Art exists in many forms and this web site covers them relative to golf course architecture. There is the art of design, routing, course construction, irrigation, greenkeeping, etc. Branching out, there is the art of painting golf holes and there’s an art form for chronicling it as well. Now, for the first time in our 15 year history, we cover the art of film making.
My friend Cob Carlson got the idea as long ago as 2005 to produce a film about Donald Ross. This, that and the other happened and eventually its release was tied to this year's back-to-back US Opens in Pinehurst. A detailed feature length film had never been done on a golf architect, so this was breaking new ground. Away Cob went.
Of course, reality can be harsh and there is a lot less money floating around these days in golf than in 2005. A few name Ross courses like Inverness and Interlachen stepped-up and helped but overall funds were difficult to come by after the 2008 meltdown. By the time Cob found this out, he had become truly committed to the entire project. He already had a number of neat quotes and original information filmed and documented. So, like many artists, Cob’s common sense was blurred (!) once he got his teeth into this. He stayed true to his passion/subject matter and forged ahead with this highly personal labor of love.
Well! Now it’s fall and there’s a 2 hour monster film ready to ship on DVD later this month. Cob’s personal cash outlay and opportunity costs were high. Fortunately, the production is both worthwhile and enduring. We all know Donald Ross to be a King but he is a King in a niche field. Most media outlets have little to no interest in golf course architecture
(which is why I show little to no interest in most media outlets
). Let's band together and help Cob in this endeavor by each purchasing a $30 DVD. Hopefully, some of you at Ross courses/clubs will make a bulk order. Improving the golf IQ at your Ross course is ALWAYS a smart long term investment.
You can pre-order here:
http://www.donaldrossfilm.com/Cob will make a post in ~ three weeks when shipping commences.
This month’s Feature Interview provides a hint of what you can expect. Two film snippets will whet your appetite. There are no less than 29 interviews in the DVD itself. The last version I saw was 2 hours and 4 minutes (the final is 1 hour and 55 minutes). When I began it late one Sunday in August, I assumed I would stop and break after 35 or 40 minutes. I did - but it was 2 hours and 4 minutes later! Loaded with fresh information this appealing presentation captivates.
Best,