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Ran Morrissett

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Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« on: March 13, 2006, 02:11:21 PM »
Many of us are armchair architects, or at least we were until we realized what a tough, tough business golf course architecture can be. Shock of all shocks, it turns out that golf course architecture is not all about designing golf holes through dunesland property. In fact, the great majority of projects will be on mediocre sites and will likely be poorly funded.   If someone decides to put out a shingle today, the odds are such that he will NEVER get to work on an 18 hole original design on sandy soil free of any housing considerations.

Thus it is of particular delight to post a great news story whereby architect Mike Nuzzo has been awarded and has begun work on just such a dream project.

Located in Texas, this month's Feature Interview delves into the architect's initial impressions on the pros and cons of the site, the factors that Mike thinks will make this design a success (which in part revolves around an understanding on why golf in Texas has largely failed to capitalize on its potential),  the project's/course's new Green Keeper (a great friend of this site), and other topics germane to a project just underway.

Following this project as it takes shape in the months to come should be quite interesting. There is a lot of pressure on Mike as so many of the key attributes for a great course are present. Can he combine them to create a course that is fun to play time and time again? The various conservations that Mike and I have shared at GCA.com events in New Mexico, Canada, and the Dominican Republic lead me to say yes but time will tell. Hopefully, in a couple of years, GolfClubAtlas.com can have a gathering here and see for ourselves how will Mike took advantage of this great opportunity.

Cheers,
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Craig Van Egmond

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Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2006, 02:16:21 PM »
Congratulations Mike!!    I'm so glad things are starting to come together for you.

« Last Edit: March 13, 2006, 02:18:17 PM by Craig Edgmand »
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wsmorrison

Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2006, 02:22:51 PM »
That is excellent news, Mike.  I hope you will document your efforts and post updates throughout the process.  That would be extremely beneficial for all of us.
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Tom Huckaby

Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2006, 02:24:47 PM »
Ditto from here - congrats Mike!  
Looks like one hell of a site - no pressure.   ;D

TH
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Craig Van Egmond

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Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2006, 02:30:02 PM »

At least we know what Don M. is up to now.  :)
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Noel Freeman

Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2006, 02:34:44 PM »
Mike--you have Tuco's respect and best wishes on this project.. BTW, I can't wait to see a picture of a 200 yard fairway!
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Mike Nuzzo

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2006, 02:48:41 PM »
Ran, Craig, Tom, Wayne & Tuco,
Thank you very much.
I feel very fortunate to have met y'all.
And if everyone I've met through GCA posts on this thread it will be a long one... thankfully.

Tuco - as for a 200 yard wide fairway - it is very windy.
Don reminds me every week - it sure is windy here...  :)
« Last Edit: March 13, 2006, 03:04:45 PM by Mike Nuzzo »
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Mike_Sweeney

Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2006, 03:12:05 PM »
Mike,

 Great stuff! Any plans for a horseshoe green?
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Rick Baril

Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2006, 03:27:30 PM »
Mike,

I was wondering what you've been up to....

Sounds like your having a great time.  

Looking forward to progress reports.........

Congratulations and best of luck.
Rick

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Ted Kramer

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2006, 03:31:16 PM »
Great interview.
Sounds like you really have a great thing going, congratulations and
good luck!!!
I hope that we'll be able to follow your progress . . .

-Ted
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George Pazin

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #10 on: March 13, 2006, 03:58:18 PM »
Congrats, Mike. Please consider a diary of sorts on your site with progress updates (and ignore this if you're already doing that! I'll have to check).

My wish list just grew by 1.
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Big drivers and hot balls are the product of golf course design that rewards the hit one far then hit one high strategy.  Shinny showed everyone how to take care of this whole technology dilemma. - Pat Brockwell, 6/24/04

John Foley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #11 on: March 13, 2006, 04:02:32 PM »
Mike

WOW, that is fantastic!! Reading that I got excited. I can only imagine how great you feel!! Best of luck.

I'll second George's recomendation. Record everything you do & feel. Draw it, photograph it & write it down. Not for us clowns, but for your grandkids & your owner.
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Integrity in the moment of choice

ed_getka

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #12 on: March 13, 2006, 04:47:46 PM »
Mike,
  Congratulations. I've been dying to call you and wish you well but I've been biting my tongue until you came public. I look forward to everything you care to share with us. Have fun and best of luck with the project. 8)
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"Perimeter-weighted fairways", The best euphemism for containment mounding I've ever heard.

Mark_Fine

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #13 on: March 13, 2006, 04:50:00 PM »
Nice interview Mike!  Must have been all that training at Lockheed that set you up  ;)

Looks like you will be busy for awhile.  
Mark
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Bill_McBride

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #14 on: March 13, 2006, 05:42:59 PM »
Way to go, Mike, can't wait to see the finished product!
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Steve Lang

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #15 on: March 13, 2006, 06:42:07 PM »
 8)
OK Mike.. i've kept my mouth shut.. and have proudly worn your "n horseshoe" logo hat out and about..

I assume you'll give a call when you want to check your environmental/drainage/hydraulics/groundwater design approaches across the site..

