Orville Moody’s centennial anniversary with by going to Champions in Houston in 2069.  Rigid adherence to a scheduled golf calendar of anniversaries would lead to a chaotic checkerboard of venue selection and will disappoint somebody necessarily in case of conflict.

Jay, comparing FRANCIS OUIMET to Orville Moody is absurd and the idea that you can call yourself some kind of "golf writer" is even more ABSURD.


Francis Ouimet is considered America's First Golf Hero and one of the most important figures in the history of golf.
[/color] His victory in the 1913 U.S. Open in a stunning playoff upset of Britons Harry Vardon and Ted Ray is viewed as the turning point in American Golf.

Ouimet was a relatively unknown 20 year-old amateur and former caddie when he tied Vardon and Ray after 72 holes at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. Ouimet had grown up in a modest home across the street from the 17th hole at TCC, and was self-taught, learning to play in his backyard. Prior to his victory, golf was dominated by the British and Scots. There were very few players in America, virtually no public courses, and the game was confined mostly to the wealthy. Ouimet's victory changed all of that. His victory and unlikely background combined to create an inspirational moment. Within ten years the number of players tripled, many new courses were built, including public courses.

Another great moment in golf occurred just before the start of the playoff, when Ouimet turned down the offer of an experienced TCC member who wished to caddie for him, and Francis decided to stay with ten year-old Eddie Lowery. The photo of Ouimet and Lowery marching together down the fairway is one of the most famous in golf history, and symbolizes Ouimet's great victory and kindness to a young person. As one of golf's most enduring images, it was selected by the United States Golf Association as the logo for its Centennial celebration.

Ouimet went on to a distinguished amateur golf career. He won the U.S. Amateur in 1914 and 1931 and played on the first eight Walker Cup Teams and was Captain of the next four, compiling an 11-1 team record. He was also revered as a golfing goodwill ambassador, and in 1951 became the first American elected Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.

Ouimet is one of the most honored players in history.  He has been named to every Golf Hall of Fame, and has a room named after him in the USGA Museum. He is also one of only three golfers to have a U.S. Commemorative stamp issued in his name. The 1963 and 1988 U.S. Opens at TCC celebrated the 50th and 75th anniversaries of his dramatic U.S. Open win. [/color] The U.S. Senior Open Trophy is also named after him, as are several others. In 1997 The Ouimet Fund began a Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf.

In 1949, a group of Ouimet's friends started the Francis Ouimet Caddie Scholarship Fund. In its first year, The Fund awarded $4,600 to 13 students. Today, The Ouimet Fund is the second largest "caddie" fund in the U.S. and awarded one million dollars in scholarship to 362 students during 2005 - 2006. Ouimet described the Caddie Fund as his greatest honor.



Tom Huckaby

Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #5 on: June 15, 2006, 07:00:00 PM »
Scott - thanks, but we tried this logic already on Jay in another thread.  Unfortunately for us, he has the bully pulpit, at least to some extent.

 :'(

Jay Flemma

Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #6 on: June 15, 2006, 07:01:57 PM »
Thanks Scott, you're a great human being.  See you at Merion.

Look...TCC is good, but not as good as Merion.  Francis O. is great, but not as great as Jones.

Case closed.  Game set match, Merion.

TH - I corrected the spelling for the GO and Cybergolf pieces so the correct spelling will appear.  With two stories due a day and only me here,

« Last Edit: June 15, 2006, 07:04:21 PM by Jay Flemma »

Tom Huckaby

Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #7 on: June 15, 2006, 07:10:01 PM »
Good to hear you corrected the spelling, Jay.

But your logic remains faulty.  If we are to honor Jones - which we certainly can't do enough of - the proper year is 2030, or was 2005, or 1980.  What good is the 83rd anniversary of his great win?

No one has ever said Merion should not get another US Open, nor that Merion is not the superior golf course, nor really that Jones isn't the superior golf figure.  All we wish is that Merion didn't get 2013.  Make it 2012, 2014, hell any other year and I am right with you in celebration.  It just remains somewhat saddening that we couldn't do the right thing in 2013.

TH

« Last Edit: June 15, 2006, 07:20:31 PM by Tom Huckaby »

Scott Coan

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #8 on: June 15, 2006, 07:49:00 PM »
Jay,

The 2005 US Amateur was held at Merion to obviously commemorate the 75th anniversary of Bobby Jones 1930 triumph.  One quick guess as to where the 2030 US Amateur will be held.  Do you think that it just may return to Merion for the 100th anniversary of such a great moment in US golf history?

The 1963 and 1988 US Open Championships were held at TCC on the 50th and 75th anniversaries of Oiumet's historic 1913 triumph at TCC.   Obviously the USGA has held these dates and venues in very high regard in the past so it is quite surprising and disappointing that they have not awarded the 2013 Open to TCC.

