Golf Digest, Vol. 71, Issue 7 (with Shane Lowery on the cover)

[David_Tepper]

While I have never paid for it, I seem to get issues of Golf Digest on a regular basis. I think much of the writing & content in the magazine has actually improved over the last year or two.

The current issue has two articles of gca-interest, both written by Derek Duncan. The first is titled "How the information age is influencing golf-course architecture." The second is lengthy profile of Jim Engh ("Artist Disregarded").

There is also a lengthy article by Ron Whitten on the changes at Harding Park over the years ("What A Long Strange Trip It's Been"). 

[Tom_Doak]

I mentioned on another thread the article about Jim Engh, but it was off topic so it didn't get any discussion.


I noted that GOLF DIGEST has always been his biggest fan [that's where he won all those Best New awards], while his courses never got as much recognition from other sources . . . but Derek of course fails to mention that in his new piece.


My question:  is there really something different about the rating systems that produced such a dichotomy of views about Jim's work and his style of design?  Are the panels really that different?

[John Kavanaugh]

I mentioned on another thread the article about Jim Engh, but it was off topic so it didn't get any discussion.


I noted that GOLF DIGEST has always been his biggest fan [that's where he won all those Best New awards], while his courses never got as much recognition from other sources . . . but Derek of course fails to mention that in his new piece.


My question:  is there really something different about the rating systems that produced such a dichotomy of views about Jim's work and his style of design?  Are the panels really that different?

Tom,


You have said it yourself that panelists are very careful to not go outside the box on what is expected from them. They come on the panel knowing where Engh should be placed and rate his courses accordingly. As with all positions of power the goal is not so much to facilitate change as it is to remain in power.

[Tom_Doak]

John,


I don't disagree with you about that, but why would the different magazines have such different opinions of Jim Engh, but not as much of other architects?


(Although you could certainly make the case that Tom Fazio's work is loved more by GOLF DIGEST and GOLFWEEK than by GOLF.)

[John Kavanaugh]

Come onTom I can't tell you anything you don't already know. There has been way too much gossip over why raters have been dismissed from certain panels. We were all done a favor when that crap was taken private.

[Ryan Hillenbrand]

I see only one Engh course listed in the Golf Digest Top 100 - The GC at Black Rock at #91, and then the Sanctuary at #175. Hardly a love fest.


I remember when the Sanctuary was very highly ranked, but thought a lot of that had to do with its exclusivity, which seemed more unique back then.