Ran, say what you will about, "..golf in Texas has largely failed to capitalize on its potential.." but golf in TX is very alive and well for the common man and country clubber, thankyou, and with Mike's upcoming efforts, surely will to continue being on the creative upswing for that rarest of breeds, the LoneStar Texan.  

Regards,..

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Inverness (Toledo, OH) cathedral clock inscription: "God measures men by what they are. Not what they in wealth possess.  That vibrant message chimes afar.
The voice of Inverness"

Gary_Mahanay

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #16 on: March 13, 2006, 07:45:12 PM »
Mike,

From a north Texan, congratulations.  Up here, if there is not a house off every fairway all the way from tee to green, then people don't think it's a real golf course.  

Don talked a little about what he might want to do with the fairway grasses, but hasn't said what type of grass may be used on the greens.  Has this been decided yet?

Gary
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Ian Andrew

Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #17 on: March 13, 2006, 08:35:03 PM »
Mike,

I smiled all the way through your interview. Enjoy yourself my man, I look forward to seeing what you do.

I'm glad I know a little extra about the site because I understood the details that you described on certain holes.

I don't need to wish you luck, because you will do great.

Ian
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T_MacWood

Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #18 on: March 13, 2006, 08:59:55 PM »
Congratulations and gook luck.
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RJ_Daley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #19 on: March 13, 2006, 09:30:23 PM »
Mike when I first met you, I had the sense that you were a fellow who is comfortable in his skin and can travel well on the alternative route.  It appears you have arrived at this place by a combination of great curiosity and willingness to do things a bit unconventionally.  I think it is a fresh approach that will yield new ideas and impressive results.  I couldn't be happier that you and Don have a substantive working relationship as well.  There is obviously plenty to learn from each other and you two have the passion to make it happen.

Is your theme song, "I did it my way" by the Chairman of the Board? ;) ;D 8)
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No actual golf rounds were ruined or delayed, nor golf rules broken, in the taking of any photographs that may be displayed by the above forum user.

ForkaB

Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #20 on: March 14, 2006, 01:59:10 AM »
This is probably the best and most On Topic interview yet for GCA.com.  Congratulations Mike and Ran!

And, Mike.  Keep that windmill.  Don't make CBM's mistake of trying too hard to cover up the roots of the land you'll be working with.

Bon Voyage!
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Mike Nuzzo

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #21 on: March 14, 2006, 07:31:26 AM »
Mike S. -
Good question  - i struggled with it for a while... there will be at least a horsehoe somewhere.

Rick, Ted, George and John - thank you very much you are very kind.  I will keep anyone informed who is interested.

Ed - what don't you know...  :) Thank you very much - call anytime.

Mark - Lockheed has helped...  but there certainly wasn't a group of people that like to informally share what they were working on.  Thankfully there is here.

Steve - I'm glad you like the hat - you are my go to hydraulic man.

Gary - Water quality is iffy, but generally mini-verde is in the lead.  But it is far from decided.

Ian - most kind words.  It sounds like you feel about the same as when I read of your efforts.  

Tom - Thank you.

RJ - Buon Amico - Thank you very much.  Don and I have been enjoying our time together.  He is great.

Rihc - I'm looking forward to seeing you very soon - it has been too long - not that you haven't tried...
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Scott_Burroughs

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #22 on: March 14, 2006, 12:05:33 PM »
Mike,

A big congrats from me, too!  It's nice to see a former 'assistant' of mine strike out on his own..... ;D ;) ::).  Let's see, how has piecing together aerial photos helped you in your current project.... :P

Kidding, of course.  We still haven't met, but one of these days....

After this project comes Carthage Club, right?  Right, Ran?

Is anyone else critiquing Mike's routing on his tablet PC?   ;D  Our real estate agent has one of those things and continues to amaze us with its capabilities.  Supposedly, he can speak into it, and then e-mail that voice recording....
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Tom_Doak

  • Karma: +3/-1
Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #23 on: March 14, 2006, 01:02:46 PM »
Mike:

Congratulations, welcome to the (real) business, and good luck!

Two bits of advice after reading your interview:

1.  There is a tendency for any first-time designer to want to do everything themselves, but one reason I've improved my status over the years is that I've attracted better help over the years.  High Pointe may be more "creative" and more "mine," but most people would say it isn't as good as anything we build now.

2.  The tough thing about building a "private" course is that you don't get any marketing value out of it.  David Kidd is still bummed that no one gets to see Nanea.  Don't forget to keep looking for your next project while you're building this one, because no matter how good this one turns out, you won't get much attention for it -- sad but true.
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George Pazin

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Re:Feature Interview No. 2 with Mike Nuzzo is posted
« Reply #24 on: March 14, 2006, 05:12:39 PM »
Mike, we forgot to ask the most important question:

What is the course to be called?

 :)

You can bet that John K is already dreaming up his barbs about how the rest of us are just kissing up for access.... ;D
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Big drivers and hot balls are the product of golf course design that rewards the hit one far then hit one high strategy.  Shinny showed everyone how to take care of this whole technology dilemma. - Pat Brockwell, 6/24/04
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