Incidentally, all 3 Opens held at TCC have resulted in playoffs, on top of the historic 1999 Ryder Cup.  So there is every reason to believe that a future Open at TCC would also provide for a thrilling tournament.  

A far more interesting article would be to research just why the USGA is now turning it's back on one of it's most honored players.

Jay Flemma

Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #9 on: June 15, 2006, 08:04:23 PM »
Well Scott, why dont you write the piece?

PThomas

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #10 on: June 15, 2006, 09:12:51 PM »
as Huck said we made these points on another thread, but I feel I must for the record:

it's a joke that the powers at large failed to honor Francis' 100th anniversary at TCC

yet another screw up by the USGA
199 played, only Augusta National left to play!

Tom Dunne

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #11 on: June 15, 2006, 10:12:59 PM »
I don't understand the "forces of good" construct as employed here. The Country Club is a great club in its own right, and was in a position to celebrate one of the (perhaps *the*) seminal moments in American golf. (Apologies to Orville Moody boosters....)

It is my understanding that the USGA did not approach TCC with a no-strings-attached offer of the '13 US Open. They wanted "changes" of the sort that the membership was not comfortable with. The type of "changes" that might be considered fodder for Mr. Shackelford's blog on any given day.  I think it's probably safe to say both parties very much wanted to make the '13 Open happen in Brookline, and I suspect some of TCC's membership regrets that it didn't work out.

That said, if (hypothetically speaking) the USGA approached TCC demanding more length and the club rebuffed them DESPITE the importance of their gaining this particular Open--well, wouldn't that be something that would be applauded in such quarters as gca.com?

Just curious.

I think Merion might well be the most wonderful club I've ever had the privilege to visit, and I'm thrilled they're getting the Open back, but I can't help feeling like we'll be missing something.

Scott Coan

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #12 on: June 15, 2006, 10:15:15 PM »
for those interested, a link to an article by one of the best golf writers in the business, Jim McCabe of The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/sports/golf/articles/2006/06/15/not_an_open_and_shut_case/?page=1

Not an open-and-shut case

TCC's loss to Merion not end of the world

By Jim McCabe, Globe Staff  |  June 15, 2006


For years, it was assumed the 2013 US Open would be a natural fit for The Country Club in Brookline. You know, that history thing. Anyone who understands the difference between a sandwich and a sand wedge knows what the 1913 US Open means to the game in this country -- Francis Ouimet's stunning victory at The Country Club remains the watershed moment in American golf.
About three or four years ago, however, it became apparent to some in the golf world that TCC wasn't a lock to host the championship, that US Golf Association officials had been impressed with a revival of sorts at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. Well, the worst-kept secret in USGA circles was made official yesterday -- the 2013 US Open will be staged at Merion.

Certainly, it's good news for Merion, a club whose historical ties with the USGA and the US Open are impeccable.

But in a way, it's also good news for The Country Club, which needn't take a back seat to any venue in the country. It's not only a founding member of the USGA, its composite course remains a definitive US Open layout....

Tommy_Naccarato

Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #13 on: June 16, 2006, 03:09:03 AM »
I've got a great idea.

Why not give the 2008 Open at Toilet Paperpines to Merion? They would have two years to get all of their ducks in a row. I think that would be plenty of time.

That being, Jay, I wouldn't call Merion a Battle of Good vs. Evil at all. I think that's complete hubris on your part in the effort to create some sort of gimmicky story line. If your going to point out anything, a case where Evil is defeating Good, then you should be writing about the complete Nincompoops that are destroying Riviera as I type this.

Count me as one that thinks this entire affair of not-honoring Francis "Ouimette's" 100th anniversary of his GREAT victory, another huge blunder for the USGA. (Mind you that this victory probably changed the face of Golf as you know it and allows you to write about it.)

It certainly added to the landslide of popularity the Sport would experience for the next 16 years of growth.) But I'm thrilled Merion is going to get an Open. Hopefully by the time it happens the ball and the clubs will be scaled back as intended, simply by looking at the actions of giving an open to a club that has the infrastructure to handle an open that's comparable to the way a NYC subway station handles the crowds on a Monday morning.

