I just read a short interview with Mike Keiser in Golf Connoisseur magazine. He talked about the Bandon development and the architects he has worked with (Doak is a poet by the way).

Then discussion turned towards development of a fourth (inland fron the Dunes) or possibly even a fifth course (on the sheep ranch land), At which point he was asked "which architects would you like to work with?". He ticked off a few names ending with ".....and Tom Fazio. I think Fazio is a genius.".

Wouldn't that give the GCA discussion group much to chat about.

"Wouldn't that give the GCA discussion group much to chat about."

Paul:

It sure would--not the least reason being if Fazio has the opportunity to work for Mike Keiser at Bandon and he does his same old, same old, he, TomF, will have absolutely no excuse left!

As some of the Merion contingent are fond of saying;

"It's not about the money, it's about the money."

"We already know what Fazio......can't do."

Peter:

Are you absolutely sure about that?  

I have a sneaking suspicion Fazio could do almost anything---if he wanted to.

If I'm Peter, are you Paul?

My point is really not to bash Mr. Fazio (I've only played one Fazio course--Osprey at Kiawah--it was pretty standard resort stuff), but to suggest that his design philosophies don't mesh very well with Bandon, in my opinion.  Fazio's designed scores of courses, some are better than others, and his range has been pretty well defined.  I hope Mr. Keiser was just being diplomatic.

Tim,

The exact exchange was this;

GC: "What architects would you like to work with?"

MK: "Steve Smeyers, Brian Silva, Mikke Devries, and Tom Fazio. I think Fazio is a genius."

What I think is interesting would be how much Fazio might like to have his name associated with the Bandon development. It  may not matter if his course fit in well with the others, his name would forever be a part of that place.

I agree with you guys that even considering his good courses, his typical lush parkland style doesn't fit the Bandon style.

I have only played a handful of Fazio courses. I hated Osprey, bland and overdeveloped. I like the Frog (West of Atlanta).

What is interesting about the Frog is that it was the first stage of a major development that went bust, so there it sits, all alone in the middle of nowhere. It has a few shakey holes but most are very well executed with a few really strong holes.

As they have run tight on funds they have cut back slightly on the groundskeeping, not a lot, but just enough to take the lush edge off. In the end, I think the sort of tattered around the edges look, adds a bit to its charm and sharpens the holes a bit with firmer fairways and more errant bounces.

It does make me see that he can put together some good holes. In the end, when the development picks up steam again, the lushness and housing will certainly change that course forever.





 

Trust Mike Keiser.  He conceived the  Bandon project at a time when nobody thought that the location made sense.  He selected architects for the first three courses and worked with them to create what many of us believe is the outstanding golf destination in the country.  If Mike believes that he can work with Fazio or anyone else to produce a first rate golf course, the evidence suggests that is exactly what he will get.  I agree with Tom Paul; I think Faziop is talented enough to produce whatever he chooses and if Mike Keiser were to select him and hold him to Keiser's usual standards, the result might be interesting indeed.  I suggest that we direct our angst to other topics and wait to see what Mike Keiser decides to do.

Aren't you guys just a little ashamed that you have been so easily brainwashed by this website...I would have given anything if I could have played the Bandon resort before I had taken the cool-aid.  It is even hard for me sometimes to believe what I really like..

No brainwashing has occurred with me.  I found this website after playing (and loving) Bandon and Pacific Dunes.  In fact, it was playing these courses that caused me to become more interested in architecture.  So, while I'm biased in favor of architects like Kidd and Doak, it isn't because of any groupthink on this website.

Tim,

You have been a member since March 8, 2006...Give it time.  btw...What do you think of Gil Hanse or Mike Devries..

But, I was a lurker for a couple years before becoming a member.  I haven't played any Hanse or DeVries courses.  Based on photos of Boston Golf Club, Rustic Canyon and the Kingsley Club, I look upon Hanse and DeVries very favorably.  I wouldn't have any reservations if they were awarded a course at Bandon.  John, if you think this is the result of brainwashing, so be it.  My own view, however, is that I like the "minimalist school of design," if you can call it that.  

You know this thing I sometimes call "The Big World" theory---eg "golf and architecture is a great big thing and there's room in it for everyone----eg there should be something different out there to satisfy everyone"?

Maybe Mike Keiser is going to turn the golf and architecture at Bandon into his own "Big World" theory.

We continue to hash and rehash items on this board to the 10th degree.  Its well known Keiser has a deal for the 4th course with Mark Parsinen which is signed.  He does have a option to opt out if Mark cannot put the original Kingsbarn team together with Kyle Phillips.   Kyle has said he won't work with Mark again so the question is, will Keiser move forward with Mark and another architect, possibly Gil Hanse or opt out.

Having spoken with Keiser about this, I doubt that he would ever hire Fazio for anything.

Joel:

Mike Keiser has worked with Tom Fazio in the past; Mike was a primary investor in The Glen Club in Chicago.  I believe that's why he included his compliment toward Fazio in the interview.

As others have surmised, I'm sure Tom Fazio could produce a quality golf course in Bandon.

Hell....I could.

The Glen Club looks quite nice.........from their website

I may be way off base, but I think I saw the beginnings of fairways way out to the north of Pacific Dunes - cutouts thru the gorse.

Our caddies said it was the beginning of Pacific Trails.

I have no idea what I saw, but it sure looked like a nascent golf links.