Trial run -- Discussion of a golf course

« **on:** August 06, 2005, 11:08:52 PM »

I have proposed elsewhere that we try a discussion of a golf course, limited to those who have played the course, and promised to give it a try.

I would propose that we pick a course not reviewed extensively by Ran on this site.

Whatever course gets five votes first, we'll try first.

My nomination: Chicago Golf Club.

« **Reply #1 on:** August 06, 2005, 11:12:55 PM »

Merion GC

(changed my vote from Sankaty Head after I realized Merion was not already profiled in Ran's reviews)

« **Reply #2 on:** August 06, 2005, 11:14:34 PM »

I vote also for Chicago Golf Club, looking forward to seeing it next weekend at the Walker Cup matches.

« **Reply #3 on:** August 06, 2005, 11:24:32 PM »

Like many Raynor efforts some say Chicago is another of his manufactured and unnatural golf course. The naturalism of Chicage GC is what stood out to me. You look out over the property and the golf course is subordinate....you see a gently undulating prarie in all directions...punctuated by a relatively small number of mature trees. The golf course is hardly noticable.

Ironic that when you stand nf the tee of a given hole the clarity of Raynor's manufactured features stands out, and the strategic design of each hole is quite clear. Great bones. A great example of the Macdonald/Raynor paradox.

« **Reply #4 on:** August 06, 2005, 11:47:40 PM »

"A great example of the Macdonald/Raynor paradox."

Tom MacWood:

WHAT, in your mind IS the Macdonald/Raynor paradox?

« **Reply #5 on:** August 06, 2005, 11:59:03 PM »

TE
That obviously manufactured features and architecture can be aesthetically pleasing and subordinate to a sites natural blessings.

« **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2005, 12:06:23 AM »

Tom:

Bad Choice...Chicago Golf...too tough to get on...too tough for multiple plays

Pick something public like Doral, Cog Hill, Whistling Straits that a lot of us have access to.

« **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2005, 12:28:50 AM »

Just an FYI, in case some may consider this course profile linked here as "reviewed extensively".

Since I would say "yes", I nominate San Francisco GC, although I suppose I should nominate Baltusrol (L), with the PGA coming up soon.

« **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2005, 01:03:26 AM »

Tom,

I'll vote for Chicago GC, with SF not being a bad choice either, if CGC doesn't get your five votes. It has been a while since I played either, but I think I am qualified to discuss both.

« **Reply #9 on:** August 07, 2005, 04:59:49 AM »

Chicago GC is fine by me. I think Tom Macwood has nailed it wtih that paradox thing. Pete Dye gets away with that a lot, too, though sometimes he'll have one hole that stands out badly. Not Macdonald/Raynor. Totally manufactured is Chicago, yet also seemingly appropriate. The grasses help, by the way. But anything but naturalistic in structure. More like a sculpture that's been sitting out in the garden long enough to the point where the plants have adapted to it.

« **Reply #10 on:** August 07, 2005, 08:06:06 AM »

I've never seen Chicago G.C. so I can't discuss it (we were going to go to the Walker Cup but decided not to at the last minute). I would like to see a Raynor of Macdonald/Raynor course discussed though also because of this "paradox" thing. The Creek Club's a good alternative---doesn't look like Ran reviewed it although I find it hard to believe he hasn't. I think quite a few on here have been to The Creek.

« **Reply #11 on:** August 07, 2005, 10:39:29 AM »

My vote: SFGC. Played there last year. Haven't played Chicago.

« **Reply #12 on:** August 07, 2005, 11:44:15 AM »

...the trail run seems to be off to a good start, I'm enjoying the nomination discussion

.

my nominees;
Yeamans Hall, east coast
Monterrey CC [Stranz], west coast

« **Reply #13 on:** August 07, 2005, 11:49:20 AM »

Chicaco. That's five by my count. There has been preliminary discussion, but Tom, Brad, do you want to lead us off?

« **Reply #14 on:** August 07, 2005, 12:36:14 PM »

Unfortunately, the biggest gaping hole in my golf course resume is the Chicago area.

So, I can't participate but would enjoy hearing others opinions and don't want to be a spoilsport.

Personally, I'd rather have us discuss 'new' courses, or those that have opened in the past ten years. So many of the classics have been written to death that unless there has been a major renovation or restoration effort, most of the discussion will be reiterative and derivative.

I mean, how many ways can people point out that although Raynor/Mac courses are artificial, they seem to blend ok with nature? Could it simply be that after being on the ground for 80+ years things have grown/eroded/maintained in a way where the surounding land has simply become interwoven with the surroundings, the way I'd imagine a polyester leisure suit would eventually fuse with skin left out in the hot sun for eons? Sort of like a fossil...

« **Reply #15 on:** August 07, 2005, 12:49:32 PM »

I vote for either Chicago or SFGC.

Chicago GC will be interesting for the Walker Cup. I understand the tall grass hasn't grown very well recently because of the heat and you can actually get in it and hit your ball.

« **Reply #16 on:** August 07, 2005, 01:28:18 PM »

OK...based on Mr Cirba's post, I will withdraw Yeamans as being too old and much discussed.....leaving Monterrey CC [Stranz] as my only nomination.

« **Reply #17 on:** August 07, 2005, 03:57:28 PM »

SFGC..................haven't seen it since the restoration, but one of my Favorites by far

« **Reply #18 on:** August 07, 2005, 08:00:39 PM »

In case you guys didn't figure it out, my post above linked Ran's course profile of Chicago GC, so it doesn't technically qualify for this thread. However, I have nothing against (others) discussing CGC anyways. Re-read Ran's (or John's) write-up and add anything you feel he left out.

« **Reply #19 on:** August 07, 2005, 10:14:36 PM »

Since many have a difficult time getting on some of the great private clubs, how about a course very little discussed and that most have played - Bethpage RED?

« **Reply #20 on:** August 07, 2005, 11:05:42 PM »

chicago or sfgc - both good choices - and will add a third - myopia hunt club

« **Reply #21 on:** August 08, 2005, 12:04:38 AM »

I've played BP Red half a dozen times this year alone--including today! I'd enjoy a good discussion of that course at some point, too, so I'll second Philip Young's nomination.

« **Reply #22 on:** August 08, 2005, 09:59:26 AM »

Quote from: Gerry B on August 07, 2005, 11:05:42 PM

chicago or sfgc - both good choices - and will add a third - myopia hunt club

I hate to break it to you, too, but Myopia's already been done, just like Chicago GC has above: link

« **Reply #23 on:** August 08, 2005, 10:05:55 AM »

It appears Chicago Golf Club received its requisite 5 votes.

For those that have not played Chicago Golf Club there is no reason not to start a thread on San Fran or whatever. Tom is simply trying to organize the discussions a little better and I think this is a good vehicle (so long as it works

)

Have at it boys!

« **Reply #24 on:** August 08, 2005, 10:42:33 AM »

Why do I even bother?

Tom Doak,

"I would propose that we pick a course not reviewed extensively by Ran on this site."

Since it seems that they still want to review Chigago GC despite the fact that Ran has done a course profile on it, will this be just a suggestion for courses to discuss?

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