I think all 3000* patrons who are going to be granted a ticket will enjoy it. (See Jay, that's hubris and over-exgerration on my part)

As far as St. Francis of Assisi, (My patron saint by the way) Well, Ouimete wasn't performing any miracles, but he certainly was bleesed with creating the air of one. Modern Golf needs more Francis Ouimete's. This way the USGA can slap them in the face 107 years from now.

cary lichtenstein

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #14 on: June 16, 2006, 07:04:52 AM »
Jay

I enjoyed your article

Cary
Live Jupiter, Fl, was  4 handicap, played top 100 US, top 75 World. Great memories, no longer play, 4 back surgeries. I don't miss a lot of things about golf, life is simpler with out it. I miss my 60 degree wedge shots, don't miss nasty weather, icing, back spasms. Last course I played was Augusta

Steve_ Shaffer

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #15 on: June 16, 2006, 07:25:57 AM »
I think Jim McCabe's article puts the proper prospective on this issue. Apparently, for whatever reasons within TCC and outside community problems, TCC was unable to meet the USGA's requirements for 2013. TCC is a private club and the members,although disappointed, could not comply in time for the USGA's decision making process. I'm sure TCC will get the Am in 2013 and an Open thereafter. In the meantime,given Merion's success in hosting the Am last year and the progress the club has made in dealing with the infrastructure issues, the USGA has made Merion and the entire region and the golfing world very happy to have an Open return to its roots.
"Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses ... "  Adlai Stevenson
Hyman Roth to Michael Corleone: "We're bigger than US Steel."
Ben Hogan “The most important shot in golf is the next one”

ForkaB

Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #16 on: June 16, 2006, 07:31:48 AM »
Steve

Isn't it sad that "dealing with the infrastructure issues" seems to be a ne plus ultra for staging Opens, on both sides of the pond?

Whatever happened to the concept of "for the love of the game"?

Steve_ Shaffer

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #17 on: June 16, 2006, 07:36:25 AM »
Rich

The bottom line is that it's all about money, more or less. ;D

The "love of the game?" What's that?
"Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses ... "  Adlai Stevenson
Hyman Roth to Michael Corleone: "We're bigger than US Steel."
Ben Hogan “The most important shot in golf is the next one”

Mike_Golden

Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #18 on: June 16, 2006, 07:36:55 AM »
While Oiumette's victory is a monumental landmark and honoring him a noble goal, he’s Francis Ouimette not Francis of Assisi.  Taking the argument ad absurdum we should honor Orville Moody’s centennial anniversary with by going to Champions in Houston in 2069.  Rigid adherence to a scheduled golf calendar of anniversaries would lead to a chaotic checkerboard of venue selection and will disappoint somebody necessarily in case of conflict.

Absolutely, totally pathetic.  Golf Observer should be embarrassed to publish this drivel on the same page as so many excellent writers.  
« Last Edit: June 16, 2006, 08:08:56 AM by Mike Golden »

ForkaB

Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #19 on: June 16, 2006, 09:54:12 AM »
Rich

The bottom line is that it's all about money, more or less. ;D

The "love of the game?" What's that?

You are so right, Steve, and more always beats less.

I think if the title of this thread were revised to read "Forces of evil triumph at Battle of Merion" and there was even just a soupcon of irony added, the article could stand as is.....

The sad thing is that Merion does not deserve to be caught in the middle of this bitch slapping contest.  It is a great club and a great course and a great venue which deserves an Open.  Just not in 2013.  It will be like holding the bicentennial celebrations of 1976 in New Orleans rather than in Philadelphia.
« Last Edit: June 16, 2006, 09:55:24 AM by Rich Goodale »

TEPaul

Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #20 on: June 16, 2006, 10:07:56 AM »
"That being, Jay, I wouldn't call Merion a Battle of Good vs. Evil at all. I think that's complete hubris on your part in the effort to create some sort of gimmicky story line. If your going to point out anything, a case where Evil is defeating Good, then you should be writing about the complete Nincompoops that are destroying Riviera as I type this."

TommyN;

Of course the awarding of the 2013 US Open to Merion is a battle of Good versus Evil. And the victory in that Battle goes to the good and innocent Merion and its upstanding and always well intentioned people in their 3-4 year struggle with the extremely evil people of GOLFCLUBATLAS.com who mercilessly criticized them and their bunker project for no good damn reason.

The White Hats win again, as they generally do in America's mythic ethos and the Black Hats are relegated to the Boot Hill Cemmetary of golf course architectural analysis.




;)
« Last Edit: June 16, 2006, 10:08:28 AM by TEPaul »

Kevin Edwards

Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #21 on: June 16, 2006, 10:12:54 AM »
Well Scott, why dont you write the piece?

Jay, that is a very poor ad hominem argument, even coming from a lawyer.  
« Last Edit: June 16, 2006, 10:18:04 AM by Kevin Edwards »

Jay Flemma

Re:Forces of good triumph at Battle of Merion
« Reply #22 on: June 16, 2006, 01:41:07 PM »
The forces of good are those that fight for the protection and promotion of great golf courses.

Thats all I meant by that.  WE...the GCA royal WE won a great battle.  Merion is back in the fold.

You are absolutely right...its sad to see riviera, which I love bastardized to something which it nerver was meant to be...but its things like that that make Merion a great victory.

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